Most Deserving of Looks

[pete]

I don't know if they need to hold anyone out. Camp's probably starting Saturday, right? To me, there's no reason to keep Connolly or Wyman out of the lineup tonight. They haven't made any transactions to call up someone from Florida if they are planning to do that. At least none that have been reported on the AHL website.

[pete]

Connolly and Wyman are in the lineup tonight for Syracuse. Brett has a goal.

[pete]

Palat back in the lineup is a good thing.

[pete]

Panik had a goal. Killorn 2 assists. Wyman a goal. Connolly 1 goal and 1 assist.

There's 4 guys right there who I believe deserve a shot in an abbreviated camp, and Connolly's probably already locked up his spot.

[Donnie D]

Aulie was the only player held off. It was confirmed that it is because he is ticketed to Tampa for camp.

[ChaseSpace]

Conacher deserves a look as does Connolly, Panik, Killorn, Johnson, Barberio, and Gudas. Obviously not all of these guys will get a look but I would pencil in Connolly, Conacher, and Barberio as having the best shot.

[thefly]

I think Killorn will make the team. I think the others should stay in the ahl this season. johnson and panik will get chance next seson

[sandalskate]

Originally Posted by ChaseSpace

Conacher deserves a look as does Connolly, Panik, Killorn, Johnson, Barberio, and Gudas. Obviously not all of these guys will get a look but I would pencil in Connolly, Conacher, and Barberio as having the best shot.

I'm not sold on Bergeron and Lee as definite for Tampa (though Bergeron probably has a spot by default..). I'd say Mikkelson is a legit 5 or 6 Dman, but NOT a top four, where he was miscast last season. If Barberio, Aulie and Gudas get a shot to out play those cats, they just might. BUT...The Bolts are going to want Gudas to play every night, so if he won't be a top 6 here, he will stay in Syracuse. Is there any room for more than 1 forward from Cuse to move up? (assuming connolly makes the team) Connolly might be a legit third liner for the Bolts, maybe with Pyatt and Killorn or Conacher - or even Panik? The bolts might actually get some scoring from the third line with those guys penciled in...Will Crombeen play on the fourth line with Hall and Thompson? I don't know where BJ fits, but I do know this team was SORELY lacking in the grit/ sandpaper department last season-

[nhljohnson]

Originally Posted by ChaseSpace

Conacher deserves a look as does Connolly, Panik, Killorn, Johnson, Barberio, and Gudas. Obviously not all of these guys will get a look but I would pencil in Connolly, Conacher, and Barberio as having the best shot.

On the surface, there appears to be a numbers game working against Barberio this season. However, if they are willing to bury Bergeron, Barberio's chances would look a lot better. That said, the overarching question revolves around what the Bolts brass would prefer: to have Barberio play guaranteed top-minutes in Syracuse or being part of a rotation for limited ice-time for the remainder of this season?

[ChaseSpace]

Another thing to remember, with the buyouts and the extreme shortness at which teams have to get ready for the season you could see some teams get antsy and look to buy some players after they buyout some bad contracts.

I can actually see MAB getting bought out. No point in keeping him when he's practically useless since Marty can play his position on powerplays. Salo can also replace him as well.

If teams are buying I can see them being interested in Malone, salary is less than caphit and he's decent for his role. He fills a spot here but if we get a good deal involving a good D prospect or some good draft picks I can see him being moved and letting some of the younger guys fight for that top-6 spot.