Speculation: 2023-24 Roster Thread

[Deuce22]

A lot of drama about nothing. Taking practice pairings as some kind of set in stone lineup decision is a bit much. If your favorite guy is on the 4th pair at practice, wait and see how it plays out before you get upset. I like the fact that they are taking an early look at some younger D. If they are in over their head, adjustments can be made.

 

[Mr Rogers]

Luneau isn't really needed on the Ducks right now either. It's an interesting decision for sure, there's gotta be something they believe in strongly.

 

[lwvs84]

Lacombe has a long history of playing the right side, and I believe he played there in a couple of preseason games as well. Just something to keep in mind.

True, but the problem is who to sit on the right side. I feel like the left has a lot more question marks and LaCombe will probably play on that side. After Fowler, it's all up in the air while on the right, we know that Gudas, Lubushkin, and Drysdale are NHL players (Dry just has the missed season/camp conditioning question).

 

[DavidBL]

Imo Leneau is still here just as insurance while Drysdale gets up to speed.

 

[FiveHoleTickler]

There appears to still be a little tinkering with the defense pairs.

 

[Ducks DVM]

There’s a big difference between a dumpster fire in the CHL and a dumpster fire in the NHL as a 19 year old. He’s not going to be overwhelmed on his junior team no matter how bad they are

He’s not going to be overwhelmed, but he’s very likely not going to be developing much in that environment either. At a minimum, he won’t be developing any anywhere near the degree to which he could be.

 

[robbieboy3686]

There appears to still be a little tinkering with the defense pairs.

They seem to really want cam/Jamie first line. And I agree that rotating the kids with big rugged dmen in Gudas and lubush will allow them to play with their heads held higher as well as it works stylistically

 

[AngelDuck]

He’s not going to be overwhelmed, but he’s very likely not going to be developing much in that environment either. At a minimum, he won’t be developing any anywhere near the degree to which he could be.

Agreed I’m just not sure the NHL is a better option considering he’s behind Gudas, Drysdale, and Lybuschkin on the right side. Tough one

 

[TheGoodShepard1]

There appears to still be a little tinkering with the defense pairs.

I still need Bush and JD to be switched. Bush is a better, more traditional fit next to Cam and puts Drysdale in a sheltered 3rd pairing role instead of having him get caved in against the opposing teams top line until he gets acclimated

 

[Ducks DVM]

There appears to still be a little tinkering with the defense pairs.

I don’t think anything on this team is remotely set yet

 

[FiveHoleTickler]

I don’t think anything on this team is remotely set yet

If it's going to be as rough of a year as we anticipate, I'd be surprised if anything lasted more than a week.

We're short 4 guys and it isn't even game 1 yet.

 

[robbieboy3686]

I still need Bush and JD to be switched. Bush is a better, more traditional fit next to Cam and puts Drysdale in a sheltered 3rd pairing role instead of having him get caved in against the opposing teams top line until he gets acclimated

Can’t say I disagree

 

[McDonald19]

Cronin is going to learn the hard way that Fowler-Drysdale pairing doesn’t work. (A few garbage goals with Drys and Fowler unable to clear the crease).

 

[robbieboy3686]

If it's going to be as rough of a year as we anticipate, I'd be surprised if anything lasted more than a week.

We're short 4 guys and it isn't even game 1 yet.

Benoit beulieu who are nothing more than #7/8 Dmen. We’re replaced by gudas a proper 2nd pairing dman and Labush a proper 3rd pairing dman. And draydale replaces a guy like harrinigmton another 7/8. I think a lot of you super underestimate how much more competitive we will be this season. Thats not even mentioning killorn being added and natural progression of Big Mac and zegras( all of which when healthy will help push guys like strome and Vatrano down to proper 3rd line rolls) And I forgot to mention that our #2 pick already looks like a proper top 6 player now.

 

[The Midnight Burrito]

Benoit beulieu who are nothing more than #7/8 Dmen. We’re replaced by gudas a proper 2nd pairing dman and Labush a proper 3rd pairing dman. And draydale replaces a guy like harrinigmton another 7/8. I think a lot of you super underestimate how much more competitive we will be this season. Thats not even mentioning killorn being added and natural progression of Big Mac and zegras( all of which when healthy will help push guys like strome and Vatrano down to proper 3rd line rolls) And I forgot to mention that our #2 pick already looks like a proper top 6 player now.

Best case scenarios all around!

 

[robbieboy3686]

Best case scenarios all around!

