With Dubi, AA, Brass and MacKenzie there is some depth to play center in Columbus (not saying great players but 4 proven NHL centers).
Dubinsky isn't really a center. He's like Umberger, some people think he's a center and he can take faceoffs, but he's actually a winger. (Yes, I know the CBJ site lists him at center, but he isn't.)
Just watched the interview with John Davidson on the CBJ web site. He noted that Ryan needs to learn to compete night in and night out, so the assessment seems to be correct, but I have no way of knowing seeing as I haven't seen Springfield. I caution, that JD may not have said compete, but the implication was in sync with this assessment, it seems to me
I disagree, I only see one of Moore or Erixon making the Columbus roster. Johnson,Wisniewski,Tyutin,Nikitin, and Aucoin won't be the 7th defensemen which only gives 1 spot left. The better player between Erixon and Moore will get the final spot. It would be pointless to have the other sitting in the press box. Would be more logical for them to stay in the AHL to get some playing minutes. Also they need to let them know why they got sent down(kind of the way they talked to Calvert last season). Just sign a cheap UFA for the 7th spot. Unless you plan on playing musical chairs with Erixon/Moore. Player with the best camp gets first shot at the number 6 spot. Once he struggles, he sits out and the other gets a chance. Then when he screws up, they go back with the other. But imo, not a great way to develop them like that.
You guys really think Erixon has a chance cracking the lineup? That would be great.
He has the poise with the puck to make smart decisions. The other night I saw him pass to a defender late in the game to force the ref to call too many men. That kind of awareness is great for someone trying to crack an NHL lineup. He needs to get stronger down low but once he figures that, watch out.
You guys really think Erixon has a chance cracking the lineup? That would be great.
I do not think he's ready. He gets caught out of position at times and takes holding and hooking penalties because he is trying to get back in to defensive positioning on the play. Offense is good, can shoot and puckhandle well. His defense is where he is lacking.
Moore is the best defensman on the Falcons. He is recovering from the concussion and has been skating for a week.
As for Savard, Columbus is welcome to call him up. Please. Most over-hyped prospect in the system.
Interesting, I see him as the #5 unless his age and the lockout spells the end for him (which I doubt). This guy should be able to still play 20 minutes a night in the event of injury or sub-par performance.
As for Savard, Columbus is welcome to call him up. Please. Most over-hyped prospect in the system.
Over-hyped? Quite possibly. I wish I could watch him more as the numbers and his utilization don't seem to support the fans analysis. The limited time in Columbus hasn't shown me anything to suggest he can't be an eventual NHL player.
Aucoin's spot is really going to depend on how good Erixon and Moore are. If both of them show capability at Camp of playing NHL minutes then I think he is the 7th D-man and his mentor role is leaned on heavily, but if only one of them sticks he'll pair up on the blueline with whoever it is (Moore/Erixon).
I hope we actually extend him if he can still play (ala prospal), he's a great mentor to young D-men and with Murray likely coming in next year as well it would be nice to have a real veteran presence around for a while.
Dubinsky isn't really a center. He's like Umberger, some people think he's a center and he can take faceoffs, but he's actually a winger. (Yes, I know the CBJ site lists him at center, but he isn't.)
Uhh, Dubinsky is perfectly capable of playing center at a high level in the NHL. I've watched him enough to know that. I don't know where this "He really isn't a center" comes from. There may be better options at center (not so sure with this team), but he is a center. That is the position that the Jackets have been scouting him at for years.
I don't think Umberger when I think Dubinsky by any means, unless you are talking about offensive upside.
Over-hyped? Quite possibly. I wish I could watch him more as the numbers and his utilization don't seem to support the fans analysis. The limited time in Columbus hasn't shown me anything to suggest he can't be an eventual NHL player.
Uhh, Dubinsky is perfectly capable of playing center at a high level in the NHL. I've watched him enough to know that. I don't know where this "He really isn't a center" comes from. There may be better options at center (not so sure with this team), but he is a center. That is the position that the Jackets have been scouting him at for years.
I don't think Umberger when I think Dubinsky by any means, unless you are talking about offensive upside.
Yeah, Dubinsky is fine as a #2 center although the guy is streaky. Our issue is again whether someone can rise up to become a #1.
While the top 4 is pretty much set and capable of playing D for me Nikitin is the only guy I have confidence in when it comes to a true defensive situation. For this reason alone I expect/hope to see Aucoin in the majority of games.
Yeah, Dubinsky is fine as a #2 center although the guy is streaky. Our issue is again whether someone can rise up to become a #1.
Not this year. Bi-polar Brassard is our best shot this year. I haven't seen evidence that Johansen is remotely close.
We got a bunch of top six players, just none of them are either ready for or capable of top line duty. That top line will be pretty patch work. At least they should compete.
Johansen needs to season in the AHL. Moore is the best, it strikes me that the Falcons slide began about the time he got hurt. Erixon makes too many defensive mistakes but I love him on a power play. Savard isn't playing like he was last year, particularly on defense. Camsanity is a no brainer, JAM and Calvert possibles but I see them keeping the team mostly intact.
My opinion from last season and this pre-season. Slow skater, does not use his size well. Attempts to fight at times and it ends badly for him. Seems lost at times.
Per an Evansville fan that sent me a DM today on twitter...
Decent at blocking & defense but clears the puck by flinging & not passing/controlling.
Most over-hyped prospect in the system.
At least you understand the dislike of Blomqvist. The kid is soft and slow. Oft injured as well.
