From watching camp and the first exhibition game I think some of the 18-20 yr olds could find themselves on the 4th line or worse with the play of the 16yr olds. Guys like Lemieux and Garden have not only showed well, but are playing on the top lines against ohl'ers and do not look out of place. They've played well enough to make arguments for top 12 roles which pressures guys like Martin, Morneau and Outwater to perform right out of the gate this year. Also leaves little room for guys like Stewart and Morgan. Are we going to carry a 19yr old as our 13th forward, looks like it (Greenwell). If you're expecting us to contend and are criticizing based off that you are being unreasonable. But just with the addition of Protas and Belch we will be much improved over last year.
Actually some of players must be paying attention as Morneau had 2G,2A on Sunday,Outwater had a goal and an assist in that game too,and Martin had a goal.
I agree about Stewart and Morgan,they are just fill players,of the 17 forwards on the exhibition roster they would 16 and 17.
As for Greenwell,he despite an excellent camp has his work cut out for him.
Only 4 forwards out of the 17 don't have a point in the 1st 2 exhibition games,and they are the 3 mentioned Stewart, Morgan and Greenwell,who all have played 1 game,which was the 1st game vs Sarnia and the other 1 is Nathan Gaymes who is pointless in his 1st 2.
That being said his aggressiveness and toughness and unlike the other 3 his age,18 compared to 19 makes him safe.
I would probably keep 14 and 7 in the F and D,rather then 8D.
I do think Greenwell is on the bubble but if they go 14 and 7,Stewart, Morgan and Brocklehurst will be sent to B.
Brocklehurst not 16 till Dec 30 needs playing time,and with league stating you can roster 4 16 year olds but only dress 3,Belchetz, Garden and Lemieux take up the 3,with dman Carter Hicks waiting in the wings and also 16 year old goalie Jack Windbiel too.
I am going to give Greenwell some rope and with the reasons expressed above I hope at least for the start of season he makes to the 14 and 7 group,would not surprise me if Protas and Greentree get some exhibition games in with NHL teams,coinciding with the start of the OHL season leaves room for guys like Brocklehurst and Greenwell to show their stuff.