Where Do Suter And Bjugstad Fit In The Lineup?

[thegibby.]

3rd line and press box?

[Harry York 37]

Bjugstad is a bigger question mark, imo. He had to have at least his second back surgery during training camp last year and played 66 games as he rehabbed it. That sounds like Matty Tkachuck-level toughness to me. He comes from impeccable Minnesota hockey stock, like Snuggerud. He was a first rounder and is said to be a gem of a teammate on the ice and in the locker room.
His shot seems to be very sweet. He runs a shooting school. His six foot five plus frame allows him to merely flick his wrist and achieve great velocity and accuracy.
He didn’t take many penalties last year, but had about the same number of hits and more points a than Faksa in fewer games played.
He is considered an excellent two-way player.

I see why there is a bit of speculation with him as a RW on the third line.


There will be precious little room for any of the kids to elbow their way onto this roster and that is a good thing.I don’t think any of them are ready to play full time minutes in the NHL at this time over the established vets we have in place.

I do think Dean will raise some eyebrows in camp and will look to see him get some time whenever the injury bug bites.

[STL fan in MN]

Bjugstad is a bigger question mark, imo. He had to have at least his second back surgery during training camp last year and played 66 games as he rehabbed it. That sounds like Matty Tkachuck-level toughness to me. He comes from impeccable Minnesota hockey stock, like Snuggerud. He was a first rounder and is said to be a gem of a teammate on the ice and in the locker room.
His shot seems to be very sweet. He runs a shooting school. His six foot five plus frame allows him to merely flick his wrist and achieve great velocity and accuracy.
He didn’t take many penalties last year, but had about the same number of hits and more points a than Faksa in fewer games played.
He is considered an excellent two-way player.

I see why there is a bit of speculation with him as a RW on the third line.


There will be precious little room for any of the kids to elbow their way onto this roster and that is a good thing.I don’t think any of them are ready to play full time minutes in the NHL at this time over the established vets we have in place.

I do think Dean will raise some eyebrows in camp and will look to see him get some time whenever the injury bug bites.

It’s Nick’s uncle Scott that runs the Bjugstad Shooting School. Most current NHLers aren’t going to bother with something like that.

That said, I am happy to have Nick. Wasn’t aware of his back surgery about a year ago until recently. Hopefully he’s recovered now and he can bounce back a little stronger this season. I could absolutely see him grabbing that open 3RW spot. We’ll just have to see how the chemistry works better - him at 3RW or him at 4C. My guess is both he and Sunny will play a lot of both of those 2 positions.

[Harry York 37]

Bjugstad is a bigger question mark, imo. He had to have at least his second back surgery during training camp last year and played 66 games as he rehabbed it. That sounds like Matty Tkachuck-level toughness to me. He comes from impeccable Minnesota hockey stock, like Snuggerud. He was a first rounder and is said to be a gem of a teammate on the ice and in the locker room.
His shot seems to be very sweet. He runs a shooting school. His six foot five plus frame allows him to merely flick his wrist and achieve great velocity and accuracy.
He didn’t take many penalties last year, but had about the same number of hits and more points a than Faksa in fewer games played.
He is considered an excellent two-way player.

I see why there is a bit of speculation with him as a RW on the third line.


There will be precious little room for any of the kids to elbow their way onto this roster and that is a good thing.I don’t think any of them are ready to play full time minutes in the NHL at this time over the established vets we have in place.

I do think Dean will raise some eyebrows in camp and will look to see him get some time whenever the injury bug bites.

It’s Nick’s uncle Scott that runs the Bjugstad Shooting School. Most current NHLers aren’t going to bother with something like that.

That said, I am happy to have Nick. Wasn’t aware of his back surgery about a year ago until recently. Hopefully he’s recovered now and he can bounce back a little stronger this season. I could absolutely see him grabbing that open 3RW spot. We’ll just have to see how the chemistry works better - him at 3RW or him at 4C. My guess is both he and Sunny will play a lot of both of those 2 positions.

Thanks for the clarification, as always.

I saw the pick of Scott with a giant guy next to him and assumed it was Nick. That is, in fact, Scott’s son and Nick’s cousin, Jesse Bjugstad.

https://scottbjugstad.com/

[callitwhatyouwant]

Bjugstad is a bigger question mark, imo. He had to have at least his second back surgery during training camp last year and played 66 games as he rehabbed it. That sounds like Matty Tkachuck-level toughness to me. He comes from impeccable Minnesota hockey stock, like Snuggerud. He was a first rounder and is said to be a gem of a teammate on the ice and in the locker room.
His shot seems to be very sweet. He runs a shooting school. His six foot five plus frame allows him to merely flick his wrist and achieve great velocity and accuracy.
He didn’t take many penalties last year, but had about the same number of hits and more points a than Faksa in fewer games played.
He is considered an excellent two-way player.

