Love this assessment though I still believe the Ducks need to sign another playmaking center (Hello, Grabo?). The Penner signing sank Etem's chances this year to play top line minutes but he is really good. Still a little raw but blazing speed. Excited for next year.Hey guys, long time since I've been a regular Dobber poster though I do try to chime in once in a while. Here's how I see things shaping up at the moment.
Penner - Getzlaf - Perry
Silfverberg - Bonino - Palmieri
Cogliano - Koivu - Winnik
Beleskey - xx - Etem
Holland, Staubitz
Souray - Beauchemin
Fowler - Allen
Sbisa - Lovejoy
Vatanen
Hiller
Fasth
I believe that Penner will get his shot in our top 6 and most likely with Getzlaf and Perry to start. The biggest thing he has going for him is he's left-handed, big bodied, familiarity with line-mates, and decent with board play (which Getz/Perry love board play). For a 1 year deal at 2 million, I don't believe this signing is bad. You may be wondering why I have Etem slotted on the 4th line? Well in my personal opinion I think it would be best to give him less responsibilities for his first full year in the NHL, then throwing him into a top 6 role as a sink or swim. He had success in the playoffs yes, but he was also playing on the 4th line then too vs the weaker competition. Give him 4th line duties and PK duties IMO. True the ducks have great prospects, but Palmieri, Etem, Silfverberg, Bonino in the top 6? Only one of those players (Bonino) has ever played more than 82 games in the NHL, and he's never even done that in a full season. I think it's best to temper expectations and have them ease into their role.
I don't know if I see Hiller re-signing next year, so depending how this season goes he could be traded. Due to that, I believe Fasth sees at least 50% of the starts to see if he can handle the load and then go with a Fasth-Anderson type combo. I recall reading that in the playoffs Fasth wasn't 100% healthy which is the reason Hiller was our goalie during that time.
Lydman wants to re-sign with the Ducks, and Vatanen also wants to play in the NHL. We have a logjam on defense though, so either Lydman won't be re-signed or one of Souray/Allen/Sbisa are on their way out. Lovejoy played great for us since coming over from Pittsburgh, and I like that he's a RHD, something the Ducks are lacking at the moment. Sbisa regressed last year and played absolutely awful. He is thought of having all the tools, but no toolbox. His hockey IQ has been his worst asset which is why I wouldn't mind seeing him traded, though he still is young and does have some upside.
As for future prospects, Rakell seems to be coming along nicely, and now that they traded for Noesen, I think they are going to try to be paired on a line down the future. Lindholm is also another one who could be NHL ready, as he really impressed last year. Like I said we do have a logjam on defense though. Would like to see some more out of Holland, but think he might be wasted as a 4th line C, which is why I think he might stay in the A for top line duties. Wish he was better on the draw.
That's all for now.