Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay Random
Unfortunately, that's true. But it's also a separate issue from team size. The team simply hasn't got enough talented forwards to spread the skill around.
Here's hoping Bennett and Poirier (and possibly others) change that next year.
I know some posters are suggesting a Gaudreau–Bennett–Poirier line, but I can't help thinking next year would be too soon for that. A sophomore and two rookies on the same line? OK for a fourth line, but not if you're depending on them for everyday scoring. Bennett + Gaudreau + an experienced RW with some size would be a good combination. Unfortunately, the only big, experienced RW on the team right now is Jones, and I suspect he is not the answer either. But I think you're right in that he's the best option on the roster.
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It may be too soon for that, but I would bet that you do see that line together occasionally. Why?
Baertschi.
He needs to clear waivers. For all intents and purposes, I consider Baertschi a rookie here. I know he doesn't qualify, but I just can't call him an 'NHL player' yet until he breaks-through. Where would he slot into the lineup?
Flames have a relative luxury in that they are rolling a 4th line with Stajan as a center, and are rotating guys through the lineup like Colborne/Jones/Bollig or whomever else falls out of favor. Sure, Poirier, Baertschi, Jooris, etc., will probably all see some time on the 4th line, but let's try to figure out lines.
Checking line - this is Backlund's line. I don't think you can throw Poirier or Baertschi on this line. I think Jones + Bouma will more than likely be the wingers here. They will see the hardest minutes. Makes sense to me. That is about the only line that makes sense.
Stajan on the 4th line - let's just assume Bollig + Colborne for now. Once again, Jones/Jooris/Colborne/whomever else will rotate through, including rookies I would think.
Leaves Monahan and Bennett as the two remaining centers (and I base this on thinking that Bennett will NOT start on the wing unless somehow the Flames don't make the playoffs and end up winning the lottery).
Bennett will be sheltered. In Monahan's first season, it was Baertschi - Monahan - Hudler for a while. Hartley used 2 rookies with a vet, and they saw extremely sheltered minutes. I think he will go this route again with Bennett - Poirier, or Baertschi - Bennett. In my mind, Poirier and Bennett are much more complimentary players as they play at a high pace, and both can make plays at high speed.
So you have Monahan left. I would say Hudler will be on that line. Do you keep Gaudreau on this line, and run with:
Gaudreau - Monahan - Hudler
Baertschi - Bennett - Poirier
Or do you run with:
Baertschi - Monahan - Hudler
Gaudreau - Bennett - Poirier
I do see Gaudreau and Baertschi flip-flopping somewhat. The more you analyze it, the more difficult it is to come up with proper lines.
I am inclined to believe that Hartley will not run with 3 rookies on one line, even with very sheltered minutes. Gaudreau is a fairly good backchecker, and Bennett and Poirier are supposedly 2-way players. This is a line that is going to have to be very sheltered. However, all 3 players are not only very fast, but they also play at a very high pace and are all able to make plays at high-speed.
Monahan isn't that type. Though he has definitely increased his skating ability, I wouldn't call him a player that 'plays at a high pace'. Baertschi is a guy that I don't think plays at that pace either. It isn't to say that either one of them is 'slow' - I would classify them both as average at worst, but not 'speedsters' out there. Hudler on the RW on that line is a complimentary player there.
So how does the lineup look?
Baertschi - Monahan - Hudler
Bouma - Backlund - Jones
Gaudreau - Bennett - Poirier
Raymond - Stajan - Colborne
It is impossible to come up with line combinations without leaving guys with term on their contracts out.
Jooris
Bollig
Byron
Then you have other youth who need waivers to be sent down (IIRC):
Granlund
Reinhart
Shore
Then you have other players like Wolf pushing to make the team.
I know I am forgetting more - these were just off the top of my head as I was trying to remember who I am forgetting.
Treliving has a LOT of work to do this upcoming off-season trying to figure out which players they keep, and how they will make room on the team.
Treliving will be forced to move some of the youth for picks, or hopefully in a 'quantity for quality' trade (that rarely, RARELY happens), or simply lose some on the waiver wire. I think some players will safely pass through waivers - at least at the start of the season when all the teams are trying to get their own players down. There are a number that I can't imagine would pass through waivers though - namely Baertschi. Whether you still like him as a prospect or not, I don't think many (if any) GMs are going to pass up the chance to have a free look at Baertschi in the NHL.
