Should Kessel be the 7th D-man?

[Old_Goat]

Is he really the best option at this point? Would Skinner or someone else be a better choice?
I understand that the younger, higher potential prospects need playing time and not so much in press box, but...

[STL fan in MN]

Internally, it’d be between Kessel and Skinner only. They’re not keeping Lindstein to be the #7 guy. He’s been solid but doesn’t appear NHL ready anyway. He needs AHL time to adjust to the N.A. game more. Sweden plays on 200x100 rinks so that’ll be an adjustment.

Kessel’s biggest competition might be outside the org though. Lots of teams have more than 7 decent d-men and those teams will be making tough choices over the next week to get down to their 23-man rosters. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if Army views some other team’s #8 guy as better than our #7 - Kessel. I could easily see us claim a d-man or make a small trade to acquire one if they feel Kessel hasn’t brought enough to fully earn the role.

[callitwhatyouwant]

Kessel had that little run where he looked OK but I never thought his game was that great. He looks very unsure with the puck on his stick, which puts a lot of pressure on whoever is with him to be starting the breakouts or handling the puck when the other team decides to apply pressure because they know kessel is a bit weak there.

But, it seems like the guys like him, and when there are compliments from the staff it's usually about his positioning

[BluesBirdsBuds]

We are paper thing at D

Wouldn’t be shocked to see Army bring in a depth piece early into the season

[britishblue]

I fully expect us to claim a dman off waivers before the season starts.

[TampaBlues78]

He hasn’t shown me anything tbh and I am not surprised if he is waived

[seattleblue]

Internally, it’d be between Kessel and Skinner only. They’re not keeping Lindstein to be the #7 guy. He’s been solid but doesn’t appear NHL ready anyway. He needs AHL time to adjust to the N.A. game more. Sweden plays on 200x100 rinks so that’ll be an adjustment.

Kessel’s biggest competition might be outside the org though. Lots of teams have more than 7 decent d-men and those teams will be making tough choices over the next week to get down to their 23-man rosters. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if Army views some other team’s #8 guy as better than our #7 - Kessel. I could easily see us claim a d-man or make a small trade to acquire one if they feel Kessel hasn’t brought enough to fully earn the role.

Good assessment. Ryker Evans for Seattle got hurt 6-8 weeks yesterday they will also be looking for a little stopgap D help

[TruBlueFan_1970]

I thought Skinner looked faster, more poised and even more physical. Haven’t seen enough of either to make a good assessment though. Just due to skating, I’d go Skinner or a veteran cap casualty as MN mentioned.

[zamadoo]

I thought Kessel looked good in his first appearance this preseason, and not bad otherwise. Skinner has really surprised, and I would be quite pleased if he turned out to be an NHLer at any capacity. He certainly looks like he's blooming. Would be fine with either riding the bench as 7th D.

[SIU LAW]

Frankly, both of them need to be playing consistently to keep developing. Both in the AHL until injury occurs, with a serviceable but cheap experienced 7th would be best. Yes, I understand Kessel may have a waivers issue. Kessel Is just going to stagnate in sitting in the press box.

[Cahokanut]

Really going out on a limb. Predicting Army will be trading for defense.

It is part of his yearly, 'We are winners, run for a wild card.

I guessing a Vet defender.

[dhsux]

I thought Skinner looked faster, more poised and even more physical. Haven’t seen enough of either to make a good assessment though. Just due to skating, I’d go Skinner or a veteran cap casualty as MN mentioned.

I'd prefer they go with Skinner and give him a spin before making a move. Agree Skinner appears to play above his weight.

I should know but are both players waiver protected?

[STL fan in MN]

I thought Skinner looked faster, more poised and even more physical. Haven’t seen enough of either to make a good assessment though. Just due to skating, I’d go Skinner or a veteran cap casualty as MN mentioned.

I'd prefer they go with Skinner and give him a spin before making a move. Agree Skinner appears to play above his weight.

I should know but are both players waiver protected?

No. Both Kessel and Skinner are waiver eligible. Both have passed through waivers before as well.

[DawgDad]

We've seen Skinner and Kessel get walked in this preseason. The less they play the better, they're depth guys.

[moose-and-squirrel]

how good do ya need to be to sit in the press box 70+ games?

[DawgDad]

how good do ya need to be to sit in the press box 70+ games?

They won't, they'd likely rotate up and down, and they will play when guys inevitably get banged up.