In all seriousness, while Hudler is less than an "ideal" 1LW, he would add skill, playmaking and puck possession and NHL Playoff EXPERIENCE to the Top 9 Forwards. A combination of Kane, Toews, Panarin, Hossa, Anisimov, Hudler would be one of the best Top 6 forward groups in the league. Then if any of the rookies show they can contribute this year, Hudler can slot in on Line 3 and provide even more scoring depth. Combine that forward group with (arguably) the most complete 6 man defense group in the league, and there is a reason that I put $$$ on the Hawks at 6-1 in Vegas last weekend.

I truly think Hudler can be had for 1 yr $1.5mil-2mil. Why hasn't he signed yet when he is 1 year removed from a 77 point season? One of two reasons, IMO. 1) He is holding out for more money based on his 14/15 77 point season or 2) He is holding out to sign with a contender (like the Hawks?) who are asking him to wait for...something? Just odd that he is still available. He is smallish and not-physical, but would take a lot of pressure off Schmaltz, Motte, Hartman, ect....


EDIT: After the horse and pony show that Mike Reilly ran StanBo (and us fans) through last summer, I am not optimistic on the signing of Jimmy Vesey. I will be very excited if it happens, but I'm not holding my breath. Reilly went home and it seems like Vesey will be staying on the East Coast (My money is still on Buffalo with Boston a close second)
- EnzoD

100% agreed on Vesey. I don't see it happening.

Baring a trade, which I don't think is happening, instead I think it's eerily similar to 2014-15 summer when Bowman fished on his players to get a gauge of market prices so he knew the best course of action for the following season. So with that said, I think guys like Crawford, Kruger, etc are being dangled like Bickell/Sharp were before them. The cap problems are real and not going away.

I get your point on Hudler and don't disagree with his reasoning for not signing but I just don't see it here. The money isn't there. Not for 2 million. It would have to be for 1 million or 1.25 for 1 year and I believe Hudler has won a cup so not sure that drive is there. Instead he may try to find a team that would give him 2-3 years at a market value deal.

Shockingly to most, I don't mind them rolling out the young kids. I think it's time to see exactly what you have in Hartmann, Schmaltz, and Motte. Because that is going to be a huge factor in the Panarin signing and how high the Hawks can/will go.

At some point the next "wave" of players have to get the experience much like Kruger and Shaw did after the original wave of depth guys cycled out after 2010.

When you find equal talent of Panarin let me know.
- Dabearshawks

Agreed and I will bet $$$ he is going to want north of 6 million AAV.
Especially if he has a similar season statistically to last year.

I'm sure that keeps Bowman up at night and why publicly he is not as optimistic signing him as he portrayed with Shaw/Saad who both left. I think the real possibility of Panarin being "too pricey" for the Hawks is VERY real if you ready between the lines and to help combat that..........Bowman has started shopping guys to potentially free up more room for next summer.

Good thing is they don't need to find another Panarin. Even with a complete question mark at 2LW, Panarin-AA-Kane, XXX-Toews-Hossa is as solid as you'll find for top 6's in the NHL. So, come playoff time they essentially need to find/develop 2 quality 3rd liners(assuming Panik is your other 3rd line winger, and Desi/Kruger anchor the 4th line), and eventually(maybe waiting until the TDL) find/develop a 2LW. Schmaltz/Motte/McNeil/Lundberg/Hartman/Hinostroza/etc is a good collection of potential 3rd line talent.

There's that, and then there's still the idea of breaking up Toews/Hossa and the Panarin/AA/Kane line to spread out those 5 players and distribute the firepower on lines 1, 2 and 3(still with a Desi/Kruger 4th line).

I think either way the Hawks will ride the D/goaltending until they figure this out. Not sure they will in time for the Cup run, but if they do they'll probably be the league's best team.
- SimpleJack

Hard to say. Not sure Hossa is on Toews line for the start of the season. How long that lasts or doesn't last, god only knows....but if Motte and/or Schmaltz make the team figure 1 is skating with Toews. I think they will trot out Panik and hope he can continue his upward swing.

Toews, AA, Kruger, Rasmussen/Lundberg are probably your centers. Key to me is Kruger. Guy has to produce. has to.

Panik-, Kane-Panarin, Tootoo-Hossa, Desjardin-

Probably float Tootoo down with Desjardin and place a Hartmann or Motte there with Kruger and Hossa.