I see why there is a bit of speculation with him as a RW on the third line.


There will be precious little room for any of the kids to elbow their way onto this roster and that is a good thing.I don’t think any of them are ready to play full time minutes in the NHL at this time over the established vets we have in place.

I do think Dean will raise some eyebrows in camp and will look to see him get some time whenever the injury bug bites.

Everything I hear about Dean is that he was the most NHL ready guy last year before the injury but his ceiling is lower than either stenberg or dvorsky. People seemed to think he has the perfect playstyle to be 3rd line center or fill in 4th line. Apparently his skating is his best quality which this team has clearly upgraded over the last 2 seasons on. I'd love to see him up getting a spell on the 4th line. I don't want to see Dvorsky up until he firmly is playing 3rd line wing or center.

[Harry York 37]

Bjugstad is a bigger question mark, imo. He had to have at least his second back surgery during training camp last year and played 66 games as he rehabbed it. That sounds like Matty Tkachuck-level toughness to me. He comes from impeccable Minnesota hockey stock, like Snuggerud. He was a first rounder and is said to be a gem of a teammate on the ice and in the locker room.
His shot seems to be very sweet. He runs a shooting school. His six foot five plus frame allows him to merely flick his wrist and achieve great velocity and accuracy.
He didn’t take many penalties last year, but had about the same number of hits and more points a than Faksa in fewer games played.
He is considered an excellent two-way player.

I see why there is a bit of speculation with him as a RW on the third line.


There will be precious little room for any of the kids to elbow their way onto this roster and that is a good thing.I don’t think any of them are ready to play full time minutes in the NHL at this time over the established vets we have in place.

I do think Dean will raise some eyebrows in camp and will look to see him get some time whenever the injury bug bites.

Everything I hear about Dean is that he was the most NHL ready guy last year before the injury but his ceiling is lower than either stenberg or dvorsky. People seemed to think he has the perfect playstyle to be 3rd line center or fill in 4th line. Apparently his skating is his best quality which this team has clearly upgraded over the last 2 seasons on. I'd love to see him up getting a spell on the 4th line. I don't want to see Dvorsky up until he firmly is playing 3rd line wing or center.

Some folks still see second line potential and I am in that group.
He seems a slightly lighter weight version of Neighbours, but with a good deal more offensive upside.

I think being from the Maritimes,playing minor hockey in Newfoundland and Labrador and then in the Q in a smallish Quebec town until he was 20, while changing organizations gave him a rude awakening when he turned pro. After a year of a learning curve, he got hurt early last year and missed 90% of the season. He did “roar bacon” in the last few games of the season, so I am ready to see him give this training camp his very best shot.
I doubt he makes the big club, but I do think he will raise some eyebrows.

He was fantastic in the last five games, three of those were in the playoffs, and he passes my eye test based on that small sample.
His scouting report from his draft year is quite positive.

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

[STL fan in MN]

Bjugstad is a bigger question mark, imo. He had to have at least his second back surgery during training camp last year and played 66 games as he rehabbed it. That sounds like Matty Tkachuck-level toughness to me. He comes from impeccable Minnesota hockey stock, like Snuggerud. He was a first rounder and is said to be a gem of a teammate on the ice and in the locker room.
His shot seems to be very sweet. He runs a shooting school. His six foot five plus frame allows him to merely flick his wrist and achieve great velocity and accuracy.
He didn’t take many penalties last year, but had about the same number of hits and more points a than Faksa in fewer games played.
He is considered an excellent two-way player.

I see why there is a bit of speculation with him as a RW on the third line.


There will be precious little room for any of the kids to elbow their way onto this roster and that is a good thing.I don’t think any of them are ready to play full time minutes in the NHL at this time over the established vets we have in place.

I do think Dean will raise some eyebrows in camp and will look to see him get some time whenever the injury bug bites.

Everything I hear about Dean is that he was the most NHL ready guy last year before the injury but his ceiling is lower than either stenberg or dvorsky. People seemed to think he has the perfect playstyle to be 3rd line center or fill in 4th line. Apparently his skating is his best quality which this team has clearly upgraded over the last 2 seasons on. I'd love to see him up getting a spell on the 4th line. I don't want to see Dvorsky up until he firmly is playing 3rd line wing or center.

