Lines anyone?

[Harry York 37]

Buchnevich - Thomas - Snuggerud
Holloway - Schenn - Kyrou
Neighbours - Suter - Dvorsky/Bjugstad
I see Dean doing his damndest for RW here. Texier has great tools but doesn't seem to have to toughness or desire. Maybe DVO. Carbo would be a large liability on D. Bolduc had a helluva time figuring this out. If none of the aforementioned can cut it- 3RW belongs to Sunny

Walker - Bjugstad/Sundqvist - Toropchenko
IF Sunny takes 3rd line RW I like this. If not Sunny rotates with these fellows

Extras: Texier - Joseph (one of them waived if Dvorsky makes it)

Fowler - Parayko
Broberg - Faulk (hopefully his replacement is coming before the season starts)
Tucker - Mailloux
Extra: Kessel

Binnington
Hofer

I'm not sure Dean made enough progress to push for a 3rd line role last season. His season was injury riddled and limited him to only like 10 games. If they put Sunny any higher than the 4th line, I will go crazy. Bjugstad had 20 goals 2 seasons ago on Coyote's 3rd line. Last season Utah went with youth and he was limited to 4th line so his production dropped. He could still get to 20 again, which is better than any of the other options currently on the roster, if Dvorsky doesn't make it.

Zach Dean would really have to blow management away in camp to grab spot this year. That would likely mean that one of Joseph or Texier is waived or dealt. Would love to see it happen but i think Dean will be healthier and productive in the AHL this year and Dean will get a call up at some point

I have little doubt, that if we had drafted Dean in the first round in 2021 instead of trading for him a year later, we would be a lot more excited about his abilities. I think he got lost in the shuffle.

He has been a monster in every playoff series in which I can find data. He strikes me as a calmer Holloway- more calculating and less manic.
He had a tough first year in the pros. it happens. He got a nine game look at the end of the '24 season and the GF and I watched from behind the Anaheim net as he and Alexandrov got some ice time. Alexandrov was as graceful as a swan, but got jostled more than he was used to. Dean looked poised and steady- but nothing more.
Last year he got hurt pretty early and missed 80% of the season. He must have used his recovery time to watch, listen, and train like hell because he came back for the last few games and the Playoffs lookin' like an AHL phenom.

Here is a scouting report from his draft year:
Dean plays at a breakneck pace, stacking his skill as a handler and a passer on top of his skating ability to make plays without a moment’s hesitation. His hands work independent of his feet, with his top arm free from his side, pushed out well in front of him to grant him as much manoeuvrability as possible. If you get open, he’ll get you the puck. It’s just that simple. -EliteProspects 2021 NHL Draft Guide


Did I mention that he has been a stud in every Playoff series for which I can find data?

Dean is my Dark Horse this Fall.

Completely agree, and can say the same about the bolded. He looked good (for his age) in his brief Blues stint, and last offseason I thought he stood above the rest of the prospects (other than maybe Bolduc) and looked like he was ready.

prospect profile from draft year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3rcYbx ... adarHockey

shift by shift vid from March of his draft year 2021: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndEsfbu ... ilsPodcast

last year's prospect tournament vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA3YDqR ... ewDeFranks

big hit at WJC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y8OaDK ... mChippeway

Thanks, Zamadoo, excellent finds.

He makes the game seem easy.