SALARY
F1 Huselius (4.75) Vermette (3.75) Nash (7.5) = 16 mil
F2 Filatov (.875) Brassard (2.8) Voracek (.787) = 4.462 mil
F3 Moreau (1.75) Pahlsson (2.75) Umberger (4.0) = 8.5 mil
F4 Boll (?) Dorsett (.575) Clark (2.5) = incomplete
Extra: Murray (.650)
D1 Hejda (2.0) Tyutin (3.0) = 5.0 mil
D2 Klesla (2.975) Russell (1.3) = 4.275 mil
D3 Commodore (3.8) Stralman (?) = incomplete
Extra: Methot (1.050)
Mason (.765)
Garon (1.2)
POINTS
F1 Huselius (63) Vermette (65) Nash (67) = 195
F2 Filatov (2) Brassard (36) Voracek (50) = 88
F3 Moreau (18) Pahlsson (16) Umberger (55) = 54
F4 Boll (7) Dorsett (14) Clark (20) = 41
Extra: Murray (7)
D1 Hejda (13) Tyutin (32) = 45
D2 Klesla (8) Russell (22) = 30
D3 Commodore (11) Stralman (34) = 45
Extra: Methot (8)
Mason
Garon
Notes:
* First off, how bad is it when Commodore is our highest paid defensemen? This team cannot afford to have that kind of salary tied up in a guy who played like he did last season. Let's hope he isn't just watching horse races and hangin in Vegas this offseason.
* Penciled Filatov in on the second line b/c where else is he going to go? If they aren't going to trade him then they need to play him in a position he can contribute and that has to be with skilled players on a scoring line. Umberger bumps down to the 3rd but as we know, this guy can play just about anywhere in any position -- and injuries always occur.
* As a friend pointed out the other day -- Columbus should not viewed as a young team any longer. Brassard will be entering his 4th year pro, Russell will be a 4 year pro and Voracek on his 3rd year. So while at first glance you may say - that is a lot of youth and inexperience on the 2nd line -- is it really?
* This team has way to much $$ tied up in average to below average players. The 3rd line makes more than the 2nd and imagine if you replace Umberger and put Clark on that line -- we are talking 54 points for a combined 7 mil.
* Columbus ranked 20th overall in average goal per game in the league. That tells me we need a lot more production out of our offense in general. If this lineup stays as is - then Nash, Brassard and Filatov must increase their production - I'd put Voracek on that list as well. While I'd like to see Juice, Vermette and Umberger increase I think they are right around what I personally expected last year from all 3. They need to at least duplicate their production. As far as the bottom 6 - my expectation are low for this group as currently configured so it will all be a bonus. We need a surprise season or two in there.
* Defensively, if things stay the status quo, I look for the biggest offensive improvement from Russell. Stralman needs to tighten up defensively (as does everyone) but with really his first year as a steady defensemen under his belt his offensive numbers could improve. Remember he fizzled down the stretch after a hot start - especially on the PP. As has been noted time and time again, we need an upgrade in skill in this group.
* Here is the average cost per point out of these lines if taken this year's salaries:
F1 - $82,051 per point
F2 - $50,704 per point
F3 - $157,407 per point
F4 - Incomplete
D1 - $111,111 per point
D2 - $142,500 per point
D3 - Incomplete
Now granted the cost per point for defensemen should not equate to the cost per point for offense given the roles and responsibilities. If you look at the offense however that F3 line is pretty glaring. I realize they have a different role than the scoring lines but you still need better production than that. Besides if you wanted to break down the +/- of every line trust me when I say the F3 would again stick out with a combination of a whopping -43!!
Some food for thought.
-LTL
