Speculation: 2023-24 Roster Thread

[Bergey37]

View attachment 769972

I actually like the way this looks; like to see it Sunday I think.

 

[Sean Garrity]

So ,Terry demoted to the 3rd line? Cronin must read HF boards, lol.

Lol, we all know that’s for paper only but it does give better balance to the lineup.

 

[70sSanO]

So ,Terry demoted to the 3rd line? Cronin must read HF boards, lol.

That is a surprise, but Cronin has made the right moves. Can’t dispute Terry’s fallen off.

Biggest irony would be Zegras coming back as the 3rd line center only to find Terry there. What the…

John

 

[Leonardo87]

That is a surprise, but Cronin has made the right moves. Can’t dispute Terry’s fallen off.

Biggest irony would be Zegras coming back as the 3rd line center only to find Terry there. What the…

John

Zegras holding out and missing training camp, which led to the injury is his excuse, what is Terry’s?

I hate to get on players and some people have been vocal about it, but when the coach does this, then there is a problem that fans are seeing.

 

[Ducks DVM]

Zegras holding out and missing training camp, which led to the injury is his excuse, what is Terry’s?

I hate to get on players and some people have been vocal about it, but when the coach does this, then there is a problem that fans are seeing.

A new baby, likely being too far inside his own head again, and if we are being honest linemates who are playing like 4th liners. Even Carlsson was horribad in Colorado. Hopefully he gets deployed like he’s on a 3rd line and gets some easy matchups and some confidence back.

That Carlsson line scares me as far as its play in the defensive zone.

 

[Leonardo87]

A new baby, likely being too far inside his own head again, and if we are being honest linemates who are playing like 4th liners. Even Carlsson was horribad in Colorado. Hopefully he gets deployed like he’s on a 3rd line and gets some easy matchups and some confidence back.

That Carlsson line scares me as far as its play in the defensive zone.

Need to keep Zegras and Terry separated when Z returns, but I like that Cronin is trying to spread the skill around. Need depth.

 

[ScarTroy]

A new baby, likely being too far inside his own head again, and if we are being honest linemates who are playing like 4th liners. Even Carlsson was horribad in Colorado. Hopefully he gets deployed like he’s on a 3rd line and gets some easy matchups and some confidence back.

That Carlsson line scares me as far as its play in the defensive zone.

I think Carlsson will excel with Vatrano in particular, he needs someone with some speed that can find themselves open on the rush. Defensive zone will be interesting though.

 

[Ducks DVM]

I think Carlsson will excel with Vatrano in particular, he needs someone with some speed that can find themselves open on the rush. Defensive zone will be interesting though.

I think he needs good forechecking also, which Vatrano and Strome have been better at than Zegras and Killorn and Terry. He is good off the rush but it’s the extended offensive cycling where he needs someone else to do heavy lifting.

 

[Ducks DVM]

Need to keep Zegras and Terry separated when Z returns, but I like that Cronin is trying to spread the skill around. Need depth.

I dunno. They were producing tons of chances at first, just couldn’t score. Maybe a healthy Zegras who can shoot over 3% might make it work. Especially since they’ll be on the 3rd line now.

 

[Leonardo87]

I dunno. They were producing tons of chances at first, just couldn’t score. Maybe a healthy Zegras who can shoot over 3% might make it work. Especially since they’ll be on the 3rd line now.

Need these guys to get going. So I am open for whatever at this point. Lol.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

New lineup changes comment

• Vatrano-Carlsson-Strome
  • Did Mac made the wingers better or vice versa? Carlsson is good defensively, not great, but hopefully Strome can provide some def support. Carlsson does bring a bit more offensive finesse while Strome can do some of the dirty work, which he did with Mac. This might be a better sheltering for Carlsson than Z-Terry.
    
    Geez, I think the first goal scorer of the game will probably come from this line.

• Killorn-Mac-Jones
  • This will be the heavy line. They will punish, bruise, and crash the net. Mac could definitely work with this line even if Jones still retains hands of brick. Just the fact they all don't mind crashing the net is beneficial to Mac b/c he plays that power game and can use all that distraction with his sniping. I think Killorn and Mac will play off one another well, it could remind me of Mac-Winterton with the Hamilton Bulldogs. We might be able to cycle for days with this unit.

