Speculation: 2023-24 Roster Thread

[JabbaJabba]

We have the issue of only having 1 top 3 defenseman. We have to hope Fowler can work his magic and drag around a guy who has no business getting those minutes again.

The story of his career lol.

 

[WhatTheDuck]

Cam has proven in the past that he can handle top pairing duties and just needs a steady #4/5 defensive guy in order to tread water.

 

[Leonardo87]

I think you run…

Fowler - Gudas
LaCombe - Drysdale
Minty/Vaak - Gummy Bear
Luneau

Going to very painful to start the season, but 20 or so games in, as players get used to the system, and the kids grow, I think it will be more competitive hockey, plus will also have Killorn back.

Drysdale SHOULD NOT be going against other teams top lines. He needs to develop on a 2nd or even 3rd pairing. Stop throwing the kid to the wolves, did we not learn that under Eakins? I just hope that was just a test by Cronin and said “Nope”

Fowler - Gudas pairing could be a 2nd pairing on a playoff contending team. We aren‘t contending so will be fine for the 1st pairing. Have a lot of faith in LaCombe becoming a solid #4 guy. Need Drysdale to take the next stop, and all of a sudden we have four legit Top 4D‘s in the line up, with guys like Minty, Zellweger and Luneau knocking on the door.

Can always swap Gudas and Gummy Bear if Gudas needs to get his skating up to date.

 

[robbieboy3686]

I won't shed tears over Kassian not getting a contract, but this team really lacks toughness. Who is going to protect all the rookies or hold guys accountable for taking runs at Z? Gudas? There's literally nobody on the team that can make players think twice about taking liberties on our guys. Unless we get an enforcer it's just going to be open season on guys like Terry, Z, Drysdale, Minty, etc.

Kyle Clifford was waived today. Can he still play hockey and fight at all?

 

[Leonardo87]

This should be the roster for the first game...

 

[lwvs84]

This should be the roster for the first game...

It'll be interesting to see what the D pairs are and if they load up one line on offense or spread it out a bit. I'm hoping Drysdale is eased in on 3rd pair for a while until he gets his game legs under him. It's not like he was a seasoned vet when he lost a season, he's still developing. At that point, do you put LaCombe with him? Probably the more mature/consistent game than Minty, but then that gives Minty more minutes. Or do you put Minty with Drysdale and shelter that pairing a lot more? This will probably be an interesting but painful couple of months while players and coach figure out what works.

 

[The Midnight Burrito]

This should be the roster for the first game...

Can't think we'll be carrying 8 D all season where 3 of the 8 are kids who ought to be playing somewhere every game.

 

[McDonald19]

Can't think we'll be carrying 8 D all season where 3 of the 8 are kids who ought to be playing somewhere every game.

Probably go to 14 forwards when Killorn is activated from IR in 3 weeks or so? Easiest move would be sending Luneau to the Q.

 

[Ducks]

Kyle Clifford was waived today. Can he still play hockey and fight at all?

Clifford has only surpassed the 20 point mark one time in his career and spent last season in the AHL, so I'm not sure he's an NHL player anymore (if he ever was). He can probably still chuck 'em though.

 

[AngelDuck]

I’m not sure I understand this Luneau situation. I really hope they send him back.

He’s not ready

 

[Dirk316]

Clifford has only surpassed the 20 point mark one time in his career and spent last season in the AHL, so I'm not sure he's an NHL player anymore (if he ever was). He can probably still chuck 'em though.

He definitely was a productive 4th liner but much like Kassian he's been through alot.

 

[FiveHoleTickler]

I’m not sure I understand this Luneau situation. I really hope they send him back.

He’s not ready

They will eventually. It would be pretty shocking if he were able to play over Gudas, Drysdale, or Lyubushkin.

He also might see some time if Cronin decides to go 11-7, which I think there's a real chance of happening given the current roster construction (13 forwards & 8 defensemen).

 

[Hockey Duckie]

Can't think we'll be carrying 8 D all season where 3 of the 8 are kids who ought to be playing somewhere every game.

Probably go to 14 forwards when Killorn is activated from IR in 3 weeks or so? Easiest move would be sending Luneau to the Q.