I am not concerned about the D or goaltending. Still concerned about the 5 on 5 and depth scoring.

A bit old but the premise will always stand the test of time: Capturing The Entirety Of A Player's Impact On Team Success http://sbcpuckstorming.bl...of-players-impact-on.html

However consider this – the deeper a team goes in the playoffs, the better the opponents, the less opportunities to showcase the skill-level. Regardless of how skilled someone is, in a 7 game series against a good opponent the games are going to be a pretty equal back and forth and in instances like that there won't be the time for skill to shine on every shift, it becomes a game of attrition. Where two teams are equal, it's important that teams win in small things like winning board battles, making smart puck decisions, shutting down the player you're playing against, diligent defensive coverage, etc. In a 7 game series against a great team opportunities for highly skilled plays decrease compared to a random regular season game. What happens is that it becomes exponentially more important that you have players who execute everything at an elite level so that momentum can be shifted in your favor.
- Mr Ricochet

Nice post. Some takeaway lessons:

1) Depth at all positions is key
2) Roll 4 strong lines
3) Your role players become elite players
4) Your elite players become role players

#3 seems to be true as unsung heroes shine, lunch-pail kids earn their paycheck, and the underrated get the exposure they deserve.

#4 is debatable especially since your elite still need to play elite level, but they need to do everything it takes to win even if that means outworking and outsmarting the opponent which oftentimes does not require elite skill.

Hard to say. Not sure Hossa is on Toews line for the start of the season. How long that lasts or doesn't last, god only knows....but if Motte and/or Schmaltz make the team figure 1 is skating with Toews. I think they will trot out Panik and hope he can continue his upward swing.

Toews, AA, Kruger, Rasmussen/Lundberg are probably your centers. Key to me is Kruger. Guy has to produce. has to.

Panik-, Kane-Panarin, Tootoo-Hossa, Desjardin-

Probably float Tootoo down with Desjardin and place a Hartmann or Motte there with Kruger and Hossa.

I am not concerned about the D or goaltending. Still concerned about the 5 on 5 and depth scoring.
- SteveRain

Other point I am wondering about is what the plan is for the PP.

No Shaw, No TT, leaves a couple spots open and going to need to get some guys acclimated to the structure, plays, reads, etc. Might not have a super great PP to start the year because of that.

Other point I am wondering about is what the plan is for the PP.

No Shaw, No TT, leaves a couple spots open and going to need to get some guys acclimated to the structure, plays, reads, etc. Might not have a super great PP to start the year because of that.
- gringointoronto

Great point.

I think Campbell will help.....but Shaw scored a TON of dirty goals in front of the net and created room for 19/88/81/72 to fire off one timers and set up plays by attracting opposition. How that is filled and who fills that will be very interesting to watch.

You would hope a young kid with size would relish that role, but standing in front of the net and getting the hell beat of you isn't the most glamorous of jobs.

Great point.

I think Campbell will help.....but Shaw scored a TON of dirty goals in front of the net and created room for 19/88/81/72 to fire off one timers and set up plays by attracting opposition. How that is filled and who fills that will be very interesting to watch.

You would hope a young kid with size would relish that role, but standing in front of the net and getting the hell beat of you isn't the most glamorous of jobs.
- SteveRain

Give me league minimum and I will do it

Hard to say. Not sure Hossa is on Toews line for the start of the season. How long that lasts or doesn't last, god only knows....but if Motte and/or Schmaltz make the team figure 1 is skating with Toews. I think they will trot out Panik and hope he can continue his upward swing.

Toews, AA, Kruger, Rasmussen/Lundberg are probably your centers. Key to me is Kruger. Guy has to produce. has to.

Panik-, Kane-Panarin, Tootoo-Hossa, Desjardin-

Probably float Tootoo down with Desjardin and place a Hartmann or Motte there with Kruger and Hossa.

I am not concerned about the D or goaltending. Still concerned about the 5 on 5 and depth scoring.
- SteveRain

Based on what you posted, possible lines could look like:

Panik - Toews - 1RW
Panarin - Anisimov - Kane
Tootoo/Motte/Hartman - Kruger - Hossa
Desjardins - Rasmussen/Lundberg - Tootoo/Motte/Hartman

Given what we currently have in the system, not a bad place to start. I would imagine Schmaltz is either playing wing on the 1st or 3rd line depending on where Hossa and Panik end up.

