Literally all bubble players aside from the first like, which is the the predicted third line

I will be so interested in seeing some ice time for Kastelic and Boucher. After reading DJ's quotes it sounds like he wants to make Kastelic the 4th C over Grambell which I would also prefer, I wouldn't have resigned Gambrell, would have kept Gaudette tbh.

I wouldn't mind having Brassard as an extra skater and I think he would help in the room, but I don't want a player like Kelle or Kastelic losing a spot for him.

I was so fired up for a Formenton - Pinto - Jospeh third line the speed would have been a huge weapon, hopefully, they get things sorted out, but Motte would be a good Defensive fill-in for that line. Will be interesting how they go tonight.

Yeah, Ottawa's played WPG a few times in pre-season over the years. Basically how it usually shakes out is they do the morning skate in Ottawa, fly out to the Peg, play and fly home same night. They obviously don't want to put the established NHL guys through that needlessly, so they basically send the bare minimum required NHL talent and go with AHL/Junior guys the rest of the way. WPG will ice nearly a full NHL roster, and in the past Ottawa either wins or keeps it tight. Last year Pinto absolutely embarrassed Dubois in OT.

this will be a good measuring stick for that 3rd line though. They're gonna get a lot of tough match ups, so getting them reps vs guys like Connor and Ehlers is great for them. Also great for young Dmen trying to show they can defend against elite players. Hard not to feel bad for the young goalies though, they aren't really put in a,position to succeed. Maybe that's one you let a vet like Talbot tank instead, or a journeyman like Bibeau.

I think Kastelic has already earned the 4C job imo. He was miles ahead of Gambrell last year, and he's clearly better now too. I just don't think DJ is gonna come out and say that now, it's easier to just say "he's gotta come out and earn his chances".

Also, I'm firmly in the sign Brassard camp. I agree you aren't pulling Kasty or Kelly out of the lineup for him, but as a 13th forward he's WAY better than Gambrell. Better faceoffs (very important for a 4C) better defensively, dramatically better offensively if he needs to play up in the lineup. Plus he's got great vibes, and he brings more playoff experience than anyone on the team, Giroux included. Having another voice in the room who has gone deep in the playoffs, especially someone who has gone deep IN OTTAWA, is huge. Keep him all day as the 13th forward. Gambrell becomes the 14th forward, and if Formenton signs, Watson comes out and you waive Gambrell and hope you don't lose him.

As far as Formenton/Motte are concerned, it could end up Motte-Pinto-Joseph Formenton-Kastelic-Kelly. Thought that was Ottawa's best line in the win vs Toronto, they played a love vs Matthews and came out positive on xGF%. If Motte continues to gel on that shutdown line, and Formenton continues to sit at home it might end up that Forms has to wait for his chance.

Gaudette is really bad defensively, particularly at Center. I was not a big fan of Gambrell re-signing but even if he can't produce any offense, he doesn't hurt you when he's on the ice and can play center at that level, unlike Gaudette. Gambrell is like an insurance policy and if DJ wants Kastelic as the 4th line Center and Gambrell as a reserve forward, then we think exactly the same, which is re-assuring after all the mind-blowing decisions they made in the past.

Agreed on Brassard, hopefully we sign him and send Gambrell to Belleville. He's a good vet and know he'll have to sit games for young players to play. There's always injuries so he'll get his share of games

Formenton - Pinto - Brown could have been the best 3rd line in the NHL and now we're looking at Motte - Pinto - Joseph... quite the downgrade IMO



If that doesn't sell Brassard to Dorion, nothing will.