NHL battle for starting spots in full swing
As camp comes to an end early this week the National Hockey League will move into the pre-season and the relentless battle for spots in each franchise will continue. Fans should be prepared to see rookies and youngsters go all out for fourth-line positions.
Heading into the start of pre-season on Tuesday every team has a number of players struggling for roster positions. Here are a few of the most intriguing battles.
Boston Bruins
The Bruins have perhaps the best young goaltender in the League in Tuukka Rask. However, veteran and former Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas will be battling to get back his starting spot.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Blue Jackets prized young defender Kris Russell went down with a knee injury last week and the club will be searching for a youngster to fill his shoes until he is able to come back. With a poor back end already the loss of Russell could be devastating for
Columbus.
Edmonton Oilers
Oilers camp still remains one of the most interesting, as the club is filled with young talent fighting for opening day spots. Outside of the first line it looks as though nearly every other roster position is up for grabs.
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings are eager to get a look at Alexei Ponikarovsky, who the club invested $3 million in this summer. Los Angeles is saying publicly that they hope he is a capable third-liner, secretly they must be looking for more from him with that salary.
Nashville Predators
The Preds are in search of yet another back-up goaltender and have quite the selection to choose from. It has been reported that Mark Dekanich is currently the front-runner, but he may have to contend with prospect Chet Pickard.
New York Rangers
Rumours were swirling that the Rangers could be sending overpaid defender Wade Redden down to the American Hockey League this season, as several of their rookies have looked impressive in camp. However, it was made clear that Redden would not be moved and is
set to start the year with the ‘Blue Shirts’.
Ottawa Senators
Filip Kuba is out 4-6 weeks with an injury, which means youngsters Brian Lee and Eric Gryba will be battling for a roster spot.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pens are still very thin down the flanks, lacking the talent to play with Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby and Jordon Staal. Pittsburgh is hoping some of their third and fourth liners will be able to step-up during the pre-season. The club is also hoping that
prospect Eric Tangradi will be able to make the big club, perhaps even filling a top-six spot.
San Jose Sharks
All eyes will be on newly acquired net-minder Antti Niemi as he tries to fill the void left by Evgeni Nabokov. Nevertheless, Niemi is sure to be challenged by Antero Niittymaki, who is looking to resume his tenure as a starting NHL goaltender.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning have added several players to a line-up that now looks as though it may be able to contend for a play-off spot. The pre-season will be a chance to watch these different parts come together. Moreover, with several holes still in the bottom-six
it will be interesting to see if any youngsters are able to fill the void.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Plenty of new faces coupled with the biggest hockey market in the world means the pre-season should be an eventful one for the Maple Leafs. The biggest attraction will be first round selection Nazem Kadri, fighting for a roster spot.
Vancouver Canucks
Cody Hodgson and Brendan Morrison will be fighting for the final roster spot at centre, while strong play from goaltender Cory Schneider could spark a trade involving the youngster.
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