Youth Movement and a Goalie Battle

Équipe: 2019-20 Sharks de San Jose

Date de création initiale: 9 sept. 2019

Publié: 9 sept. 2019

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

We’re short on the Right side. Looks like True will be given every shot to make the team on the third line but who slots in next to Hertl on line 2? I think it’s a battle between Chmelevski, Chekhovich and Suomela.

On the Goalie front Korenar seems poised to take a run at Dells backup role. Merkley is a dark horse to make the team over Tim Heed and Ferraro has impressed the coaching and development staff at development camp and the prospect tourney. Going to be an interesting camp.

I put True on the second line next to Hertl as he has probably the most mature and well rounded game out of all the prospects. He could easily slot on the third and fourth lines as well but he has more scoring potential than Karlsson, Gambrell and Goodrow.

Chmelevski slotted on 3RW next to Jumbo could make for a very exciting third line. He has the skill to produce just not sure if he’s ready.

The biggest question mark for me is the readiness of Dahlen. He has top six potential and plays at both ends of the ice. Unfortunately splitting up Sorensen (who I think is the perfect third liner) and Jumbo is not the best idea and Dahlen should not play 4th line minutes when he could get 1st line minutes with the Barracuda.

Yurtaikin also has call-up potential this season in case of injuries. He’s a great skater and is certainly creative enough. I also have a feeling Gallant and Bergmann could see some call-up duty when a “tough guy” is needed against Vegas, LA and Calgary etc. Gallant and Bergmann are both feisty and tough as nails - Prout could also handle this role.

There are four or even five spots available this year for rookies to battle for. I think if the youth don’t pan out then Doug trades either Melker or Dillon with some picks/prospects for some top six RW talent down the road.

Captain - Couture
A’s - Thornton, EK65, Vlasic and Burns

None of these lines are set in stone for me, I think at various times throughout the season we will see Chekhovich, Chmelevski, True, Dahlen, Yurtaikin, Kellman and Sund get some NHL time in Petes lines blender until chemistry is found.