Every NHL Team's Most Intriguing Position Battle in the 2015 Preseason
All 30 NHL teams entered training camp with most of their roster set, but there are always battles for spots, and some of them are in prominent roles.
Trades, free-agent adds and losses, highly touted draft picks pushing for jobs, and injuries all create chaos and opportunity for players to make the grade or move up the depth chart. For some teams, a big addition may play on one or more lines, and those decisions may take much longer than training camp to decide.
Here is a team-by-team look at the biggest battles during training camp and their possible outcomes.
Anaheim Ducks: Who's in Goal?
1 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Anaheim Ducks are a veteran team designed to win the Stanley Cup. At the same time, they have two talented but young goalies who are emerging as No. 1 options. The two things rarely result in a Stanley Cup, and that's an issue.
Key Incumbents: The Ducks ran with Frederik Andersen much of last season, and he now has 82 games during the last two regular seasons.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: Anaheim acquired Anton Khudobin during the summer, hoping to give the position more veteran presence. He is 29 and saw his first NHL action in 2009. Clouding the situation is the brilliant John Gibson, who appears to be the eventual No. 1 goalie in Anaheim. He recently signed a three-year extension—Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com tweeted the news—and despite his brilliance he could find himself in the AHL this year.
Arizona Coyotes: Cobbling Together a Scoring Line
2 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Arizona Coyotes scored only 170 goals last season—No. 29 in a 30-team league—and have few talented offensive players. The team can't climb into playoff contention without a major increase in goals—it needs a top line that can score but has few viable options on the wing.
Key Incumbents: The Coyotes have some depth at center. Martin Hanzal is a strong option—he led the team in five-by-five points per 60 minutes last season. Antoine Vermette was traded at the deadline and returns to Arizona with a Stanley Cup ring and the ability to help the Coyotes improve.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: Mikkel Boedker is a legit scoring winger who posted 28 points in 45 games last year. Shane Doan is available, but the Coyotes may be wise to place him in a lesser role this year. Max Domi is 20 and has been an impact scorer in junior hockey for three seasons. Arizona drafted Dylan Strome in June, but he may already be the best offensive prospect in the system. Anthony Duclair is another quality prospect who could emerge to help the offense. Tobias Rieder played last season and could take on a more substantial role this year.
Boston Bruins: Who Is Playing Defense?
3 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Boston Bruins had a bizarre summer, adding veterans in some areas while also trading away important players such as Milan Lucic and Dougie Hamilton. After the dust settled, it was pretty obvious the team had a problem with depth on defense.
Key Incumbents: Zdeno Chara can still impact a game at both ends of the ice if he's healthy, and Dennis Seidenberg is a quality veteran when in the lineup. Torey Krug and Adam McQuaid give the team some options—Krug is an emerging offensive talent—and the Bruins have part-time players such as Kevan Miller who could step up this year.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: Two candidates who could have a substantial impact this season are Matt Irwin and Zach Trotman. Irwin has more than 150 games of NHL experience and should have a strong impact on the roster, and Trotman gives Boston another defensive option who can help in a complementary role. Boston's defense is razor-thin and heavily dependent on Chara and Seidenberg—two veterans with injuries in their recent past. It's doubtful the Bruins will get through the season without making a trade or a waiver claim.
Note: Seidenberg is already hurt, facing eight weeks out of the lineup, according to the Boston Bruins website.
.png?w=256 "NHL Mock Draft")
.jpg?w=256 "Kucherov Landing Spots")
.png?w=256)
Buffalo Sabres: What to Do with the Sudden Riches at Center?
4 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Buffalo Sabres addressed needs by the bushel this summer and approach the coming season with an incredible improvement at center. Ryan O'Reilly, David Legwand, Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart are all either ready or pushing for a major role in Buffalo.
Key Incumbents: Zemgus Girgensons is a unique and delightful player and should be more effective with all the help that's on the way. Among Buffalo's centers a year ago, he's the only one likely to play a major role, although Cody McCormick may contribute in a depth role.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: The turnover at the position over one summer is stunning. O'Reilly is likely to be No. 1 on the depth chart—and he should get top wingers such as Evander Kane and Tyler Ennis—but after that it's a free-for-all. Legwand is a strong candidate for the No. 2 job and could be a mentor to Eichel or Reinhart if one of them moves to wing. It's possible Eichel wins a starting center job, with Girgensons and perhaps McCormick as the No. 3 and No. 4 centers, respectively. That would move Reinhart or Eichel to wing and may in fact be the best solution for this season.
