My Newspaper
|
We're Down To 29 Players
Posted by:
Ben Wright on
September 23, 2007 at
4:13PM EST
Four more cuts have been made and the active roster stands at 29. Bob Hartley has mentioned that they plan to carry 22 players so that means seven more players will be sent down to the AHL over the next week or so. Assuming injuries aren't a factor one of those seven will likely be goaltender Ondrej Pavelec, leaving Lehtonen and Hedberg as the team's two goalies. No surprises there.
So who's still fighting for spots?
There are 16 forwards left in camp and if you assume that 13 will be carried that leaves a few guys fighting for the final spots. We're getting close though. If every forward that had a regular spot in the NHL last year makes it (which is a pretty safe assumption) that gives us five forwards fighting for two spots- Darren Haydar, Jordan LaVallee, Bryan Little, Brett Sterling and Colin Stuart. Brett Sterling is probably the closest to locking up a spot so the real question is who of the other four forwards will be starting the season in the NHL?
The situation on the blueline isn't any more clear. There are 10 defensemen left in camp and seven spots. The four returning players (Exelby, Havelid, McCarthy and Zhitnik) are assumed to be on the team and so is Ken Klee. That leaves Enstrom, Kwiatkowski, Pilar, Popovic and Valabik fighting for the final two spots.
The forward positions may be solidified fairly soon, but I'd expect it to take a bit more time to make the final cuts on the blueline. Pilar and Kwiatkowski have NHL experience, Enstrom has plenty of promise, Popovic has done everything that has been asked of him when called up and Valabik brings significant size and grit to the position. Everyone has something to offer.
I spoke to Enstrom last night and he wasn't at all happy with the way he played. Most other people I talked to thought he had a decent showing and that his strengths outweighed his weaknesses, so it may be that Enstrom is his own toughest critic. That's a good sign from a player determined to make the squad. He isn't taking anything for granted and isn't letting the hype give him a false sense of security.
What were your thoughts on last night's game and what do you think of the most recent cuts? Who's going to make it?
(7) Comments
|
Posted by: Andyman on September 23, 2007 5:03PM EST
I think Enstrom played well overall and at over 22 minutes for only is second NHL game. I think he will be there for the season. I think the final defensive spot is between Pilar and Kwiatkowski but wouldnt be surprised if Valabik was here for part of the season.
Sterling and Lavalle are my choices for the open slots on the offensive side.
|
|
|
Posted by: Michael on September 23, 2007 6:30PM EST
I think that it is obvious that the thrashers need some offensive firepower upfront. that is why the two players that have to make it are sterling and little. the thrashers need a center between kozlov and hossa and it is obvious that holik, slater, or perrin cannot get that job done. it has to be bryan little, with sterling on kovalchuk's right side.
On the backline it should be enstrom and pilar. pilar was about to be a great nhler before his heart problems. now that he has those behind him he has picked up right where he left off.
|
|
|
Posted by: Monster Thrash on September 24, 2007 12:27AM EST
I vote for holding onto Pilar at the blue line, he looked sharp and kinda scary at training camp.
|
|
|
Posted by: g unit on September 24, 2007 12:53PM EST
little all the way, hes been stellar
|
|
|
Posted by: Sean on September 24, 2007 10:08PM EST
I know it is a long shot, but I'd like Little to stay. He obviously has skills and he brings endless energy. I think his style of play could be contagious and light a fire under some of the "old" guys. I also really like Tobias but he may need a year to season his game.
|
|
|
Posted by: josh on September 25, 2007 3:35PM EST
Id like for LaVallee to be one of the guys up front that makes it, and I didnt think he had a bad showing in what I saw of him at the Blues game on Saturday.
On defense, I think we need a big guy with a big attitude. I just dont like only having one physical defender, although Stevie Mac did play a very physical game on Saturday. I know size doesnt mean shots blocked, but if Valabik got in front of a shot itd have a hard time going around him. Shame we cant carry two extra dmen and an extra forward or two.
Realistically, I think itll be Little and Sterling making it up front with Enstrom and Pilar making it on defense.
|
|
|
Posted by: kevin on September 25, 2007 5:25PM EST
i think you should keep pavelec in goal and trade hedburg. pavelec is an unbelievable goaltender. i seen him play in junior at his for 2 seasons and was the league's top goaltender for all 2 years he played.
|
|
|
|
