With the start of free agency today, its a good time to see what to expect the Ads line-up to look like and what may be needed through free agency. (Players in bold are under contract and expected to be in Milwaukee)
Forwards:
Mark Santorelli - Mike Santorelli (unsigned RFA) - Andreas Thuresson (resigned RFA)
Ryan Thang- Blake Geoffrion - Matt Halischuk
Kelsey Wilson - Empty - Ian McKenzie
Linus Klasen - Empty - Ryan Flynn
One would assume Blake Geoffrion would start the season in Milwaukee to get top 6 minutes rather than the 4th line in Nashville, but could possibly change based on his training camp.
The main openings are two centers for the 3rd/4th lines which will probably just end up being filled by AHL contracts, along with another wing to replace Ian McKenzie who has to be on the hot seat in terms of making the team.
Defense:
Jonathan Blum - Alex Sulzer
Roman Josi - Teemu Laasko(re-signed RFA)
Cody Franson(unsigned RFA) - Empty
Franson and one of Laakso/Sulzer/Josi would be expected to be in Nashville at the start of the season, leaving as many as 3 openings, in addition to a 7th defenseman as the team carries.
With these openings, it could be expected that one or two of the following UFAs would be re-signed: Nolan Yonkman, Mark Matheson, Scott Ford. Despite Yonkman's questionable play, he is the most recognized Admirals player and most marketed player and was a key piece to the team's PK lines last season, while Ford and Matheson are both experienced in the system and would easily fit the 3rd pairing role.
Goaltenders:
Chet Pickard
Jeremy Smith
Mark Dekanich (unsigned RFA)
Anders Lindback (Preds stated he will play in NA this year)
At this point, goaltending will be a craps shoot depending on whether a back-up for Rinne is signed, and how the various goaltenders play in camp. Personally, I have a hard time imaginging Jeremy Smith ending up in the ECHL for another year, but is quite possible if Dekanich is resigned, or another goaltender is signed to back up Rinne in Nashville.
edit: Teemu Laakso re-signed to a one year, two-way contract today.
Ah, the THANG is back!
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