Calgary Flames: The Crowded Goalie Issue
5 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Calgary Flames are in a strange spot in goal. They have a highly touted college player, a blossoming pro on a one-way deal and two veterans who will be unrestricted free agents next summer. We're likely to see significant movement this season in goal.
Key Incumbents: Calgary ran with Jonas Hiller and Karri Ramo last season, with both men playing well enough to backstop the team into the playoffs. The two men split time during the postseason and look to be NHL goalies in 2015-16.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: The Flames have a substantial prospect in Joni Ortio—who is signed to a one-way deal—and based on minor league performance he's ready for an NHL role. It makes sense for him to play this season, as the Flames have another top prospect—college man Jon Gillies—ready to turn pro in 2016. Expect a trade sooner than later.
Carolina Hurricanes: Who Plays Defense?
6 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Carolina Hurricanes are not competitive with the combination of veterans and young players in their system, so they need to upgrade. One area we could see that happen this season? Defense. The club made an astute trade for veteran James Wisniewski over the summer, but there's going to be a battle for playing time on the blue line.
Key Incumbents: Justin Faulk is a quality pro and the most important player on defense this coming season. Veterans Ron Hainsey and John-Michael Liles will be key, and Michal Jordan played half a season with the big club and may hang around longer this year.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: Noah Hanifin was drafted No. 5 overall at the 2015 draft and signed later in the summer. His talent level is elite, so if he's close to NHL-ready, Carolina will probably keep him. Ryan Murphy was up and down between the AHL and NHL last season and may find full time employment this year. Keegan Lowe played two NHL games last season and is in the mix, and it's possible Haydn Fleury surprises everyone, although another year in junior is more likely.
Chicago Blackhawks: How Does the Defense Line Up?
7 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Chicago Blackhawks won another Stanley Cup this year and once again followed it by turning over their roster. This is becoming routine, and the team has become adept at adding pieces to a quality cluster of talent. Can it do it again with this defense?
Key Incumbents: Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Niklas Hjalmarsson are three of the most effective players in the game today. That trio will be central to Chicago's success in 2015-16.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: Trevor Daley was a key offseason pickup, but his possession numbers as a member of the Dallas Stars are a concern. Michal Rozsival is a reliable veteran who has been able to help the cause when healthy and should be a big part of the team. David Rundblad and Trevor van Riemsdyk played support roles last season and may see their playing time increase. Jan Hejda and Lubomir Visnovsky have tryout opportunities and are legitimate candidates for employment.
Colorado Avalanche: Who Wins the Jobs on Defense?
8 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Colorado Avalanche are an unusual team. The club's forwards are impressive and varied, and the goaltending is solid. The major area of worry this season is defensive quality and depth. Is there enough here? The Avalanche added a major piece by signing Francois Beauchemin in free agency during the summer.
Key Incumbents: Erik Johnson is a major player for Colorado and a key to the team's success. Tyson Barrie also performed well, but the possession numbers of the Avalanche defenders last year were poor, which necessitated change.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: Nikita Zadorov was a brilliant pickup and is the strongest candidate for the last spot among the top four defensemen. Nick Holden and Nate Guenin are back and in the mix for full-time employment again. Their jobs shouldn't be guaranteed if the Avalanche are serious about contending this season, though. Brad Stuart had a tough season, and this could be another difficult year for the veteran. Colorado was a mess last year, and it's not certain Beauchemin, Zadorov and an increased role for Barrie will be enough.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Who Plays on the Skill Lines?
9 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Columbus Blue Jackets are entering a period in their existence where some talented players aren't going to get a full shot at playing time. The trade for Brandon Saad and the continued development of their draft picks mean there are too many skilled forwards for the top two lines. Who gets left out?
