We have a replacement in Yakemchuk who I think could replace him half way through next season if he can adapt to the pro game quickly enough. I would much prefer a Kleven - Yakemchuk tandem, Yak at least brings some offence.Matinpalo is interesting. He's still relatively new to the North American game, but he is 26 (27 by next season) so how much better can he really get?
Given the aspirations of our team though, a replacement might be necessary.
We have a replacement in Yakemchuk who I think could replace him half way through next season if he can adapt to the pro game quickly enough. I would much prefer a Kleven - Yakemchuk tandem, Yak at least brings some offence.
Ive watched both, Ceci was never going to be as good as people had him pegged out to be. Yak on the bottom pairing with Kleven is perfect. Kleven is the stabilizing and they both beat the shit out of the opposing team. Just hope the top 4 dont mind picking up some PK time because between the two of them, they are going to be in the box at least once a game.I don't want Yakemchuk in the NHL at all next year, let's not Ceci this prospect of ours. Let him marinate in AHL for the full year or two.
And before anyone says "BuT Ceci hAs 800+ NhL gAmeS", I don't care. I still think his development was neutered based on how we brought him up.
Matinpalo is interesting. He's still relatively new to the North American game, but he is 26 (27 by next season) so how much better can he really get?
Given the aspirations of our team though, a replacement might be necessary.
I don't see why he'd suddenly stop getting better just as he's about to enter his prime, especially with the trajectory he's been on over the past 12 months. But even if he starts to plateau, I think the team has stumbled onto a solid third pair RHD who fits the archetype of what you'd want - big, strong, mobile. I'd be very comfortable going into next season with Kleven-Matinpalo as the third pairing.
2026-27 is when the defensive depth chart starts to get interesting. Jensen ages out, Yakemchuk could be ready, Zub is going into his final year, Klevin could be ready for a full-time top 4 role but what does that mean for Chabot...
Kleven has really impressed me, not just in the playoffs but all season really.
The play for Sandy’s OT goal was real good solid hustle.
Would like to see a bit more K-Train in the hitting department though!
Quick, make a depressing main board thread about how we're doomed to reverse the jinx!Welp, we’re getting blown out tomorrow and Kleven a -4
Jensen has lost a step with his injury issues and is getting brutalized because of it.
Chabot seems overwhelmed quite often. He needs to do better.
Hope he gets a goal or two in the next game and is at least +2 for the night.Chabot always plays well in Toronto, he's so competitive I think we will see some great hockey from Chabot in the next couple of games