To stay relevant, the players will have to adapt their game as well, as the roster is being changed to improve it.
On last season's team, Mackenzie Entwistle, Boris Katchouk, Colin Blackwell(*injured), Reese Johnson, and Joey Anderson have not been included in any of the four forward lines in training camp.
«It's hockey,» Entwistle said. «The decision is in my control but, at the same time, out of my control. We'll see what happens. If I go down to Rockford, then I go down to Rockford. I'll compete and do whatever I can to get back up here.»
Said Johnson: «Every day, there's a chance to prove yourself. I remind myself every day that playing in the NHL is a privilege, and I never get complacent with myself.»
There seems to be a battle for spots between the new guys and veterans with Taylor Hall, Corey Perry, and Nick Foligno joining the team. However, if they can't beat out forwards like Ryan Donato, Cole Guttman, Jason Dickinson, and Tyler Johnson for a spot, they may be demotion-bound.
The forwards have been working on the "fifth line" and have been putting on a show, forechecking, and trying to impress the team while maintaining a positive attitude.
Everyone knows management is going to make the decisions they're going to make, and they all want to see others succeed. But they will do everything in their power to make it difficult for Luke Richardson to make a decision.
