Thus, the usual measures – towards the end of the season, academy defenders always have to make way for foreign players – could no longer be dismissed as "the end justifies the means."
Above all, one or two local defenders are now expected to play regularly. Among the foreign players, only Dennis Robertson survived the summer clear-out.
Squad's Strengths
Naturally, the Red Bulls remain deep in squad depth and can always call up players from the farm team if needed, who rarely drop off in performance. Games with a makeshift fourth line (which often occurs with other teams) should continue to be a non-issue.
On defense, Lukas Hörl (with a starting advantage), Fabian Baumann, and Alexander Rebernig should vie for spots 6 and 7 – other teams can only dream of such young depth.
Only two foreign forwards – completely unusual in the ICE. But then there are national team players like Peter Schneider, Benjamin Nissner, Thomas Raffl, Mario Huber, and Ali Wukovits, veteran Michi Raffl (injury-free last season), as well as reliable assets like Peter Hochkofler or Flo Baltram.
That's already more than three lines before younger or young players would even get a chance. So, with a full roster, it's still an enviable depth.
David Kickert looks back on a better season than Atte Tolvanen, and as a duo, they should continue to be among the league's best. A drastic drop in performance when the second goaltender is used, as seen with other teams, can be ruled out here.
Squad's Question Marks
Oliver Galipeau, Wyatt Kalynuk, and Jayden Lee are the new import defenders alongside Robertson. Lee could be the most interesting PP option here, Kalynuk a puck-carrier, and Galipeau a player with a low resting pulse who can lead a younger colleague.
However, for the first time in a long while, the Red Bulls are foregoing a dedicated enforcer-defender; previously, with Tyler Lewington, who was sacked this year, and Andrew MacWilliam, there were even two. Robertson is 35, Hochkofler is returning from a stroke – is there a lack of intimidation potential this year?
Red Bull places more importance on external perception than any other organization – by these standards, this summer was chaotic.
Forward Maximilian Wurzer was reported as a departure before he ultimately stayed. Another minor detail, but the fact that Manny Viveiros was first confirmed, then dismissed a week later (after negative exit interviews with the players), shows that confusion reigned even off the ice.
Can new coach Alan Letang (who has only been a head coach in the adult professional sector for two months) stop the general negative trend?
Peter Schneider – 35 and his weakest season in the rearview mirror. Thomas Raffl – 40 and injured during pre-season, his brother Michi at 37 also no spring chicken anymore. Peter Hochkofler – as mentioned. Dennis Robertson – 35 and with an immensely demanding playing style in recent years.
Additionally, there are injury-prone players like Ali Wukovits or new signing Adam Brooks – all of this could go well, but it certainly doesn't have to. Brooks could become a strong playmaker but could also prove too fragile.
Areas for Reinforcement
Only six foreign player slots are filled (Tolvanen and Nienhuis have not occupied one since last summer and this year respectively), so there is still plenty of room. However, the résumés of Salzburg's imports are hardly distinguishable from those of weaker teams anymore.
Will someone else be added, as every year, or will younger players finally get a chance this year? The days when the Red Bulls brought star foreign players into the league are definitely over.
Outlook
After four consecutive championship titles, a weaker season shouldn't call everything into question. Salzburg should once again belong to the top tier, but could be just one team among many there, as some cracks are nearing the end of their careers...