McNeill is a good candidate to be in that mix of Tootoo, Motte, and Hartman. Maybe Baun and Kero, too. Although none of us would rather not, Mashinter will be in the mix as well.

Give me league minimum and I will do it
- ikeane

You and I both......

Great point.

I think Campbell will help.....but Shaw scored a TON of dirty goals in front of the net and created room for 19/88/81/72 to fire off one timers and set up plays by attracting opposition. How that is filled and who fills that will be very interesting to watch.

You would hope a young kid with size would relish that role, but standing in front of the net and getting the hell beat of you isn't the most glamorous of jobs.
- SteveRain

If Motte is the real deal and can make the team out of training camp, I could see him as Shaw's replacement on the PP. Small but compact and built like a rock. Isn't afraid to go to the dirty areas and take a beating.

If there are no options for net-front presence, the Hawks can just fall back on the Patrick Sharp backdoor play.

For point men on the PP, doesn't Kempny have a cannon of a shot? I know Forsling does and is viewed as a future PP QB. Campbell is great on the PP to move the puck, but his point shot is easily telegraphed with his weird wind up.

Based on what you posted, possible lines could look like:

Panik - Toews - 1RW
Panarin - Anisimov - Kane
Tootoo/Motte/Hartman - Kruger - Hossa
Desjardins - Rasmussen/Lundberg - Tootoo/Motte/Hartman

Given what we currently have in the system, not a bad place to start. I would imagine Schmaltz is either playing wing on the 1st or 3rd line depending on where Hossa and Panik end up.

McNeill is a good candidate to be in that mix of Tootoo, Motte, and Hartman. Maybe Baun and Kero, too. Although none of us would rather not, Mashinter will be in the mix as well.
- AEL_Fox

Yeah, I forgot about him......
And he will be in the mix.....

Agreed on your thoughts on Schmaltz. It's not horrible, but IMO I would prefer this then an aging Brad Richards. I just dont' see the positive gain in signing him over a younger kid. He's slowed down and he's obviously not playing with Kane and Panarin so where does he slide in?

See how this plays out.....

Yeah, I forgot about him......
And he will be in the mix.....

Agreed on your thoughts on Schmaltz. It's not horrible, but IMO I would prefer this then an aging Brad Richards. I just dont' see the positive gain in signing him over a younger kid. He's slowed down and he's obviously not playing with Kane and Panarin so where does he slide in?

See how this plays out.....
- SteveRain

I agree with your earlier post about being fine with playing kids now, so I will go against the grain and also support having the likes of Schmaltz, Motte, Hartman, and McNeill filling out the openings on wing. This is our reality if Bowman can't secure help from outside the system.

Nice post. Some takeaway lessons:

1) Depth at all positions is key
2) Roll 4 strong lines
3) Your role players become elite players
4) Your elite players become role players

#3 seems to be true as unsung heroes shine, lunch-pail kids earn their paycheck, and the underrated get the exposure they deserve.

#4 is debatable especially since your elite still need to play elite level, but they need to do everything it takes to win even if that means outworking and outsmarting the opponent which oftentimes does not require elite skill.
- AEL_Fox

A few takeaways, #1 for me is stats or advanced stats can only tell you so much. they have their place but to rely too heavily on them is a mistake. Trust your eye first. Use stats to prove or disprove what your eye tells you. Re-evaluate if need be.

Hockey is a will sport. A Hammer has to have the will to win a puck in his zone, an AA has to have the will to find a seam to accept an outlet to get it to a Kaner, a backchecker has to have the will to skate a hair on fire backcheck disrupt a Kaner.

Simply said win battles vs the guy across from you at the FO circle, along the boards, in front of the net in the neutral zone.

Know your role and accept your role and be better at it than the guy across from you on your shift.

Can't win the war without winning more battles than you lose.

Based on what you posted, possible lines could look like:

Panik - Toews - 1RW
Panarin - Anisimov - Kane
Tootoo/Motte/Hartman - Kruger - Hossa
Desjardins - Rasmussen/Lundberg - Tootoo/Motte/Hartman

Given what we currently have in the system, not a bad place to start. I would imagine Schmaltz is either playing wing on the 1st or 3rd line depending on where Hossa and Panik end up.

