Kadri Cut, Hanson and Frogren sent to Marlies

Well, no one can say they were taken by surprise that Wilson and Burke decided to cut Kadri – they’ve been saying that’s what was likely to happen all along. He could possibly have had a 40-50 point season in the NHL, but he would probably be at risk of injury, and he was a bit of a liability on defensive zone faceoffs when up against a bigger veteran. Oh yeah, and that contract thing.

As for Bozak and Stalberg, IMO they sure as hell earned it. Glad to see that good play does get rewarded, regardless of rookie or veteran status. I’d like to think that going forward we won’t have to read about the “culture of entitlement”, but I won’t put anything past Toronto sports writers.

Yes, the Monster looks competent and unflappable. I must also admit to a recalling a tall rookie goalie who played for the Habs in 70-71. Yet, while I am loath to agree with Toskala sympathizers, I do remember that Toskala made the exact same save last year (2 on 1) against St Louis, the game where Hollweg proved that he was too stupid for redemption. Of course he went on to suck in the shootout. Though, so far, he seems to have better success with it this year. Take from that what you may. But always the optimist, I believe that what we do have is depth. In a compact schedule, The Wings we saw last night will be the Wings team come Mayhem in May, felled by 30 something’s with sensitive groins. With a supply of svelte battle ready troops, and a healthy supply of eager recruits when the first wave succumbs, we’re goin’ deep baby. Who we should be cheering for most however is MacDonald; if the Monster pans out, an alternate backup like MacDonald puts incredible pressure on Toskala to become more consistent. And we ain’t paying Vesa that kind of coin to play back up if we have a guy on the Marlies that can do the job. Many have highlighted the need for better goaltending this year. Though 1 or 2 of them may falter, expecting all three to suck borders on conspiracy theory.

Also should note that neither Stålberg or Bozak have made the big club just yet… they just haven’t been demoted.

Final cuts will come after tonight’s game with Buffalo.

Nothing shocking about these moves. I think we all knew that Frogren would be on the Marlies and that Kadri would be on the Knights (even the fans who wanted him to stay sensed Burke’s and Wilson’s direction). With Hanson, I think out of the Delta House boys he was the least likely to stick. And will really tear up the AHL and make sure the vets remember he’s there, waiting.

Frogren is a disposable piece at this point.

That’s unfortunate, since he cost us a draft pick.

If Stralberg doesn’t make the team, I’m going to start to wonder if this whole “every veteran has to earn their roster spot” thing wasn’t nonsense all along.

These are all the right choices. Keep in mind, even after the final cuts out of camp tonight, that the team that plays opening night doesn’t necessarily represent the management’s final plan for the roster. Expect turnover and trades among the veteran forwards, I would suggest likely before Christmas. Guys like Stempniak and Mayers may start the season with the team but not all of them will finish there. Patience; Burkie is following the plan.

Nice! I’m very happy Rosehill is still with the team. Hopefully he is playing opening night.

FA’s after this season:

Stempniak
Poni
Stajan
Primeau
Mayers
Wallin

Van Ryn
XLB
Frogren

Toskala
Mac Donald

Kessel is coming into the lineup sometime in November
Kadri is almost assured to make the team next year
Bozak and Stålberg and Mitchell deserve to be on the team this year as regulars, but to displace the veterans will be difficult.
Hanson looks good enough to be on this team next year.

Gunnarsson looks like he could have a spot next year.

Worst(best?) case scenario, we don’t re-sign any of the forwards or defencemen. (put the goaltending aside for now as it is a hot button topic and we aren’t logjammed there)

Signed Forwards – somewhat by depth(not lines) for next year:

Left wing: Blake, Stålberg, Tlusty, Rosehill
Centre: Kadri, Grabovski, Bozak, Mitchell
Right wing: Kessel, Hagman, Hanson, Kulemin, Orr

Signed Defence: Kaberle, Komisarek, Beauchemin, Schenn, Finger, White(RFA) Gunnarsson

It is highly unlikely that this will be the team next year, but would it really be that bad if it was and we were able to trade the rest for picks/prospects?

I’m moving to London now.

Smart decisions. Kadri’s performance in the preseason has been largely encouraging, but Burke and Wilson are too smart to let some flashes of his potential interfere with the long-term plan. Kadri also sounds like he’s taking the decision well and will go to London with the right frame of mind. Look forward to seeing him tear it up in the OHL.

I also thought Hanson and Frogren would go down to the Marlies. They’ve been fine this preseason though, so I expect them to play well if (when?) they get called back up.

Will be interesting to see what they do with Bozak and Stalberg.