(Forwards)
Projected Lines:
Reilly Smith-Schenn-Boeser
Parise-Carter-Teravainen
Cogliano-Faksa-Nash
Pitlick-Ryan-Beagle
Reilly Smith - Acquired back in 2011, Reilly Smith is primed for a career season, as he’s virtually guaranteed top 6 minutes for the first time since graduating to the big club. There are some minor injury concerns (as there are with most Millers forwards) but a point-per-game pace is expected from the veteran winger.
Brayden Schenn-Starting his 3rd season in the Bluegrass, Schenn has ascended to the top line Center spot after spending his first couple of years with the club as a winger. Good health should see Schenn lead the team in scoring, with a 90 to 100 point season a strong possibility.
Brock Boeser - The former 1st round pick will begin his 1st CCHL season on the top line, and anything less than a 30 goal season would be a major disappointment. Boeser is seen as the first wave in a new generation of homegrown Millers stars.
Zach Parise - Obtained in the offseason as a salary dump from Dartmouth along with a 2nd round pick that turned into Jake Wise, Parise has health concerns but can still put pucks in the net well enough to be a 20 goal threat if he can play 50 games.
Jeff Carter - In his 2nd tour of duty for the franchise, Carter is another health risk whose availability will go a long way towards determining the fortunes of the team this year. If the Millers can squeeze out 40 games from Carter, expect him to average a point per.
Teuvo Teravainen - The former 1st round pick has enticed the club for years with offensive talent. Playing time has been sporadic the last couple of seasons, but this is the year the club expects the Finn to break out and put up 60 to 70 points.
Andrew Cogliano - Traded in the offseason for prospect Peter Cehlarik, “Cogs” was re-acquired for a 4th round pick. He knows his role as a shutdown winger, PK stud and 35 point contributor.
Radek Faksa - After faltering last season in his 1st crack as a bottom 6 Center, Faksa is being counted on to anchor the 3rd line, the PK and add 30 to 35 points.
Rick Nash - The veteran forward may be making his farewell tour of the CCHL this season. Despite spending most of his time on the top line after being acquired last season, Nash is being counted on to be the designated goal scorer on the 3rd line, at least at season’s start. Injuries to the top 6 could see Nash back in his customary role.
Tyler Pitlick - Signed as a UFA to a 3 year contract 2 offseasons ago, Pitlick barely saw the ice last off-season. This year he’ll see regular time on the bottom six and the PK. 25 points and a handful of PK goals would be welcome.
Derek Ryan - Dayton’s leading scorer last season was acquired for cash and a non-prospect. Ryan is not the typical 4th line C, as defense is not his calling card. He’s strong in the face-off circle and will get minutes on the 2nd PP unit. He’s also viewed as a hedge against injuries to Carter, and could fill the 2nd line C role if required. A 40 point season is entirely reasonable if he’s filling Carter’s boots with any regularity.
Jay Beagle - Offseason signing was brought in for one reason - defense. He’ll anchor the PK and fill the 4th line C spot if Ryan has to move up. Any offense will be a bonus as long as the PK unit ranks in the top 5 of the league.
Forward reserves:
Tobias Reider - acquired in the Wayne Simmonds trade, Reider will be the first forward called into duty if/when injuries strike. A competent bottom 6 winger, the team thinks there is a little more offensive growth possible. If he plays 60 games, 20 to 25 points would be a realistic output.
Zack Smith - Starting his 2nd year in Georgetown, Smith’s slide down the depth chart has been precipitous. Acquired from Dayton for Jake Muzzin, Smith’s combination of brawn, defensive ability, and decent scoring was seen as a boon to the club's 3rd line and special teams. Unfortunately, Smith failed in all respects and was practically forgotten in the 2nd half last year Unable to move him this offseason, the C/LW enters his last contract year as little more than 4th line depth.
Cody Eakin - Signed as a UFA this past offseason, Eakin will fill any vacancies that arise if the 3rd or 4th line Centers miss time or have to move up the lineup. Eakins will be RFA when his deal expires and could be re-signed for next season if he proves worthy of a roster spot.
Markus Hannikainen - Signed 2 seasons ago when the club thought his defensive chops may eventually earn him a full-time job as a bottom 6 winger, the young Finn hasn’t developed enough offense to be much more than a fringe option. Injuries may see him take the ice, but it’s doubtful he’ll make much impact.
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