So many questions but I, for one, am excited for hockey again. I'm pissed at both parties but I love hockey and simply can't wait. I'm one of the suckers they know will come back no matter what.
As for the team, I'm OK with Jenner getting a look but think he'll finish the year in Junior. I also think there is a good chance that Johan stays in Springfield. He's playing top line minutes as a center (getting 20+ per night as I understand it) and that would be good for his development. Granted he's played in the NHL so I have no problem if he is up with the big club. Camp will decide I'm sure but I do like that he's playing top minutes at center right now. JD seems hell bent on development and continuing to strengthen the system and young players. Here's how I could see this working out:
Umberger - Brassard - Atkinson
Foligno - Anisimov - Dubinsky
Prospal - Letestu - Dorsett
Boll - MacKenzie - Fehr (sign as UFA)
extra - Gillies, Russell
Wisniewski - Johnson
Nikitin - Tuytin
Moore - Auoin
extra - Prout
Bobrovsky
Mason
Obviously signing a guy like Fehr is a crap shoot. I was looking for some more size in the lineup and someone that could theoretically play in multiple situations. Doubt it happens but just throwing it out there.
Will be interesting that's for sure.... I just hope it doesn't take too long to get good hockey happening.