- May 11, 2016
- 7,381
- 8,154
Belleville is still fighting for a playoff spot so, depending on the result of that, that could impact who might end up being called up to be part of the Black Aces Squad.
The primary competition for potential playing time would seem to be the very bottom of the roster. That would mean Mathew Highmore, Adam Gaudette, Dennis Gilbert and Travis Hamonic.
Donovan Sebrango is likely the primary d man given consideration, as well as Carter Yakemchuk if his WHL team gets eliminated.
In terms of forwards the primarily list likely includes Angus Crookshank, Zack MacEwen (injured), Hayden Hodgson, Tyler Boucher, Jan Jenik, Stephen Halliday and Cole Reinhardt.
Jenik, Reinhardt and Boucher all play the penalty kill. They are all faster, better skaters, more physical and provide more of an agitating presence than Highmore and Gaudette. We saw what Hodgson could do against Montreal; good straight line speed, not a fluid skater, and not overly strong defensively. MacEwen, as we have seen, has some skating and speed, but can struggle with the role adjustment of a top six AHLer to a 4th line NHLer. Crookshank got a look on the 4th line and seemed okay but doesn't stand out that much and isn't a penalty killer. Halliday isn't that strong defensively and likely wouldn't be a good fit for a 4th line energy role but could be an injury replacement further up the lineup.
The primary competition for potential playing time would seem to be the very bottom of the roster. That would mean Mathew Highmore, Adam Gaudette, Dennis Gilbert and Travis Hamonic.
Donovan Sebrango is likely the primary d man given consideration, as well as Carter Yakemchuk if his WHL team gets eliminated.
In terms of forwards the primarily list likely includes Angus Crookshank, Zack MacEwen (injured), Hayden Hodgson, Tyler Boucher, Jan Jenik, Stephen Halliday and Cole Reinhardt.
Jenik, Reinhardt and Boucher all play the penalty kill. They are all faster, better skaters, more physical and provide more of an agitating presence than Highmore and Gaudette. We saw what Hodgson could do against Montreal; good straight line speed, not a fluid skater, and not overly strong defensively. MacEwen, as we have seen, has some skating and speed, but can struggle with the role adjustment of a top six AHLer to a 4th line NHLer. Crookshank got a look on the 4th line and seemed okay but doesn't stand out that much and isn't a penalty killer. Halliday isn't that strong defensively and likely wouldn't be a good fit for a 4th line energy role but could be an injury replacement further up the lineup.
