Plenty of exciting depth with Griffins' forwards
John Leonard - Sheldon Dries - Dominik Shine
Carter Mazur - Amadeus Lombardi - Michael Brandsegg-Nygård
Dylan James - Wojciech Stachowiak - Jesse Kiiskinen
Eduards Tralmarks - Gabriel Seger - Eddie Genborg
On any other given rendition of this roster, Dylan James would likely play in the top six. With this current roster’s construction, it’s near-impossible to place him ahead of Leonard or Mazur. Even if he were to play right wing, it would be as difficult to bump Shine or Brandsegg-Nygård down a line. It wouldn't be a shock to see James on the fourth line despite a strong finish to the regular season with the Griffins.
Since his arrival, the University of North Dakota product has been nothing short of brilliant. He's an effective two-way, hard-hitting offensively effective right winger.
Third line center Stachowiak is a pleasant surprise since coming to Grand Rapids from the Syracuse Crunch in a trade.
Eddie Genborg has had surprisingly effective games, but others where he fades into the background. As a teenager playing in the AHL, just being able to keep up is astounding. It's enitrely possible he plays most, if not all of the games in round one.
How the reserve forwards can help the Griffins
Tyler Angle
Ondřej Becher
Alexandre Doucet
Kienan Draper
Jakub Rychlovský
Austin Watson
The extras are just as exciting as they each add different elements. Rychlovský has added surprising depth in scoring; in his last five games, he's added two goals and two assists. Alexandre Doucet has been a favorite of mine since he scored a hat trick in juniors. He offers feisty minutes and is a spark plug wherever he plays in the lineup.
Austin Watson can provide leadership and physicality (which are especially helpful in the playoffs). His lack of discipline, though, leaves the Griffins shorthanded all too often (he’s registered 146 penalty minutes in the regular season). However, adding him to the fourth line with a Genborg and/or James might be a fun “grind line” experiment.
Last minute signing Angle has provided timely scoring and great leadership when he’s in the lineup, as well.
Detroit’s third round pick in 2024, Becher, is another solid option at center for the Griffins. He could swap in for Seger, but Seger has provided some of the best defensive play all season (in addition to the 21 total points on the season).
Newly signed Kienan Draper dressed in two games in the regular season. While he didn’t look out of place, his play hasn’t exceeded expectations yet. He will be fun to watch next season, though.
Most notably missing is Nate Danielson, who likely would have suited up as a top-nine center. However, a nagging injury has plagued him throughout the season. It’s likely we don’t see Danielson again until next training camp.
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