I definitely think the AHL team should be pretty damn good. The Ducks are at that point where some of their better prospects are borderline for the NHL, or just won't be able to beat out somebody else for a spot. The spillover obviously benefits Norfolk in this case, as the borderline NHL prospects are usually the ones who can tear up the AHL.
Rakell should tear up OHL next season, he should round up his game and develop some more offensive skills. AHL is not an option for him because of his age, even though i believe he could play well in there already.
But he is signed, there`s a chance that he impreses in camp and gets his 9 game stint. I`ts really slim chance imo - there`s Holland, Bonino (C) and Palmieri, Devo, McMillan (RW) most likely of getting job before him, since they`re a bit older.
But anyway... would LOVE O`Marra back.
Maybe Ducks figured that Wagner will replace O`Marra? Defensive `heart and soul` guy.
Cant think of any other reason.
As an Admirals fan I would love to see us ice the team that James Franco lists. However, I see some possible difficulties laying ahead.
Holland could very well barring a Ryan trade being a center in Anaheim. I would be one happy camper should Hampus Lindholm skate in an Admirals jersey. From everything I've seen or read he is the real deal. However, I am concerned Lindholm should he not make the Ducks can opt out and return to Sweden and play for Rogle. He's bound to make more money in Sweden than what he would get in the A.
But at this stage, we can all dream as to what is to come in October.
From what I've been reading, Cumisky wants to cut all ties to the Ducks. But as of right now he's Ducks property but will play in Sweden. He would have been a good addition to the Admirals, que sera sera.
From what I've been reading, Cumisky wants to cut all ties to the Ducks. But as of right now he's Ducks property but will play in Sweden. He would have been a good addition to the Admirals, que sera sera.
If Lindholm really comes over, and neither Vatanen nor him stunningly make the Ducks right away, I am not sure there would have been a valuable spot for him, anyway. That's all the puckmovement and speed you really need for your top-4. Obviously, those conditions aren't really safe enough bets to build the team upon, just trying to steer things towards some optimism.
EDIT: And given this situation, I would be very surprised to see the Ducks able and willing to actually force Cumiskey (or "Cummer", as his old linemate Scott Parker would call him...) to stay on the continent.
I would truly love to see Lindholm, if he doesn't make the Ducks opt to stay here and play in the AHL. But he still has 1 year left on his contract with Rogle. And Rogle may pay him more than toiling in the AHL. I think playing in the AHL would be most helpful in his development by getting used to the smaller ice surface and increased physicality of the play. But I think in the end should Lindholm not make the Ducks he'll go back to Sweden. It may also mean that he doesn't burn a year off his ELC by going home.
Vatanen, IMO he'll stay here and play either in Anaheim or Norfolk. I don't believe he has any contractural obligations to his Finnish team. And from what I saw of his being interviewed at the prospect camp, he really wants to come over and would readily play in either place.
So maybe Lindholm will take the long view and play over here. He and Vantanen could very well shine in Norfolk.
I would truly love to see Lindholm, if he doesn't make the Ducks opt to stay here and play in the AHL. But he still has 1 year left on his contract with Rogle. And Rogle may pay him more than toiling in the AHL.
I am not too sure about that. The contract that has that year left on with Rögle was signed at least a year ago, when he was still just a young player spending most of his time with the club's junior team. Even with the low AHL salaries on entry level contracts, I'd guess that that would still be higher than what he's owed in Sweden. Just add a couple of days on the NHL roster and I think it's a plus for the NA route. That said, it seems all but certain that he's entirely focused on making decisions based on mid- and long-term benefit for his career, so I'm sure money will be among the last considerations for him.
Quote:
Originally Posted by randyc
Vatanen, IMO he'll stay here and play either in Anaheim or Norfolk. I don't believe he has any contractural obligations to his Finnish team. And from what I saw of his being interviewed at the prospect camp, he really wants to come over and would readily play in either place.
So maybe Lindholm will take the long view and play over here. He and Vantanen could very well shine in Norfolk.
Yup, Vatanen is certain to be in Anaheim/Norfolk, and given our six current NHL d-men, I would expect him to be with the Ads for a while.
Last year we thought that we had top team to - but we barely made the playoffs.
Now it`s possible that both Holly and Boner will be up in NHL. That`d leave big hole in the middle.
Our d line there is in bad shape. Not mentioning that we still don`t have even 6 defenders there (Guenin could be our #7 D in Anaheim).
Vatanen, Lindholm are promising prospects, but they are most likely not that good yet to carry AHL team.
goalies:
JDD sucks at AHL level, if he`s on, he can be good backup in NHL though.
Andersen still have to provehe can play in North America.
Big Bob looked promising in the games he had last year, but could be sent down to Elmira (we still have that thing?).
A LOT of things have to fall in place ffor us to be competitive in AHL level.
The quest by the Ducks to acquire a 2C seems to be growing dimmer these days. That means Holland and Bonino, unless they have horrible camps will stay in Anaheim. I wasn't counting on Bonino anyway but was hoping to hold onto Holland.
You are correct, Norfolk would be just as thin at center as the Ducks are now. But that's minor league hockey, we are here to supply the parent club. Hopefully, the Ducks are looking around to find someone out there who they can get to play center in Norfolk. That was why I was dismayed when Trevor Smith was signed by the Pens when the Bolts cut him loose and not the Ducks. Would have been a super addition.
