Most of the Minnesota Wild training camp battles, which were originally expected to be many, turned out to be over before they started. The one battle that is still in play revolves on the 4th forward line.
Marcus Foligno and Eric Fehr appear to be locked in as the Minnesota Wild starting left wing and center on the 4th line, but who should be on their right wing when the season starts? Wild.com has suggested they think it will be J.T. Brown, but I don’t think that should be such an easy decision.
J.T Brown has played in 3 games so far for Minnesota, averaging around 10 to 11 minutes per game, and has recorded zero points while going -2 through those 3 games. His energy and tenacity has been on display for portions of each game, but should he be given a roster spot solely on those features?
Brown’s career best year in the NHL was only 8 goals and 22 points, while averaging 13 minutes per game in Tampa Bay. He’s never been a proficient goal scorer or offensive threat at the NHL level. Playing fourth line minutes in Minnesota does not appear to be the best fit for a player like Brown.
I would think he could benefit from being the 13/14th forward in the press box, ready to step in at a moment’s notice, but not handed a roster spot since he has been less impressive than others in camp.
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Matt Read has been one of the most impressive 4th line forward options throughout camp, and should be making a push to be the one to open the season on that line. He played alongside Foligno and Fehr in the tune-up game against Colorado on saturday and looked like a solid fit in that role.
With 3 points (2G, 1A) through 3 games, ranging in ice time from as high as 16 minutes down to 10 minutes in a game, he’s been a potential star on the rise. Read is a 2 time NHL 20 goal scorer during his time in Philly, and has the ability to be a 2 way player on the bottom line.
Between those 2, I feel like we should be leaning toward Read as the roster option. It sounds like Bruce Boudreau may be in the same camp as I am.
Boudreau on Matt Read: "He’s making decisions tough for the people upstairs."
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) September 26, 2018
Speaking of Boudreau, another recent tweet from Michael Russo of The Athletic (subscription required) suggests that the coach may have a 3rd option he is considering for his right wing position. The tweet suggests that Fehr could see time at right wing on Friday against Colorado.
Fehr has played 4 games in training camp so far, all of them at center. He has been one of the most consistent players on the ice throughout, and seems a lock to be in the roster. If Boudreau decides to move him to the wing, though, who does he slot into the center?
The most likely option is Matt Hendricks, who has also had a very good camp. The option is still available to make a hard decision and keep Justin Kloos in the roster, though highly unlikely. Could we see a shocking decision made before camp is done?
The forwards competing for the last available lineup spot are making it difficult on the decision makers, both on the bench and in the office. Who do you think should be on the roster, and who will be on the bus down to Iowa? Let us know in the comments, and join the discussion on Facebook or Twitter.