Training Camp: What to do on D??

[Badgers Nose]

In the last year (plus a bit?) we lost Hanifin, Tanev and Zad and yet this was a top defensive team.

I have a lot of confidence in Huska managing a couple more departures and integrating some of the new kids, while maintaining a high standard.

He tends to think of the d unit as consisting of all five skaters - he's always talking about how guys like Matty learned to play 200 feet, strong without the puck. And kids like Gridin and Suniev are parroting what Huska says, so the message is being received.

I feel like I could forgive 20 mistakes by Zayne, Kuz, Bru, Solo, or Gru more easily than 1 by Bean or Hanley. Not fair, but that's how I feel.

[Reggie Dunlop]

I think a defenseman gets traded soon --- and it won't be Rasmus (yet) --- to make some room.

[BagoPucks]

Will be interesting to see how the pairings shake out. I am rooting for Hanley though, it's a good story imo.

[Wastedyouth]

Originally Posted by DoubleK

I thought Bruz looked awful last night. He needs at least a year in the minors and really, really needs to work on his skating.

I mean, he's looked good in other games.

He's a young D man. He needs to be sheltered no matter what, he's not that far off.

Parehk is going to need sheltering too and everyone seems very eager to have him on the big team this year.

[Flames Fan, Ph.D.]

Interested to see Grushnikov again. I'm curious what the staff is thinking for him given the limited ice time he's received yet looking good (to me at least).

Otherwise, I can't say any of the young/bubble guys have jumped out at me. Solo and Kuz have been ok but meh. Bru has had flashes but isn't standing out. Bean is Bean. Cicek is what he is. Miromanov is not long for the NHL.

Overall disappointed that none of Solo/Kuz/Bru have really grabbed the ring here. I was really hoping someone would stand out.

[Wastedyouth]

Other than Gridin and to limited extent Parehk, there hasn't been a single young guy in any of the games i could see playing above a current veteran.

The vets are playing at 75% effort and still outplaying any of the young guys.

I think the derth of prospect talent has gotten the fan base too eager to plunk anyone with a highlight into the lineup, but frankly none of them are truly ready to take over for any of the vets.

[MrButtons]

Originally Posted by Wastedyouth

Other than Gridin and to limited extent Parehk, there hasn't been a single young guy in any of the games i could see playing above a current veteran.

The vets are playing at 75% effort and still outplaying any of the young guys.

I think the derth of prospect talent has gotten the fan base too eager to plunk anyone with a highlight into the lineup, but frankly none of them are truly ready to take over for any of the vets.

And there is zero harm in having them in the AHL, that is in the same city as the pro team to get reps in. Plus, we were fairly lucky outside of a few longer injuries last year with vets needing time off. I'm sure we'll see numerous up and downs this year.

[Goriders]

If it were me:

Weegar Andersson
Bahl Parekh
Kuznetsov Pachal
Hanley
Solovyov

Trade Andersson ASAP. Stick with 7 D rotating Kuznetsov and Solovyov to get them experience. Hanley insurance policy for young guys. Slide him back in beside Weegar when Andersson gone.

[Strange Brew]

Let's get Kylington in here ASAP. We could lead the league in tweener defensemen.

[gvitaly]

I'm betting the Flames keep 14F, and 7D.

Kuznetsov is younger, and needs games but Solovyov looked slightly more steady in camp so far. I hope we don't lose Kuzy on waivers, but I think the Flames risk it. I also think there's a 60/40 chance they keep Bean over Solo as the 7th D, but I'm penciling Solo for the 7th D to start.

Based on Huska's pairing in camp:
Hanley - Weegar
Bahl - Andersson
Pachal - Parekh
Solovyov

[Nelson]

My first priority is Parekh’s development. So, I’d put him with Bahl, as I believe Bahl has been Parekh’s best partner so far.

Bahl - Parekh

The problem of the Flames’ defence is 4/6 of the best defencemen are right-handed. So, someone’s gonna have to play on their off-side. I create a top pairing by moving Weegar over, as Weegar is the one who has shown the ability to play on the left.

Weegar - Andersson

I think Pachal should be a lock like the OP said. And I think Pachal’s left side should be a meritocracy.

Hanley/Bean/Solovyov - Pachal

I guess it goes without saying that I’d waive Miromanov. (I might try to trade a defenceman.)

So, my 6 would be:

Weegar - Andersson
Bahl - Parekh
Hanley - Pachal