So pre-season is here tonight. I'm probably more surprised by Phillips attempt at a return than I am by Greening's lack of a buy out. I don't think Greening has much to offer but I don't think a lot of money is saved with a buy out since he only makes about 3 million a year. Alas Greening will probably be needed in Bingo. I thought Philips had a bit of a retirement ceremony last February, but apparently he wants to play. I personally hope he doesn't, not just because I don't think he can contribute but also because I'm not sure if he will be able to walk in 10 years if he does.
So here we are for an early shot at the roster:
Forwards:
Michalek -Zib - Ryan
MacArthur - Turris - Stone
Hoffman - Smith - Chiasson
Puempel - Lazar - Pagaeu
Alternates:
Prince - Paul
Defense:
Karlsson - Method
Wiercoch - Ceci
Cowen - Boro
Alternate:
Wideman
Deadwood:
Greening - Neil
Philips
I think Greening doesn't make enough to qualify for a buyout. Sure I read that somewhere. Phillips is finished. He should just go on the LTIR and quietly retire at the end of the season.
You're missing Neil. Apparently he came into camp leaner and since he's an A, a "leader" and a veteran, I suspect he'll at least get first shot at the 4th line RW job. Whether he can keep it or not remains to be seen, but I hope we are seeing his last year as a Senator.
I hope Greening gets sent to Bingo, but he as another year left on his mind boggling deal. As does Cowen. Murray really went all in with Cowen. Inexplicably. I mean it's not like he really did anything to earn a 4 year deal that gets progressively more expensive.
The only hope I have left for that guy is that his injuries have held him back the past few seasons, and that he can at least get to serviceable status. Just don't suck. That's all.
Still a bit too much dead weight in the lineup for my liking.
I'm one of the few that believe that Lazar should start the season in the AHL. I don't see any part of his game that warrants him skipping that step. The step that Spezza, Karlsson, and more recently Puempel, Prince, Pageau, Hoffman & Zibanejad have all taken.
How anyone can argue that he couldn't benefit from some time as the go to guy in Bingo just astonishes me.