[GDT] Canucks @ Flames 7:00 MT (SN, SN960)

[CFO]

If Super could ever crash and check like he did 2 years ago, a 4th line of Duer, lomberg and klapka would be effective.

[saillias]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1840099070913773744

Don't see an easy path to NHL minutes for Grushnikov or Brustewicz at the moment.

[memphusk]

The difference with Pelletier this camp is that there is many players that have stepped up because there is competition again. Spots to be had. He has been passed by other guys and doesn't seem to have that next gear attitude anymore.

[Goriders]

Originally Posted by saillias

https://twitter.com/user/status/1840099070913773744

Don't see an easy path to NHL minutes for Grushnikov or Brustewicz at the moment.

I’d pick

Weegar
Andersson
Bahl
Pachal
Grushnikov
Miromanov
Bratwurst’s

[Redrum]

I'd definitely like to see Klapka make it. Too much fun to watch.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by saillias

https://twitter.com/user/status/1840099070913773744

Don't see an easy path to NHL minutes for Grushnikov or Brustewicz at the moment.

I am betting on Weegar, Miromanov, Andersson, Bean, Bahl, Barrie, and Pachal.

[DeluxeMoustache]

I am not sure what to think of Barrie. I see him as a very capable PP specialist but if Weegar is on PP1 then perhaps he’s kind of just in the way

It’s odd. He’s one of the top 10 scoring D the past decade. I won’t hate if they decide they want to be competitive, they slot him well and he helps, but he is a good fit for a role I’m not sure they need

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by Goriders

I’d pick

Weegar
Andersson
Bahl
Pachal
Grushnikov
Miromanov
Bratwurst’s

I see why you say this but Bean is most likely in so only one of Grush or Brzustewicz could fit

[The Fonz]

Klap my ass and serve me a milkshake. He’s on the team.

[Rhett44]

I would like to see Honzek and Klapka make the team. Many of the veterans were in cruise control which was expected.

I don't know what you do with Pelletier at this point. He doesn't look like an NHLer at all.

I know he had the nice run a couple years back, but he really hasn't been the same player at all since the injury. At the same time he probably would get picked up on waivers by someone willing to take a chance.

[NewFan]

I think we don't need Frk and Barrie.
And this is the time the team to trust and keep Pelletier. He is holding the stick too much but he needs to start to believe himself.
I hope Huska keep him with Backlund and Coleman and give at least 5 games.

[boogerz]

Originally Posted by saillias

https://twitter.com/user/status/1840099070913773744

Don't see an easy path to NHL minutes for Grushnikov or Brustewicz at the moment.

Of the 10 players competing for the #3-7 spots on D:

• Hanley and Tinordi are #7/8 defensemen at best and will be waived
• Brzustewicz is a waiver exempt first-year pro and better served playing big minutes with the Wranglers
• Grushnikov is still waiver exempt

That leaves six players competing for five spots and enough slots for everyone else to stay with the Flames.

If it becomes apparent by the trade deadline that Bean, Miromanov, Pachal, and Bahl aren't "the guys", it should be easy to waive one or more of them without risking someone getting claimed to recall Grushnikov and/or Brzustewicz. Plus, Barrie being traded by the deadline would open a spot.

I'm more concerned about the forward group and how Conroy is going to make space for Klapka and Coronato with only one fourth line forward spot up for grabs

[MisterJoji]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

Lomberg - Pospisil - Klapka

That should do it.

The tunnel of death becomes the freeway of death with these guys. I want other teams to shake when these guys jump over the boards.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by getbak

https://twitter.com/user/status/1840235942906339550

Klapka and Lomberg are going to be a fun combo this year.

Haha, that height difference is hilarious though.

Someone needs to do a Twins poster with them on it.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

I am not sure what to think of Barrie. I see him as a very capable PP specialist but if Weegar is on PP1 then perhaps he’s kind of just in the way

It’s odd. He’s one of the top 10 scoring D the past decade. I won’t hate if they decide they want to be competitive, they slot him well and he helps, but he is a good fit for a role I’m not sure they need

Did you see our power play last year, or over this pre-season? It's bad. Like super super bad, and the biggest glaring weakness is an offensive defenseman who can quarterback the PP. Weegar and Miro both have offensive skill, but aren't great at the PP quarterback role. Andersson is okay at quarterbacking, but never shoots and isn't aggressive enough to make plays happen.

I think Barrie fills a glaring hole on the roster, which is why I think he makes the team barring any terrible play over the next few games.

It's okay though, he and possibly Andersson are not in the long-term plans and may be shipped out at some point in the season. That may give an opportunity to Grush and Brusz to come up once they have a bit more seasoning in the AHL. Brusz especially needs some time to work on his game at the pro level.

[Fighting Banana Slug]

Paschal is a tough read for me. Love the physical play, but I feel he is the guy most exposed with bad reads and lack of footspeed. 3rd pairing, I suppose is ok, but I would prefer Grush at this point.

[stemit14]

Kuzmenko-Kadri-Sharangovich
Huberdeau-Zary-Mantha
Coronato-Backlund-Coleman
Lomberg-Posposil-Klapka

Andersson-Bahl
Weegar-Bean
Miromanov-Pachal

Vladar
Wolf

Extras: Pelletier and Soloviov

These lines seem like the a decent way to make it so Coronato and Klapka both get regular spots on the roster. I agree Pelletier has not earned a spot on the roster in favour of guys like Honzek or Morton or even Hunt… but making him the extra forward that can cycle into games for either Klapka or Lomberg allows the flames to avoid losing him to waivers. Would love to see Honzek on the team of course but it would likely be even more beneficial for him to play top 6 minutes in the AHL until injuries/trades open up spots.

Similar story for Soloviov as it is for Pelletier. He can be the extra defenceman (and avoid losing him on waivers) while Brz and Gru get big minutes with the Wranglers.

I think Andersson, Pachal, Kuzmenko and Mantha could all be traded by the TDL. If no roster players come back in those trades, that’s 2 spots on defence and two top 6 forward spots that become available. Creating opportunities for Brz, Gru and Honzek if they keep playing well in the AHL.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Originally Posted by getbak

Oilers trailing 4-3 after 2: Sportsnet highlight package... all Oilers.

One fluke finals appearance...

[Royle9]

I’m about 95% sure that (barring injury) Pospisil will be centering Huberdeau and Mantha.
Feels like the team is bloated this year, lots of young guys have stepped up and look like they should start in the NHL (Coronato/Klapka/Honzek) but the reality is there just isn’t enough room.

Can’t see Pelletier winning a spot based on play so far sadly.
I think Matty has won the spot there and I feel Klapka has the 4th line spot, he fits well with Lomberg.

Honzek gets sent down because of numbers and can play big minutes in AHL.

[Funkhouser]

Originally Posted by Royle9

I’m about 95% sure that (barring injury) Pospisil will be centering Huberdeau and Mantha.
Feels like the team is bloated this year, lots of young guys have stepped up and look like they should start in the NHL (Coronato/Klapka/Honzek) but the reality is there just isn’t enough room.

Can’t see Pelletier winning a spot based on play so far sadly.
I think Matty has won the spot there and I feel Klapka has the 4th line spot, he fits well with Lomberg.

Honzek gets sent down because of numbers and can play big minutes in AHL.

Do you see them waiving Pelletier or keeping him as the 13th forward (ahead of Hunt, Rooney, Morton, etc.)? This what I would do.

I have to agree he hasn't earned a spot, but asset management is real and it would sting to see him blossom a year down the road elsewhere.