Georgetown Millers Hockey Club kicked off their pre-season last week with a relatively settled roster. The only battle of note is on the 4th line, where Derek Ryan, Zack Smith, and Tobias Reider are competing for 2 spots alongside free-agent signing Jay Beagle.
Below is a quick look at the 3 contestants.
Zack Smith: Acquired from Dayton last offseason for Jake Muzzin, Smith was projected as a 3rd line mainstay and special teams contributor. However Smith failed to score and the PK struggled when he was on the ice. In season additions left him a healthy scratch for the final half of the season. After failing to find a new home for him in the summer Smith came to camp seemingly destined to be no better than a depth forward option. 2 goals in 3 pre-season games has seen his stock rise and he’s edging out the player below for the opening at LW.
Tobias Reider: A throw-in along with a 1st round pick when Wayne Simmonds was moved this summer, Reider camp to camp as the favorite for the bottom line left wing spot. Management likes his speed and defensive acumen and felt he still had some growth in his offensive game. Through 3 pre-season games Reider has been scoreless, opening the door for Zack Smith.
Derek Ryan: Acquired from Dayton this summer, Ryan is a near lock to take the 4th line C spot, moving Beagle to RW. Ryan is not the defensive stalwart normally found on a checking line, but he’s decent enough and provides more offensive skill than most 4C. He’s also seen time on the 2nd PP unit and has looked good in the role.
Projection: Zack Smith and Tobias Reider do a fair amount of rotation at LW on the 4th line, and injuries elsewhere among the forwards see both playing over 60 games (barring any additional forward additions). Derek Ryan puts up 35 to 40 points as an everyday player and PP contributor.
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