Mid-Summer Lineup Projections - An Exercise in Relative Futility

With training camp just two short months away, it’s only logical to start projecting the Rampage roster and possible lineups. It is logical, right? This season will likely be another interesting one as the Panthers are on a budget and appear to be attempting to just tread water until the bridge to the young guys is complete. I do think we will see some of those youngsters here in San Antonio, at least to start. After that, its anybody’s guess, really.

Forwards

  Q.Howden—N.Bjugstad—G.Rallo

Two possible future linemates in Florida with a scorer and veteran presence on the wing. Rallo could really help develop these kids in a positive way.

 J.Matsumoto—D.Shore—V.Trocheck

This is a big assumption. I still think Shore starts with the Panthers as their #3 center. Think of these projections as best case scenario. I see a move to wing for Trocheck and Matsumoto is versatile enough to play just about anywhere. If Shore stays up, Mats can slide back to C and we find a new LW in the LW orchard that doesn't exist.

 

  

G.Wilson—S.Timmins—J.McFarland

Good line for killing penalties and can add a little scoring as well. Timmins is a potential trade candidate to bring in goalie depth, but for now, this is my favorite line I’ve completely made up.

E.Selleck—J.Gomes—J.Ortmeyer

This is as good as it gets for a 4^th line in this league. Speed, scoring ability, and toughness. All four players play with incredible intensity. This line would give other teams absolute fits. The Panthers, however, have very little toughness on their roster, so Selleck could actually be a candidate to be a 4th liner/healthy scratch until they find someone. In that case, Lindstrom slides in here.

Extras

M.Lindstrom – See above

J.Hazen – Good injury replacement guy. Also a trade candidate.

This, of course, leaves out some names. I see Winchester as the 4C and Butler as a 4^th line winger in Florida to start. Lefebvre, Shaw, and Lewis head to the Cyclones.

Defense

 

 

M.Mottau—A.Petrovic

I know Panthers fans want to see Alex in Sunrise, but with Robak needing to clear waivers, I think he starts here and is the first called up when Jovo sustains his inevitable injury. This is a pretty good 1st pairing in the AHL.

  

  M.Caruso—J.Racine

People are going to get hurt playing against these guys. Both bring an edge to their games and will make opposing forwards think three times about camping out in front of DGM.

 

 J.Lee—Z.Miscovic

A servicable bottom two that could see youth come in and steal a job.

Extras

Turgeon

Urban 

McFadden

These three will battle it out for the 7th spot with the losers headed to the Cyclones. Right now, I have Robak and Gilroy winning the final 2 spots in Florida. Gilroy for his recent NHL experience and Robak for his waiver status. I just don't see Florida exposing him right now. He could also be a trade piece for a goalie.

 Goalies

 Dov Grumet-Morris

DGM is your starter as of today. I'd expect him to play 60 games unless other moves are made at the position.

Michael Houser

Backup to DGM as of now. Again, his status all depends on what Florida does with their goalie situation. Could spend all year as the backup or could head back to Cincinnati for one more year of another goalie is added.

That's my best guess on July 16th. I have to imagine it will be very easy to come back to this post on Oct 16th and pick it apart. Which is why it will be deleted by the time the Rampage camp opens in September.

There are a lot of moving pieces, obviously. Petrovic could leave Florida with no other option than to keep him up with a strong training camp. More free agents could be signed, trades are always a possibility, and what would a Florida Panthers/San Antonio Rampage article be without mentioning injuries?

Please leave any comments in the comments section. I'd love to hear your takes as well. Especially those in Florida who have their fingers on the pulse of that organization.