Nylander, Marchenko, Chinakhov
Sillinger, Johnson, Fantilli, Olivier
Does Pascal Vincent seem like he really has clarity on what needs done?
Do we think our Captains have the right 'voice' in the room to motivate and drive us to success? Do we need more vocal captains (Kuraly), instead of ones that simply demonstrate professionalism (Jenner, Werenski, Gaurdreau)? Gudbranson's style is unknown to me, but he sees very articulate.
What did we hear that we liked?
What did we hear that was alarming?
What questions do we want answered for next season?
3 comments
1. I really liked what I heard from Nylander. He seems keenly aware that this may be his last shot at staying at the NHL level. I think this will motivate him this off season. I’d bet really good money that Nylander will come out of the gates like his brother, as opposed to an AHLer.
2. I am very curious what weight Kent Johnson comes in at for training camp. I feel like he’s a superstar-in-waiting that just needs to put some muscle on.
3. Will Voronkov’s faceoff ability improve? He’s an Ogre, and we love him for that, but 42.2% on faceoffs means we can’t give him as many opportunities as we would like. Sillinger is at 45.8%, Kuraly is 49.9%, and Jenner is 54.1%. A crucial faceoff means that Jenner’s going out, unless he just came off the ice in which case Kuraly takes it. I have faith that Sillinger will make progress. Will Voronkov? I’d really love to have him as one of our top centers, but he can’t do it with that faceoff percentage.
4. Will Patrik Laine come back? If he does, where will his skill be? Is he training still, or is he rusty? He has declined an invitation from Finland for the World Championships. Very curious how he is. I wish for the best, obviously. I hope he comes back, and emerges like a phoenix from the ashes.
5. What is the answer for Merzlikins? If it were up to me, I think we look for a trade partner with up to 50% salary retained by us. I don’t think we find a trade partner. I think we end up keeping him this season, and buying him out next off season. This seems to be the best balance in our club’s experience curve and financial situation.
We need player leadership that will vocally hold other players accountable. We don’t have that right now.
I thought Merzlikins sounded like he didn’t have much self awareness.
I love Sillinger.
In all honesty, Vincent gave a good speech, and with different assistant coaches and different roster construction, I’m not sure letting him stay one more year is the wrong decision.