Overager Analysis
Training camp begins in less than a month so I suppose I should get the OA analysis/prediction written up.
Several moves were made in the off-season which reduced the number of potential 20s from 9 to 5.
- Todd Kennedy and Riley McIntosh were placed on waivers.
- Eric Mestery retired from hockey (I'm still quite sad)
- Neal Prokop's injury (not quite off-season, but you know what I mean)
That leaves the following:
- Mike Brown
- Sergei Drozd
- Alex Pechurskiy
- Kruise Reddick
- Tyler Schmidt
Let's start at the top of the list, Mike Brown. Hoooooo boy. Since I never know what Bob is thinking, this could go either way. Does he take a chance on a guy who doesn't actually play a lot, not a play-maker or scorer, provides some muscle (though not at all what I expected when Bob said he was a "Cam McCaffrey-type player)? Or do you see if you can trade him? Or just release him?
Another argument for keeping Mike is that you don't need him to be a play-maker or scorer. The lineup is loaded with those type of guys--Shinny, Reddick, Messier, Macek, Feser, Holland, Hughesman--so his role would definitely be different than what is typically seen as a 20-year-old player. Doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
I did not see the Mike Brown I expected to see until the playoffs. Up to then I was somewhat indifferent, somewhat annoyed. He didn't even dress for a lot of games, not what you'd like to see for a 19-year-old. He was supposed to provide some muscle, make space for the play-makers to do their thing. Coach threw him in on Shinny's line several times towards the end of the regular season with not much to show for it. But in the playoffs he did what he was supposed to. I wouldn't necessarily say I was impressed, I was just not so disappointed.
Would I keep him if I were GM? Probably not. I think the defense could use some veteran presence back there (I'll get to Tyler in a minute). At the same time, I don't know that I'd be surprised if Bob kept him. How's that for a non-answer answer?
Next on the list is Sergei Drozd. He'll be a 2-spotter if kept, import and overager. With Bob drafting two guys in the Import Draft, that signals to me he'd be willing to part with Drozd. The three imports will be fighting for the available 2 spots come camp time. Sergei plays well, especially in big game situations (playoffs especially). He's a bit streaky, but has a solid work ethic. And adorable dimples.
Would I keep him if I were GM? Probably not. Again, defense needs bolstering and there is plenty of play-makers and scorers in the lineup to use 2 spots for one guy. Sorry Stoli.
Alex Pechurskiy. Ahhh, my From Russia With Glove. He was on loan from Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL and they say the loan is over. And believe it or not, I'm perfectly ok with that. Not just because I'm biased either, but it makes little sense to have two 19-year-old goalies on your roster. At some point you have to start grooming the next #1. Drew Owsley is obviously going to be the starter, but he'll be 20 next season and there will need to be someone ready to take over the reins.
Next up is Kruise Reddick. He's already been named the captain for the upcoming season, he's not going anywhere. Nothing more to add to that.
Finally, Tyler Schmidt. For a long time I was convinced he wouldn't be back as a 20. The Minnesota Wild kept him at training camp the last two seasons meaning they liked him enough to keep him to practice with the big boys. I thought for sure they (or another NHL team) would invite him again this year, get him signed to a deal, put him in the AHL. But the reality is that he'll be back with the Americans (unless he's not, still time left before NHL camps). And I'm glad. He has really developed into a very effective player. A damn good defenseman. The D-corps is young (Dow, Yuen) and could really use his veteran leadership. Also, the defense has been gutted (Toll and Plouffe graduating, McIntosh waivered, Mestery retiring.) so he'll be vitally important.
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