Not when the guy referred to Mitchell as an offensive D-man. He isn't. He is a 2-way D-men who is not flashy but makes all the little, smart plays a D-man needs to do.

He plays within the structure of the team. He has the ability to take the puck end to end but chooses to pass the puck because its the smarter play.

He isn't a kid who jumps out at you in a quick viewing but having watched him quite a bit at DU, you find yourself liking how efficient he is with his decisions.
- Elbows15

Solid perspective on Mitchell. I would have to agree that he is more of a strong two-way defender who will make the intelligent fundamental plays in all zones. I can see Beaudin fitting that description as well. Like you said, efficient.

The flash and dash will come primarily from Boqvist. Krys likes to also show off his offensive skills but needs to work on better puck protection and recognizing safer outlets if he wants to carry the puck from zone to zone.

What does Vlasic project as at the NHL level? Is there top 4 potential there? I am surprised he is that far up the list.
- bhawks2241

Elbows nailed it already with stating Vlasic's upside as top 4 material. IMO, if Boqvist is being tabbed for the top pair, he will need a defensive stalwart backing him up. Vlasic could be the partner to complement and protect Boqvist.

Do any of them project as top pairing guys on a contender? Including Mitchell and Pickle.
- mohel

I believe Mitchell, Beaudin, and Vlasic each have the potential to play top pair but the deciding factor may rest on where Boqvist is slotted.

If Boqvist is on the 1st pair, then that rules out Mitchell as both are RH unless either of them can play the other side. So possible pairings could be either:

Vlasic - Boqvist
Beaudin - Mitchell

Or:

Beaudin - Boqvist
Vlasic - Mitchell

If all 4 reach potential or close to it, that's a pretty good top 4.

Then add in say Gilbert and Krys on the 3rd pair, then that could be a capable blueline corps for the future.

Rozy moved pretty damn well before age and injuries caught up to him.
- Elbows15

Agree, Rozsival in his prime was a well regarded D-man. Even as he aged, his skating got the job done as he became more aware of his limits. Not a horrible skater by any means.

As for Sopel, he was an okay yet functional skater. His stride wasn't pretty with his lankiness and lurchy back. Random observation but his socks always seemed to sag, i.e. the part that hits the knee was always by his lower shins instead.

Read he stated that he planned on staying 2 years at BU. Really hope this team can avoid the huge downturn like the Wings experienced after their run. Starts with the back-end. A 6'6" 220lbs Vlasic would look awfully nice skating next to Boqvist as the future top pairing.
- bhawks2241

That sounds accurate. I believe Vlasic gave himself a 2-3 year timeline at BU when interviewed throughout the summer. If I had to bet, I'm taking 2 years then signs his ELC.

That would be nice to see a future top pair of Vlasic shouldering the defensive load while Boqvist can dance to create offense. Similar to what Seabrook was to Keith in their prime.

I believe Mitchell, Beaudin, and Vlasic each have the potential to play top pair but the deciding factor may rest on where Boqvist is slotted.

If Boqvist is on the 1st pair, then that rules out Mitchell as both are RH unless either of them can play the other side. So possible pairings could be either:

Vlasic - Boqvist
Beaudin - Mitchell

Or:

Beaudin - Boqvist
Vlasic - Mitchell

If all 4 reach potential or close to it, that's a pretty good top 4.

Then add in say Gilbert and Krys on the 3rd pair, then that could be a capable blueline corps for the future.
- AEL_Fox

I know this is just talk, but it was good to read from Gilbert:

Mario Tirabassi‏ @Mario_Tirabassi

Dennis Gilbert on his focus heading into this #AHL season: "I can always improve as a player & that's my focus. I'm a good skater, I wanna be a great skater. I'm a good defender, I wanna be a great defender. To be great at the #NHL level, you have to be dominant here."
#IceHogs

Move Shaw to play with Saad,and put Kubinik with Strome and Cat. We need more Scoring from the 2 first lines.
- Tatoo

Sign me up for that. Kubalik would also give DeBrincat and Strome a linemate who is strong in his own zone to support the defensemen.

I do like Saad and Shaw together but they need a playmaker. Kampf as 3C is okay as a temporary stop gap. Dach would be awesome. Sikura could be an option to consider with his vision and strong two-way play.

Sign me up for that. Kubalik would also give DeBrincat and Strome a linemate who is strong in his own zone to support the defensemen.

I do like Saad and Shaw together but they need a playmaker. Kampf as 3C is okay as a temporary stop gap. Dach would be awesome. Sikura could be an option to consider with his vision and strong two-way play.
- AEL_Fox

I have to disagree here. While Kubalik does look good, I think we need to see more before we shoot him up the lineup. Shaw scored 47 last year playing with scorers and we know what he brings defensively and to his linemates. I'd keep him there until further notice.

Plus it gives Saad someone who can, at least theoretically, make plays. Shaw is more of a brute force player. Just my two cents.

