The pre-season performances of Vladislav Namestnikov, Nikita Kucherov and Jonathan Marchessault have certainly caused a headache for GM Steve Yzerman. However, it’s more of an ice cream headache than a migraine…the root cause is wonderful. (Photo/Susan Ferlita)
Having young players pushing on the gates is essential for a few reasons…
Injuries are inevitable. While they are usually not as devastating as Steven Stamkos’ broken leg, injuries are a regularity and you simply don’t win without depth. This goes beyond NHL players moving higher in the lineup – being able to bring up players that can contribute with limited ice time is something all winning teams do.
Not every player succeeds. Of course this refers to draft picks, but free agents don’t always work out for new teams either. Brenden Morrow and Brian Boyle could take time to adapt to their new systems. If they struggle, the ability to slot in other players and give them a push will keep the team humming.
Trade deadline. Perhaps this team will be looking to bolster its top six forwards at the trade deadline. Perhaps a player like Richard Panik is what the other team wants. Having plenty of young players behind him like Namestnikov, Brett Connolly and Jonathan Droun makes giving up a special young talent something the team can afford to risk.
While all of our excitement is simply “on paper” until the season starts, the Lightning look to be in a position to succeed for multiple years.
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