nice write up Todd - can't wait for the season to start! Your comments about Smith ring true. It's pretty crazy that Butcher is not cracking the opening night roster. When Ruff was asked about Butcher in the last media session, he mentioned how his game is a lot like Smith's, but didn't really delve into Will and his game (though I think we all know that Smith is the better skater and probably has the higher ceiling). Maybe he sees them as being redundant, and wants a solid partner for either of them? I just kind of assumed that Smith or Kulikov would slide over to the right side, as RD3 seems to be our weakest point (till Vats shows up). are you surprised Butcher isn't in the lineup, Todd? I can't say that I noticed him much in the camp scrimmages, but considering his rookie season, this is not a good place to be for Butcher at this point in his career.
Yes I am definitely surprised he is not playing. On one hand, it is one game and everyone is going to be needed. On the other, he is definitely better than *checks notes* Matt Tennyson and he is being paid fairly well. Need him playing.
I may be mistaken, but it looked like Smith was paired with Severson a few times before he was put back with Tennyson. How do you think that pairing went?
So excited to finally see a game preview here! One question for ya Todd. Do you think Ruff is waiting for Hischier to come back to name him captain, or could you see the Devils going without one for the whole season?
My only bitch today would be could we please switch wood with Kuk. As far as tenny over butcher. I think they want smith on his strong side. I’m not going to complain about that. I just hope tenny is up to the challenge. Also maybe we can trade butcher for a more stay at home type to play with Smith. Time will tell
nice write up Todd - can't wait for the season to start! Your comments about Smith ring true. It's pretty crazy that Butcher is not cracking the opening night roster. When Ruff was asked about Butcher in the last media session, he mentioned how his game is a lot like Smith's, but didn't really delve into Will and his game (though I think we all know that Smith is the better skater and probably has the higher ceiling). Maybe he sees them as being redundant, and wants a solid partner for either of them? I just kind of assumed that Smith or Kulikov would slide over to the right side, as RD3 seems to be our weakest point (till Vats shows up). are you surprised Butcher isn't in the lineup, Todd? I can't say that I noticed him much in the camp scrimmages, but considering his rookie season, this is not a good place to be for Butcher at this point in his career.
Yes I am definitely surprised he is not playing. On one hand, it is one game and everyone is going to be needed. On the other, he is definitely better than *checks notes* Matt Tennyson and he is being paid fairly well. Need him playing.
I may be mistaken, but it looked like Smith was paired with Severson a few times before he was put back with Tennyson. How do you think that pairing went?
yeah, they started some shifts together in the OZ. I thought they were good and liked the idea. creative way to try and generate some offense
So excited to finally see a game preview here! One question for ya Todd. Do you think Ruff is waiting for Hischier to come back to name him captain, or could you see the Devils going without one for the whole season?
I hope it is the former, but I could see them waiting.
Good write up Todd.
My only bitch today would be could we please switch wood with Kuk. As far as tenny over butcher. I think they want smith on his strong side. I’m not going to complain about that. I just hope tenny is up to the challenge. Also maybe we can trade butcher for a more stay at home type to play with Smith. Time will tell