Post by countryboy on May 26, 2020 22:29:57 GMT -4
In a normal year I'd be in agreement that Peyton, Edwards, and McQuaid were close enough that it would warrant a decision on one player post-training camp.
But, given the uncertainty with the start of next season, I'm find with going with Peyton now. There's so much uncertainty on when hockey will be starting in the fall, I'd say sewing up the three spots now lets everybody know what's happening when we are back on the ice and those other 20 y/o players can work on finding arrangements to play elsewhere. Part of the tryout idea too usually showcases the unsuccessful players for trades, but there's probably likely to be very little trading as teams are uncertain what comes up next.
Really, I think McQuaid was to be the 3rd 20 when he was acquired mid-season and the inclusion of Peyton is further an indictment of McQuaid's disappointing play as a 19 y/o blueliner. It's frustrating to remember that we gave up a 2021 6th for McQuaid and a 2021 5th for Jack Tucker and neither guy gave us what we are looking for. But you have to remember you win some and lose some. Peyton was a free agent pickup and he might end up being a 4 season player for us.
Personally, I like Peyton as the selection over Edwards. Peyton is a guy who can move up and down the lineup a little better. He's probably at home as a 3rd line guy, but he has a decent set of hands and could slide onto line 1-2 if injuries occur or they are looking to shake things up. Peyton is big and decently tough too, which is a factor to consider. I see Edwards as an offensive player, but he never really consistently got uncorked as a guy who produced in the Q. More often than not the past two seasons he slotted in on that 4th line and jumped up when needed. I don't see him having success as a 3rd line guy matching up in a defensive role against other team's elites and I don't know if he can carry the offensive load. One might say he has just as good a chance as Peyton, and that may be true, but I don't see as many different things you can do with Edwards in the lineup.
By rights, as you say, it would have been worth exploring a trade to bring in a stronger 20. But, the uncertainty of when things will get going (if they even do) make it hard to think about trading assets for a one year player who could end up being a zero year player.
I don't like the idea of having three forwards as a group of 20 y/o players. But, our blueline is deep with Cormier, Laaouan, Plandowski, and Trudeau ready to go in the top 4. This indicates to me that they like where things are progressing with Hamel, despite the fact that he rode the pine a ton in the second half (not good for 17 y/o player development). And who knows, maybe this is an arrow in the direction that perhaps Vardy is to be included on the blueline this season, which would be great news.
Edwards found out tonight by watching this interview he was asked to come to camp when the season ended than tonight watching this found out they already have the 3 20s picked. I’m not saying he should be guaranteed a spot but I think he and Peyton should of battled the spot out.
But, given the uncertainty with the start of next season, I'm find with going with Peyton now. There's so much uncertainty on when hockey will be starting in the fall, I'd say sewing up the three spots now lets everybody know what's happening when we are back on the ice and those other 20 y/o players can work on finding arrangements to play elsewhere. Part of the tryout idea too usually showcases the unsuccessful players for trades, but there's probably likely to be very little trading as teams are uncertain what comes up next.
Really, I think McQuaid was to be the 3rd 20 when he was acquired mid-season and the inclusion of Peyton is further an indictment of McQuaid's disappointing play as a 19 y/o blueliner. It's frustrating to remember that we gave up a 2021 6th for McQuaid and a 2021 5th for Jack Tucker and neither guy gave us what we are looking for. But you have to remember you win some and lose some. Peyton was a free agent pickup and he might end up being a 4 season player for us.
Personally, I like Peyton as the selection over Edwards. Peyton is a guy who can move up and down the lineup a little better. He's probably at home as a 3rd line guy, but he has a decent set of hands and could slide onto line 1-2 if injuries occur or they are looking to shake things up. Peyton is big and decently tough too, which is a factor to consider. I see Edwards as an offensive player, but he never really consistently got uncorked as a guy who produced in the Q. More often than not the past two seasons he slotted in on that 4th line and jumped up when needed. I don't see him having success as a 3rd line guy matching up in a defensive role against other team's elites and I don't know if he can carry the offensive load. One might say he has just as good a chance as Peyton, and that may be true, but I don't see as many different things you can do with Edwards in the lineup.
By rights, as you say, it would have been worth exploring a trade to bring in a stronger 20. But, the uncertainty of when things will get going (if they even do) make it hard to think about trading assets for a one year player who could end up being a zero year player.
I don't like the idea of having three forwards as a group of 20 y/o players. But, our blueline is deep with Cormier, Laaouan, Plandowski, and Trudeau ready to go in the top 4. This indicates to me that they like where things are progressing with Hamel, despite the fact that he rode the pine a ton in the second half (not good for 17 y/o player development). And who knows, maybe this is an arrow in the direction that perhaps Vardy is to be included on the blueline this season, which would be great news.