Key Incumbents: Brandon Dubinsky, Nick Foligno, Scott Hartnell and Ryan Johansen are effective even-strength performers and can help on the power play. They form a strong base for Columbus, and with the addition of Saad, there's not much room left.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: It's a long list of candidates for what looks like one spot left on a skill line in Columbus. Cam Atkinson scored 22 goals last season and has to be considered the favorite for the sixth spot. David Clarkson and Boone Jenner are looking to recover from difficult seasons involving ineffectiveness and injury, respectively. Alexander Wennberg struggled last season but has potential, and Kerby Rychel has a range of skills and could come along quickly.
Dallas Stars: Goaltending Situation Up in the Air
10 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Dallas Stars made a bold move this summer by bringing in Antti Niemi to shore up their uncertain goaltending situation. The Stars are now spending over $10 million on their roster goalies.
Key Incumbents: Kari Lehtonen has been the starter in Dallas since 2010. As is the case with many goalies after reaching age 30, his performance has started to erode. Lehtonen remains a formidable force on the team, and it's possible he regains form and remains the starter this season.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: Jack Campbell was the No. 11 selection in the 2010 draft. He has been wildly inconsistent since turning pro, but the organization has a lot invested in him; therefore, it's likely he'll get a chance to show his ability. In reality, this is a contest between two Finnish veterans that will play out on the NHL stage over this season.
Detroit Red Wings: Who's in Goal?
11 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Detroit Red Wings are a team with cap issues and a young goalie who is pushing for playing time. Something will have to give eventually, but does anything change this season?
Key Incumbents: Jimmy Howard is the established starter for the Red Wings and has been an integral part of the team since 2009. At 31, he's beginning to show signs of age, and his price tag—$5.5 million this season—is a major drag on the cap.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: Petr Mrazek has been splendid since turning pro and outplayed Howard last year. He'll make $738,000 this year and offers the Red Wings a way out of their salary-cap predicament.
Edmonton Oilers: Oh, That Defense!
12 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Edmonton Oilers have been a chaotic defensive team since they traded Chris Pronger to the Anaheim Ducks in the summer of 2006. This offseason, they added veterans Andrej Sekera and Eric Gryba in hopes of improving things.
Key Incumbents: Veterans Mark Fayne and Justin Schultz, along with youngster Oscar Klefbom, are assured employment with the Oilers this year, giving the team five of their seven defenders when added to newcomers Sekera and Gryba.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: Nikita Nikitin was poor last season and Andrew Ference struggled when placed too far up the depth chart. Griffin Reinhart came at considerable cost and will get every chance to make the team this fall—he's more of a shutdown type and could establish himself on Edmonton's defense with a strong training-camp performance. Darnell Nurse is perhaps the most gifted of the young defenders and has an outside shot at making the roster.
Florida Panthers: Looking for a No. 1 Line
13 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Florida Panthers are building a strong team but need their young offensive forwards to step up. Last season only one player posted more than 50 points, and they need a line that can deliver consistent offense and get the big goals this year.
Key Incumbents: Jonathan Huberdeau scored 54 points last season and is joined by Nick Bjugstad and Aleksander Barkov as significant, young offensive players. Huberdeau and Barkov did have some success last season when playing together. Jussi Jokinen doesn't have the kind of long-term potential possessed by the Panthers' younger forwards, but he could help this season.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: This summer the Panthers acquired Reilly Smith, who can contribute offensively. Jaromir Jagr is twice as old as some of these young forwards but was brilliant when he came over from the New Jersey Devils late last season. Huberdeau and Barkov need a bona fide addition to their line in order for the Panthers to flourish this season.
Los Angeles Kings: The Second Pairing
14 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Los Angeles Kings missed the playoffs last spring, to the delight of the other Western Conference powers. One of the main reasons was a lack of defensive depth, owing in part to the absence of Slava Voynov—who won't be back again. The club added Christian Ehrhoff in free agency, and it's vital the Kings find a second pairing for this season.
Key Incumbents: Drew Doughty is one of the best defensemen in the game and formed an elite pairing with Jake Muzzin last year. The club badly needs a useful second pairing who can play big minutes.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: Ehrhoff is a solid veteran who has had some injury issues, so he's not a sure thing. Brayden McNabb and Matt Greene formed a reasonable—although limited—pairing a year ago, and Alec Martinez also figures into the conversation. Ehrhoff with a younger player seems most reasonable, but it's a fluid situation.