• Silf-Rico-Terry
  • Rico-Terry has been a combo before, usually it's Z on the wing when Rico takes the faceoffs. Crazy that Z-Terry has struggled this year, but this feels like a safe line for Terry to re-invent himself back to 2021-22 play. Both Rico and Silf do like living in the offensive end, doing a lot of little things.

• Groulx-Carrick-Leason
  • I like the fact we have two faceoff specialists at ES or on the PK with Groulx and Carrick. Carrick can fight if need be. Leason provides some offensive and has chemistry with Carrick.

It's good to have Johnston on the roster too b/c he does use his body whenever he's on the ice. And he doesn't get fazed or baited into taking a penalty or evening a penalty when it's just a scrum.

 

[AngelDuck]

McTavish is the best player we have and whatever line he’s on is the top line

 

[The Midnight Burrito]

New lineup changes comment

• Vatrano-Carlsson-Strome
  • Did Mac made the wingers better or vice versa? Carlsson is good defensively, not great, but hopefully Strome can provide some def support. Carlsson does bring a bit more offensive finesse while Strome can do some of the dirty work, which he did with Mac. This might be a better sheltering for Carlsson than Z-Terry.
    
    Geez, I think the first goal scorer of the game will probably come from this line.

• Killorn-Mac-Jones
  • This will be the heavy line. They will punish, bruise, and crash the net. Mac could definitely work with this line even if Jones still retains hands of brick. Just the fact they all don't mind crashing the net is beneficial to Mac b/c he plays that power game and can use all that distraction with his sniping. I think Killorn and Mac will play off one another well, it could remind me of Mac-Winterton with the Hamilton Bulldogs. We might be able to cycle for days with this unit.

• Silf-Rico-Terry
  • Rico-Terry has been a combo before, usually it's Z on the wing when Rico takes the faceoffs. Crazy that Z-Terry has struggled this year, but this feels like a safe line for Terry to re-invent himself back to 2021-22 play. Both Rico and Silf do like living in the offensive end, doing a lot of little things.

• Groulx-Carrick-Leason
  • I like the fact we have two faceoff specialists at ES or on the PK with Groulx and Carrick. Carrick can fight if need be. Leason provides some offensive and has chemistry with Carrick.

It's good to have Johnston on the roster too b/c he does use his body whenever he's on the ice. And he doesn't get fazed or baited into taking a penalty or evening a penalty when it's just a scrum.

I like Mac and Jones together and I hope they do well, because I love Max and I want him to break through.

 

[Quack Shot]

McTavish is the best player we have and whatever line he’s on is the top line

Agreed.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

I like Mac and Jones together and I hope they do well, because I love Max and I want him to break through.

Jones had a lot of promise as a goal scorer in juniors and the AHL. In Jones' first year in the AHL, he scored 14 goals in 41 games; in the same AHL season, Terry scored 15 goals in 43 games and Steel scored 20 goals in 53 games. Max nearly broke 10 goals last year, his sixth season in the NHL. The NHL jump in talent, including goal tending, is huge.

Whenever Jones is on the ice, he always uses his speed to create havoc and loves to hit - your bull in a China shop. I love that aspect of Jones, especially if he isn't scoring. Former GM Murray noted after drafting McTavish in 2021 that the team only had two other forwards willing to go to the net in Comtois and Jones.

I was re-reading Jones' scouting profile on Elite Prospects and most of it remains true to form except the "possess high-end finishing ability":

Max Jones is a diligent and hard-working power forward capable of being an impact player every shift. He's strong on the puck and routinely looks to create separation. He knows his game inside out and has a wide array of tools at his disposal. Strength and speed allow him to bull his way to the front of the net where he is relentless and creates havoc. Makes smart decisions with the puck and doesn't give the opposition time and space. Possesses high-end finishing ability and "wills" the puck to the back of the net. All-in-all, a determined forward who puts tremendous pressure on his opponents when he's on the ice. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016)​

 

[Deuce22]

Jones had a lot of promise as a goal scorer in juniors and the AHL. In Jones' first year in the AHL, he scored 14 goals in 41 games; in the same AHL season, Terry scored 15 goals in 43 games and Steel scored 20 goals in 53 games. Max nearly broke 10 goals last year, his sixth season in the NHL. The NHL jump in talent, including goal tending, is huge.

Whenever Jones is on the ice, he always uses his speed to create havoc and loves to hit - your bull in a China shop. I love that aspect of Jones, especially if he isn't scoring. Former GM Murray noted after drafting McTavish in 2021 that the team only had two other forwards willing to go to the net in Comtois and Jones.

