From what I have been reading in the local papers here there seems to be only 1 forward roster spot available that both JVR and Mika are competing for. From what I seen so far both of these players deserve to make the roster as top 9 forward. Also hard to have true competition when you pair the two players together as in last night. Here is my roster. I would love to hear other opinions. Gagne - Richards - Briere

Hartnell - Carter - Pyrolla (his name will be forever misspelled, if he makes roster a nickname is in order)

JVR - Giroux - Carcillo

Powe - Betts - Lappy

Kimmo - Coburn

Carle - Pronger

Parent - Jones

OKT 7th D-Man

LOGIC:

no Asham or Cote I don't think either of them is top 9 and I like Powe's energy. However Powe has a two way contract and therefore he might be out with Asham in more grit with Cote out. Cote can make the team as the odd man out if they cary an extra forward and defensemen for a 22 man roster.

Many don't think JVR should start season with the big club but someone is going to need to play with Giroux I rather have a raw JVR who is going to get better than Asham. No offense to Asham he is a nice role player but Giroux - Carcillo - Asham is going to be a waste of Claude's talents.

Building a solid 3rd line is really hard to do I don't think Homer had this in mind and expected to keep Knuble. As stated before losing Knuble means either Giroux moves up to the wing in the top 6 or another skilled player steps up to make the roster adding to complement Giroux as the 3rd line center. It is apparent to me that Giroux is going to remain at center therefore JVR will be making the roster. If JVR looked really bad and no-one else stepped up moving Giroux up to wing might have been plan B. Signing or trading for another top 6 forward is also an option but that seems unlikely this late into training camp.