Festerling seeking to hold his spot

“He’s playing a very tough position,” Carlyle said. “We expect him and Brookbank to be a solid pair. That they’re not going to make those fundamental errors on a controlled breakout or reading a rush or pinching at the wrong time. They’re to be safe, make a good first pass and be hard to play against.

“I don’t think he’s any different from any other young player coming in. A trust factor has to be developed and has to be earned. We have competition for that position with [Brendan] Mikkelson, with Brookbank. [Steve] Eminger has now stepped out of that group.

“We think there’s some young players that will continue to push. That’s what it’s about.”