I was re-reading Jones' scouting profile on Elite Prospects and most of it remains true to form except the "possess high-end finishing ability":

Max Jones is a diligent and hard-working power forward capable of being an impact player every shift. He's strong on the puck and routinely looks to create separation. He knows his game inside out and has a wide array of tools at his disposal. Strength and speed allow him to bull his way to the front of the net where he is relentless and creates havoc. Makes smart decisions with the puck and doesn't give the opposition time and space. Possesses high-end finishing ability and "wills" the puck to the back of the net. All-in-all, a determined forward who puts tremendous pressure on his opponents when he's on the ice. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016)​

Actually, he's a big and fast chicken with its' head cut off.

 

[quad65]

Jones is an extremely fast player, especially considering his size.

 

[Mr Rogers]

Jones had a lot of promise as a goal scorer in juniors and the AHL. In Jones' first year in the AHL, he scored 14 goals in 41 games; in the same AHL season, Terry scored 15 goals in 43 games and Steel scored 20 goals in 53 games. Max nearly broke 10 goals last year, his sixth season in the NHL. The NHL jump in talent, including goal tending, is huge.

Whenever Jones is on the ice, he always uses his speed to create havoc and loves to hit - your bull in a China shop. I love that aspect of Jones, especially if he isn't scoring. Former GM Murray noted after drafting McTavish in 2021 that the team only had two other forwards willing to go to the net in Comtois and Jones.

I was re-reading Jones' scouting profile on Elite Prospects and most of it remains true to form except the "possess high-end finishing ability":

Max Jones is a diligent and hard-working power forward capable of being an impact player every shift. He's strong on the puck and routinely looks to create separation. He knows his game inside out and has a wide array of tools at his disposal. Strength and speed allow him to bull his way to the front of the net where he is relentless and creates havoc. Makes smart decisions with the puck and doesn't give the opposition time and space. Possesses high-end finishing ability and "wills" the puck to the back of the net. All-in-all, a determined forward who puts tremendous pressure on his opponents when he's on the ice. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016)​

I think Jones can be a valuable player if slotted at the appropriate depth but there’s a lot in that scouting report which is just way off base lol. Like I would have zero idea that was for Max Jones lol. It sounds a lot like mctavish honestly.

 

[DuckDuckGetz]

I've said it before that Jones is all bark and no bite, but bark can be useful

 

[Hockey Duckie]

I think Jones can be a valuable player if slotted at the appropriate depth but there’s a lot in that scouting report which is just way off base lol. Like I would have zero idea that was for Max Jones lol. It sounds a lot like mctavish honestly.

These are scouting reports at age 17 and for what they've accomplished that far in their early career. Also, this is why the closer a player is pick to #1 overall, the better the chances that player will pan out.

In 2018-19, the forward youth contingent of 20 year olds Terry, Steel, and Jones joining the AHL made us all ecstatic! That year, Steel was 2nd in scoring with 20 goals (in 53 games), Terry was 5th in scoring with 16 goals (in 41 games), and Jones was 7th in goal scoring with 14th goals (in 43 games).

Jones was selected 24th overall. We're gambling on that talent to continue to develop and be able to produce at the NHL level. The goal scoring hasn't translated to the NHL level, but has appeared everywhere before then.

Not surprisingly, Jimmy Snuggerud, a 2022 1st round (23rd overall) seems like a Jones type player. Difference between the two is that Snuggerud stuck with the USNTDP and the NCAA route, Jones picked the CHL path.

As for McTavish, most of the scouting media and hockey fans had the following as Mac's scouting report: "has an NHL shot and nothing else". Of course, that changed for most scouting media once they actually did deeper dives, thanks to Central Scouting and EP. Hockey fans, otoh, didn't pay much attn for Mac's diverse talents before and after the draft.

McTavish	Draft Ranking	Splits
McTavish	.	Draft day	.
Scouting Media, 2021	4-Jun​	23-Jul​	Diff
Consolidated Ranking	14​	8​	6​
Elite Prospects	5​	5​	0​
FC Hockey	15​	10​	5​
Neutral Zone	21​	9​	12​
McKeen's Hockey	16​	7​	9​
NHL Central Scouting (NA)	2​	2​	0​
Sportsnet's	9​	8​	1​
Recruit Scouting	17​	9​	8​
Dobber Prospects	29​	11​	18​
Draft Prospects	14​	9​	5​
Smaht Scouting	32​	13​	19​
The Puck Authority	17​	11​	6​
TSN/McKenzie	11​	4​	7​

 

[duckpuck]

Need to keep Zegras and Terry separated when Z returns, but I like that Cronin is trying to spread the skill around. Need depth.