Minnesota Wild: The Second Line Needs Some Help
15 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Minnesota Wild went searching for offense last winter and found it when placing Zach Parise and Jason Pominville with center Mikael Granlund. That left Mikko Koivu alone to face a substantial part of the opposition's best, with indifferent results.
Key Incumbents: Among the established candidates for Koivu's wingers is Jason Zucker, who had success with him a year ago. Zucker's issue is remaining healthy. Despite Koivu's obvious two-way acumen, he was unable to pull Thomas Vanek into a positive possession number.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: Charlie Coyle and Nino Niederreiter had success in smaller sample sizes with Koivu and may be able to step up. Koivu's minutes are difficult ones, but the Wild badly need to find him effective wingers. Keeping Parise and Pominville with Granlund opens up the entire offense and makes the team more formidable.
Montreal Canadiens: Finding a Sniper
16 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Montreal Canadiens lack an offensive driver, and it is an issue. Their only forward who posted a major number in even-strength scoring last year was Max Pacioretty.
Key Incumbents: Pacioretty was successful offensively with David Desharnais last season. Brendan Gallagher played with this duo at times but wasn't able to post big offensive numbers—despite an impressive showing in even-strength shots.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: Alexander Semin is ideal for the role, although he is coming off a poor season and at 31 may have seen his best offensive year. Alex Galchenyuk is a substantial talent and could impact the team in a big way from the center position. Montreal badly needs a solution to the problem, and Gallagher will need to step up or be replaced on the top line.
Nashville Predators: Who Does the Checking?
17 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Nashville Predators are upgrading their offense and have found a legitimate No. 1 line. Mike Ribeiro centered James Neal and Filip Forsberg to form a very successful trio last season. The problem comes with finding a two-way or checking line to face tough opposition.
Key Incumbents: Mike Fisher is an effective checker in this area and will be central to the Nashville second line. Colin Wilson and Craig Smith played with Fisher—and played well—last season, but both men have more of an offensive side to them and are perhaps less than ideal for the checking job.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: The Predators could employ either Smith or Wilson on a two-way line with Fisher and someone like Steve Moses on a scoring line. Eric Nystrom is a two-way veteran better suited to playing down in the lineup but may be forced into a more prominent role. Gabriel Bourque is brings similar talents as Nystrom does. Fisher is key, but finding him linemates looks like it may require a trade for the Predators to solve the problem.
New Jersey Devils: Goals, Goals, Goals
18 of 30
What Is the Problem? The New Jersey Devils couldn't score goals last season. Only two of their players posted more than 40 points, and that number has to improve.
Key Incumbents: Travis Zajac and Adam Henrique should be the No. 1 and No. 2 centers on the team this season. The club will need to give both men bona fide offensive options if the Devils hope to see improvement.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: Late add Jiri Tlusty could be one of the best signings of the offseason—Travis Yost from TSN has the breakdown—and may be the perfect fit for a barren offense. Kyle Palmieri also came aboard this summer and should find a spot among the top six forwards. Stronger performances from Mike Cammalleri and Patrik Elias—who both struggled to score at even strength last year—is vital to any kind of spike in overall performance.
New York Islanders: The Second Pairing
19 of 30
What Is the Problem? The New York Islanders acquired a quality pairing just before the 2014-15 season in trades with the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins. Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk were effective, but who will New York use as its second pairing this season?
Key Incumbents: Travis Hamonic and Calvin de Haan spent some time together last year and were over 50 per cent in possession when paired by the Islanders.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: The Islanders signed Marek Zidlicky last week. That's a potentially major addition, as the young Islanders defenders receive another outstanding mentor and someone who can still play significant minutes. Thomas Hickey and Brian Strait are also available, and fans would do well to watch Ryan Pulock closely. He's a substantial talent and should be NHL-ready soon.
New York Rangers: Keeping Oscar Lindberg off the Roster
20 of 30
What Is the Problem? The New York Rangers are a strong NHL team with a dwindling prospect base owing to several years of trade-deadline borrowing from their own depth chart. Losing young prospects with promise is a big concern on Broadway.
