Edstrom looks bigger, stronger and he's putting up unexpected offense but he looks like he knows what he's doing. The lineups we're facing aren't the greatest though. That said he seems to understand that getting his big body to the net can get him goals and points.
Mancini so far it's kind of the same deal. He had two/three goals total for his three years at Nebraska Omaha and 0 with Hartford after turning pro last year but he's scored in the rookie tournament against the Flyers and twice more in preseason and he's hit iron at least once and it looks like he can contribute some offense.
To me these are the two outstanding rookies in preseason games for us.
Rempe technically still a rookie but we have a good idea what he can do. He had a nice game tonight I thought. His skating has definitely improved though there's still some awkwardness...not nearly as much though.
Othmann's had some good moments. The first game against the Devils though he was awful the first two periods. He's played all 5 games so far. Berard has only played 3 but from what I've seen I like him a bit better right now.
Well said, I pretty much agree 100%.
Mancini doesn't quite look the top-4 part to me yet, but it looks like there's a player there--one who's probably good enough to start the year with the team and who's still got plenty of muscle and reps to add to a solid toolkit.
Think that any/all of them could start in the AHL and it wouldn't be a bad thing, but Edstrom and Mancini look ready for more. Only thing with Mancini is I don't love the idea of a pairing with he and Jones right away.