Many questions need to be answered about the roster before the season starts
With camp rolling into its second day, a few questions are constantly asked. So let's take a look at some of our predictions for the roster before the season starts.
Prediction - Denton Mateychuk WILL NOT make the Blue Jackets out of camp.
- Mateychuk is good, there's no doubt about that. But in a season where he won't be needed, he'll be sent to Cleveland to develop for a year. Don Waddell has said on many occasions that he likes his young players, especially defense to cook in the American League for a while before throwing them to the wolves. This decision is sure to ruffle the feathers of fans, but with who they have on the roster now and who will most likely make the blue line out of camp, it's for the best that young Mateychuk does his thing in the AHL for as long as he needs to. Don't worry, after this season he'll be a mainstay for 15 years.
Prediction - Pano Fimis earns an ELC out of camp and goes pro.
- Fimis put up big numbers last year for the Erie Otters, scoring 25 goals and totaling 76 points in 68 games. But the 20-year-old still has something to prove. He ended up playing three games in the Buffalo Prospects Challenge when he was only supposed to play in one according to CBJ Team Reporter Jeff Svoboda. After camp, he earns an ELC and reports to Cleveland to start his pro career. He should be able to add to an already stacked Cleveland Monsters team and will hopefully move Hershey out of the way and to the Calder Cup Finals.
- Elite Prospects says of Fimis - "He slips pucks through defenders, passes just out of their reach, and makes plays off the backhand. He immediately recognizes the next play upon getting the puck, which couples with his puck retrieval ability (anticipate, steal, body positioning). He even deceives."
Prediction - James Malatesta makes the Jackets out of camp.
- This doesn't sound like a very bold prediction, but with everything that's going on with the roster and the need to possibly sign another free agent, this works out in Malatesta's favor. The 21-year-old had a decent rookie season with Cleveland, but when he was called up to Columbus for the final 11 games of last season, that's where he showed his worth. In 11 games, he scored twice and had 4 points. He brings grit, hard work, and exactly what the Jackets need. Sure they have Kuraly and Olivier who bring toughness, but Malatesta brings all that plus youth. if he can keep all that energy controlled, he will be a force. Right now, should he make the team, he would be paired with Sean Kuraly and Matthew Olivier. I would not want to face that trio on any given night.
These predictions aren't exactly long shots, but in no way are they a sure thing either. Don Waddell has had his work cut out for him since the minute he stepped into Nationwide Arena, and that work continues.
Maybe Waddell will get a day off sooner or later.
Do you anticipate any big surprises? Please share your thoughts on our forum.
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