Key Incumbents: The Rangers are locked and loaded in most roster areas, with a mostly veteran group. Roster youngsters with significant futures are rare, with Kevin Hayes standing out among those who are 23 or younger.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: J.T. Miller and Jesper Fast worked themselves into mostly regular duty last season and should be secure on the roster. New York acquired Emerson Etem from the Anaheim Ducks, and he's going to make some noise with his speed. One player to watch is Oscar Lindberg, who is waiver-eligible and possibly on the outside looking in. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet mentions Lindberg and his appeal—it's point No. 24 of his 30 Thoughts—and the young man could be on another NHL team later this fall.
Ottawa Senators: Bottom-Four Defense
21 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Ottawa Senators have a strong top pairing in Marc Methot and Erik Karlsson. After that there are young and old candidates but a lot of uncertainty—and that's a major issue for this year's training camp.
Key Incumbents: Veteran Chris Phillips has been fading for some time, and a recent injury—as reported by Doug Harrison of CBC Sports—has his season starting under a shadow.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: Ottawa remains stubborn on Jared Cowen, who doesn't appear to be progressing. Two young defenders who did take a step forward last season are Cody Ceci and Patrick Wiercioch, and they could be key to any Senators success in 2015-16. Chris Wideman is also in the picture and has intriguing offensive potential.
Philadelphia Flyers: Fixing the Mess on Defense
22 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Philadelphia Flyers have a plethora of defensemen making too much money and a few youngsters who are going to push them for playing time. Something has to give in the next two weeks.
Key Incumbents: Mark Streit, Andrew MacDonald and Michael Dal Zotto are locks for the roster on opening night. Veteran Nick Schultz is also likely to be on the team.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: The Flyers may be preparing to deal Luke Schenn soon, as Randy Miller of NJ.com reports. According to Sam Carchidi of the Inquirer, Russian free agent Yevgeni Medvedev is impressing in camp and has a good chance to make the big league team. Radko Gudas and Brandon Manning are also in the mix, and Shayne Gostisbehere is a name to remember as we get close to opening night.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Who Is a Lock for Left Wing?
23 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired Phil Kessel over the summer, setting up a possible dream duo with Sidney Crosby. Those two will need a rugged and capable winger, and the candidates are lining up.
Key Incumbents: Chris Kunitz is the obvious candidate and received the early push. As Jenn Menendez of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports, the veteran is making an early positive impression.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: Patric Hornqvist is another strong candidate but may be better suited to play with Evgeni Malkin on the second line. David Perron and Pascal Dupuis are also interesting options, with Perron's agitating style and slick hands possibly representing the best offensive option.
San Jose Sharks: Ranking the Goalies
24 of 30
What Is the Problem? The San Jose Sharks said goodbye to longtime starting goalie Antti Niemi this summer and are moving on. The options aren't proven, and there's plenty of risk involved.
Key Incumbents: The main returnee from last season is Alex Stalock, who played in 22 games. He is 28 and has played at the pro level since 2009.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: Martin Jones is the big offseason addition and has a pristine resume, but he is not an established NHL starter. He should be considered an excellent bet based on his past. Troy Grosenick is establishing himself as a pro goalie and looked very good in an NHL cup of coffee last season. Aaron Dell is way down the depth chart but posted a strong save percentage when given a chance in the AHL. Jones and Stalock figure to be the tandem, but things are unsettled in the San Jose net, so don't be surprised if another name emerges from the pack.
St. Louis Blues: Solving Paul Stastny
25 of 30
What Is the Problem? The St. Louis Blues didn't get enough out of their Paul Stastny investment last season, as injuries and a lack of chemistry conspired against him. Unlocking his offense in St. Louis is a major priority.
Key Incumbents: Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch suggests Stastny is likely to get a major push this season. Wingers Vladimir Tarasenko and Alexander Steen may line up beside him opening night, representing a major upgrade from a year ago.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: David Backes is a talented forward who may figure into the mix, and Jaden Schwartz, Jori Lehtera and Dmitrij Jaskin are all possible fits. Stastny's first year in St. Louis was a struggle, but if he's healthy, there's every chance he'll recover and give the Blues a major offensive addition.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Got Stamkos?
