Yeah, based on the current roster, my expectations are similar, which probably means more moves are coming. Depends on how close Jiricek is (and I would expect that he's pretty close) and Peeke would be awfully expensive as a 7th D, so Columbus may need to deal a defenseman. Would that be Boqvist?
I’m thinking that Boqvist would be a good candidate for a trade. His skill set is undeniable, but with the new additions, he’s not really a fit for the team anymore.
I think that the Jackets start with:
Werenski/Peeke
Provorov/Severson
Blankenberg/Gudbranson
and ease Jiricek into the lineup. Peeke can play big minutes (not as effectively as restricted minutes) and it means that Jiricek doesn’t get a Viking swimming lesson as his intro to the NHL. Provorov played his best when he was paired with Niskanen, and Severson has a similar skill set to Niskanen. I don’t think that Provorov is in Columbus for the long haul; I think he’s more of a bridge player to shelter the development of guys like Svozil & Mateychuk, so I’m expecting the team to pump his tires and then trade him to recover that first rounder in a year or two.
What do you think the projected D pairings look like next season for Colombus? I was thinking the following:
Werenski/ Severson
Provorov/ Boqvist
Bean/ Gudbranson (Babcock is 1000000% playing Gudrunson 15 minutes per
)That leaves Jiricek/Peake/Blankenburg/Berni on the outside looking in?
Yeah, based on the current roster, my expectations are similar, which probably means more moves are coming. Depends on how close Jiricek is (and I would expect that he's pretty close) and Peeke would be awfully expensive as a 7th D, so Columbus may need to deal a defenseman. Would that be Boqvist?
I’m thinking that Boqvist would be a good candidate for a trade. His skill set is undeniable, but with the new additions, he’s not really a fit for the team anymore.
I think that the Jackets start with:
Werenski/Peeke
Provorov/Severson
Blankenberg/Gudbranson
and ease Jiricek into the lineup. Peeke can play big minutes (not as effectively as restricted minutes) and it means that Jiricek doesn’t get a Viking swimming lesson as his intro to the NHL. Provorov played his best when he was paired with Niskanen, and Severson has a similar skill set to Niskanen. I don’t think that Provorov is in Columbus for the long haul; I think he’s more of a bridge player to shelter the development of guys like Svozil & Mateychuk, so I’m expecting the team to pump his tires and then trade him to recover that first rounder in a year or two.