Speculation: 2024-2025 General Lightning Discussion II: "Atlanticly" challenged

[JTBF81]

I get that with his toolset that's where he should be, but we haven't seen him play an NHL game yet. I'm not saying we shouldn't give him a chance, but I wouldn't want to go into the playoffs with him playing a major role when he's just being introduced to the league. I'm just saying that I hope we address our depth scoring/2rw at the deadline instead of just hoping that a 20 year old can fill those really big holes.

Next season with a full pre-season/training, absolutely give him a chance in the top 6/9.

Ideally, he would get some games in before the playoffs start, but yes, I would still rather add an NHl proven 2RW and/or middle 6 F (depending on whether the plan is to keep Paul on the 2nd line or not) than roll the dice on Howard all playoffs. Cooper has pretty much never done that anyway, so I'm sure it won't be the case this year either. I hope for one of 5 or 6 players added at 2RW at/near the tdl, then one additional add to play with Paul and Geekke on line 3 (or two here if Paul is now 2RW.for the rest of the year). Howard I'm guessing gets a cup of coffee and may get some looks between the 2nd and 3rd line, but is likely only used more in the playoffs if he has really taken off or meshed well with a specific line combo.

 

[RussianGuyovich]

I get that with his toolset that's where he should be, but we haven't seen him play an NHL game yet. I'm not saying we shouldn't give him a chance, but I wouldn't want to go into the playoffs with him playing a major role when he's just being introduced to the league. I'm just saying that I hope we address our depth scoring/2rw at the deadline instead of just hoping that a 20 year old can fill those really big holes.

Next season with a full pre-season/training, absolutely give him a chance in the top 6/9.

it's a fair concern, but generally speaking players coming out of the NCAA are in a much better position to make an impact in the NHL than ones coming out of juniors who may have been feasting on smaller competition.

i, too, fear that cooper will bury new players and not give them a fair shot, but then again geekie has gotten a much longer rope than most so maybe the old gum chewing son of a bitch is changing.

also, even if howard does go to the third line, it hopefully bumps someone else up, and alternately bumps someone else down into roles more aligned with their, uhhhhh ...talent.