Spaling vs. Smithson

[ThirdManIn]

Originally Posted by lightning_legwand

I sure as hell hope that does not happen! I wouldn't mind seeing O'Reilly with them though. Smithson has shown as much upside as he can, DO NOT put him with scoring forwards, its a huge waste!

Welcome to Trotz Hockey. When a game goes badly it's back to drawing names out of a hat for line combos.

Realistically, I think we see SK on a line with Legwand and Erat/Sullivan to start things off. Of course, it all depends on camp, pre-season, and practices leading up to opening night.

[lightning_legwand*]

Would it be safe to say that O'Reilly and Spaling will both get full time NHL chances to start season and if they do not cut it, then Spaling goes back down, O'Reilly unfortunately gets dealt (possibly package deal), and Smithson finishes season as 4th line permanent?

[glenngineer]

Originally Posted by lightning_legwand

Would it be safe to say that O'Reilly and Spaling will both get full time NHL chances to start season and if they do not cut it, then Spaling goes back down, O'Reilly unfortunately gets dealt (possibly package deal), and Smithson finishes season as 4th line permanent?

I think there's gonna be a lot of competition in camp for all 12 spots up front. Even the top 9 is going to have some fierce competition. I ultimately hope the staff goes with the guys that earn their spots and not based on youth versus experience. If Spaling outplays Smithson, Smithson could be dealt just as easily. If O'Reilly comes in and plays lights out, others could be dealt too. This training camp could be one of those for the ages that really define this team. We have 15-18 forwards competing for 12 spots. Should be fun to watch.