Some folks still see second line potential and I am in that group.
He seems a slightly lighter weight version of Neighbours, but with a good deal more offensive upside.

I think being from the Maritimes,playing minor hockey in Newfoundland and Labrador and then in the Q in a smallish Quebec town until he was 20, while changing organizations gave him a rude awakening when he turned pro. After a year of a learning curve, he got hurt early last year and missed 90% of the season. He did “roar bacon” in the last few games of the season, so I am ready to see him give this training camp his very best shot.
I doubt he makes the big club, but I do think he will raise some eyebrows.

He was fantastic in the last five games, three of those were in the playoffs, and he passes my eye test based on that small sample.
His scouting report from his draft year is quite positive.

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

I don’t see a potential 2nd liner in Dean. I think he still has 3C potential though, just delayed a year because of the injury. But he could top out as a 4C too. Or not make it at all. Or be pushed to the wing. I bet he stays at C though as he brings a lot to the table that makes for a good C. Just average at faceoffs though. But I don’t see him remotely having enough skill to be in the top-6, especially at C. But probably enough skill to be a 3C but could be more of a 4C. This is a very big year for him IMO. He needs to make a statement, stay healthy and get himself firmly on the radar as a top callup option.

[Old_Goat]

Bjugstad is a bigger question mark, imo. He had to have at least his second back surgery during training camp last year and played 66 games as he rehabbed it. That sounds like Matty Tkachuck-level toughness to me. He comes from impeccable Minnesota hockey stock, like Snuggerud. He was a first rounder and is said to be a gem of a teammate on the ice and in the locker room.
His shot seems to be very sweet. He runs a shooting school. His six foot five plus frame allows him to merely flick his wrist and achieve great velocity and accuracy.
He didn’t take many penalties last year, but had about the same number of hits and more points a than Faksa in fewer games played.
He is considered an excellent two-way player.

I see why there is a bit of speculation with him as a RW on the third line.


There will be precious little room for any of the kids to elbow their way onto this roster and that is a good thing.I don’t think any of them are ready to play full time minutes in the NHL at this time over the established vets we have in place.

I do think Dean will raise some eyebrows in camp and will look to see him get some time whenever the injury bug bites.

Everything I hear about Dean is that he was the most NHL ready guy last year before the injury but his ceiling is lower than either stenberg or dvorsky. People seemed to think he has the perfect playstyle to be 3rd line center or fill in 4th line. Apparently his skating is his best quality which this team has clearly upgraded over the last 2 seasons on. I'd love to see him up getting a spell on the 4th line. I don't want to see Dvorsky up until he firmly is playing 3rd line wing or center.

Some folks still see second line potential and I am in that group.
He seems a slightly lighter weight version of Neighbours, but with a good deal more offensive upside.

I think being from the Maritimes,playing minor hockey in Newfoundland and Labrador and then in the Q in a smallish Quebec town until he was 20, while changing organizations gave him a rude awakening when he turned pro. After a year of a learning curve, he got hurt early last year and missed 90% of the season. He did “roar bacon” in the last few games of the season, so I am ready to see him give this training camp his very best shot.
I doubt he makes the big club, but I do think he will raise some eyebrows.

He was fantastic in the last five games, three of those were in the playoffs, and he passes my eye test based on that small sample.
His scouting report from his draft year is quite positive.

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

I don’t see a potential 2nd liner in Dean. I think he still has 3C potential though, just delayed a year because of the injury. But he could top out as a 4C too. Or not make it at all. Or be pushed to the wing. I bet he stays at C though as he brings a lot to the table that makes for a good C. Just average at faceoffs though. But I don’t see him remotely having enough skill to be in the top-6, especially at C. But probably enough skill to be a 3C but could be more of a 4C. This is a very big year for him IMO. He needs to make a statement, stay healthy and get himself firmly on the radar as a top callup option.

Well, a genuine improvement over Joseph and/or a more consistent improvement over Texier would sure be nice. It's a long season.

[Harry York 37]

Bjugstad is a bigger question mark, imo. He had to have at least his second back surgery during training camp last year and played 66 games as he rehabbed it. That sounds like Matty Tkachuck-level toughness to me. He comes from impeccable Minnesota hockey stock, like Snuggerud. He was a first rounder and is said to be a gem of a teammate on the ice and in the locker room.
His shot seems to be very sweet. He runs a shooting school. His six foot five plus frame allows him to merely flick his wrist and achieve great velocity and accuracy.
He didn’t take many penalties last year, but had about the same number of hits and more points a than Faksa in fewer games played.
He is considered an excellent two-way player.

