Confirmed with Link: Official 2023 Training Camp discussion - CAMPS OVER!!!

[JT AM da real deal]

Knies JT and Lafferty i think plays great into JT's weaknesses .. lafferty can play defense in our end .. Knies can play JT down low game offensively .. JT still pretty great on faceoffs .. this is a great way to transition JT to wing

 

[Burnie97]

No one’s mentioned Abruzezze, Will he be given a chance to make this team? he got into a few games last season. He’s 24 years old so if he’s not NHL ready now I dont think he ever will be.

For this team he just seems too vanilla. Nothing really stands out with him. I hope he proves me wrong but I see more of an AHLer at this point to be honest.

 

[MarMarSab3]

Domi Matthews Marner
Bertuzzi Nylander Jarnkrok
Knies Tavares Lafferty
Holmberg Kampf Reaves

 

[francis246]

 

[notDatsyuk]

I *like* the idea of that 2nd line, but suspect it will be too weak defensively to actually run consistently. I don't see Robertson as an NHL player unfortunately. I've seen him live and I just don't think he'll cut it.

Bertuzzi - Matthews - Nylander
Jarnkrok - Tavares - Marner
Knies - Domi - Lafferty
Holmberg - Kampf - McMann

Above is what I'd like to see, but will not happen. Two versatile, 1st line calibre lines in the top-six. A sheltered scoring 3rd line with some jam. And a 4th line that can play some defensive zone starts responsibly and then get off the ice.

I hated the Reaves signing before and we can see it now. He has no utility other than gooning it up, so inserting him on any line instantly makes it nearly useless.

Nylander and Jarnkrok are both decent defensively, and I don't think Domi is as bad as some say.

On that lineup, I'd be more concerned about the third line - Tavares (our worst forward defensively) between two 'rookies'.

 

[bossram]

Nylander and Jarnkrok are both decent defensively, and I don't think Domi is as bad as some say.

On that lineup, I'd be more concerned about the third line - Tavares (our worst forward defensively) between two 'rookies'.

Jarnkrok is okay defensively. Domi and Nylander are quite bad. They have some of the worst underlying defensive metrics in the league and visually, their commitment and identification of threats in the defensive zone is extremely bad. Keefe also has consistently questioned Nylander's defensive effort.

 

[Fogelhund]

Still nothing to brag about, but at least accurate.

By the way, I think the rule here is that you NEVER admit that another poster is right.

F rules. LOL. Have a good weekend, I can admit when I'm wrong, it doesn't hurt too bad once or twice a decade.

 

[ACC1224]

F rules. LOL. Have a good weekend, I can admit when I'm wrong, it doesn't hurt too bad once or twice a decade.

I've always gone by the saying "If you admit that you were wrong then we'll admit that we're right"

** anyone know what song that's from?

 

[Guided by Veseys]

I've always gone by the saying "If you admit that you were wrong then we'll admit that we're right"

** anyone know what song that's from?

The Jellyfish Babies?
Kearney Lake Road?

 

[Silver Tuna]

I've always gone by the saying "If you admit that you were wrong then we'll admit that we're right"

** anyone know what song that's from?

sloan?

 

[Fogelhund]

I've always gone by the saying "If you admit that you were wrong then we'll admit that we're right"

** anyone know what song that's from?

It’s Sloan, Money City Maniacs… which amazingly I didn’t have to look up.

 

[ACC1224]

It’s Sloan, Money City Maniacs… which amazingly I didn’t have to look up.

sloan?

 

[KingsHockey24]

Bertuzzi - Matthews - Nylander
Knies - Tavares - Marner
Robertson - Domi - Jarnkrok
Clifford - Kampf - Reaves
*Lafferty

McCabe - Klingberg
Rielly - Liljegren
Brodie - Giordano
*Timmins

Woll
Samsonov

That's it baby.

 

[embracedbias]

Robertson-Domi is a non-starter defensively.