I like Cronin holding Terry accountable. No different then benching Z. Good for the team.

Jones had a lot of promise as a goal scorer in juniors and the AHL. In Jones' first year in the AHL, he scored 14 goals in 41 games; in the same AHL season, Terry scored 15 goals in 43 games and Steel scored 20 goals in 53 games. Max nearly broke 10 goals last year, his sixth season in the NHL. The NHL jump in talent, including goal tending, is huge.

Whenever Jones is on the ice, he always uses his speed to create havoc and loves to hit - your bull in a China shop. I love that aspect of Jones, especially if he isn't scoring. Former GM Murray noted after drafting McTavish in 2021 that the team only had two other forwards willing to go to the net in Comtois and Jones.

I was re-reading Jones' scouting profile on Elite Prospects and most of it remains true to form except the "possess high-end finishing ability":

Max Jones is a diligent and hard-working power forward capable of being an impact player every shift. He's strong on the puck and routinely looks to create separation. He knows his game inside out and has a wide array of tools at his disposal. Strength and speed allow him to bull his way to the front of the net where he is relentless and creates havoc. Makes smart decisions with the puck and doesn't give the opposition time and space. Possesses high-end finishing ability and "wills" the puck to the back of the net. All-in-all, a determined forward who puts tremendous pressure on his opponents when he's on the ice. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016)​

At this point, Jones' junior and AHL career is irrelevant. We've seen him in the NHL for parts of 6 seasons. He's at best a bottom line winger who will entice but ultimately disappoint. I like the guy - don't enjoy saying that. But it is what it is.

And just to be clear, I have no problem if Cronin wants to promote him to the top 6 to shake up the lineup. But that is not a long term solution.

Actually, he's a big and fast chicken with its' head cut off.

This. Not much hockey sense and even less finishing touch.

I've said it before that Jones is all bark and no bite, but bark can be useful

Useful on the bottom line maybe. But the ducks have lots of bottom 6 wings. I'm largely ambivalent in the short run. But hope the duck can upgrade in the long run.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

At this point, Jones' junior and AHL career is irrelevant. We've seen him in the NHL for parts of 6 seasons. He's at best a bottom line winger who will entice but ultimately disappoint. I like the guy - don't enjoy saying that. But it is what it is.

And just to be clear, I have no problem if Cronin wants to promote him to the top 6 to shake up the lineup. But that is not a long term solution.

If you didn't care to follow the thread, then Jones' scouting report, junior career, AHL career, and identifying the jump to the NHL is even bigger are irrelevant. Although, it's as if you didn't understand the conversation and just wanted to put your two cents in.

As for Jones today, everyone knows he's a bull in a China shop who's fast and has hands of brick (which I fully described when commenting about the new lineup). No one is stating Jones is a stud top-6 winger today; just stop creating a logical fallacy and attributing it to my quote.

 

[Leonardo87]

Vatrano - Mac T - Strome line made top 20 in the league, maybe shouldn’t break them up just yet…

 

[The Midnight Burrito]

Vatrano - Mac T - Strome line made top 20 in the league, maybe shouldn’t break them up just yet…

The problem is they're the only line going.

 

[duckpuck]

If you didn't care to follow the thread, then Jones' scouting report, junior career, AHL career, and identifying the jump to the NHL is even bigger are irrelevant. Although, it's as if you didn't understand the conversation and just wanted to put your two cents in.

As for Jones today, everyone knows he's a bull in a China shop who's fast and has hands of brick (which I fully described when commenting about the new lineup). No one is stating Jones is a stud top-6 winger today; just stop creating a logical fallacy and attributing it to my quote.

Then what was the point of citing an AHL/juniors scouting report? This is what you said:

"I was re-reading Jones' scouting profile on Elite Prospects and most of it remains true to form except the "possess high-end finishing ability"

Um - no. The scouting report is not "true to form" and was wrong on several fronts. Citing to it now is truly irrelevant. You are actually the one creating a logical fallacy by doing that.