There are three options.
-Pray for rain. Odds are that Colin Wilson is going to be the lucky guy headed to Vegas, unless Jarnkrok sets the world on fire. And while keyboard warriors battle for and against the merits of the Boston University product, much to the dismay of all of our braincells, Wilson is very good when he’s on. There’s no debate about that. So if that means pairing him with a center that fits his mold, we might see it this year. Ryan Johansen needs a left-handed shot on the left side of him. Dumber things have worked, and Wilson is good when he charges the net. With a bigger player like Johansen who could stand the steady presence of Wilson, who does drive possession along with James Neal, that’s a decent top line. The trouble is that leaves Filip Forsberg and Craig Smith attached to Mike Ribeiro for another year (assuming he had the “summer of his life” & Prince Filip doesn’t get moved to C), and Mike Fisher with another regular season wandering with interchangeable linemates.
-FIALATIME. If this organization could stand a bit of luck in one area, it’s with either Kevin Fiala or Vladislav Kamenev being ready and able to take on a 2nd/3rd line role next year. Pontus Aberg is already in the picture, especially with Bourque not even getting a QA. When Fiala hasn’t been taking awesome Instagram photos or massaging his hair, he’s been swinging weights the last two years. And he’s a lefty. Kamenev may take another year to develop into the center this franchise needs, and that’s okay. Kevin Fiala has a chance to solidify himself into the lineup this fall, and that may be enough to solidify Nashville with three solid lines.
-The Berserker. The ceiling for Viktor Arvidsson may not be as high as Kevin Fiala’s, and that’s not intended to be a height joke. He’s a bit older, but he adapted to North American ice pretty quickly. He has one plan: shoot. Viktor “shot on goal” Arvidsson. He’s the human version of an anime hockey player. And that’s fun to watch and all, but he hasn’t quite mastered playing with slower linemates just yet. Then again, neither has Fiala.
Hockey Related Links
Predators have made ‘great progress’ and now look to take the next step – ProHockeyTalk
For those seeking even more affirmation, here it is. Say hello to some long-term expectations, folks.
Yannick Weber Rejoins Childhood Friend on Preds – Nashville Predators – Features
Roman Josi has ascended to the Mike Fisher level. The Preds are now signing his friends.
A long-term outlook on Kyle Okposo – Article – TSN
Full credit to Buffalo. They’re damn determined to only going through this rebuild thing once.
Rooting for Goliath: The Life and Legacy of Eric Lindros – Sportsnet.ca
CLAP CLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP CLAPCLAPCLAPCLAP, LONGFORM!
Former Flyer Medvedev signs with KHL’s Avangard Omsk | ProHockeyTalk.com
Poor Link is devastated.
McGinn looking to be a leader with Coyotes | theScore.com
“Hey, all you talented kids we’ve been stockpiling… ol’ man McGinn is going to tell us a story about uncle Getzlaf!”
MacKinnon and Scheifele Re-Sign, Set Starting Point for Toffoli’s Next Deal – Jewels From The Crown
Again, David Poile did us all a solid by signing Filip early.
Hired Guns: South Korea has loaded up on Canadian hockey talent ahead of hosting the 2018 Olympics | The Hockey News
After reading the first paragraph, Seoul seems like a cool place for me.
Not Hockey
Pat Riley’s kind words about Udonis Haslem have absolutely nothing to do with Dwyane Wade – SBNation.com
Jeez pat. Go Gators and all, but I’m not sure if casual NBA fans know who Haslem is. Dwyane Wade is someone everyone in sports knows. And for good reason.
D’Angelo Russell hit a game-winner then said “I played like shit” on live TV – SBNation.com
What’s that, D’Angelo?