Watching the PHI-NJ game. It sounds cliché and like I just watched a Q presser, but Philly just plays a relentless game. Everyone is engaged. A lot of possession. simple plays.

Watching the PHI-NJ game. It sounds cliché and like I just watched a Q presser, but Philly just plays a relentless game. Everyone is engaged. A lot of possession. simple plays.
- Chunk

Also, that Hughes kid is pretty good.

Agree, Rozsival in his prime was a well regarded D-man. Even as he aged, his skating got the job done as he became more aware of his limits. Not a horrible skater by any means.

As for Sopel, he was an okay yet functional skater. His stride wasn't pretty with his lankiness and lurchy back. Random observation but his socks always seemed to sag, i.e. the part that hits the knee was always by his lower shins instead.
- AEL_Fox

Never got the hand wringing on Rozy's skating. It is a rare tall guy, Mario for one, that looks fluid on his skates.

Sopel used to pull his socks over the top of his skates which created that look.

I have to disagree here. While Kubalik does look good, I think we need to see more before we shoot him up the lineup. Shaw scored 47 last year playing with scorers and we know what he brings defensively and to his linemates. I'd keep him there until further notice.

Plus it gives Saad someone who can, at least theoretically, make plays. Shaw is more of a brute force player. Just my two cents.
- Chunk

I believe AEL's point is that Kubalik would benefit from the playmaking abilities of Strome and Dinky. Shaw and Saad have had success, a lot actually, together. Thereby giving the lines a more balanced look.

Subban is not aging well.

I have to disagree here. While Kubalik does look good, I think we need to see more before we shoot him up the lineup. Shaw scored 47 last year playing with scorers and we know what he brings defensively and to his linemates. I'd keep him there until further notice.

Plus it gives Saad someone who can, at least theoretically, make plays. Shaw is more of a brute force player. Just my two cents.
- Chunk

I like Shaw with ADB and Strome right now, but when they give Dach his 9 game tryout, I would like Kubalik and Shaw to switch places. If Dach doesn't stick, move Shaw back up, but I think 65 and 20 would be the perfect linemates for Dach.

I have to disagree here. While Kubalik does look good, I think we need to see more before we shoot him up the lineup. Shaw scored 47 last year playing with scorers and we know what he brings defensively and to his linemates. I'd keep him there until further notice.

Plus it gives Saad someone who can, at least theoretically, make plays. Shaw is more of a brute force player. Just my two cents.
- Chunk

I actually don't mind Kubalik staying with Saad on Line 3 but still think that this line would benefit from having a playmaker setting them up.

Shaw sticking with DeBrincat and Strome is a nice line, too, to give that 2nd line grit and pushback so 12 and 17 can do their work. The crosschecking penalty Shaw got when sticking up for DeBrincat is a good example of that element.

Shaw's not bad himself offensively, too, as his time with the Habs helped him blossom.

I like Shaw with ADB and Strome right now, but when they give Dach his 9 game tryout, I would like Kubalik and Shaw to switch places. If Dach doesn't stick, move Shaw back up, but I think 65 and 20 would be the perfect linemates for Dach.
- tvetter

Also, AEL, great job on the analysis from the other side of the blog. When Ty said he was going to have a guest blogger to cover Rockford, I was hoping it would be you. I love reading your insights on the prospects, and look forward to seeing them in the blog this season.

Also, AEL, great job on the analysis from the other side of the blog. When Ty said he was going to have a guest blogger to cover Rockford, I was hoping it would be you. I love reading your insights on the prospects, and look forward to seeing them in the blog this season.
- tvetter

what s/he said

always learn a lot from your insight on both clubs - glad they made it "official"

what s/he said

always learn a lot from your insight on both clubs - glad they made it "official"
- pdx2ord

He, or you could be PC and say ze.

He, or you could be PC and say ze.
- tvetter

Gotcha (and I've never heard of "ze" - good thing to know)

Hayden still struggling to handle the puck. Can stand a guy up though.

I believe AEL's point is that Kubalik would benefit from the playmaking abilities of Strome and Dinky. Shaw and Saad have had success, a lot actually, together. Thereby giving the lines a more balanced look.
- Elbows15

I get that, and I won't deny that would likely be the case. My concern with Saad and Shaw is who was their line-mate when they had the most success? If memory serves it was Kane.

That's impressive Philly killed 2 5on3s,

Also, AEL, great job on the analysis from the other side of the blog. When Ty said he was going to have a guest blogger to cover Rockford, I was hoping it would be you. I love reading your insights on the prospects, and look forward to seeing them in the blog this season.
- tvetter

what s/he said

always learn a lot from your insight on both clubs - glad they made it "official"
- pdx2ord

Thank you both for your support! I'm fortunate and grateful for this opportunity that Tyler presented me so hope I can do it justice. I'd still be hanging out on these boards regardless. Good bunch here.

I know many on these boards are from California, particularly the Bay Area. For those in the north, stay safe during the PG&E power outages if your county is shut down.

Also, that Hughes kid is pretty good.
- Chunk

He's teeny tiny