The Rev in the NHL next year?

[Corvidae]

With Gill and Scudari as UFAs, what do those in the know think Lovejoy's chances are? He looks solid on paper, so what's the scouting report? eastonpens, WWGRD... you are the Jesse's of WBS hockey.

[narcolept]

Solid D, over the last two years he's made significant strides in his offensive ability. Carries the puck well, makes a nice pass and not afraid to put the puck on net.

I'd say he's got as good a chance as anyone for the 6th D spot next year, if available. He's definitely a diamond in the rough and I'm glad we have him in WBS headed into the playoffs.

Basically, what you saw in his brief stint with the big club this year is exactly what you'll get from him night in and night out.

[eastonpensfan]

I'd say he has a 50-50 chance. Shero likes to have 9-10 NHL-caliber d-men at the start of the season. Looking at the current contracts (and assuming that Goligoski makes the team), next year's blueline is Gonch, Orpik, Tanger, Eaton, Goligoski. That leaves 2 spots up for grabs.

Lovejoy is an excellent 2-way d-man who has concentrated more on the defensive part of his game this year, as his ridiculous +42 rating shows (leads the AHL). One of the things in his favor is that he is definitely the kind of defenseman who could play as a 7th man, coming off the bench for some games and sitting for others.

The reason I say that there's a 50% chance that he won't make the team out of camp is two-fold... 1) unless Scuderi is a complete tool in his negotiations, he's coming back. 2) If Shero/Fletcher sign another veteran d-man to fill out the big club, Lovejoy would start in WBS due to the fact that he doesn't have to clear waivers yet.

[Kicksave]

He'll be Goligoski this year - comes up and down due to injuries.

I fully expect Gogo to be up for good next year.

[Digitalgypsy66]

He also has good size and a right handed shot. What's not to love?

[meecrofilm]

Gogo has been fairly brutal recently in WBS, at least in regards to how an NHL-calibre defenseman should be playing. But hopefully it's just a hitch... but at this point, Lovejoy may have a better shot. Training camp will decide a lot.

[DelPen]

He reminds me of Scuderi from 4 years ago.

[meecrofilm]

JB also thinks that he's NHL ready.

[Corvidae]

He reminds me of Scuderi from 4 years ago.

I consider that a bad thing. I don't think Scuds became solid until mid last year.

[mac5155]

He reminds me of Scuderi from 4 years ago.

I consider that a bad thing. I don't think Scuds became solid until mid last year.

i believe it was meant to be a bad thing, lol.

[Malkamaniac]

Although Lovejoy is looking good, I'd bring up GoGo. He's worked just as hard and showed that he can play consistently at the NHL level.