Georgetown Season Preview: Part Two

Georgetown Millers Pre-Season preview
(Defensemen)

Expected D pairings:
Josi-Orlov
Fowler-Petry
Dillon-Pesce

Roman Josi - Team Captian and a long-time mainstay on the Millers blueline, Josi may miss a few more games than normal but should be a lock for a 60 point season, playing 25 minutes a game across all situations.

Dmitri Orlov - Injuries and inconsistencies have marred Orlov’s 4 years with the organization, but the club feels he is ready to take on a top 4 role and contribute on special teams. 30 to 40 points seems reasonable.

Cam Fowler - Acquired last season in the controversial trade that saw long-time stalwart Nik Backstrom moved to Springfield, Fowler is coming into his prime years. Like Josi, there are injury concerns but anything less than 40 points would be a major disappointment.

Jeff Petry - Acquired at the start of the off-season, Petry is yet another minute-munching D capable of playing in all situations. With the best health profile of the top 4 Dmen, don’t be surprised if Petry gives Josi a run as the team’s top scoring blueliner.

Brendan Dillon-  Beginning his 2nd season in Kentucky, Dillon is the muscle of the D corps. He’s capable offensively as well, and 25 points may be the low-end estimate of his production, especially if injuries allow him top 4 minutes.

Brett Pesce - Beginning his 4th year as a Miller, Pesce is the shutdown defenseman of the unit. With above average puck skills, he is not a zero on offense, and a 20 point campaign is well within sight.

Defensemen Reserves:

Ben Chiarot - Chiarot returns for a 2nd season as the 7th Dman, a bit of a throwback compared to his fellow blueliners, as his defense and hard-hitting style is his calling card. Injuries may see him surpass 60 games this upcoming season, but 10 points would be his offensive ceiling.

Luca Sbisa - Signed this past off-season, Sbisa was signed as an offensive-minded depth defender. Could score as much as Chiarot in half the games played.

Ryan Sproul - Acquired (along with the long-departed Peter Holland) 2 off-seasons ago in the M-A Fleury salary dump, Sproul has never transferred his minor league success to the big leagues. An injury apocalypse would have to occur for Sproul to see double-digits in games played.