I mean. Can anyone argue against the cases being made? Carlsson is the only one that needs proof.

 

[cheesymc]

I still need Bush and JD to be switched. Bush is a better, more traditional fit next to Cam and puts Drysdale in a sheltered 3rd pairing role instead of having him get caved in against the opposing teams top line until he gets acclimated

I agree... I'm not feeling the Fowler - Drysdale pairing. We need to somehow find a way to upgrade with a team looking to make a trade.

I wonder if we could get someone like Kleven if we took on Joseph's contract... but we would need to convince them to take something like Vaak + McGinn at max retention (or Bo?). It sounds like Ottawa is liking Kleven so we would have to add unless the rumor of them being desperate for cap space is true.

Fowler-Lyubushkin
LaCombe-Gudas
Kleven-Drysdale

Kleven (rookie) isn't ideal though and I'd prefer an established veteran like a Jacob Middleton type of player. It think that would give Drydale more confidence, especially offensively. I just don't see anyone available right now who would be available so we will have to just run with what we have.

This would also let us rotate calling up our prospects.

 

[AngelDuck]

I agree... I'm not feeling the Fowler - Drysdale pairing. We need to somehow find a way to upgrade with a team looking to make a trade.

I wonder if we could get someone like Kleven if we took on Joseph's contract... but we would need to convince them to take something like Vaak + McGinn at max retention (or Bo?). It sounds like Ottawa is liking Kleven so we would have to add unless the rumor of them being desperate for cap space is true.

Fowler-Drysdale
LaCombe-Gudas
Kleven-Drysdale

Kleven (rookie) isn't ideal though and I'd prefer an established veteran like a Jacob Middleton type of player. It think that would give Drydale more confidence, especially offensively. I just don't see anyone available right now who would be available so we will have to just run with it.

This would also let us rotate calling up our prospects.

Lybuschkin was brought here to play and is going to be in the lineup this season

 

[robbieboy3686]

I agree... I'm not feeling the Fowler - Drysdale pairing. We need to somehow find a way to upgrade with a team looking to make a trade.

I wonder if we could get someone like Kleven if we took on Joseph's contract... but we would need to convince them to take something like Vaak + McGinn at max retention (or Bo?). It sounds like Ottawa is liking Kleven so we would have to add unless the rumor of them being desperate for cap space is true.

Fowler-Drysdale
LaCombe-Gudas
Kleven-Drysdale

Kleven (rookie) isn't ideal though and I'd prefer an established veteran like a Jacob Middleton type of player. It think that would give Drydale more confidence, especially offensively. I just don't see anyone available right now who would be available so we will have to just run with it.

This would also let us rotate calling up our prospec

Lybuschkin was brought here to play and is going to be in the lineup this season

He’s been very solid the times I’ve seen him play so far

 

[AngelDuck]

There appears to still be a little tinkering with the defense pairs.

That bottom 6 is just horrendous. As bad as last year if not worse. I understand there are a couple key players injured but Jesus Christ. To be honest that 2nd line is woof too

 

[cheesymc]

He’s been very solid the times I’ve seen him play so far

Oh, correction. Bush with Fowler.

 

[Bergey37]

I still need Bush and JD to be switched. Bush is a better, more traditional fit next to Cam and puts Drysdale in a sheltered 3rd pairing role instead of having him get caved in against the opposing teams top line until he gets acclimated

I agree with the swap, but I'd also like to see a Vaaks/Drysdale pairing for a bit to see how that works.

 

[robbieboy3686]

I agree with the swap, but I'd also like to see a Vaaks/Drysdale pairing for a bit to see how that works.

That pairing is way way to soft imho

 

[Ducks DVM]

The problem with the defense is that none of the RD belong anywhere near top pairing duties. Neither does Fowler without another top pairing (and physical) guy. Which means everyone on the right side is going to likely be playing above where they ought to be, meaning the defense is going to get caved in repeatedly until they get used to all new partners and systems, and then likely they’re going to just be bad. The left side also doesn’t have a legit 2nd pairing guy yet either.

Better than last year is still bad.

 

[Ducks DVM]

That bottom 6 is just horrendous. As bad as last year if not worse. I understand there are a couple key players injured but Jesus Christ. To be honest that 2nd line is woof too

I like Jones and Carrick, and I have hopes that Leason may at least not be a black hole based on preseason. Small hopes, but hopes. He and Carrick appeared to have good chemistry at least.