Speculation: 2024-25 Roster thread

[Rooch]

So, the Dumoulin trade to me says that after the last week the roster has been measured, weighed, and found eating by Verbeek.

So, do you think about sending Zelleweger, Mintyukov, Carlsson, and/or Gauthier to San Diego for the playoffs push? Could be good for them, could be good for the Gulls bu injecting talent, could be bad for the Gulls screwing up team chemistry.

Discuss.

I think not. These young players need NHL reps. They're each showing they're ready to compete with the big boys and I think sending them down could negatively impact their confidence. Also, if we send them down, who fills their spots in the lineup?

 

[Firequacker]

So, the Dumoulin trade to me says that after the last week the roster has been measured, weighed, and found eating by Verbeek.

So, do you think about sending Zelleweger, Mintyukov, Carlsson, and/or Gauthier to San Diego for the playoffs push? Could be good for them, could be good for the Gulls bu injecting talent, could be bad for the Gulls screwing up team chemistry.

Discuss.

I think it's risky for the Gulls (for the chemistry reason you mention) but potentially even worse for the Ducks.
To me as a player there would be a huge difference between "okay you had a good run but you're not legitimate contenders yet, we're selling Dumo" and "okay you had a good run but you're not legitimate contenders yet, so we're going to gut the roster and see if those of you we can't send down can end the season on a 13-game losing streak again".

 

[Ducks DVM]

I think not. These young players need NHL reps. They're each showing they're ready to compete with the big boys and I think sending them down could

I think it's risky for the Gulls (for the chemistry reason you mention) but potentially even worse for the Ducks.
To me as a player there would be a huge difference between "okay you had a good run but you're not legitimate contenders yet, we're selling Dumo" and "okay you had a good run but you're not legitimate contenders yet, so we're going to gut the roster and see if those of you we can't send down can end the season on a 13-game losing streak again".

negatively impact their confidence. Also, if we send them down, who fills their spots in the lineup?

If we are well out of a playoff spot with a week or so left in the season would be what I’d be talking about, and I am not saying that all would necessarily be sent down, but I think get playoff hunt/playoffs experience at any level >>> playing out a string of pointless games in the NHL.

 

[FiveHoleTickler]

So, the Dumoulin trade to me says that after the last week the roster has been measured, weighed, and found eating by Verbeek.

So, do you think about sending Zelleweger, Mintyukov, Carlsson, and/or Gauthier to San Diego for the playoffs push? Could be good for them, could be good for the Gulls bu injecting talent, could be bad for the Gulls screwing up team chemistry.

Discuss.

 

[DuckTech]

Part of me is wondering if we aren't looking at the "bigger Picture" on this one. We have college prospects that we may want to sign and let burn 1st year of contract with a few NHL games. Maybe that is our plan while giving some gulls their cups of coffee while we wait. Even if we just cycle them through for a game or two, should be fine.

 

[Firequacker]

If we are well out of a playoff spot with a week or so left in the season would be what I’d be talking about, and I am not saying that all would necessarily be sent down, but I think get playoff hunt/playoffs experience at any level >>> playing out a string of pointless games in the NHL.

Hmmm. Put that way I could see it, I do think you're right about the relative value of the games. I'd still be worried about messing with the Gulls' chemistry, and only a week-ish of regular season time with them might exacerbate that. Maybe the really interesting question is if the Gulls get any late injuries. Sending an eligible Duck down in that situation could make a lot of sense.

They would need to be sent down (on paper) before the deadline to be eligible for the AHL playoffs, wouldn't they? Am I remembering that wrong? Wouldn't be mad about at least doing that for the flexibility and seeing what happens.

 

[Leonardo87]

Hate them to lose, had some hope they could stay in a playoff conversation by the end of March, but they lost games that they should have won, and last night was just bad.

Maybe it's better they lost some of these last few games as of late. Basically sending a message to Verbeek that there still is an issue, but honestly, I think he is happy. I mean Leo, Mac, and Cutter are starting to progress well even without the best support from Cronin. The teams PP is the #1 reason our forwards are not producing more than they should.

I think the final straw, or what broke the camels back for the PP? Was having Jacob Trouba on the PP. I think they were just picking players names out of a hat at that point. What's crazy, I really want to know how the Islanders have a worse PP than the Ducks.

I did some digging, if they were middle of the league, just average they would have another 20 PP goals. Can you F'ing imagine, how that would reflect our players stats and the standings?

