From Russo's depth chart (with Kassian as 13th forward, Prosser/Falk as 6th/7th defensemen):
Forwards: Stephane Veilleux, Jake Dowell, Jason Zucker, Brett Bulmer, Charlie Coyle, Johan Larsson, Nick Palmieri, Zack Phillips, Chad Rau, Jarod Palmer, Kris Foucault, David McIntyre, Carson McMillan, Justin Fontaine, Joel Broda
Defensemen: Jonas Brodin, Steven Kampfer, Brian Connelly, Tyler Cuma, Chay Genoway, Drew Bagnall, Kyle Medvec, Josh Caron, Colton Jobke (I removed Dumba)
Not counting Lorenz and his AHL deal either. There are a lot of players.
It wouldn't make sense to take Larsson from the top center spot with the SEL champs and put him on 3rd line duty in AHL. If Wild wants him to develop to a top 6 forward (which I believe they do), they'll probably make sure he gets to play in a top 6 role in Houston...?!
It wouldn't make sense to take Larsson from the top center spot with the SEL champs and put him on 3rd line duty in AHL. If Wild wants him to develop to a top 6 forward (which I believe they do), they'll probably make sure he gets to play in a top 6 role in Houston...?!
Larsson is better then Rau is, he is either centering the 1st line or the 2nd.
It wouldn't make sense to take Larsson from the top center spot with the SEL champs and put him on 3rd line duty in AHL. If Wild wants him to develop to a top 6 forward (which I believe they do), they'll probably make sure he gets to play in a top 6 role in Houston...?!
I don't think there's going to be much difference in the 1st line's role and the 3rd line's role this year. Unless they go top-heavy on the first two lines, every line is going to be a threat to score and be counted on to play well in their own zone. I don't see it as demoting him to the 3rd line, but making the 3rd line all that much better.
If there's a lockout I'll be paying a lot more attention to the minor league affiliates this year. Still can't get over the ECHL name, Orlando Solar Bears and the logo. Just doesn't sound hockey'ish to me, lol.
If there's a lockout I'll be paying a lot more attention to the minor league affiliates this year. Still can't get over the ECHL name, Orlando Solar Bears and the logo. Just doesn't sound hockey'ish to me, lol.
It's hockey awesome!
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Blog: First Round Bust: A Cast of Thousands celebrating a rather dodgy track record of Minnesota Wild Drafting.
"Will beats skill when skill doesn't have enough will."
-Doug Woog
Well he was sent back to Kel where he started to score, I think he doubled his career high..
Depending on how they distribute ice time, I think he should be given a chance at a scoring role, nothing wrong with a kid like Bulmer who can score too.
Also some of the guys down there are just AHLers... Bulmer will play in the NHL... Maybe he does have a scoring touch, ala CC or even better.
I don't think there's going to be much difference in the 1st line's role and the 3rd line's role this year. Unless they go top-heavy on the first two lines, every line is going to be a threat to score and be counted on to play well in their own zone. I don't see it as demoting him to the 3rd line, but making the 3rd line all that much better.
Ok, but even if you want three scoring lines I dont see the point in trying to build them as even as possible. Now, I dont know if I might be underestimating the AHL, but would you really be worried for a first line like Zucker - Larsson - Coyle because of them lacking AHL experience? If it was the NHL I certainly would, but at this point I would actually be quite excited!
No way Larsson finds himself on anything but the top 2 lines. He was the SEL rookie of the year last year I think that would only hurt his development playing in a third line role on an AHL team after he played a 1st line role on one of the best teams if not THE best team in Europe this season.