McNeill is a good candidate to be in that mix of Tootoo, Motte, and Hartman. Maybe Baun and Kero, too. Although none of us would rather not, Mashinter will be in the mix as well.
- AEL_Fox

Feel like Tootoo should be a 4th liner with Desi and agree on the order of C;s.

I get the feeling we are going to have 2 new 3rd line wings to start the year and let Q see what he is working with before anyone gets moved up to play with Toews.

Realistically, we are talking about adding 2 "rookie" players to our 3rd line with the expectation they can play. Ras played enough last year that we know what to expect from him in a 4th line role. I think it's going to be Hartman and Hinostroza out of camp, but there could be a surprise as always. Those guys have a year at Rockford, know what to expect out of the day-to-day for a season.

Kempny is technically a 'rookie' on D, but the man has been playing professionally for years. To me the adjustment from international ice to NHL is tougher on the forwards because there is less time/space to operate. D-men on large ice already have to be able to cover more ground, so to me their gap control is better, but they need to re-learn their reference points on the ice.

The world is not ending! 2 new forwards from Rockford and Kempny is not a terrible turnover from last year. Extra rest and energy goes a long way for another cup run.

Feel like Tootoo should be a 4th liner with Desi and agree on the order of C;s.

I get the feeling we are going to have 2 new 3rd line wings to start the year and let Q see what he is working with before anyone gets moved up to play with Toews.

Realistically, we are talking about adding 2 "rookie" players to our 3rd line with the expectation they can play. Ras played enough last year that we know what to expect from him in a 4th line role. I think it's going to be Hartman and Hinostroza out of camp, but there could be a surprise as always. Those guys have a year at Rockford, know what to expect out of the day-to-day for a season.

Kempny is technically a 'rookie' on D, but the man has been playing professionally for years. To me the adjustment from international ice to NHL is tougher on the forwards because there is less time/space to operate. D-men on large ice already have to be able to cover more ground, so to me their gap control is better, but they need to re-learn their reference points on the ice.

The world is not ending! 2 new forwards from Rockford and Kempny is not a terrible turnover from last year. Extra rest and energy goes a long way for another cup run.
- gringointoronto

I'm sure we will see a ton of different combinations, although I prefer Q evaluate correctly "early" and give linemates time to gel and build chemistry, but they can open with just one rookie as the roster stands today.

Panik-Toews-Hossa
Panarin-AA-Kane
Lundberg-Kruger-Motte/Schmaltz
Desi-Rasmussen-Tootoo

Point is we read a lot of talk about having to play too many rookies to even ice a team, and that's just not true.

Go with vets if need be and adjust as needed even if it means adding rookies as you go.

I'm sure we will see a ton of different combinations, although I prefer Q evaluate correctly "early" and give linemates time to gel and build chemistry, but they can open with just one rookie as the roster stands today.

Panik-Toews-Hossa
Panarin-AA-Kane
Lundberg-Kruger-Motte/Schmaltz
Desi-Rasmussen-Tootoo

Point is we read a lot of talk about having to play too many rookies to even ice a team, and that's just not true.

Go with vets if need be and adjust as needed even if it means adding rookies as you go.
- Mr Ricochet

Yes, all of this, and please do not forget that with Keith, Seabrook, Hammer, Campbell, Kempny and TVR as your likely six D, and CC and Darling in net, this team is going to be tough to score against.

I can't name one NHL team that from the blue line back is any stronger.

You cannot lose 3 Top 6 LWs in 3 years and still expect to be a Stanley Cup contender......can you?
- EnzoD

You can if you replace them with Anisimov, Panarin, and one of your young guys comes through for you.

Feel like Tootoo should be a 4th liner with Desi and agree on the order of C;s.

I get the feeling we are going to have 2 new 3rd line wings to start the year and let Q see what he is working with before anyone gets moved up to play with Toews.

Realistically, we are talking about adding 2 "rookie" players to our 3rd line with the expectation they can play.
- gringointoronto

I'm sure we will see a ton of different combinations, although I prefer Q evaluate correctly "early" and give linemates time to gel and build chemistry, but they can open with just one rookie as the roster stands today.

Panik-Toews-Hossa
Panarin-AA-Kane
Lundberg-Kruger-Motte/Schmaltz
Desi-Rasmussen-Tootoo

Point is we read a lot of talk about having to play too many rookies to even ice a team, and that's just not true.

