So, with Brodz's re-signing, we now have Koivu - Cullen - Brodziak down the middle next year. RW's are Setoguchi (on line 1 or 2) and Clutterbuck on line 3). But for LW's, Heatley is obviously in the top 6, but assuming Granlund comes over and either Bouchard or Latendresse (or both) start the season healthy, who gets bumped over to RW? Have any of them played extensively on the right side? Granlund could also bump Cullen to W, I suppose. I'm guessing, ideally, we're looking at something like this for next year...
Meh, just two. Not much different than a lot of teams nowadays. Our biggest downfall this year was a lack skill to call up when our NHL skill went down; that shouldn't be a problem the next few years.
Meh, just two. Not much different than a lot of teams nowadays. Our biggest downfall this year was a lack skill to call up when our NHL skill went down; that shouldn't be a problem the next few years.
On paper that's an intriguing lineup, but this concussion thing is out of control now the way they baby them. I don't know if we'll ever see Crosby ever again the way things are going. The "Lindros Syndrome."
Assuming that's our (healthy) game-day lineup and we get at least one all-star caliber defenseman we should be a 6 seed or so in the West next year.
Why couldn't Bouchard get the Bergeron concussion and not the Primeau concussion. Bergeron has been great and concussion free the last couple years. Butch, not so much. . . . .
Well Bouchard has been doing fine for quite awhile up until the Bogosian hit (and the subsequent elbow he got in the Vancouver game). Just bad luck combined with being a small player.
For those complaining about the money we gave Brodziak... his cap hit is less than $2mil more than Mark Parrish for the next two years. This is money well spent. If we can stay healthy next year, we've got one of the best 3rd line centers in the NHL.
When I was at the draft last summer, I thanked some Edmonton fans for Brodziak. Their response was disgust. They all loved him while he was there and were bummed we stole him from them. I love the guy's game, and I'm glad we kept him around.
So, with Brodz's re-signing, we now have Koivu - Cullen - Brodziak down the middle next year. RW's are Setoguchi (on line 1 or 2) and Clutterbuck on line 3). But for LW's, Heatley is obviously in the top 6, but assuming Granlund comes over and either Bouchard or Latendresse (or both) start the season healthy, who gets bumped over to RW? Have any of them played extensively on the right side? Granlund could also bump Cullen to W, I suppose. I'm guessing, ideally, we're looking at something like this for next year...
With Larsson, Phillips, Coyle, Bulmer and possibly Zucker in Houston if somebody gets injured.
Not too bad.
Thats a fine third line. All three players belong on it. Good 4th line too. Should be capable of generating some good energy.
Bouchard however I do not think will be here next year. I have to believe he is probably done at this point. I'd also like to see Koivu centering the 2nd line with Granlund on the top line. Could also pencil in Parise just for fantasy's sake and then we have a pretty solid top 6 assuming the Wild give lats his one year contract and tell him it is his mission to come to training camp next year fully healthy, which I think they will.
Thats a fine third line. All three players belong on it. Good 4th line too. Should be capable of generating some good energy.
Bouchard however I do not think will be here next year. I have to believe he is probably done at this point. I'd also like to see Koivu centering the 2nd line with Granlund on the top line. Could also pencil in Parise just for fantasy's sake and then we have a pretty solid top 6 assuming the Wild give lats his one year contract and tell him it is his mission to come to training camp next year fully healthy, which I think they will.
That 2nd line, if healthy, could very well become our 1st, but I don't see us giving him the RNH treatment right away.
With Bouchard, I'm not holding my breath, but we do need to factor in his salary during the offseason, which sucks if we know that he won't be healthy. If he can't go, then we plug in Phillips or Coyle and see what they can do.
Parise, Suter, etc... should be a bonus, not an expectation.
He also said that Suter and Parise are good friends and would probably want to play together, so if that's true i don't see many other teams being able to afford both players.
Mods, can we clean this topic up a bit? Posts #110 and #112 are way off topic.
Let's use this thread to celebrate the rare type of player that actually makes anyone he plays with better. Brodziak has made almost everyone he plays with better.
In a bit of a rush so disregard if this has been covered...
I just wanted to point out that I really like the chemistry between Johnson and Brodziak. They both are great on the forecheck, on the wall, and seem to feed off each other. I think that Lats would be awesome on that line (if we are penciling him in) since he can bang, can cycle, and can finish.
I know that messes up the lines but injuries will happen and Granlund/insert youngster here may not be as ready as we believe.
Bah, I think Bulmer will be a lock but...too many unknowns with Lats and PMB at this point.
So, in conclusion, I like Johnson and Brodziak together....will try to figure out lines later.
He also said that Suter and Parise are good friends and would probably want to play together, so if that's true i don't see many other teams being able to afford both players.
Mods, can we clean this topic up a bit? Posts #110 and #112 are way off topic.
Let's use this thread to celebrate the rare type of player that actually makes anyone he plays with better. Brodziak has made almost everyone he plays with better.
In case you haven't noticed a lot of our threads go off topic.
Just in the Koivu injury thread we're talking about whether Granlund will sign with us or not.
Still think I would have preferred to see him moved. Even more so when you see what Dom Moore continues to get traded for...
I do, however, agree with a lot of what's already been said. He's a strong option to have around moving forward and his presence makes sure the kids have to push for spots. That should be considered a good thing.
I was a little concerned that his deal would mirror Ward's from the offseason and while it's close, it's fair. The term is right and his money won't put a damper on anything the team could reasonably do moving forward.
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After Meaningless Win - 3/29/12 - Game 77 | SoH-"Who knows, that could have cost us a Cup tonight." | Dooohkay