Guess Verbeek has thrown out the "I prefer overripen prospects". I knew this year and next year were development seasons, but I meant that as a whole of NHL and AHL scheme, with the NHL club waiting on the prospects. It feels as though Verbeek is trying to jumpstart the process a year ahead, but also speaks volumes of his FA d-men acquisitions.

I'm thinking Luneau gets a 9-game look. If Luneau plays 9 contiguous games, then 9th game is on Oct 30th. Killorn injury was reported on Sept 30th and takes about 5 weeks to recover, which should coincide with Luneau finishing his 9-game NHL stint. Which RD is sitting down in place of Luneau between Gudas, Lyubushkin, and Drysdale?

Are Minty, Vaaks, and LaCombe going to be on a roster carousel? It doesn't make much sense if rookies LaCombe and Minty aren't playing all the time.

 

[Static]

With carlsson injured I do wonder if we claim someone today.

 

[Static]

With carlsson injured I do wonder if we claim someone today.

Nope, but Thompson is gone.

 

[All Mighty]

It would’ve been nice for the Gulls if Thomson got through, but I’m not surprised he didn’t. Stalock clearing is interesting. Now we have Stalock, Clang, Alexander, and Suchanek in the minors. I believe Suchanek can be sent to the WHL for an overage year, though we haven’t given him a contract yet so who knows what we do with him. Alexander probably goes to the ECHL, I’m guessing.

 

[McDonald19]

If Verbeek wants a true 4th line heavyweight face puncher, now is the time.

Only player on waivers today...is Ross Johnston (NYI).

 

[DuckRogers10]

Verbeek blows when it comes to the waiver wire.

 

[KelVarnsen]

Damn…. Thomson will be missed!

 

[DucksDefender10]

Verbeek blows when it comes to the waiver wire.

Brett Leason says Hello

 

[DucksDefender10]

Guess Verbeek has thrown out the "I prefer overripen prospects". I knew this year and next year were development seasons, but I meant that as a whole of NHL and AHL scheme, with the NHL club waiting on the prospects. It feels as though Verbeek is trying to jumpstart the process a year ahead, but also speaks volumes of his FA d-men acquisitions.

I'm thinking Luneau gets a 9-game look. If Luneau plays 9 contiguous games, then 9th game is on Oct 30th. Killorn injury was reported on Sept 30th and takes about 5 weeks to recover, which should coincide with Luneau finishing his 9-game NHL stint. Which RD is sitting down in place of Luneau between Gudas, Lyubushkin, and Drysdale?

Are Minty, Vaaks, and LaCombe going to be on a roster carousel? It doesn't make much sense if rookies LaCombe and Minty aren't playing all the time.

Also surprised about Minty. But he too could get a few games in and then be sent down for Development in San Diego.

Ultimately I was even more surprised we didn't claim Bogosian. He's a Tampa Veteran D. Which would just be an additional Big Bodied 6/7 teacher.

 

[McDonald19]

If Verbeek wants a true 4th line heavyweight face puncher, now is the time.

Only player on waivers today...is Ross Johnston (NYI).

His contract is an issue, but just throwing this out there. I know Des is a better hockey player.

Johnston 29 6’5 234 $1.1 mil cap thru 24-25.
Deslauriers 32 6’1 220 $1.75 mil cap thru 24-25.

 

[Dirk316]

His contract is an issue, but just throwing this out there. I know Des is a better hockey player.

Johnston 29 6’5 234 $1.1 mil cap thru 24-25.
Deslauriers 32 6’1 220 $1.75 mil cap thru 24-25.

Definitely not holding my breath very doubtful

 

[Kalv]

If Verbeek wants a true 4th line heavyweight face puncher, now is the time.

Only player on waivers today...is Ross Johnston (NYI).

We will not pick him. Verbeek has said he wants players who play tough but also who ''know what to do with the puck when they get it from the opponent after a hit''. Johnston is a pure enforcer, and Pat has shown he has no interest in those.

 

[robbieboy3686]

If Verbeek wants a true 4th line heavyweight face puncher, now is the time.

Only player on waivers today...is Ross Johnston (NYI).

That’s the dream player/protector for our kids!