Go with vets if need be and adjust as needed even if it means adding rookies as you go.
- Mr Ricochet

Agreed that Tootoo is best suited as a 4th line; strong compete level to be a starter or at least a regular platoon player but not enough skill to be on the 3rd line.

Q did mention that he would like to see Hossa and Kruger together but not necessarily right away. One interpretation of this statement is how you and Ricochet have projected the lines with the veterans playing top 6 to start the year so that the rookies can get experience first. Then partway through the year, say by December, Q moves Hossa to play with Kruger and bump one or both rookies to play with Toews. For example:

START WITH
Panik - Toews - Hossa
Panarin - Anisimov - Kane
Lundberg - Kruger - Motte/Schmaltz
Desjardins - Rasmussen - Tootoo

PROGRESS TO
Panik - Toews - Schmaltz
Panarin - Anisimov - Kane
Motte - Kruger - Hossa
Desjardins - Rasmussen/Lundberg - Tootoo/Lundberg

or

Motte - Toews - Schmaltz
Panarin - Anisimov - Kane
Panik - Kruger - Hossa
Desjardins - Rasmussen/Lundberg - Tootoo/Lundberg

That 2nd option spreads out the veterans and offense, but also assumes Motte and Schmaltz can keep up with NHL speed, play consistently on both sides of the ice, and help Toews drive possession through a strong cycle game. A lot to ask of Motte and Schmaltz, I know, and way too much trust in rookies. I'm guardedly optimistic while also willing to admit that having rookies on the top line may be absurd.

Yes, all of this, and please do not forget that with Keith, Seabrook, Hammer, Campbell, Kempny and TVR as your likely six D, and CC and Darling in net, this team is going to be tough to score against.

I can't name one NHL team that from the blue line back is any stronger.
- Return of the Roar

I agree with this thread (and those of this nature). The potential top 6, bottom 6, blueliners, and backstops are pretty damn good. Are they Cup favorites? No. Are they in the mix? Yes. Do we need added scoring from Toews and Hossa? Yes. Do we need added offense from Kruger? Yes. Does a young kid or two need to shine? Probably. Do they need to add someone at the TDL? Maybe.

But remember we are just a marginal playoff team. Yeah right.

Feel like Tootoo should be a 4th liner with Desi and agree on the order of C;s.

I get the feeling we are going to have 2 new 3rd line wings to start the year and let Q see what he is working with before anyone gets moved up to play with Toews.

Realistically, we are talking about adding 2 "rookie" players to our 3rd line with the expectation they can play. Ras played enough last year that we know what to expect from him in a 4th line role. I think it's going to be Hartman and Hinostroza out of camp, but there could be a surprise as always. Those guys have a year at Rockford, know what to expect out of the day-to-day for a season.

Kempny is technically a 'rookie' on D, but the man has been playing professionally for years. To me the adjustment from international ice to NHL is tougher on the forwards because there is less time/space to operate. D-men on large ice already have to be able to cover more ground, so to me their gap control is better, but they need to re-learn their reference points on the ice.

The world is not ending! 2 new forwards from Rockford and Kempny is not a terrible turnover from last year. Extra rest and energy goes a long way for another cup run.
- gringointoronto

Agree.

I agree with this thread (and those of this nature). The potential top 6, bottom 6, blueliners, and backstops are pretty damn good. Are they Cup favorites? No. Are they in the mix? Yes. Do we need added scoring from Toews and Hossa? Yes. Do we need added offense from Kruger? Yes. Does a young kid or two need to shine? Probably. Do they need to add someone at the TDL? Maybe.

But remember we are just a marginal playoff team. Yeah right.
- -Doh-

Throw into the mix that much of the division and the conference got weaker, except perhaps Nashville, which will still need Rinne to rediscover his lost form from a few years ago.

Some good points here...

I completely agree on the defense as Return mentions. As several of us have stated Campbell was a steal at that price. Still playing solid minutes and you've got another primary puck mover out of your own end. Kempny is another solid add as well.

We can all agree its the forward depth and depth scoring that's going to be a bit of tough going to start at least here.

