If Morin comes in, I'd use the same criteria for him as I would for Laughton-if he makes the team and is one of the best 4 defensemen and forces the team to keep him, then do so.

If it simply seems that he could play in the NHL, and is handed a job because he seems like he could handle it, or that he looked good enough to be a sixth guy, I'd rather see him stay in juniors.

Even if he is one of the 4 best guys, they can still protect him. He's made strides, still seems raw.
- Jsaquella

Hopefully, some day the AHL age rule can be reviewed because with advances in nutrition and training methods, teenagers are more physically advanced then even 20 years ago.

I just wonder with Morin probably being closer to 220 lbs by next fall, how much more he will improve playing against competition in which he will outweigh his opponents by at least 30 lbs or more. Again, I don't know what will happen, but I can see Morin making the team and Berube and Paddock shielding him. He won't be handed a job, but if he performs I think he'll stick.

RINO!

Hopefully, some day the AHL age rule can be reviewed because with advances in nutrition and training methods, teenagers are more physically advanced then even 20 years ago.

I just wonder with Morin probably being closer to 220 lbs by next fall, how much more he will improve playing against competition in which he will outweigh his opponents by at least 30 lbs or more. Again, I don't know what will happen, but I can see Morin making the team and Berube and Paddock shielding him. He won't be handed a job, but if he performs I think he'll stick.
- ravishingone

I'd personally like to see the kid brought up slow. Give him more of a shot and confidence at growing his offensive game down in Junior.

Alt, Guss and Lauridson should get a shot before rushing Morin imo.

Rinaldo!!!!!!!

Wow..that might have been the best shot I have ever seen Rinaldo make!!!!

Secondary scoring. Beautiful. Read is having a great game.

zactacular

Sweet. When he avoids the stupid penalties he's actually a very nice piece.

RINALDO!!!!!!!!!

Wow..that might have been the best shot I have ever seen Rinaldo make!!!!
- opeth_pa

His hands and shot are actually kind of underrated. He came to play tonight.

Can you all smell it coming?

Hopefully, some day the AHL age rule can be reviewed because with advances in nutrition and training methods, teenagers are more physically advanced then even 20 years ago.

I just wonder with Morin probably being closer to 220 lbs by next fall, how much more he will improve playing against competition in which he will outweigh his opponents by at least 30 lbs or more. Again, I don't know what will happen, but I can see Morin making the team and Berube and Paddock shielding him. He won't be handed a job, but if he performs I think he'll stick.
- ravishingone

It'd be great if the NHL, AHL & CHL came up with some sort of agreement-maybe a donation from the NHL team-to allow a kid like Laughton to jump to the AHL before age 20.

I agree, though. Physically, Morin could probably handle the NHL as soon as next year, but I'd rather he take a more pragmatic route

RINALDO!!!!!!!!!
- moylander

Read again...

Rinaldo!!!!!!!
- BiggE

rinaldo has really improved his game towards the end of the season

Apparently, Andrew MacDonald is a tremendous defenseman, and his name not being mentioned for the Norris trophy is an insult
- Jsaquella

He's a less-experienced facsimile of Johnny Oduya... a good player who mans an important role... but not a guy that a team should break the bank for when there's a glaring need for at least one top pairing guy left to fill.

If Morin comes in, I'd use the same criteria for him as I would for Laughton-if he makes the team and is one of the best 4 defensemen and forces the team to keep him, then do so.

If it simply seems that he could play in the NHL, and is handed a job because he seems like he could handle it, or that he looked good enough to be a sixth guy, I'd rather see him stay in juniors.

Even if he is one of the 4 best guys, they can still protect him. He's made strides, still seems raw.
- Jsaquella

He's still raw, but trending in a good way with his game.

Read again...
- Hextall271

yep. making me eat my words.

Some are older, don't have the same numbers and are seen as secondary options by a lot of teams. MacDonald is probably a bit better than some of them, but it's by increments, rather than leaps and bounds.

I'd be fine if MacDonald signed for a reasonable number. But if he does indeed want $5mm, I'd rather pay $4mm to a guy like Stralman
- Jsaquella

$5 million AAV does seem a little steep, especially for 4 years.

I'd personally like to see the kid brought up slow. Give him more of a shot and confidence at growing his offensive game down in Junior.

Alt, Guss and Lauridson should get a shot before rushing Morin imo.
- flyer_nutter

I totally understand. I just don't think Morin will be disqualified automatically to make the opening night roster due to his age. His play in training camp will determine where he plays. His size and skating are very unique and could get him a faster track.

$5 million AAV does seem a little steep, especially for 4 years.
- jstross

That's my sole issue. I've seen Ray Ferraro and Dreger hint that he's seeking that kind of cash. I like the guy, but that's too much.

He's still raw, but trending in a good way with his game.
- ob18

I watched a highlight package...he moves really well for a big dude. Still surprises me how fluidly he can skate. I just want to avoid a Tyler Myers situation

yep. making me eat my words.
- moylander

Can you call out Giroux`s line, Lecav and both PP units please.. wanna get them going..

He's a less-experienced facsimile of Johnny Oduya... a good player who mans an important role... but not a guy that a team should break the bank for when there's a glaring need for at least one top pairing guy left to fill.
- Tomahawk

Exactly my point. Not a trashing of the guy, but I don;t want to be paying him more than Coburn

First unit did everything but score

$5 million AAV does seem a little steep, especially for 4 years.
- jstross

I'd sign him for that. AMac has some speed - seems like a pretty decent 2-way game. Still young. We need that.

ship off Grossmann and bring up Lauridsen if that helps pay for him. jmo.