Building Blocks For The 2012/13 Heat

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Laing is probably the best penalty killer/shot blocker now that Bouma is gone. But that's about as far as his abilities go.

For me, I don't care one way or another whether he's even on the team. I don't dislike Laing, in fact I like his heart and soul style, it's just that I don't really care whether he's in the lineup or not.

However, I know for a fact that all of the season ticket holders love Laing. He's approachable and interacts with the fans on a regular basis. So, I know the clear majority of fans like him and want him in the lineup every night.

I will say though that he's the Heat's best candidate for captain. Not just because he has been for a couple of years, but because he's the only guy with true leadership qualities. Other guys who could be captain include Piskula and Nemisz IMO. Kolanos and Walter are probably too quiet to be captains and can sometimes disappear in hard hitting, tight checking games.

So to answer your question. I have no idea what Ward will do with Laing haha.

[Freeway]

For what it's worth, it seems pretty clear to me that Laing is well-liked in the room. Joe Piskula, too. It's really valuable to have these veteran guys who've made it to the NHL be able to SPECIFICALLY tell the 20 and 21-year-olds how to get the NHL.

None of the coaches have played in the NHL. It's really great to have a handful of vets in Abbotsford to bridge the gap in terms of teaching.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Originally Posted by Freeway

For what it's worth, it seems pretty clear to me that Laing is well-liked in the room. Joe Piskula, too. It's really valuable to have these veteran guys who've made it to the NHL be able to SPECIFICALLY tell the 20 and 21-year-olds how to get the NHL.

None of the coaches have played in the NHL. It's really great to have a handful of vets in Abbotsford to bridge the gap in terms of teaching.

Absolutely.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to say he's not an important part of the team dynamic or the developmental process.

I'm just saying, as a fan, Laing doesn't seem to bring much to the table on the ice except his exceptional PK abilities. Off the ice he's very important, which is why I'm sure they kept him around.

[Freeway]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

Absolutely.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to say he's not an important part of the team dynamic or the developmental process.

I'm just saying, as a fan, Laing doesn't seem to bring much to the table on the ice except his exceptional PK abilities. Off the ice he's very important, which is why I'm sure they kept him around.

He was a regular line-mate of Bouma's throughout the 2010-11 season. Just like Piskula was a regular partner of Brodie's throughout the 2010-11 season.

[David Struch]

Originally Posted by kehatch

So what do they do?

I would guess the hardest working younger guys play on a game by game basis.

Sylvester - Walter - Kolanos
Howse - Street - Horak
Nemisz - Reinhart - Byron
Bancks/Aliu - Laing/Estoclet - Ferland/Eddy

[Nemisz/Breen]

Walter usually plays first or second line, Nemisz usually plays wing, and I would imagine Reinhart will play second line centre.

Ward likes to put together working pairs and may want to try and reunite Howse and Horak. Also Nemisz and Reinhart had chemistry together last year in the playoffs and he may try them out to start the year. Walter is mostly with Kolanos and the rest will probably just filter in and out of different lines until he finds what works.

Of course everything changes in the event of a lockout, with who comes down and where they fit in. All in all it should be a good year and I can't wait for it to get started. Really looking forward to training camp in Abbotsford.

[Ashasx]

Well, now that it's pretty much certain that there will be a lockout, is it guaranteed that Baertschi will play in Abbotsford? Is there at all a chance that he goes back to Portland for one more year (what a team that would be)?

I remember there being a rumour that part of the compensation for picking up Hartley was that Sven would play for the ZSC Lions in Switzerland if there was a lockout.

[ClubFlames]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

Well, now that it's pretty much certain that there will be a lockout, is it guaranteed that Baertschi will play in Abbotsford? Is there at all a chance that he goes back to Portland for one more year (what a team that would be)?

I remember there being a rumour that part of the compensation for picking up Hartley was that Sven would play for the ZSC Lions in Switzerland if there was a lockout.

What?

That better be a rumor because its pretty stupid. There's no way I see the Flames agreeing to that. They rather have him play within the system and with future teammates.

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by ClubFlames

What?

That better be a rumor because its pretty stupid. There's no way I see the Flames agreeing to that. They rather have him play within the system and with future teammates.

I'd rather see him in Abbotsford but I wouldn't be totally against him playing in Switzerland. He isn't the biggest guy, so a year of physical maturing wouldn't do any harm. IIRC he had a concussion last year in Portland, so a year with less contact would be okay.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

I don't know, I'd prefer if Sven played in Abbotsford as well (and not because I'd get to watch him either).

I think it would be very beneficial if Sven played in the AHL because then he's playing with prospects that are just as hungry as he is; whereas in the Swiss league, it's either young guys who never drafted or older guys whose careers are all but over.

[Freeway]

I'm willing to put money down that the compensation for Zurich was cash.

[Alberta_Beef]

Originally Posted by Freeway

I'm willing to put money down that the compensation for Zurich was cash.

or stocks in an oil business

[st3ncil]

I think Sven will play in the AHL.

Also the Swiss media only talk about our "big " nhl guys and obviously Thornton which will play here...

[Mitch]

Originally Posted by st3ncil

I think Sven will play in the AHL.

Also the Swiss media only talk about our "big " nhl guys and obviously Thornton which will play here...

Feaster already confirmed that Sven will be playing in the Abbotsford if he does not play in the NHL. Which means since there is a lockout he will be playing in the AHL.

Should be fun to watch the AHL this year, I'll try to catch some games if I can.