Rosters shapes up for new season

by **BuffonIdol** Thu Jan 24, 2013 4:54 am

With pre-season rapidly approaching the rosters in Chatham and Portsmouth are beginning to take shape with fans being treated to a number of free pubic scrimmages.

In the pros forwards the departures of TJ Oshie and Enver Lisen mean Brett Connolly and Scott Glennie will be given every opportunity to stake their places for a top six spot, with Matt Moulson waiting in the wings should either of them fail to impress. The Kostitsyn brothers have asked management for more ice time together and arrangements are being made to accommodate this. New boy Jackub Voracek signed a $36.6m contract and looks set to ride shot-gun with star player Jonathan Towes breaking the long established partnership with Daniel Sedin who will play on Vinny Lecavalier's line. The assistant captain's future continues to be cast in doubt with rumours flying about a pending trade for a younger centre.

On the blue-line General Manager Buff acted ruthlessly after his public outburst about ill-discipline against the Beefs in last season's play-offs. Dennis Siedenberg, one the the culprits, was shipped off to the Ant Hill Mob in the deal that saw Voracek and Glennie arrive in exchange for Oshie and Lisen. James Wisniewski and Mark Stuart, the other two penalty felons, look set to be traded after Ryan Sutter was brought in to play partner to captain Andy Greene whilst Jack Johsnon will now partner Dennis Wideman to round out the top 4. Johnson's place alongside Colin White will be taken by Jonny Boychuk whilst Buff has already stated he will sign a 7th D man given Jonny's lack of fitness.

Jose Theodore should be given the chance to cement his position as the team's #1 netminder whilst the battle to back-up will be fought out between Anders Nilsson, Josh Harding and Jason Lebarbera.

The farm forwards have taken many hits over the past few season and will once again be filling gaps left by the departed Nazem Kadri (trade), Brett Connolly (promoted) and Owen Nolan (retired). Jeff Jopter will be expected to play a larger role this season whilst draftees Artturi Lehkonen and William Carrier will jump straight into top 9 duties. Fillip Fosberg and Jonathan Huberdeau will once again spearhead the attack and could be joined by Matt Moulson to create a truly terrifying line. Saku Koivu will return to provide veteran presence once more.

On defence the young trio of Mark Pysk, Bart Crashley and Lance Pitlick continue their development under the tutelage of Toni Lydman. Ned Zepplin will have a role to play this season as might the intriguing Bo Finidol. Where Stuart and Wisnisewki end up is as yet unknown.

The losers of the pro battle will find themselves in a new battle with Cam Ward and Illy Bryzgalov who are both keen to provide their worth after recent struggles.

The pro teams will be aiming for a repeat of last season's regular season performance and building on a first round play-off exit. Supremo Buff is said to be extremely pleased with the balance of the roster given the challenges presented by the very powerful new Prego division. He has however not ruled out one further move, acknowledging the second line centre is one area he is keen to upgrade.

The farm will hope to return to the play-offs after missing out for the first time last season. Buff admits given the decimation of talent and improvement of his rivals this will prove a difficult task but recognises that it is crucial to prospect development. Moves to increase the depth charts including trading out established pros is being considered as an option.