 

[ZegrassyKnoll]

Hate them to lose, had some hope they could stay in a playoff conversation by the end of March, but they lost games that they should have won, and last night was just bad.

Maybe it's better they lost some of these last few games as of late. Basically sending a message to Verbeek that there still is an issue, but honestly, I think he is happy. I mean Leo, Mac, and Cutter are starting to progress well even without the best support from Cronin. The teams PP is the #1 reason our forwards are not producing more than they should.

I think the final straw, or what broke the camels back for the PP? Was having Jacob Trouba on the PP. I think they were just picking players names out of a hat at that point. What's crazy, I really want to know how the Islanders have a worse PP than the Ducks.

I did some digging, if they were middle of the league, just average they would have another 20 PP goals. Can you F'ing imagine, how that would reflect our players stats and the standings?

Putting Trouba on the PP before a single forward line was adjusted was a wild decision

 

[Deuce22]

A bit concerned that Cronin is going to continue to abuse LaCombe, and that it might get worse. Last night he was clearly gassed, and it was his worst game in quite awhile. Cronin doesn’t trust Mintyukov or Zellweger and taking one his vet toys away could result in even more minutes for LaCombe.

 

[Ducks DVM]

Hmmm. Put that way I could see it, I do think you're right about the relative value of the games. I'd still be worried about messing with the Gulls' chemistry, and only a week-ish of regular season time with them might exacerbate that. Maybe the really interesting question is if the Gulls get any late injuries. Sending an eligible Duck down in that situation could make a lot of sense.

They would need to be sent down (on paper) before the deadline to be eligible for the AHL playoffs, wouldn't they? Am I remembering that wrong? Wouldn't be mad about at least doing that for the flexibility and seeing what happens.

There’s a date it has to happen by, but I’m not 100% certain what date that is. I think you’re correct though.

That would be my main concern, is screwing up the Gulls chemistry and/or devaluing the contributions of some of their players. Having an extra body or two in case of injuries wouldn’t be bad though. And the seasons don’t end on the same date, although it’s close, 4/18 vs 4/23. Ducks last game is 4/16, Gulls is 4/19, there would be 2 games they could play in post NHL season.

 

[Ducks DVM]

Part of me is wondering if we aren't looking at the "bigger Picture" on this one. We have college prospects that we may want to sign and let burn 1st year of contract with a few NHL games. Maybe that is our plan while giving some gulls their cups of coffee while we wait. Even if we just cycle them through for a game or two, should be fine.

Also the Russian kid

 

[KelVarnsen]

A bit concerned that Cronin is going to continue to abuse LaCombe, and that it might get worse. Last night he was clearly gassed, and it was his worst game in quite awhile. Cronin doesn’t trust Mintyukov or Zellweger and taking one his vet toys away could result in even more minutes for LaCombe.

I recall him burning out Fowler as well. It's like he gets enamored with a player and abuses the player until the player cracks.

I get it that Lacombe is our best Dman right now but I don't think it's ideal to play him so much, but the Old Man rides his horses hard.

 

[Deuce22]

I recall him burning out Fowler as well. It's like he gets enamored with a player and abuses the player until the player cracks.

I get it that Lacombe is our best Dman right now but I don't think it's ideal to play him so much, but the Old Man rides his horses hard.

Good point re Fowler.

 

[robbieboy3686]

Good point re Fowler.

Fowler never had the skill or drive to want to become a true #1. Maybe lacombe welcomes the challenge and actually has the skill/desire/drive

 

[Deuce22]

Fowler never had the skill or drive to want to become a true #1. Maybe lacombe welcomes the challenge and actually has the skill/desire/drive

But to be dynamic he can’t be playing 25 minutes on a back-to-back.

 

[robbieboy3686]

But to be dynamic he can’t be playing 25 minutes on a back-to-back.

Sure. But sometimes #1 dmen get and want that workload even. It’s not something that’s needed very much. But when your number is called, you respond if you can.

 

[Deuce22]

Sure. But sometimes #1 dmen get and want that workload even. It’s not something that’s needed very much. But when your number is called, you respond if you can.

I think LaCombe can be an elite offensive D. I would try to reduce his PK time as I don’t think he’s great in his own zone.