I see why there is a bit of speculation with him as a RW on the third line.


There will be precious little room for any of the kids to elbow their way onto this roster and that is a good thing.I don’t think any of them are ready to play full time minutes in the NHL at this time over the established vets we have in place.

I do think Dean will raise some eyebrows in camp and will look to see him get some time whenever the injury bug bites.

Everything I hear about Dean is that he was the most NHL ready guy last year before the injury but his ceiling is lower than either stenberg or dvorsky. People seemed to think he has the perfect playstyle to be 3rd line center or fill in 4th line. Apparently his skating is his best quality which this team has clearly upgraded over the last 2 seasons on. I'd love to see him up getting a spell on the 4th line. I don't want to see Dvorsky up until he firmly is playing 3rd line wing or center.

Some folks still see second line potential and I am in that group.
He seems a slightly lighter weight version of Neighbours, but with a good deal more offensive upside.

I think being from the Maritimes,playing minor hockey in Newfoundland and Labrador and then in the Q in a smallish Quebec town until he was 20, while changing organizations gave him a rude awakening when he turned pro. After a year of a learning curve, he got hurt early last year and missed 90% of the season. He did “roar bacon” in the last few games of the season, so I am ready to see him give this training camp his very best shot.
I doubt he makes the big club, but I do think he will raise some eyebrows.

He was fantastic in the last five games, three of those were in the playoffs, and he passes my eye test based on that small sample.
His scouting report from his draft year is quite positive.

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

I don’t see a potential 2nd liner in Dean. I think he still has 3C potential though, just delayed a year because of the injury. But he could top out as a 4C too. Or not make it at all. Or be pushed to the wing. I bet he stays at C though as he brings a lot to the table that makes for a good C. Just average at faceoffs though. But I don’t see him remotely having enough skill to be in the top-6, especially at C. But probably enough skill to be a 3C but could be more of a 4C. This is a very big year for him IMO. He needs to make a statement, stay healthy and get himself firmly on the radar as a top callup option.

I respect your opinion.
I would ask what in particular you see him lacking? Speed, edgework, passing, shooting, hockey IQ? Physicality?
I can see him as a very good 3C. He has played in exactly 72 professional games including his nine game stint with the Blues two seasons ago and the three game AHL playoffs last year,

Do you see him as having a ceiling similar to Neighbours- if his stars align? That is, a fine third liner who can be a serviceable second-liner in a pinch?

[STL fan in MN]

Bjugstad is a bigger question mark, imo. He had to have at least his second back surgery during training camp last year and played 66 games as he rehabbed it. That sounds like Matty Tkachuck-level toughness to me. He comes from impeccable Minnesota hockey stock, like Snuggerud. He was a first rounder and is said to be a gem of a teammate on the ice and in the locker room.
His shot seems to be very sweet. He runs a shooting school. His six foot five plus frame allows him to merely flick his wrist and achieve great velocity and accuracy.
He didn’t take many penalties last year, but had about the same number of hits and more points a than Faksa in fewer games played.
He is considered an excellent two-way player.

I see why there is a bit of speculation with him as a RW on the third line.


There will be precious little room for any of the kids to elbow their way onto this roster and that is a good thing.I don’t think any of them are ready to play full time minutes in the NHL at this time over the established vets we have in place.

I do think Dean will raise some eyebrows in camp and will look to see him get some time whenever the injury bug bites.

Everything I hear about Dean is that he was the most NHL ready guy last year before the injury but his ceiling is lower than either stenberg or dvorsky. People seemed to think he has the perfect playstyle to be 3rd line center or fill in 4th line. Apparently his skating is his best quality which this team has clearly upgraded over the last 2 seasons on. I'd love to see him up getting a spell on the 4th line. I don't want to see Dvorsky up until he firmly is playing 3rd line wing or center.

Some folks still see second line potential and I am in that group.
He seems a slightly lighter weight version of Neighbours, but with a good deal more offensive upside.

I think being from the Maritimes,playing minor hockey in Newfoundland and Labrador and then in the Q in a smallish Quebec town until he was 20, while changing organizations gave him a rude awakening when he turned pro. After a year of a learning curve, he got hurt early last year and missed 90% of the season. He did “roar bacon” in the last few games of the season, so I am ready to see him give this training camp his very best shot.
I doubt he makes the big club, but I do think he will raise some eyebrows.

