Speculation: Mark Scheifele to RW for 2012

[ps241]

Originally Posted by Duke49

It's not preferring a bigger 3rd line over 3 bigger centers. It's the fact that getting a bigger and better 3rd line in general will be the first step to being a playoff team. It will give us more depth and size at the same time. Plus, it's much easier to find quality 3rd liners then big top 6 centers. Oh, and cheaper. That's more what I was getting at. Also, how many teams have 3 big centers in their top 9?

Duke I'm not sure if its the fact but I 100% agree with your argument. I have said all along that if we could field a 3rd line that gets north of 110 points collectively and is really tough to play against I think we would make the playoffs. we have a very good 4th line........Wheeler, Ladd, Little, Kane, who are all top 6 and although I would like to fill out our top 6 more I would be patient if we could at least get a big nasty 3rd line that produces solid 3rd line numbers........Maybe Antro, Cormier, and Machacek will fill the bill who knows I don't mind the sound of the line on paper.

[Grind]

Originally Posted by Duke49

It's not preferring a bigger 3rd line over 3 bigger centers. It's the fact that getting a bigger and better 3rd line in general will be the first step to being a playoff team. It will give us more depth and size at the same time. Plus, it's much easier to find quality 3rd liners then big top 6 centers. Oh, and cheaper. That's more what I was getting at. Also, how many teams have 3 big centers in their top 9?

I just want to be clear, i agree 100%.

I'm not quite sure why i posted my original statement, unless I mistakenly took your post as advocating a big third line being "better" (which, rereading your post i don't really know how i would have gotten that) and merely wanted to shed light on the logic behind "big down the middle".

I totally agree we would be very well served to have a big, tough, third line that can contribute at a decent pace (as ps mentioned, somewhere around 35+ pts each would be ideal) and it could very likely be the difference between this team playing in the post season and not.

also agree that on paper Cormier, Antropov, Machacek looks like it could definitely be that line.

[ManOnASilverMountain]

No thanks
Leave him at center

[YWGinYYZ]

His development this year playing centre has been very encouraging - his defensive side has shown great improvement. I do not think that it would be a good idea for him to move to wing, where the requirements are very different, as it'll stunt his growth in the areas that a centre needs to concentrate on.

Slow and steady: his skating is improving, his 2 way game is improving by leaps and bounds, and he's still showing great awareness of what's going on on the ice - he's going to be an amazing playmaking centre when he sticks with the big club, IMHO. More upside to allowing him to continue his improvements at centre, even if it's in the OHL next year.

[WWoJeff]

Originally Posted by jamiebez

I firmly believe Mark Scheifele will be the #1 center for the Barrie Colts next season.

Considering he's only played 2 years in the OHL and isn't AHL-eligible, I really think that's the best thing for him.

I think the only way that changes is if he has a great showing in the playoffs for the Ice Caps, beefs up in the off-season, and has a lights-out camp/pre-season/9-game trial. And if they go out and acquire another forward in trade or free agency, even that may not be enough.

Couldn't agree more!

[bigplay41]

i am excited to see Scheifele 2 or 3 years from now when he proves everyone wrong who is on the Coutourier bandwagon.

[surixon]

Originally Posted by YWGinYYZ

His development this year playing centre has been very encouraging - his defensive side has shown great improvement. I do not think that it would be a good idea for him to move to wing, where the requirements are very different, as it'll stunt his growth in the areas that a centre needs to concentrate on.

Slow and steady: his skating is improving, his 2 way game is improving by leaps and bounds, and he's still showing great awareness of what's going on on the ice - he's going to be an amazing playmaking centre when he sticks with the big club, IMHO. More upside to allowing him to continue his improvements at centre, even if it's in the OHL next year.

Well said!