Quote:
Originally Posted by bansebe
Is this a joke? This is not in anyway what the lineup will look like, you might as well have Cujo ahead of Toskala!
What a mess! Firstly, Grabovski is getting 2nd line minutes this year, we didn't trade for him to have him sit as the 13th forward. Fletch also said he will get his ice time. Secondly, you didn't factor in Kulemin who is clearly on the team this year and most likely will also receive second line minutes. Tlusty is not a 3rd (or 4th - don't know why you have him twice) line player. He was last year but this year he is expected to do a little more. The guy played all last season - and played very composed I might add - with the big club and some of you are saying he may go down to the Marlies this year? What kind of backwards thinking is that for a rebuilding team? He put in 10 goals as a rookie, he's staying with the big club and he's going to get a chance to shine this year. You can safely assume one line that may have a chance to stick together all year and possibly longer is Tlusty-Grabo-Kulemin (Kulemin is a lefty who likes to play RW). These players all compliment each other with Tlusty being the grinder on the line, Grabo the playmaker and Kulemin the snipe. Lets hope we can see some production out of these guys.
Next up, Hagman is not a first line player, typical reaction to a new signing in leaf land... Blake/Steen has a better chance at playing in his spot on the first line. Hagman will be a 3rd line winger, most likely playing with Stajan and whomever doesn't squeeze into that first line (Blake/Steen).
The 4th line will definitely include Hollweg, as Fletcher has mentioned publicly that he expects to see a lot of him this year. He will be joined by Mayers (again, who thinks this was a bad trade and this guy will be a scratch?? Just wait until you see him play Leaf fans will love this guy, heart and soul type player, also a leader) and one of Bell/Devereaux/Moore.
On D Stralman is EASILY in the top 6, maybe top 4. White will be on the outside looking in and I wouldn't expect to have both McCabe and Kubina in that lineup. Maybe in training camp but not throughout the season.
You also forgot about the new Swede Jonas Frogren coming over. Fletcher and Wilson will be giving him a shot at the top 6 as well.
Given that we're still in July, these lineups are really pointless since we can expect some more movement out of Fletch. Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see Mats resigning with us. Still fun to discuss though...
Here's my starting night lineup:
Poni-Antro-Blake
Tlusty-Grabo-Kulemin
Hagman-Stajan-Steen
Mayers-Moore-Hollweg
Devereaux/Bell
Kubina-Kaberle
Coliacovo-Finger
Stralman - Frogen
McCabe(?)/White/Kronvall
Not saying that lineup sticks but I think that's what we'll be seeing for Game #1 (assuming there is no Mats). With Sundin back it creates even more of a logjam on forward... expect movement if thats the case!
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Fletch is not the coach; Wilson will decide who gets the minutes. Grabovski is not a typical Ron Wilson type player, thus I believe Hagman will get more ice time (because he does fit into his system).
Kulemin may need some time to adjust to the North American game, this doesnt mean he wont play for the Leafs this season, it means he may start out with the Marlies. Which isnt out of the realm of possibilities.
As for Tlusty, minus Sundin, there isnt much change up front in terms of top 6 forwards. Thus, I believe Tlusty will have to battle for his top 6 minutes, like any other forward. Again, this doesnt mean these lines are definite.
Furthermore, when I made the original post, Hollweg wasnt a Leaf player. Therefore its unfair to put that in my face. Look at the thread name, and the date.
Stralman is not a top 4 defensemen, not yet atleast. He's still a liability defensively, due to his lack of strength. The Leafs have a top 3, then if you consider Finger and Coliacovo, you have Stralman at 5 at the very least. Last season, White played more often, which is why I gave him the nod over Stralman. Personally I prefer Stralman to White, however come opening day, if there's no trades made from here to there, Stralman will be able to be sent down the AHL without clearing waivers. Whereas, White would have to clear waivers. I honestly, wouldn't want to lose White for no apparent reason, because he does have offensive upside, and a value on the market.
I didnt forget about Frogen, again at the time, he wasnt a Leaf player. In fact, he isnt a Leaf player as we speak. The NHL intercepted the transfer.