BagHead
Registered User
Yeah, the continued development of the prospects into AHL vets themselves should be considered. If you think they can hold down the fort better next year than they did this year, maybe you can hold off on a vet for the AHL team. I didn't say this outright before, but I didn't mean that they should employ a top-pairing AHL vet, just a middle of the road one who is solid defensively. A guy who could play in the 4th-5th defenseman spots and not be overwhelmed.By next year ROR, Hunt and S JO will have plenty of AHL experience. part of the problem is that Mermis was up for most of the year. He was their captain down in iowa, and a steadying influence. He's a classic tweener, but down in Iowa he's effective. surprisingly strong and tough, too.
I want our young Dmen in Iowa to get lots of TOI. Army seldom used them in PP spots, preferring veterans there. That might help the AHL team a bit, but it sure doesn't help the young guys develop into anything other than bang it up the boards types. This year, Hunt, S JO, and even Spacek have been getting PP TOI. That's what i want to see.
Mermis is a UFA, so I'm not sure he'll be around next year. If he (or someone like him) were though, can you rely on him being on the AHL team instead of the NHL one? It would require Hunt (or another prospect) to make the NHL team over him, or for the NHL defense to stay healthier. Maybe both. Alternatively, the MN Wild could sign a defenseman, if they have the cap.
What is Iowa's defense next year? I imagine something like:
Lambos - Johansson (if re-signed)
O'Rourke - Spacek
Peart - Masters
???
I like the left side more than the right, for sure. It feels to me like Peart is buried here, so I'm not sure this really holds up to reality. Someone might end up playing off-hand.