He was fantastic in the last five games, three of those were in the playoffs, and he passes my eye test based on that small sample.
His scouting report from his draft year is quite positive.

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

I don’t see a potential 2nd liner in Dean. I think he still has 3C potential though, just delayed a year because of the injury. But he could top out as a 4C too. Or not make it at all. Or be pushed to the wing. I bet he stays at C though as he brings a lot to the table that makes for a good C. Just average at faceoffs though. But I don’t see him remotely having enough skill to be in the top-6, especially at C. But probably enough skill to be a 3C but could be more of a 4C. This is a very big year for him IMO. He needs to make a statement, stay healthy and get himself firmly on the radar as a top callup option.

I respect your opinion.
I would ask what in particular you see him lacking? Speed, edgework, passing, shooting, hockey IQ? Physicality?
I can see him as a very good 3C. He has played in exactly 72 professional games including his nine game stint with the Blues two seasons ago and the three game AHL playoffs last year,

Do you see him as having a ceiling similar to Neighbours- if his stars align? That is, a fine third liner who can be a serviceable second-liner in a pinch?

Skill. He lacks the skills to be more than a 3rd liner IMO. Stick handling ability. His shot is fine but nothing special at the NHL level.

As of now, I do not see him reaching the same caliber as Neighbours (and Neighbours hasn’t reached his peak yet either tbh) but he does play the more premium position. But would be hard for him to match Neighbours’ overall game that includes physicality, leadership, locker room presence as well IMO.

[Harry York 37]

Bjugstad is a bigger question mark, imo. He had to have at least his second back surgery during training camp last year and played 66 games as he rehabbed it. That sounds like Matty Tkachuck-level toughness to me. He comes from impeccable Minnesota hockey stock, like Snuggerud. He was a first rounder and is said to be a gem of a teammate on the ice and in the locker room.
His shot seems to be very sweet. He runs a shooting school. His six foot five plus frame allows him to merely flick his wrist and achieve great velocity and accuracy.
He didn’t take many penalties last year, but had about the same number of hits and more points a than Faksa in fewer games played.
He is considered an excellent two-way player.

I see why there is a bit of speculation with him as a RW on the third line.


There will be precious little room for any of the kids to elbow their way onto this roster and that is a good thing.I don’t think any of them are ready to play full time minutes in the NHL at this time over the established vets we have in place.

I do think Dean will raise some eyebrows in camp and will look to see him get some time whenever the injury bug bites.

Everything I hear about Dean is that he was the most NHL ready guy last year before the injury but his ceiling is lower than either stenberg or dvorsky. People seemed to think he has the perfect playstyle to be 3rd line center or fill in 4th line. Apparently his skating is his best quality which this team has clearly upgraded over the last 2 seasons on. I'd love to see him up getting a spell on the 4th line. I don't want to see Dvorsky up until he firmly is playing 3rd line wing or center.

Some folks still see second line potential and I am in that group.
He seems a slightly lighter weight version of Neighbours, but with a good deal more offensive upside.

I think being from the Maritimes,playing minor hockey in Newfoundland and Labrador and then in the Q in a smallish Quebec town until he was 20, while changing organizations gave him a rude awakening when he turned pro. After a year of a learning curve, he got hurt early last year and missed 90% of the season. He did “roar bacon” in the last few games of the season, so I am ready to see him give this training camp his very best shot.
I doubt he makes the big club, but I do think he will raise some eyebrows.

He was fantastic in the last five games, three of those were in the playoffs, and he passes my eye test based on that small sample.
His scouting report from his draft year is quite positive.

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

I don’t see a potential 2nd liner in Dean. I think he still has 3C potential though, just delayed a year because of the injury. But he could top out as a 4C too. Or not make it at all. Or be pushed to the wing. I bet he stays at C though as he brings a lot to the table that makes for a good C. Just average at faceoffs though. But I don’t see him remotely having enough skill to be in the top-6, especially at C. But probably enough skill to be a 3C but could be more of a 4C. This is a very big year for him IMO. He needs to make a statement, stay healthy and get himself firmly on the radar as a top callup option.

Well, a genuine improvement over Joseph and/or a more consistent improvement over Texier would sure be nice. It's a long season.

That would be a good thing, but it sounds like he needs to make a big splash by the end of this season.


I am jumping the gun again, I know.
When nothing much is happening, my mind tends to jump on hunches and fly off into the ether.

[Harry York 37]

I am definitely happy about the upgrades at Center and/or 3rd line RW.
If Bjugstad is recovered,we will be exponentially better down the middle this year.

