Whom amongst these guys you think would have the most chances in Forcing the habs to keep him... A bit like Ryder did two years ago...
Kostsitsyn, Latendresse, Chipchura, Lapierre, Grabovski, Emelin or Ferland (if they all show up in camp).
For me Somehow I think Chipchura, Lapierre and Kostsitsyn are all ready and I would think that Chip is the mostly likely to twist the arm of the management team.
Latendresse, AK and Chipchura could all make the team. I don't think a guy like Lapierre would fit, maybe as a extra forward but I don't see him being an everyday player, we already have Bonk, Bégin and Murray on the fourth line and I don't think that Lapierre can play on any other line.
Emelin will probably play in the AHL if he comes to NA, he will make the team soon but there is no room for him now. Maybe I'm a little biased but I like every d-man we have and I would continue with them until one collapse and gives a place to Emelin.
Lapierre, Kosty and Ferland if they make it would not surprise me so it doesn't fit in the category.
Chipchura, Emelin, Grabovski and Latendresse on the other end will all surprise me since I think everybody in that list should have at least a year in the AHL and Latendresse should stayed in Juniors. I would love seeing a great junior season next year and have an incredible World Juniors as well.
So those 4 will surprise me. The others well if they make it, no surprise for me, if they don't I'll be a little dissapointed.
Ferland needs to be given a long, hard look in camp, cause he'd need to clear waivers to be sent to Hamilton AFAIK. I'm pretty sure someone would take a flyer on him. I get the feeling we'll see Jo as a tiny throw-in in some kind of deal we make, cause the fourth line of Murray - Bonk - Begin seems near-locked.
That also probably means Lapierre goes back to Hamilton for one more year, then when Bonk's deal is up next Summer, the fourth line becomes Murray - Lapierre - Begin (hopefully).
Kost wouldn't really be a surprise. Chip is the most likely to make the jump since his game will translate well to the NHL and it's always easier to crack the bottom 6.
Latendresse, AK and Chipchura could all make the team. I don't think a guy like Lapierre would fit, maybe as a extra forward but I don't see him being an everyday player, we already have Bonk, Bégin and Murray on the fourth line and I don't think that Lapierre can play on any other line.
Emelin will probably play in the AHL if he comes to NA, he will make the team soon but there is no room for him now. Maybe I'm a little biased but I like every d-man we have and I would continue with them until one collapse and gives a place to Emelin.
You do not think Lapierre fit well between Begin and Murray. Forcing Bonk to be waived and saving 2M of cap space..?
You do not think Lapierre fit well between Begin and Murray. Forcing Bonk to be waived and saving 2M of cap space..?
I think Lapierre need another year in the AHL. He still take too many penalty and he could also improve his offensive skill. He had a great 1st year and this year he would get more responsability. Could become a 3rd liner if he work hard and improve.... who know?
You do not think Lapierre fit well between Begin and Murray. Forcing Bonk to be waived and saving 2M of cap space..?
That would definately be one of the greatest news of the summer for me. If that's the unexpected, I'm all for it.....Getting rid of Bonk is like getting an UFA for me....
You do not think Lapierre fit well between Begin and Murray. Forcing Bonk to be waived and saving 2M of cap space..?
Could be a possibility, I agree, but Bonk played well with those two and he has only one year left on his contract, plus Lapierre can go back to Hamilton, so why rush the things? Let's get a last year of Bonk than let him walk and THEN play Lapierre, even though I think that Chipchura is more likely to get that spot over Lapierre, for now.
There's no excuse, Kosty should make the team out of training camp.
I'd be pleasantly surprised if Chipchura made the team.
edit: Emelin would be cool too
The only way I see Emelin making the team is if Bouillon isn't resigned, what would be VERY surprising, or if we trade Souray, which IMO would also be very surprising. I really like Emelin but one year in the AHL to adapt to the smaller ice surface and the North American style of play wouldn't hurt.
Whom amongst these guys you think would have the most chances in Forcing the habs to keep him... A bit like Ryder did two years ago...
Kostsitsyn, Latendresse, Chipchura, Lapierre, Grabovski, Emelin or Ferland (if they all show up in camp).
For me Somehow I think Chipchura, Lapierre and Kostsitsyn are all ready and I would think that Chip is the mostly likely to twist the arm of the management team.
Ferland and Lapierre will probaly make it, so will Andrei Kostitsyn. Otherwise, Ferland will have to be waived to go back to the minors. Lapierre and Kostitsyn are the first call ups if they don't make the roster right away.
I don't expect Latendresse to sign, and he will be asked to dominate the LHJMQ with Brassard. Chipchura will follow a similar path to Brian Sutherby: he might play a few games depending on the injuries.
If a surprise could occur, I would be either: Duncan Milroy or André Benoît.
