I'm guessing Lack, Joslin, Sauve, Andersson, Sweatt, Archibald, and Rodin.
I believe Cannata is already confirmed, so he'll be there instead of Lack. Agreed with the rest, although Andersson is iffy. Would like to see Mallet get a little look as well, he's probably closer to playing NHL games just due to his skillset than most.
I understand that, and I know that Booth and Raymond are probably the two biggest lightning rods for criticism on the team at this point. I just think Booth is going to exceed expectations this year. I'm also really curious to see how Hansen's stint in Finland will impact his offensive game.
EDIT: I also feel a Schroeder/Booth pairing could be a positive thing. Kesler is a shoot-first guy, and so is Booth. Schroeder is more of a playmaker, so I think there's a solid chance that those two could develop some chemistry.
Raymond is a bit of a puck-hog/perimiter player, so I don't know how long he would last on that line.
My exact thoughts. The Canuck's system isn't the easiest and it's not like Booth had much (any) time to adjust to new line/team mates.
I'd like a play-making winger or center for the second line but I'm not sold on Schroeder. I also believe Higgins would play there before Lappy or Malholtra.
Hopefully Barker won't be a good puck mover......for the other team.
Evidently 61 NHL games is enough for those in the peanut gallery.....
Those who think 61 games is enough time to learn a new system then gain chemistry with another player; don't play hockey.
In contrast, playing 2 seasons can do wonders.
Also not to mention, Booth played 19 games, scored 5 goals and 7 assists up to December 6 and then got injured. He scored drastically much more at home and I think that lends to the idea he needs to adjust to match-ups, system, teammates.
Last edited by LetsBeReality: 01-11-2013 at 05:19 PM.
I'm not sure what the big deal is here? Why is the mere mention of Raymond on the 2nd line such an abomination to people? Obviously if he doesn't play well enough to stick on the 2nd line, he won't be there very long. If he works out and proves he's capable it only helps balance our team out, or it possibly increases his value in a trade. I'm not sure why he wouldn't be at the very least TRIED out on the 2nd line...he did put up 25 goals and 53 points on the 2nd line previously. If he doesn't work out there, oh well, move on to another option.
I'm not sure what the big deal is here? Why is the mere mention of Raymond on the 2nd line such an abomination to people? Obviously if he doesn't play well enough to stick on the 2nd line, he won't be there very long. If he works out and proves he's capable it only helps balance our team out, or it possibly increases his value in a trade. I'm not sure why he wouldn't be at the very least TRIED out on the 2nd line...he did put up 25 goals and 53 points on the 2nd line previously. If he doesn't work out there, oh well, move on to another option.
My thoughts exactly.
Last year was a right off, plain and simple. The year before Raymond actually had MORE ES points than his 53 point year, it's only his scoring on the PP that was down. Hmmm.. Why could that be? Is that the year that we decided to stack our 1st unit and essentially bench the 2nd unit PP? Yes, it is. If Raymond can contribute around 35-40 ES points again I'll be happy, he shouldn't be judged on his PP scoring considering no forwards get any PP time if they aren't named Sedin or Kesler.
I'm not sure what the big deal is here? Why is the mere mention of Raymond on the 2nd line such an abomination to people? Obviously if he doesn't play well enough to stick on the 2nd line, he won't be there very long. If he works out and proves he's capable it only helps balance our team out, or it possibly increases his value in a trade. I'm not sure why he wouldn't be at the very least TRIED out on the 2nd line...he did put up 25 goals and 53 points on the 2nd line previously. If he doesn't work out there, oh well, move on to another option.
Agreed, there's no reason to over react. The only problem with the potential line is that both Raymond and Booth is that they are both puck hogs who aren't great passers. The speed on that line might help to mitigate that a bit if they dump the puck in while skating at full seed rather than trying to use fancy passing plays to gain the zone. There's still a ton of moving parts though; the lines we start the season with are very rarely the lines we end with.
Man, after going through this thread, I'm rooting for Raymond so hard this year. Full summer/fall of training after, what to me, was an incredible comeback after a near career ending injury. He can be moved up and down the lineup with relative comfort and has some of the best wheels in the game. Hopefully he proves to all the haters ( there are apparently a ton of them ) that he is still a solid contributor.
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