Yeah sadly if Brunicke earns a spot it'll be at St. Ivany's expense, but that's generally fine. Regardless, if Karlsson misses time, you give Brunicke his nine games to force the issue, then make the decision between him and Jack after. Who knows, maybe one of them can play the left side and they both end up playing.
- Victoro311

I haven't watched any of the preseason games, but last year St.I looked like a solid 3-rd-pair guy as a rookie, so if this 18-year-old kid is really better, that'd be amazing.

If he's really that good, Dubas better be angling to have a RD set in a few years of HB, St.I, and Letang. When EK's contract is up HB will be 21, St.I 28, and Tanger will have one year left on his deal. They should be able to trade EK before that if these young guys are forcing the issue (retain whatever is needed to get a good return).

Aho got 775k. I think I read he's comfortable on either side. If I had to guess, the pecking order for that 7th spot will be Aho, Shea, Ludvig. Brunike playing so well clouds things. If they think EK needs to miss a handful of games, putting him on IR makes all the sense in the world.
- madmike71

Was already going to reply that I think EK is trending positive. He took another step today and practiced with the depth guys. So if he's on IR, it isn't for long. They'd need to clear some temporary space, but Ned or Lizotte could probably be LTIR to make that happen.

Haase just brought up a good point if they kept Brunicke long term he'd count as their 50th contract, something teams hate doing because you can't even add a waiver player. Though we have a good chance of losing at least one player on waivers so that could resolve itself.

I think it does end up being Brunicke v St. Ivany with St. Ivany going back to Wilkes until there is a RD opening if Brunicke beats him out.

Could one of them play LD? Maybe, but it's unlikely. Most RHD are never asked to play their off-side because there is almost always a shortage of them. We all remember the disaster when they tried to make Gudbranson play LD when a similar scenario happened with Marino.

Was already going to reply that I think EK is trending positive. He took another step today and practiced with the depth guys. So if he's on IR, it isn't for long. They'd need to clear some temporary space, but Ned or Lizotte could probably be LTIR to make that happen.

Haase just brought up a good point if they kept Brunicke long term he'd count as their 50th contract, something teams hate doing because you can't even add a waiver player. Though we have a good chance of losing at least one player on waivers so that could resolve itself.

I think it does end up being Brunicke v St. Ivany with St. Ivany going back to Wilkes until there is a RD opening if Brunicke beats him out.

Could one of them play LD? Maybe, but it's unlikely. Most RHD are never asked to play their off-side because there is almost always a shortage of them. We all remember the disaster when they tried to make Gudbranson play LD when a similar scenario happened with Marino.
- Tojo.

EK also said on a podcast that his intention is to play the season opener.

In terms of Brunicke, perhaps EK needs 7-9 games to start the year to make sure he is healthy?

That seems to be the likely scenario. Let EK heal for 9 games if Harrison is playing well.

How about the situation on the left? Gryz has been a bit shaky to me. Graves has been the same as last year. Are these guys better than Pickering right now?

Why do you do this every year?
- Victoro311

Why does anybody do anything?

Why does anybody do anything?
- Grinder47

Good point

Watched a decent amount of the game. My biggest surprise was Koivenen. A couple of those other games he was pretty meh as he looked confused if not overwhelmed. Seemed like the light went on in this game. Just a preseason game, but that was encouraging.

Watched a decent amount of the game. My biggest surprise was Koivenen. A couple of those other games he was pretty meh as he looked confused if not overwhelmed. Seemed like the light went on in this game. Just a preseason game, but that was encouraging.
- madmike71

I remain intrigued by him, but don’t see him earning a call up this year. I do wanna see if he starts putting up points in the AHL once he adjusts to NA ice. He’s the X factor of that Guentzel trade.

I've watched a fair bit of preseason. Most periods of every game except the first one that was a beatdown by the Sabres opening night roster. It just seems like no matter whos on the ice/in the lineup they're in pretty good sync and I find defensively they're keeping teams to the outside a lot too. I don't remember watching a preseason quite like it. Not saying this will translate into a lot of wins in regular season, just that its cool and nice to see.

One thing is for sure: WBS is going to be improved this coming season haha

There's been 5 pre season games in total. Since the first one where they got slaughtered, and rightfully so, at 5 on 5 they have been:

53.33, 53.85, 81.25 and 70.59 in HDCF% and 54.05, 49.46, 72.82 and 59.10 in xGF%....the teams they played in those four games were dressing pretty much opening night rosters. So, the underlying's are matching my eyes. Yes, its only preseason, but it is a bit encouraging none the less.

I've watched a fair bit of preseason. Most periods of every game except the first one that was a beatdown by the Sabres opening night roster. It just seems like no matter whos on the ice/in the lineup they're in pretty good sync and I find defensively they're keeping teams to the outside a lot too. I don't remember watching a preseason quite like it. Not saying this will translate into a lot of wins in regular season, just that its cool and nice to see.

One thing is for sure: WBS is going to be improved this coming season haha
- MattStrat

I don't think you're allowed to complement the coaching staff on an internet chat board, even implicitly.

I don't think you're allowed to complement the coaching staff on an internet chat board, even implicitly.
- MickV

hahaha

I've watched a fair bit of preseason. Most periods of every game except the first one that was a beatdown by the Sabres opening night roster. It just seems like no matter whos on the ice/in the lineup they're in pretty good sync and I find defensively they're keeping teams to the outside a lot too. I don't remember watching a preseason quite like it. Not saying this will translate into a lot of wins in regular season, just that its cool and nice to see.

One thing is for sure: WBS is going to be improved this coming season haha
- MattStrat

I'll be curious about that actually. Last year they were pretty loaded with vet players who weren't good enough for the NHL, but we're top guys for the AHL team. They didn't bring in near as many this year. Guess it depends on how many go through waivers.

Prospect wise though much more interesting to follow.