Forwards Josef Fojtik and Ryan Salvis missed practice and the media luncheon yesterday, but I didn't want to make a big deal of anything before I knew what was going on with them.
However, they were both noticeably absent from the building again today, with no injuries apparent, so I think it's safe to say their future with the team is in question. I did ask Coach Ruskowski about the situation, but he said the details are private information for now.
An anonymous commenter had noted Bryan Benway saying on his blog that Fojtik didn't seem to be fitting in with the team, but I would have to guess he was hinting at something off the ice because he did indeed seem to be picking up on everything pretty well on it. He had the speed and scoring ability Ruskowski was looking for when he brought him here, but not everything is always as good as it seems.
Obviously, with those two not around, the team is already down to 20 players - just one over the allowed limit. Additionally, forward Peter-James Corsi appears headed to the IR, so technically, if nothing else were to change, the roster could be set. Of course, there would still be three goalies, so that won't be happening.
Ruskowski has stated on several occasions that he only plans to carry 18 players on his active roster this season due to salary cap concerns, so we should see at least one more cut in the next couple days, as well as a definite answer about Fojtik and Salvis.
Defenseman Nick Klaren was suited up as a forward today, leaving the team with six d-men in Adam Rivet, Mike Looby, Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel, Jarred Mohr, Cody Hamilton and Tomas Sample. At least for this weekend, that should be the way things stand.
Forward lines also seem pretty set with Jeff Bes-Darryl Smith-Lance Monych, Igor Agarunov-Evan Schwabe-Maxime Lincourt and Justin Styffe-Neil Trimm-Klaren. With Robin Richards also on the roster, that would give the team the 16 skaters who would be required for Ruskowski's 18-man plan.
The goalie situation is still up in the air, but all three are still around and battling it out for a spot on the team. Some news should arise about netminding before the final roster is released.
I have quotes from Ruskowski about everything that went on at practice today and where he feels the team is at with the season opener a few days away, so I'll post those later. Just wanted to get this stuff out there first.
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2 comments:
We'll need that extra guy on the IR, Smith has the green light to go if a good opportunity arises.
Like you noted, I think the roster is set.
The goalie situation is quite intriguing.
Probably a trade happened with salvis, fojtik and a goaltender either one of those 3 (festa, kyle, or spence) and coach probably traded them to bring a veteran goaltender....
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