seroes
Registered User
After Hertl and Couture get injured again we will get to see a real treat with those guys no longer competing for the 3C spot but rather centering all 4 lines. A true shitshow
Speculation: 2020-2021: Sharks Roster Discussion Part 5
- Thread starter WTFetus
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themelkman
Always Delivers
We just have no real centers. I dont see any of those guys as good options. This isnt a good competion its just like the top 6 wing spot last year. We are going to hope Gambrell or Chmelevski takes it but its going to be Marleau and hes going to be way under qualified to do the job.
What surprises me the most is that DW didn’t bring in any veteran defenseman. After our 5 NHL defensemen, there are just big question marks.
themelkman
Always Delivers
Yeah, they are all in on:
Karlsson
Burns
Merkley
The whole game plan is going to run through them.
It puts 60 minutes of pressure on the opponent, always worried that the Sharks will spring a breakout, or make someone look silly at the blue line, and cut to the net.
It will either change the way people play hockey, in line with offensive Dmen becoming more critical in the modern game, or it will result in chaos and fail terribly, but it is a strategy that can work regardless of the rest of your roster because of how effectively defensemen quarterbacking the offence can put forwards in position to succeed.
No one they could possibly sign to fill the 3rd pairing role in that way other than Merkley, except maybe Paschinuk who has done it in college, which is obviously much different, without most of the upside, but has the ability to handle the puck. No reason to sign someone for a role that only needs to be filled if it means you already lost, which is what a conservative 3RD signing would be.
Karlsson
Burns
Merkley
The whole game plan is going to run through them.
It puts 60 minutes of pressure on the opponent, always worried that the Sharks will spring a breakout, or make someone look silly at the blue line, and cut to the net.
It will either change the way people play hockey, in line with offensive Dmen becoming more critical in the modern game, or it will result in chaos and fail terribly, but it is a strategy that can work regardless of the rest of your roster because of how effectively defensemen quarterbacking the offence can put forwards in position to succeed.
No one they could possibly sign to fill the 3rd pairing role in that way other than Merkley, except maybe Paschinuk who has done it in college, which is obviously much different, without most of the upside, but has the ability to handle the puck. No reason to sign someone for a role that only needs to be filled if it means you already lost, which is what a conservative 3RD signing would be.
one2gamble
Registered User
- Dec 24, 2007
- 17,510
- 8,817
themelkman
Always Delivers
I honestly think its a Doug not fired tank. Be good enough to not get Doug fired but dont worry about winning anything for real.
I think you guys are putting too much faith in Merkley.
Forwards:
Certain: Big 4, Labanc, Donato, Marleau, Sorensen, Noesen, Nieto, Gambrell = 11
Fringe: Kellman, True, Letunov, Suemela, Bergmann, Chmelevski, Blichfeld = 7
New: Leonard, Handemark = 2
Figure 12 on the team 3 on the taxi squad. That’s 20 guys competing for 15 spots.
Defense:
Certain Big 3, Simek, Ferraro = 5
Fringe: Middleton, Knyzhov = 2
New: Merkley, Pasichnuk = 2
Figure 6 on the team plus 2 on the taxi squad. That’s 9 guys competing for 8 spots. I guess you could include Carrick as a fringe guy but that is REALLY weak depth any way you look at it.
Forwards:
Certain: Big 4, Labanc, Donato, Marleau, Sorensen, Noesen, Nieto, Gambrell = 11
Fringe: Kellman, True, Letunov, Suemela, Bergmann, Chmelevski, Blichfeld = 7
New: Leonard, Handemark = 2
Figure 12 on the team 3 on the taxi squad. That’s 20 guys competing for 15 spots.
Defense:
Certain Big 3, Simek, Ferraro = 5
Fringe: Middleton, Knyzhov = 2
New: Merkley, Pasichnuk = 2
Figure 6 on the team plus 2 on the taxi squad. That’s 9 guys competing for 8 spots. I guess you could include Carrick as a fringe guy but that is REALLY weak depth any way you look at it.
themelkman
Always Delivers
The team still has the regular 3 (2 forward and 1 defensemen) healthy scratches available. The only reason to cut those would be for cap savings, which they could do, but I don't think will.
I just figured they would run 20 plus taxi. Save cap space to either buy at the deadline or take a cap dump.
themelkman
Always Delivers
Only on off days at home. They will need guys traveling with the team incase of a covid outbreak
themelkman
Always Delivers
They can but 26 players doesnt make any sense. They have like 3 mil space and can deal guys if they need to for deadline. Also need to waive to put on the squad. Guys like Gambrell would get claimed
Plus, I wonder if a taxi guy can be promoted to cover a pre-game injury. So, they might need 13+7+2+6=28. Probably 16F, 9D, 3G. Not much competition for the 9 D spots.
You are missing Gregor on your list and he should at least have fringe status.
Agreed for the most part. I don't see Merkley making the starting lineup out of camp. I would put my money on Middleton or Pasichnuk being in the starting lineup before Merkley. Middleton has at least some pro experience and Pasichnuk sounds like he's a strong guy with good skating who's been playing against college age kids as opposed to juniors. I would also put Pasichnuk ahead of Knyzov as far as likeliness to make the opening night roster. If Middleton is healthy though I think he's a lock at least early just due to already having played for BB at the NHL level. He also looked pretty good for a 3rd pair player right before he was injured last season. Merkley probably makes the Taxi squad though but if and when the AHL starts up I think he plays games there to get more experience. He's going to have to prove he can defend men before they're going to throw him in against NHL level competition.
As far as the forwards... My money is on Leonard and Handy being in the starting 12 on opening night since it appears DW is actually done. I really hope he's right about the young guys this time.
Also, I'll be shocked if they don't carry a full roster in addition to the Taxi squad because no one knows how the cover thing is going to impact the game to game availability especially early. So there will be a few more "spots" with the big club in the beginning.
Anomie2029
Registered User
Hard to feel excited about the upcoming season. They were already weak in forward depth, and then to lose Thornton with no 3C replacement is disheartening - especially seeing what Haula ended up going to Nashville for.
Realistically, there’s been no changes from last season and, whilst I suspect they’ll do better, I can’t see them being competitive for a playoff spot given who is in the West Division.
Realistically, there’s been no changes from last season and, whilst I suspect they’ll do better, I can’t see them being competitive for a playoff spot given who is in the West Division.
WSS11
Registered User
- Oct 7, 2009
- 6,205
- 5,497
Pasichnuk makes sense if they’re willing to play Ferraro or Simek on their off side since that would make 4LD. I see Merkley maybe coming on board later in the season especially if we fall out early.
matt trick
Registered User
- Jun 12, 2007
- 10,102
- 2,040
Than again, the reward could have been Barzal.
McDavid, Eichel, Marner, Werenski, Provorov, Barzal, Rantanen, and Hanafin.
That draft was loaded, but as I say often, if we couldn’t get one of the d-men, I wanted Barzal or Zacha...
Le Rosbeef
Registered User
- Jul 27, 2007
- 3,544
- 1,058
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