Really liked Moose's game last season and was a bit surprised when he was sent down to start the playoffs. So I think they've got center depth at this point.
And as Rainman and others mention - we need to see what we have at this point with the kids that are currently in the system. Can Hartman step into Shaw's spot? Losing Shaw was big. No one else except AA goes to the net. So Hartman would be one and then Schmaltz/Motte...? Or Kero and Hinostra (sp) who both spent time up last season...and several others...I would think several kids get a look, but Q needs to give them more than a couple of games to see...need to get younger and faster at some point.

I still don't see them landing Vesey. It would be quite a coup for Stan, but I don't see it. Whether they can get Ship during the season all seems like a bit of a pipe dream as well, but DBH seems to have more of a gauge on that...so we'll see.

I agree with this thread (and those of this nature). The potential top 6, bottom 6, blueliners, and backstops are pretty damn good. Are they Cup favorites? No. Are they in the mix? Yes. Do we need added scoring from Toews and Hossa? Yes. Do we need added offense from Kruger? Yes. Does a young kid or two need to shine? Probably. Do they need to add someone at the TDL? Maybe.

But remember we are just a marginal playoff team. Yeah right.
- -Doh-

We also have to remind ourselves that the 29 other teams are likely not happy with whatever holes and weaknesses they have as well as asking a lot of questions of themselves.

Take the Sharks for example. Just because they are the Western Conference champs doesn't mean they are perfect they way they are now and can book their tickets for the Cup Finals again. Just ask our team or the Kings. And perceived Central Division front runners (Stars, Blues, Predators) have plenty of question marks and "what ifs" that make their overall success uncertain so I don't view them as shoo-ins.

All of the projections by analysts, experts, and fans are fun but don't mean much until the games are played. Anything can happen: (1) elite players can end up having crappy seasons, (2) fringe role players can have career years, and (3) rookies can come out of nowhere. Many of us seem to hope for the last two.

Yes, all of this, and please do not forget that with Keith, Seabrook, Hammer, Campbell, Kempny and TVR as your likely six D, and CC and Darling in net, this team is going to be tough to score against.

I can't name one NHL team that from the blue line back is any stronger.
- Return of the Roar

At the very very least it's arguable that from the blueline in the Hawks are the strongest in the league. But I have no problem with your assessment and it should be this way as this is how the team was constructed, the core if you will.

1/3 of the defense is the core and if you add Hammer, as we should, that's one half. Crow is a top 5 goalie so he's part of the core. So of the 7 players from the blueline in 4 of them are core players.........

Fill the rest in with Campbell, Kempny and TVR and you have to say well done by StanBow.

Agreed that Tootoo is best suited as a 4th line; strong compete level to be a starter or at least a regular platoon player but not enough skill to be on the 3rd line.

Q did mention that he would like to see Hossa and Kruger together but not necessarily right away. One interpretation of this statement is how you and Ricochet have projected the lines with the veterans playing top 6 to start the year so that the rookies can get experience first. Then partway through the year, say by December, Q moves Hossa to play with Kruger and bump one or both rookies to play with Toews. For example:

START WITH
Panik - Toews - Hossa
Panarin - Anisimov - Kane
Lundberg - Kruger - Motte/Schmaltz
Desjardins - Rasmussen - Tootoo

PROGRESS TO
Panik - Toews - Schmaltz
Panarin - Anisimov - Kane
Motte - Kruger - Hossa
Desjardins - Rasmussen/Lundberg - Tootoo/Lundberg

or

Motte - Toews - Schmaltz
Panarin - Anisimov - Kane
Panik - Kruger - Hossa
Desjardins - Rasmussen/Lundberg - Tootoo/Lundberg

That 2nd option spreads out the veterans and offense, but also assumes Motte and Schmaltz can keep up with NHL speed, play consistently on both sides of the ice, and help Toews drive possession through a strong cycle game. A lot to ask of Motte and Schmaltz, I know, and way too much trust in rookies. I'm guardedly optimistic while also willing to admit that having rookies on the top line may be absurd.
- AEL_Fox

The only certainties as top 6 guys are Toews, Panarin, Kane and AA (maybe Hossa). As you show there is a lot of flexibility and options but nothing other than the top 4 can be known today.

With camp surprises, surprise signings and rookie acclimation as variables this thing will be a work in progress to be fitted together by Q as needs and abilities dictate.

If we are lucky enough to have 2-3 rookies in the lineup, at anytime in season, it probably is a good thing as the kids have earned a spot and out played vets. But any more than one rookie in the lineup is not a necessity as the roster sits today.