How Will The New Free Agent Additions Help The San Jose Barracuda, And Are They Ready To Compete?

[@michaelknepper-ut8if]

As always, a very interesting episode! I really liked the review and agree that the Cuda roster is better than last season. IMO Sharks management has put their money where their mouth is to improve the Cuda roster. I am not sure about Haltunnen though I am hopeful he can make the jump to pro. My guess is that he is back at London for one more season. I am not sure about Cagnoni either as he might need to work more on his defensive game. Both prospects are exciting and I would love to see them with the Cuda this season. The rule that was discussed is a new thing to me. I heard them talking about it on Sheng's podcast. I hope the lines are somewhat close to what you thought. They sounded like a lot of fun. Although, with the rule they can only dress experienced/veteran players per game. An experienced player is a someone that has played 260 or more pro games and is 25 and older where a veteran player has played more than 320 games. With the additions the Cuda have made in the offseason and what they have on their roster I cannot see many (if any) additions that can be made unless you have some experienced/veteran players not suiting on certain nights. I imagine this will include the "third" goalie that I agree the Sharks should acquire. Assuming G. Smith, Bailey, and some other players are moved down from the Sharks I believe the veteran players they have are: Forwards: Poturalski, G. Smith, Bailey, Sabourin Defense: Carlsson, Schuldt IMO they could get another D, a goalie, and maybe one forward? Not sure, but even with what they have now, one of the above listed players will be scratched if they all are on the Cuda opening night roster. I do think the defense lines up really well and my hope is that they will not have Shakir as I am hoping he makes the Sharks opening night roster. Assuming Shakir is on the Sharks and neither Thrun or Emberson are moved down the defense looks like; RD: Thompson, Laroque, Frisch, Bucheler LD: Carlsson, Schuldt, Hache, Guryev, Cagnoni (If he makes the team), Pulli, Furlong (I think he will go pro and make the Cuda) Heavy on the left as you have stated before but enough balance to have three really good pairs and still rotate in developing defensemen. I will assume that Thompson, Carlsson and Schuldt are every night players unless injured. Will the Cuda make the playoffs? I think they can. I do not think the Sharks, who have added tons of bottom six depth will need to call on the Cuda and with the experienced NHLers moving down like Bailey and G. Smith I believe they can make a run at it. I am looking forward to watching the Cuda this year. They will be better and there will be some prospects hopefully getting games (Cardwell, Shakir, Bystedt, Guschin, Robins, etc.) and maybe some making their debuts (Cagnoni and Haltunnen). Will you be doing another episode on the Cuda once their roster is fully set?

[@sempcast]

We couldn’t get Willie Styles, we’re getting his brother?!

[@tomalaia]

Ehhh….lol