Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike F
Gaudreau - Monahan - Bennett
|
No. You don't invest a year in a guy learning to play center only to shift him to wing. The team sees him as a center, they invested a year to season him as a center, he is going to play center. To make it even more of a bad idea, he's playing his off wing, which would require another investment in learning the position.
I agree with the pairs philosophy. Monahan-Gaudreau, Backlund-Frolik, Bennett-Tkachuk. That is the makings of the top six. The next thing to figure out is the complimentary piece on each line. Personally I would go with the following.
Gaudreau-Monahan-Ferland
Ferland provides speed and some sand paper that is lacking on the line. He has size, some feistiness, and the ability to finish. He is still a work in progress, but he has shown the ability to work well this pair and generate results.
Tkachuk-Bennett-Brouwer
This is a pair that is going to need some veteran presence to keep them reigned in. Youthful exuberance after the whistle could be a bot of challenge for these two and a big guy with some experience and smarts will help them out in that regard. Brouwer plays the game at the same speed as these two so should be a nice complimentary fit. He also can do the mucking and greasy work when required.
Jankowksi-Backlund-Frolik
I see this pair as a training ground for players. I think that Jankowski has all the skill, if not more, than Tkachuk and could easily fit into the same roll on that line. My main motivation here is for Jankowski to learn from Backlund. I'm not sure Backlund is going to be here past the trade deadline, so they need to groom a replacement. What better way to groom his replacement that letting him play 30-40 games on his wing and then transition to center on the line? Having the opportunity to play in all the same situations, and being second to take draws, will be a great learning experience for him. It will also inform the staff if there is any chemistry with Frolik as a possible pair should the Flames lose Backlund as a result of salary demands. The important thing here is the transition to center for Jankowski as Backlund likely disappears from the linep at some point in the season.
I think these lines are the best use of the already established pairs and then setup well for the long term development of core players. The pieces come together well IMO. The only one that concerns me is Brouwer, but Lazar is in the mix for that slot as well. My worry is the youthful enthusiasm of that group might get dangerous. I also think the Flames see Lazar at center and a Stajan replacement, so playing fourth line with Stajan would be a similar learning situation that I have suggested with Jankowski and Backlund.
For the first time in a long time the Flames have actual options at several positions, and have guys in the minors that could also step into the mix. Good times. I just wish the fans would appreciate it a bit more.