I'm fine with him being the checking 3c (I think GG may have very fluid lines solely due to how well it worked with EDM) but if your gonna make him the checking line center, actually put players that can play on a checking line on his line, not just Jamie and a undersized RW
Well, that’s certainly likely, given Jamie’s slowed scoring. But they just don’t have enough high-caliber wingers right now to run three scoring lines unless the kids take big steps.
Yeah, either that or you load up your top 6 with some configuration of Hintz Rantanen Johnston Robertson Duchene Seguin. But your putting a lot of weight on Bourque to drive a 3rd line with Benn and Steel. I do think the 4th line is going to be a real strength, at least defensively, so that's one less thing to worry about.
They could still go out and get a FA winger like Lebanc Roslovic or Olofson (my pick) to play up in the lineup with Hintz and Rantanen
Hintz can score his goals from the left wing and on the PP. His speed is wasted at center where he’s not quick enough to cover quick players. He disappeared in Finland and the 4 nations. Best use imo.
Duchene, Wyatt, Steel, and Faska are your centers.
Fantastic breakdown of one of the most pressing issues that’s been on my mind this offseason.
Just some thoughts, obviously the PP was where Gulutzan’s bread was buttered in Edmonton but I remember Craig Ludwig talking in the playoffs about how the Oilers used Draisaitl on a heavy checking line and how Hyman turned into a heavy checker while still healthy.
So while I think our scoring depth isn’t as good which might mean we load up the top two lines and I’m talking about different players, it’s interesting to keep that in mind as it relates to Wyatt
I think that’s a possibility for sure. It’s interesting to step back and think about all the centers they have that might play wing this year. Positions in hockey really are becoming less fixed, and I think it’s possible the new system reflects that a bit. But we shall see.
I'm fine with him being the checking 3c (I think GG may have very fluid lines solely due to how well it worked with EDM) but if your gonna make him the checking line center, actually put players that can play on a checking line on his line, not just Jamie and a undersized RW
Well, that’s certainly likely, given Jamie’s slowed scoring. But they just don’t have enough high-caliber wingers right now to run three scoring lines unless the kids take big steps.
Yeah, either that or you load up your top 6 with some configuration of Hintz Rantanen Johnston Robertson Duchene Seguin. But your putting a lot of weight on Bourque to drive a 3rd line with Benn and Steel. I do think the 4th line is going to be a real strength, at least defensively, so that's one less thing to worry about.
They could still go out and get a FA winger like Lebanc Roslovic or Olofson (my pick) to play up in the lineup with Hintz and Rantanen
Hintz can score his goals from the left wing and on the PP. His speed is wasted at center where he’s not quick enough to cover quick players. He disappeared in Finland and the 4 nations. Best use imo.
Duchene, Wyatt, Steel, and Faska are your centers.
I think they’ll have a hard time convincing themselves to change their number one center into a wing. But anything is possible.
Fantastic breakdown of one of the most pressing issues that’s been on my mind this offseason.
Just some thoughts, obviously the PP was where Gulutzan’s bread was buttered in Edmonton but I remember Craig Ludwig talking in the playoffs about how the Oilers used Draisaitl on a heavy checking line and how Hyman turned into a heavy checker while still healthy.
So while I think our scoring depth isn’t as good which might mean we load up the top two lines and I’m talking about different players, it’s interesting to keep that in mind as it relates to Wyatt
I think that’s a possibility for sure. It’s interesting to step back and think about all the centers they have that might play wing this year. Positions in hockey really are becoming less fixed, and I think it’s possible the new system reflects that a bit. But we shall see.
Good point.
Maybe, Hyry can make the roster out of camp.