How do you see the lineup shaking out when Timmy Runtso and Vladislav Lukashevich are healthy?
On the defensive corps, I expect Vladislav Lukashevich to slot right into the top pairing on the left side, with Timmy Runtso (RD) joining either the second or top pairing. Runtso should also play a major role on the top power-play unit after leading WHL Victoria’s top unit and blue line last season. Lukashevich will see significant power-play time as well, as both defensemen can quarterback the man advantage.
Here’s my best guess at what Miami’s defensive corps would look like with everyone healthy:
Vlad Lukashevich – Timmy Runtso
David Helledy – Cal Huston
Shaun McEwen – Michael Phelan
Extra D – Ryder Thompson
Runtso is now practicing with full contact, but I’m unsure of Lukashevich’s status. I’d say there’s a good chance we see Runtso back in the lineup this upcoming weekend against Alaska Anchorage, at least for one game.
How do you think this team lines up with teams like North Dakota and Denver? We have a lot of depth this season, but we’re young and don’t have the experience that they have.
It’s a little early to determine that, but Miami still has some time before facing those two teams. The RedHawks travel up north to face Minnesota Duluth in early November, followed by a series at Colorado College later in the month. A final trip to Lawson Arena comes in early December, and these matchups should give us a better idea of how Miami can handle tough road environments and big-time NCHC games.
I think Miami can potentially steal a few games against the projected top-four teams in the NCHC. However, the RedHawks have more experience on this season’s roster than some might think when you consider how much the massive freshman class played last season.
What % chance do you think we have to make the NCAA tournament?
I think it’s a little early to make a confident prediction, but as of Wednesday, Oct. 21, Miami sits 11th in the NPI and has received votes in both major polls, albeit just four games into the season.
If Miami wins more NCHC games in regulation, especially at home, and takes care of business in nonconference play, I think the RedHawks have a good chance of earning an at-large bid. Stealing a few games against Western Michigan, Denver, Minnesota Duluth, or North Dakota would also help boost their NPI ranking.
Based on where Miami stands right now and my season projection, I’ll give the RedHawks a 40% chance of making the NCAA tournament.
What would your projected shootout lineup be? Would be fun to have to compare to later in the year:
I think the lineup has to include these five players in some order, but I’ll go with Ilia Morozov, David Deputy, Matteo Giampa, Kocha Delic and Ryan Smith, in that order.
Smith is very underrated and arguably has the best hands on the team, so I’d like to see him get a shot in that situation.
Given what you know and the games played thus far, how many of the NHL draft picks come back next season to Miami? I’d like to see you address this every two months if possible:
I’ll break them down individually:
Ilia Morozov (F), Buffalo Sabres, 2026 first-round pick: Morozov is likely heading to the AHL after this season. He mentioned to Buffalo media this past summer that turning pro was his goal, and early on, he’s very much on track.
Matous Kucharcik (F), Buffalo Sabres, 2025 fourth-round pick: I’d lean toward Kucharcik returning for one more season in Oxford. My prediction is that he turns pro after the 2027-28 season.
Austin Baker (F), Detroit Red Wings, 2024 seventh-round pick: I think Baker will be at Miami through at least the 2027-28 season. He could even stay through his senior year, although I’m unsure whether he’ll sign an entry-level contract before then.
Vladislav Lukashevich (D), Florida Panthers, 2021 fourth-round pick: It depends if Lukashevich signs an entry-level contract with Florida after this season. If not, I could see him coming back for his senior season like Matteo Giampa has this season.
Timmy Runtso (D), Montreal Canadiens, 2026 second-round pick: I’m leaning toward Runtso staying through the 2027-28 season. He’ll need time to get back up to speed after his preseason injury and gain enough experience to prepare for pro.
Yegor Yegorov (G), Calgary Flames, 2023 sixth-round pick: I think Yegorov will be at Miami for at least another season, and possibly two. We will see if he ends up signing an entry-level contract with Calgary within the next two years.
Author
