San Jose Barracuda’s Roster Overhaul | Can NEW Signings REPLACE Top-End TALENT?

4 comments

1. The goaltending probably is the biggest question mark, but Carriere and Skarek are a good age (24/25) to perhaps find more consistency and take a step in their development. Remember that Askarov only played in 22 regular season Cuda games last year between his injuries and callups. He might not be missed as much as it seems.

2. Include me in the Matt Davis fan club.

   It'll be really interesting as so much experienced talent departed (Pots, Schuldt, Graf, Mukh). The talent coming in is pretty high-level for the AHL, but its young (Lund, Chernyshov, Halttunen) and the AHL is a man's game. Also seems like the Sharks could force some demotions (Grundstrom, Dellandrea?). Ostapchuk also, as I think Giles is just better. A bit short on 2-way contracts, so GMMG gonna need to make some calls which risk losing guys on waivers. Wouldn't surprise me if Grier adds via other teams doing that (he acquired Goodrow and more recently, Leddy that way) as other teams finalize opening game rosters.

   Was happy to see the 'Cuda playing in big games again. Hope to see that again, as the pipeline benefits a lot from playing AHL playoff games.

   Also, stick tap to JD for so much content during the quiet of summer!!! I'm not saying you should take a vacation, but … its August!!

3. Very good analysis. A lot will depend on who sticks with the Sharks and how ends up with the Cuda, but your thoughts I believe are the most likely.

   It is possible that Ostapchuk and Thompson starts the season with the Cuda, and if they do then the team is what you said. A lot deeper, but I would argue more talented just not as experienced.

   Losing the players you noted hurts, but I always go back to the thought from a former assistant GM; AHL, teams have one of two purposes. Either to win the Calder or develop prospects.

   IMO, the Cuda are there to develop prospects first and win the Calder second. Making the playoffs to help with the extra competitive environment is desired, but in the end, the organization (specifically the Cuda) will not be judged on whether they win the Calder.

   They will be judged on whether they developed the prospects they were given well enough that they reached their potential or exceeded it.

   I like the additions as (to an extent) they have filled the holes left by the departing players just not completely.

   Losing Frisch and some others on defense hurts, but not as much as losing Schult. Schult was their captain and a very good and experienced defensive defenseman. Signing Clayton helps but Schult is the better of the two.

   Muk going to the Sharks also hurts, but with the continued recovery of Carlsson and the rise of Cags along with the addition of an offensive minded defenseman like Havelid, I think that loss is well mitigated.

   And IF Thompson is with the Cuda, the defense looks more balanced than last season. On the right: Thompson, Clayton. Gormley and Havelid. On the left: Carlsson, Cagnoni, Havelid, Furlong, Houle and Bech.

   The goalie situation is definitely is going to take a hit with Asky leaving for the Sharks, but like you, I think Skarek was a solid addition and should provide solid experienced goaltending. This will allow Carriere to continue to develop without the unnecessary pressure of being the number one goalie in his sophomore season.

   The forwards lost a lot of offensive punch losing Bords, Gush and Potsy. They also lost some size with Duehr and Sabourin (along with experience), but this was mostly mitigated with their additions.

   Laberge effectively replaces Sabourin in size and physicality and Huttington provides experience and some scoring but neither makes up for the offensive losses.

   Afanaysev will also add scoring and size to the mix. Last he played in the AHL he was almost a point a game player and has some NHL games under his belt.

   But with the rookies Lund, Haltunnen, Chenyshov and Musty; the continued progress of Bystedt, Giles and Cardwell; and he possibility of additions to the Cuda by subtractions by the Sharks (whoever does not make the team like Ostapchuk as an example) this should also be mitigated.

   Not to be forgotten the additions Olausson and Bowers added to the returns of Regenda and White as free agents and it becomes possible that this forward group will not just be deeper and bigger but overall more talented.

   Looking forward to seeing what happens once training camp wraps up and the Cuda roster is more set. Who knows? They might add a piece or two before all is said and done. Gonna be a fun season for both the Sharks and the Cuda.

   I simply cannot wait! The future is teal!

4. Tuna, Must, Cherny & Lund all have higher ceilings than Potsy. I think Grafer would make an excellent Captain of the Cuda! It’s too bad Misa can’t play in the AHL, because I worry about the center depth of the Cuda. I can see Bystedt & Ostapchuk in elevated roles this year for big time growth!! One more center, maybe Grafer or Musty tries center to expand their 2-way game… to develop great habits for the NHL.