Blades secretly becoming a contender? A look at a potential 2018/19 lineup


If the euros report, the Blades lineup is actually looking quite dangerous...

Marthinsen(19) - Wouters(18) - Paterson(19)
Florchuck(18) - K Dach(17) - Gerlach(20)
Crnkovic(16) - Robins(17) - Farren(18)
Zawatsky(19) - Christensen(19) - Nicholas/Lees/Doust/mack/Machado

Notes:  That final roster spot is a tough one to decide.  Personally i would give it to Brady Nicholas as he is the most physical of the 4 and the Blades do need more physicality throughout their lineup.  Not mentioned is Joey Moffatt, a natural left winger(2001 born) who the Blades have not signed.  He had a good year in the MJHL and put up ungodly numbers in M-AAA and Bantam.  If he signs, we may see him on the 3rd line with Crnkovic on the 4th and Zawatsky on the outside looking in.  I also haven't included Nakoden Greyeyes, a Left winger(2001) who put up great numbers with Rink Hockey Academy, i do not believe he's committed to the WHL yet, but he played on a line with Robins for RHA.

Lines 1 and 2 both feature a ton of talent and scoring ability.  Both right wingers are 30+ goal guys, both left wingers are Washington Capitals draft picks.  At center Wouters will put up big points this year while Dach is expected to improve on his 46 point campaign and also expected to go in the 1st round of the 2019 NHL entry draft.

Line 3, i sure hope the Blades try this one out.  Crnkovic is a speedy sniper, Robins is a speedy playmaker type, while Farren has great hands and also some play-making abilities.  This line i think would give opposing teams D a lot of grief - especially considering this line would go against 3rd line D-pairings as the top 4 would be busy looking after lines 1 and 2.

On line 4 you have longtime Blade defensive forward Logan Christensen.  He's been a 3rd/4th liner his entire WHL career but he is still very vital to this team.  He is consistently the first guy relied upon in killing penalties.  Zawatsky brings a quick presence to this line, he has the ability to make moves and get scoring chances while Nicholas would be the body checking presence you need on that 4th unit.

On defense

Davidson(20) - Malysjev(17)
Caller(19) - Kustra(19)
Bafaro(18) - De La Gorgendiere(16)
McIssac(18) - Ashton(17)

If Malysjev cant handle that top spot just yet i can see Kustra taking the reigns.  This is an OK looking defense.  Lots of experience and De La Gorgendiere should have a good rookie season.  McIssac and Ashton are on the outside looking in, but are also more than capable to be in this league.  Maybe a trade is in the works, or maybe they roll with 8 to start?

Goalie

Nolan Maier(17)
Koen MacInnes(16)
Dorrin Luding(19)

The WHL record setting Maier is no question the #1 guy in Saskatoon.  However a somewhat confusing trade saw Saskatoon bring back Luding for a 2nd tour of duty.  Not to sure if it's a lack of confidence in MacInnes, or perhaps a message stating that he still has to earn his spot and nothing is given.




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