Hensick and Rycroft sent down

Looks like they want Hensick to get more PT and seasoning in Cleveland. And
Rycroft is about where he should be.

Of the 25-man roster, I would say McCormick, Parker and Wyatt Smith (does
anyone know much about this guy?) would be the 3 forwards most likely to be
scratched (they have 15, will probably dress 12), the D to be scratched
would be between Finger and Sauer (they have 7, will probably dress 6) and
they must be carrying an extra goalie (Weiman) because of Theo's injury.

So, just for fun, doing lines:

1. Smythe-Sakic-Hejduk
2. Brunette-Stastny-Hlinka
3. Wolski-Arnason-Svatos
4. Lappy-Richardson-Guite

Potential for scoring on the top 3 lines. Plenty of energy on the 4th. It
will be interesting to see if those guys that make up my 3rd line earn more
PT by playing their arses off. I think this is a make or break year of
Wolski. If he keeps floating, I say trade his arse for either more D help
or a solid checking wing who can really kill penalties and a draft pick.
Then they can put Hensick in a scoring role so his talents won't be wasted.
I really have a feeling he is going to end up being a much better player
than Wolski, just like Stastny is already.

On D, how about this:

1. Hannan-Liles
2. Clark-Skrastins
3. Leopold-Sauer/Finger

If Leopold is healthy and shows why he was so highly thought of several
years ago (a couple of huge IFs), this unit suddenly becomes one of the best
in the league.

And in goal:

1. Budaj
2. Theo/Weiman

I do hope Theo gets healthy. Who knows if Weiman is even close to being an
NHL caliber goalie yet.

BobInBoulder wrote:
> Looks like they want Hensick to get more PT and seasoning in Cleveland. And
> Rycroft is about where he should be.
>
> Of the 25-man roster, I would say McCormick, Parker and Wyatt Smith (does
> anyone know much about this guy?) would be the 3 forwards most likely to be
> scratched (they have 15, will probably dress 12), the D to be scratched
> would be between Finger and Sauer (they have 7, will probably dress 6) and
> they must be carrying an extra goalie (Weiman) because of Theo's injury.
>
> So, just for fun, doing lines:
>
> 1. Smythe-Sakic-Hejduk
> 2. Brunette-Stastny-Hlinka
> 3. Wolski-Arnason-Svatos
> 4. Lappy-Richardson-Guite

Q said that he's going to keep the Brunette-Sakic-Smyth line together
for awhile. Hejduk is the one who asked the Avs to bring Hlinka in, so I
would imagine he wants to be linemates with his boy for awhile.

>
> Potential for scoring on the top 3 lines. Plenty of energy on the 4th. It
> will be interesting to see if those guys that make up my 3rd line earn more
> PT by playing their arses off. I think this is a make or break year of
> Wolski. If he keeps floating, I say trade his arse for either more D help
> or a solid checking wing who can really kill penalties and a draft pick.
> Then they can put Hensick in a scoring role so his talents won't be wasted.
> I really have a feeling he is going to end up being a much better player
> than Wolski, just like Stastny is already.

It'd have to be more than one draft pick if you're going to trade Wolski
for a checker. Either that, or it would have to be someone who pitches
in offensively as well.

>
> On D, how about this:
>
> 1. Hannan-Liles
> 2. Clark-Skrastins
> 3. Leopold-Sauer/Finger

Leopold is a first pairing defenseman. Depth might move him to the
second pairing, but if you play him on the 3rd pairing, you're wasting
his talent.

>
> If Leopold is healthy and shows why he was so highly thought of several
> years ago (a couple of huge IFs), this unit suddenly becomes one of the best
> in the league.

I agree. And I agree on the health thing with Leopold. The "several
years ago" thing, however, is not an issue. He was highly thought of
when the Avs traded for him. And that was despite his relative lack of
offensive production. He doesn't even have to score to be a very
effective player.

But he's going to score, so that's a moot point.

I can't wait for Avs fans to see this kid play his game. Avs fans don't
think too much of him right now, and I am really looking forward to them
realizing how good this guy is.

>
> And in goal:
>
> 1. Budaj
> 2. Theo/Weiman
>
> I do hope Theo gets healthy.

It's crucial.

> Who knows if Weiman is even close to being an
> NHL caliber goalie yet.

He's not now, and he never will be. He has an outside chance of
developing into an NHL backup somewhere down the road. Basically, what
he and Wall are right now are pluggers filling a role while Cann,
Patterson and Sauer develop.

-Thomas