 

[JAHV]

LaCombe is not a fragile toy. He's 24. If we want to anoint him as a top pairing (and perhaps #1) d-man, he has to be able to play big minutes against good teams on back-to-back nights. Yeah, he struggled last night. That's ok, it's part of the learning and growing process for him. But he's our guy right now and he's doing well. I have no problems giving him 24-25 minutes a night.

 

[JonathnTaylorTavares]

Room temperature take, I think Cutter is going to be nasty next season

 

[robbieboy3686]

Room temperature take, I think Cutter is going to be nasty next season

Certainly seems so!

 

[Hockey Duckie]

So, the Dumoulin trade to me says that after the last week the roster has been measured, weighed, and found eating by Verbeek.

So, do you think about sending Zelleweger, Mintyukov, Carlsson, and/or Gauthier to San Diego for the playoffs push? Could be good for them, could be good for the Gulls bu injecting talent, could be bad for the Gulls screwing up team chemistry.

Discuss.

It is important to note that Verbeek rushed a plethora of youths last season, essentially making the NHL level his development level. The Dumo trade was the normal course for a Year 3 rebuild timeline, imo. This is still a development year and the many youths need the NHL experience. Thus, I'd prefer our youths who are already in the NHL to continue playing against higher level of play in the NHL than to step down in level of competition to the AHL.

The last 21 games could prove to be very instrumental in development for our youths at the NHL level and the following year. It truly helped out LaCombe last year, especially after Minty fell to injury b/c then LaCombe wasn't in a roster and side rotation any longer; LaCombe consistently played LD for the rest of the season. While a majority on this board were hating on LaCombe last year, I kept sharing he was our best d-man to end the season. Similarly, after Fowler was traded this season, then LaCombe wasn't in a rotation any longer and that consistent play paved way for his skyrocketing game this season.

Zell was called up after the TDL and got the NHL experience last season so that he can start with the NHL club this season.

As the season wore on last season, Minty got promoted into a top-4 role and struggled. Then he got injured. This season, the org was determined to shove playing defense down Minty's throat that his DZone start% was at 70% at Nov 1st, 2024. Today, Mar 6th, Minty's DZone start% is at 61%. Minty needs more NHL repetitions playing defense in order to develop his experience to understand what to do and not to do. And since Minty is our only top-10 defensive pick and it feels like Verbeek won't invest a first round pick on defenseman, then we need to develop our youth D faster at the NHL level b/c there isn't help coming anytime soon.

Following Zell's path of becoming an AHL All-star as a rookie and being called up after the TDL, RW Colangelo is getting more playing time with actual offensive players in Cutter and Mac. I'd rather continue to develop that youth line b/c they seem to embrace the roles with each other. Cutter and Colangelo are rookies, but Cutter has been with the NHL club all season long.

Carlsson needs to develop better chemistry with Zegras. The last 21 games of the season can give those two a long runway to figure things out. But I would probably alter the line. If we're thinking about the future, then maybe we swap RW's like so...

Vatrano-Strome-Killorn
Zegras-Carlsson-Terry

 

[ZegrassyKnoll]

Room temperature take, I think Cutter is going to be nasty next season

He's got that dog in him. Seeing him and Colangelo hound pucks has been really enjoyable.

 

[quackquackquack]

We gotta change our mentality folks. No more sending guys to SD. As someone said earlier, they need NHL reps. Nowwww it seems like we need a depth 7th D that can spot mins in case someone misses a game. I dont' think that should be Luneau. Needs to be a more conventional bottom pairing D guy.

 

[WhatTheDuck]

There’s a date it has to happen by, but I’m not 100% certain what date that is. I think you’re correct though.

That would be my main concern, is screwing up the Gulls chemistry and/or devaluing the contributions of some of their players. Having an extra body or two in case of injuries wouldn’t be bad though. And the seasons don’t end on the same date, although it’s close, 4/18 vs 4/23. Ducks last game is 4/16, Gulls is 4/19, there would be 2 games they could play in post NHL season.

I know for waiver eligible players, that had to be waived today in order to be eligible for AHL post season. Not sure how it works for waiver exempt guys though

 

[Ducks DVM]

I know for waiver eligible players, that had to be waived today in order to be eligible for AHL post season. Not sure how it works for waiver exempt guys though

One would assume they can have it happen tomorrow, since they can go up and down at will.

I dunno if they’ll bother, it was just a thought exercise to give the San Diego fans something to reward them after the Ducks have stolen most of the guys that you’d expect to have played there the last 2 years.