26 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Tampa Bay Lightning put together an elite line without Steven Stamkos, and that's a good thing. The problem came last spring as Stamkos was not his usual effective self, and finding linemates he can work with is an issue this fall.
Key Incumbents: Jonathan Drouin and Ryan Callahan are getting the first look during preseason, according to Dan Rosen of NHL.com. Stamkos and Callahan played well together last year.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: Drouin needs to have success, and this is an ideal spot for his elite talent. If he can't make it happen, expect Alex Killorn and Vladislav Namestnikov to get looks. It's also possible Stamkos moves to wing, changing the dynamic and opening up a completely different set of linemates. Tampa Bay is a strong contender for the Stanley Cup this season, and Stamkos could be the key.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Finding the Impact on Defense
27 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Toronto Maple Leafs are in a building phase, and Mike Babcock is finding some nice blocks and cornerstones. The team's young talent base on defense is rich and deep, so that's where the initial growth will be seen. How do the Leafs capitalize on all this talent?
Key Incumbents: Young defenseman Morgan Rielly is a major piece to the Leafs' future and is already having positive impact in several areas. Rielly's possession numbers have improved year over year, and he should continue to grow in all areas. Jake Gardiner has many of the same skills but has struggled at times during his career. If he can find consistency, Toronto's fortunes will improve quicker than some believe.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: Martin Marincin was acquired from the Edmonton Oilers this summer and has shown potential. Along with Rielly and Gardiner—and a few others bubbling under—Toronto could quickly establish itself as an emerging power. It's been a long time, but the seeds are being planted.
Vancouver Canucks: How Deep Is the Blue?
28 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Vancouver Canucks have a veteran defense that is certainly the strength of the team, but that defense suffered a lot of injuries one year ago. Do the Canucks have the depth?
Key Incumbents: Vancouver's defense last season boasted strong possession players in Alexander Edler, Dan Hamhuis and Chris Tanev. Luca Sbisa is also a veteran incumbent.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: It figures to be a free-for-all after those players, as Vancouver has about 10 men who might make the grade. Yannick Weber finally won a regular job last season after a long audition. Matt Bartkowski was added via free agency, and Frank Corrado looks to be part of the NHL team for the entire 2015-16 season. Alex Biega and Taylor Fedun are in the mix as well. The Canucks are a team in transition, and their defense must be strong and deep this year. It looks like management learned from last season and added more depth to the group.
Washington Capitals: Backup Goalie
29 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Washington Capitals are set to roll with very few roster questions. Among the more interesting items comes with the choice for No. 2 goalie.
Key Incumbents: Washington's starter is Braden Holtby, and the club is likely to run him heavy all season long. He played 73 games last season—an extreme total—and an effective backup would certainly help during the season and ensure a fresher Holtby for the playoffs.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: Justin Peters struggled during 12 NHL games last season while Philipp Grubauer thrived in the minors and looked good in an NHL stint. Veteran Dan Ellis was signed to a free-agent deal in July but was waived on Thursday, according to Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post.
Winnipeg Jets: Making Room by Moving Little
30 of 30
What Is the Problem? The Winnipeg Jets brought back small Russian Alexander Burmistrov this season, who gives the team a smaller look at center. Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun reported one of the things the Jets are looking at is moving Bryan Little to the wing. Little has been the club's No. 1 center since it moved north.
Key Incumbents: Burmistrov at center means men such as Adam Lowry will play pivot in order to give the team more size up the middle. It also means Mark Scheifele will play a more prominent offensive role on this year's team.
The Candidates Who Will Battle: Wiebe's article suggests the Little line will have Lowry at center and Andrew Ladd on the port side. That's a lot of offensive talent, and the key will be Little. If it doesn't work out and Little moves back to center, expect the club to employ Burmistrov in a lesser role.
Note: All advanced stats via HockeyAnalysis.com unless otherwise indicated.
.png?w=480 "NHL Mock Draft")
.jpg?w=480 "Kucherov Landing Spots")
.png?w=480)
.png?w=600 "B/R NHL Staff Second-Round Predictions 🏒")
