I'm sure this has already been discussed once the schedule came out, but I'm just looking at it now and seeing our last preseason game is in Philly the night before our regular season kicks off in Prague.
So, what does everyone think is the play for how to handle preseason games and when does the team leave for Prague?
I'm thinking that you have close to the final roster (maybe some bubble players getting one last look) on the 27th (exactly one week before the season opener) before leaving for Prague a day or two later. This gives the team some time to adjust to the time change, enjoy Prague a bit and handle NHL obligations and get a few practices in before the season starts.
That would leave 3 preseason games for mostly Utica to play in, so it will be a unique preseason to say the least with the roster not really getting trimmed down as the preseason goes on - especially with 3 games in 4 nights to end the preseason when the main team will presumably be gone.
Have to wonder if the final roster decisions will be made by the time the team leaves for Prague or if they bring a couple extra players to get a few more views in Prague and so as to not tip their hand on who may be hitting waivers. I would personally be on the latter, which further diminishes our lineup for the end of the preseason. Not that that really matters all that much as I think the preseason is too long anyway and would rather see our prospects get more playing time, but we're probably looking at 2-3 preseason games each for our top players.
Also have to wonder if this impacts signing guys to PTO's as it is a very condensed schedule for someone to try to make an impact when you also need to get the vets in early (not to mention the roster is already rather full as is).
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