 

[hamzarocks]

Matthews in the Draisatl spot



If Tre is able to get a real good add on D.. Like how Muzzin was or Ekholm for EDM last season this team is somehow even more stacked than ever. We would have a legit cup champ

Connor Murphy @50% retained for 2024 1st (top 5 protected) + some prospect (idk who but not cowan/minten/niemela but anyone else)

Murphy at 2M as a relaiable solid skating upgraded version of McCabe who can pair with Mo Riles

Nylander and Jarnkrok are both decent defensively, and I don't think Domi is as bad as some say.

On that lineup, I'd be more concerned about the third line - Tavares (our worst forward defensively) between two 'rookies'.

Tavares is prob our worst defensive froward followed by Nylander

Nylander isnt a reliable defensive guy at wing and at center its a major concern

They are pretty clearly the two worst /bad defensive forwards on our team along with domi

 

[leafan11]

No one’s mentioned Abruzezze, Will he be given a chance to make this team? he got into a few games last season. He’s 24 years old so if he’s not NHL ready now I dont think he ever will be.

I think he will get some games this year but no chance he makes opening lineup . I don’t think people realize he’s a very very smart player.

 

[HockeyVirus]

Connor Murphy @50% retained for 2024 1st (top 5 protected) + some prospect (idk who but not cowan/minten/niemela but anyone else)

Murphy at 2M as a relaiable solid skating upgraded version of McCabe who can pair with Mo Riles

I don't think that is enough. I am thinking of a ROR but on defense. Doesn't seem to be any like franchise guys upcoming as UFA or playoff MVP's, but there are guys in the next tier like Hanifin this year or another player expiring in the next few seasons. Someone who could really improve the D like a legit #2 dman like Muzzin was when he arrived.

I look at Murphy as a #3 at best and I think on a contender he is #4 similar to McCabe. Unless Liljegren takes a massive step in his development and is a top pairing guy this season it's the one thing they can change to give them the best roster in the league imo

 

[notDatsyuk]

Connor Murphy @50% retained for 2024 1st (top 5 protected) + some prospect (idk who but not cowan/minten/niemela but anyone else)

Murphy at 2M as a relaiable solid skating upgraded version of McCabe who can pair with Mo Riles


Tavares is prob our worst defensive froward followed by Nylander

Nylander isnt a reliable defensive guy at wing and at center its a major concern

They are pretty clearly the two worst /bad defensive forwards on our team along with domi

I think part of the "Willy is bad defensively" comes from him playing with JT.

Willy's numbers are much better when he's playing with Matty, and Mitch's are worse when he's playing with JT. What's the common factor?

Yes, Willy will have to change somewhat if he's going to play centre, but he's played it before.

 

[hamzarocks]

I think part of the "Willy is bad defensively" comes from him playing with JT.

Willy's numbers are much better when he's playing with Matty, and Mitch's are worse when he's playing with JT. What's the common factor?

Yes, Willy will have to change somewhat if he's going to play centre, but he's played it before.

True he prob begins the year without JT so we can reassess hiw he plays defensively at C.

Hopefully works well

 

[hamzarocks]

I don't think that is enough. I am thinking of a ROR but on defense. Doesn't seem to be any like franchise guys upcoming as UFA or playoff MVP's, but there are guys in the next tier like Hanifin this year or another player expiring in the next few seasons. Someone who could really improve the D like a legit #2 dman like Muzzin was when he arrived.

I look at Murphy as a #3 at best and I think on a contender he is #4 similar to McCabe. Unless Liljegren takes a massive step in his development and is a top pairing guy this season it's the one thing they can change to give them the best roster in the league imo

Dont think there are any #2D available this year like Muzzin was

Murphy basically replaces Brodie for 3 years at 2.2M in this deal as a 3D while McCabe the 4D

We would need that 2D still L/T like you said just not sure who

Provorov was on the market but we didnt want ti get him (he is a 2D but makes a fair bit)

1st + Hirvonen for Adam Larsson maybe if the Kraken suck next year

Targets I have for now

Murphy
Pesce (likely only a rental add at this pt if the canes sell him off)
A.Larsson
Cam Fowler (not sure how long his contract is now, but the ducks have a bunch of high end elite defensive prospects so migjt wont to move him)

 

[uncleben]

Was Brock Caufield added to the training camp roster?

