Edstrom, Rempe, Mancini, Othmann, Berard are all players, as far as the young guys. Mancini is a top 4 next year. Edstrom and Rempe both look far more ready than last year. Rempe is becoming more moose on skates than baby deer. He probably won’t reach “final form” for another year or two. He’s goi g to be a terror. Oth and Berard need to improve their play away from the puck. I believe they will be able to work on that in Hartford. And it think both have a chance to stick with the team, but most likely around the New Year. I keep saying this, but Othmann is the type to be a better NHLer than minor leaguer. He’s not a solo highlight type player, but he uses his teammates well, makes himself available for passes and has a legit shot. And he has grit for days. Exactly what we need in the top nine. The more talented the people he is on ice with the better he is going to be. That’s my take. If I end up wrong feel free to mercilessly break my balls. Hahaha.
Kakko looks like he is coming around. But he’s looked that way before. I really think 24-72-50 will have a tangible impact this season if Chytil can stay healthy. And honestly he looks far more durable than in the past. Still needs to avoid about half the abuse he is taking.
Looking forward to the season!
As far as Rempe missing on some hits, he’s still disrupting the play. Opposing players see him coming and are way more worried about getting hit than making the play. Taking the hit to make the play isn’t an option for a player he is bearing down on. Of course he’s going to miss more when avoiding him is the opposition’s priority…