So the mapleleafs preseason is well on the way and Ron Wilson has made a majority of his cuts for his final roster.
It has been a pretty decent exhibition, displaying some of our future in earlier games, and finding chemistry with the regular line-up. Coming out of the first five games we Ron Wilson has solidified all positions except for in his words the bottom two centers.
Bozak and Grabovski look fierce out there and have found themselves earning their respectful 1 and 2 top centers. Which leaves Brent, Mitchell, Kadri and Hanson fighting for the final two center positions.
With Hanson having a great preseason, he looks as if he is a lock for fourth line duties. Mitchell has been invisible and Kadri inconsistent. This leave Tim Brent a six year AHL veteran on the verge of earning a spot at the third line pivot.
There is no question Kadri is a better player, but clearly not ready to make the jump. Burke has stated that they are actively pursuing all options to find a bonifide third line center as well.
Some players that have been impressive in camp are Caputi for me the best impression thus far. Versteeg, Kessel , Macarthur , Kulemin , Grabovski , Richmond , and Brown.
The top line of Versteeg Bozak and Kessel is unreal, and a bonified top line, and secondary scoring should not be a problem with Grabs, Kulemin, Macarthur, who seem to have found some chemistry.
The roster looks like
Kessel - Bozak - Versteeg
Macarthur - Grabovski - Kulemin
Sjostrom - ??? - Armstrong
Orr - Hanson - Brown
Mitchell/Caputi
Phaneuf - Beauchamin
Kaberle - Komisarek
Gunnerson - Schenn
Lebda/Richmond/Finger
Giguerre - Monster
Not too bad ..... Opening night is Oct 5th against Montreal. Cant wait!
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