 

[TakeTheBody]

I can’t wait to hear the dumb Toronto media ask players about Babcock today

Maybe they can ask Mitch who are the five worst golfers on the team.

 

[IPS]

Connor Murphy @50% retained for 2024 1st (top 5 protected) + some prospect (idk who but not cowan/minten/niemela but anyone else)

Murphy at 2M as a relaiable solid skating upgraded version of McCabe who can pair with Mo Riles


Tavares is prob our worst defensive froward followed by Nylander

Nylander isnt a reliable defensive guy at wing and at center its a major concern

They are pretty clearly the two worst /bad defensive forwards on our team along with domi

We really do need another guy on D. Murphy IMO is one of the better fits in term of ability and potential cap hit.

If we don't add anyone else on D we're really banking on Liljegren having a breakout year otherwise our D looks kind of weak.

 

[IPS]

If I'm giving a brutally honest assessment:

1st line - Absolutely elite, if Bertuzzi is as advertised this is atleast the 2nd best line in the entire league, possibly the best if they really click.
2nd line - Lafferty anywhere in the top-9 is gross, and although Knies looks promising he's totally unproven. Not impressed with the line.
3rd line - Nylander at center is unproven, decent wingers I guess depending on how Domi shakes out but once again, the line hinges on a question mark.
4th line - It's a 4th line, good enough.

Top pair - Rielly - Brodie must have gotten broken up 1000 times over the last 2 years because it just doesn't cut it. Rielly got paired with Scenn and Brodie with McCabe and it was immediate improvement.
2nd pairing - Literally hinges on Klingberg achieving atleast some of his past form. The reviews about his defensive game are pretty scary. Not sure if McCabe is the type of guy who can cover up for something that bad defesnively.
3rd pairing - old man Gio needs to not be on this team anymore. We're what, year 6 or 7 in Lilly's development now? and we still got him on the 3rd pair.

Can't honestly say I'm that impressed with the first look at the lineup. Honest to god it looks like another rendition of a run and gun team that needs to rely on its top line to demolish the opposition on a nightly basis.

 

[LeafEgo]

If I'm giving a brutally honest assessment:

1st line - Absolutely elite, if Bertuzzi is as advertised this is atleast the 2nd best line in the entire league, possibly the best if they really click.
2nd line - Lafferty anywhere in the top-9 is gross, and although Knies looks promising he's totally unproven. Not impressed with the line.
3rd line - Nylander at center is unproven, decent wingers I guess depending on how Domi shakes out but once again, the line hinges on a question mark.
4th line - It's a 4th line, good enough.

Top pair - Rielly - Brodie must have gotten broken up 1000 times over the last 2 years because it just doesn't cut it. Rielly got paired with Scenn and Brodie with McCabe and it was immediate improvement.
2nd pairing - Literally hinges on Klingberg achieving atleast some of his past form. The reviews about his defensive game are pretty scary. Not sure if McCabe is the type of guy who can cover up for something that bad defesnively.
3rd pairing - old man Gio needs to not be on this team anymore. We're what, year 6 or 7 in Lilly's development now? and we still got him on the 3rd pair.

Can't honestly say I'm that impressed with the first look at the lineup. Honest to god it looks like another rendition of a run and gun team that needs to rely on its top line to demolish the opposition on a nightly basis.

You could swing the outlook the other way as well.

I think the plan might be to ride Gio through most of the season to get a feel for the priority move: is Brodie back to form, is Kling back to form, is Lily still advancing what can he do, does Benoit turn out to be nhl 3rd line ready, can Timmins cover any fall outs. Then they adjust accordingly with resources going to improve the defense down the stretch.

Change is worth a try with the forward group but I think we end up loading the first two lines, and when you do that there are less question marks.

I dont see this as another rendition of the past. For one the lineup on paper is better than the one that started the season last year. Also, we're in year one of Tre so the patient assessment is are we moving in the right direction and staying agile while we work it out. I think we are.