Where will Colin Wilson fit in the Nashville Predators lineup?

by Dirk Hoag on Aug 20, 2010 4:20 PM EDT in Discussions

For this weekend's hockey talk I thought I'd try something a little different...

Thanks to the question from @jwdemuynck on Twitter, to me this seems to be one of the key storylines to follow during training camp.

In the long run, I think the vision is for Colin Wilson to play center, but for this upcoming season, there may be a winger spot available on a scoring line, and Cal O'Reilly is now eligible for waivers, so training camp is pretty much "judgment time" for Cal. If he shows that he's ready for NHL duty, could the coaches opt to use him at center and use Wilson as a powerful presence on the wing?

How do you see things shaking out? Sound off in the comments below, and check out the nascent On The Forecheck YouTube Channel.

Colin Wilson

#33 / Center / Nashville Predators

Height: 6-1

Weight: 214

Born: Oct 20, 1989

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I would really like to see O’Reilly and Wilson running together as center and wing during the pre-season to see if there is any chemistry going on between those two. I think their success depends on the ever present problem on the Preds of shooting the puck and seeing who sits in on the other wing position. Its tough to fit O’Reilly into the line-up but I’d like to see his talents succeed on the Predators. Despite how much I want to see his success I do believe that Wilson is first line center heir apparent. In order for him to be groomed for that role he needs to play in the his natural center position. At that point I think it would be a lot easier to pick a pair of line mates to skate with him.

by 3DLink on Aug 20, 2010 4:58 PM EDT reply actions

Even if Cal makes the team and Wilson plays wing most of the year, what happens with Andersson, Spaling, Smithson and Belak? I assume Spaling could spend time in Milwaukee and coming in as an injury replacement. Leaving the other three…we know Belak will be lucky to be dressed for 40 games, we really need Smithson’s grit, but then again – Andersson on a line with Wilson and O’Reilly could be lethal offensively if Andersson can produce points consistently as a fourth-line winger.

by Rory O'Connell on Aug 20, 2010 5:05 PM EDT reply actions

I think wilson will be on the first line wing with lombardi at center for most of the year with wilson moving to center when needed, such as injuries or just lineup changes. that puts a fast playmaker at center and a scorer on the wing, which the preds need. this would also go towards relieving the logjam at center if wilson just became a full time winger, like FLA did with Horton.

"It's gonna be fun on the bun."

by flyalder on Aug 20, 2010 5:40 PM EDT reply actions

It's also worth noting...

…and I’ll dig around for a link, but after year-end meetings after the playoffs, it was made pretty clear in the media that JP Dumont would stay in a 3rd/4th line role next (this upcoming) year…if I had to guess, I’d say a lot of young guys will play down there, and JP will be made their mentor/leader.

It’s also pretty hard for me to imagine Ward out of the top 6.

by stackiii on Aug 21, 2010 8:56 AM EDT reply actions

I think as quickly as J.P. fell down to a depth line, he could earn his way back up. Like I said in the video, though, that’s not at all a sure bet.

I’m assuming here that Ward stays alongside Legwand, and they continue the shut-down work.

On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators. Catch me on Twitter at @Forechecker.

by Dirk Hoag on Aug 21, 2010 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I think it's pretty simple...

If Cal hangs with the big club after training camp, Wilson is winger. I’m torn, because I would really like to see Wilson playing in the middle but I also want to see O’Reilly really get a decent shot (with good linemates!) to become the talent we all hope he can be.

I personally think that Smithson, even though I love the guy, should become the odd-man out. But I’m not sure Trotzy feels the same way…

by TitanPredBearFan on Aug 21, 2010 10:35 AM EDT reply actions

The other option is for O’Reilly to be the perma-scratch, as he was much of last season, called upon when one of the other centers is injured.

I can’t imagine Smithson sitting, because he’s the team’s best faceoff man and a key penalty killer.

On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators. Catch me on Twitter at @Forechecker.

by Dirk Hoag on Aug 21, 2010 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Wilson still has a lot to prove. 16 pts in 41 season/playoff games is fine for a rookie, but it’s not enough to just hand him the top line. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan and I know he’s a rare talent, but he still has to earn whatever position he gets.

"Get to the Choppa!"

by PredHead on Aug 21, 2010 12:29 PM EDT reply actions

Can’t wait to see this kid for a whole season. This kid has all the stuff it takes to be a star in this league. I think the fact that there isn’t a 4th winger in the mix says there is a possibility that we MIGHT go after someone yet.

by preds4ever on Aug 21, 2010 3:38 PM EDT reply actions

These comments are exciting

because this may be the 1st time we have actually had enough talent to have to make decisions on players that would have other years been locks for playing every night. i agree w/ dirk that i cant imagine smithers not playing, but am thrilled that we actually have enough talent at camp to even have the discussion. usually its the #6 dman or the 12th/13th forward that would only play 5-7 minutes if at all.

by predswilrule on Aug 22, 2010 12:07 PM EDT reply actions

Just remember the fall of 2008, when it was hoped that both Patric Hornqvist and Ryan Jones, as rookies, would fill spots on the top two lines! That was terrifying…

On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators. Catch me on Twitter at @Forechecker.

by Dirk Hoag on Aug 22, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions

my point exactly. even in the 06 and 07 seasons we didnt have as many “possibilities” as today. we may have had more offensive talent. maybe less defensive talent. certainly more depth.

by predswilrule on Aug 22, 2010 1:49 PM EDT reply actions