At the Blades' kickoff party last week, General Manager Krista Patronick said that the team would need to rely on speed and play-making ability this upcoming season. The new roster, released Wednesday morning, bears those comments out.
Of the 25 player roster, 18 are forwards, equaling six full lines.
With twogoaltenderson the roster that leaves room for just fivedefensemen. Two of the five are returning players from last season,DruBurns and TaraWatchorn, so the Blades will have a veteran presence on the blue line, but the odd number ofdefensemen likely means the team will rotate defenders.