[BobbyOrr]

DEVO. Oh My, Whip it good

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_QLzth ... rt_radio=1

[Harry York 37]

Bjugstad is a bigger question mark, imo. He had to have at least his second back surgery during training camp last year and played 66 games as he rehabbed it. That sounds like Matty Tkachuck-level toughness to me. He comes from impeccable Minnesota hockey stock, like Snuggerud. He was a first rounder and is said to be a gem of a teammate on the ice and in the locker room.
His shot seems to be very sweet. He runs a shooting school. His six foot five plus frame allows him to merely flick his wrist and achieve great velocity and accuracy.
He didn’t take many penalties last year, but had about the same number of hits and more points a than Faksa in fewer games played.
He is considered an excellent two-way player.

I see why there is a bit of speculation with him as a RW on the third line.


There will be precious little room for any of the kids to elbow their way onto this roster and that is a good thing.I don’t think any of them are ready to play full time minutes in the NHL at this time over the established vets we have in place.

I do think Dean will raise some eyebrows in camp and will look to see him get some time whenever the injury bug bites.

Everything I hear about Dean is that he was the most NHL ready guy last year before the injury but his ceiling is lower than either stenberg or dvorsky. People seemed to think he has the perfect playstyle to be 3rd line center or fill in 4th line. Apparently his skating is his best quality which this team has clearly upgraded over the last 2 seasons on. I'd love to see him up getting a spell on the 4th line. I don't want to see Dvorsky up until he firmly is playing 3rd line wing or center.

Some folks still see second line potential and I am in that group.
He seems a slightly lighter weight version of Neighbours, but with a good deal more offensive upside.

I think being from the Maritimes,playing minor hockey in Newfoundland and Labrador and then in the Q in a smallish Quebec town until he was 20, while changing organizations gave him a rude awakening when he turned pro. After a year of a learning curve, he got hurt early last year and missed 90% of the season. He did “roar bacon” in the last few games of the season, so I am ready to see him give this training camp his very best shot.
I doubt he makes the big club, but I do think he will raise some eyebrows.

He was fantastic in the last five games, three of those were in the playoffs, and he passes my eye test based on that small sample.
His scouting report from his draft year is quite positive.

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

I don’t see a potential 2nd liner in Dean. I think he still has 3C potential though, just delayed a year because of the injury. But he could top out as a 4C too. Or not make it at all. Or be pushed to the wing. I bet he stays at C though as he brings a lot to the table that makes for a good C. Just average at faceoffs though. But I don’t see him remotely having enough skill to be in the top-6, especially at C. But probably enough skill to be a 3C but could be more of a 4C. This is a very big year for him IMO. He needs to make a statement, stay healthy and get himself firmly on the radar as a top callup option.

I respect your opinion.
I would ask what in particular you see him lacking? Speed, edgework, passing, shooting, hockey IQ? Physicality?
I can see him as a very good 3C. He has played in exactly 72 professional games including his nine game stint with the Blues two seasons ago and the three game AHL playoffs last year,

Do you see him as having a ceiling similar to Neighbours- if his stars align? That is, a fine third liner who can be a serviceable second-liner in a pinch?

Skill. He lacks the skills to be more than a 3rd liner IMO. Stick handling ability. His shot is fine but nothing special at the NHL level.

As of now, I do not see him reaching the same caliber as Neighbours (and Neighbours hasn’t reached his peak yet either tbh) but he does play the more premium position. But would be hard for him to match Neighbours’ overall game that includes physicality, leadership, locker room presence as well IMO.

Thanks. I understand it’s a reach to see him as a second liner.
I think his intangibles and his smarts might bring him some time there if his stars align. He seems to be one of those players they call a coach’s dream and he has never not been fun to watch in the limited amount I have seen him play. We are even more stocked at forward this year than we were last year, I think. That includes the loss of Bolduc as Snuggerud and Devo -who should, indeed, “Whip it good”- are chomping at their bits. Suter and Bjugstad are very nice looking additions.
I can’t wait for camp….

[BrummerStealsHome]

Where Do Suter And Bjugstad Fit In The Lineup?

Other than alphabetically I haven't the slightest idea.

[Harry York 37]

Pure speculation from the doldrums-

If Suter fits in as good or better than Schenn on the second line, a third line of Neighbours, Bjugstad, and Schenn would be "difficult" to play against.
That is assuming Sunny takes over at 4C and Bjugstad's back is in decent shape.