I think he needs more consistent ice-time and line mates. He was spread around quite a bit last season was in and out of the line-up to much to keep any momentum going.
The Ruzicka-Backlund-Coleman line was pretty good, but was broken up when Huberdeau was demoted to that line. The advanced stats for the line were about the same regardless of whether Ruzicka or Huberdeau were on the flank.
Hopefully with the new coaches and mindset, Huberdeau stays on the top line and Ruzicka gets a longer run on the Backlund line. It just seems like a better use of resources that way.
Personally, that is where I see him. 3rd line LW, possibly jostling around with Pelletier in that spot. Give him some PP time and see how he does. If he isn't in the long term plans, it could maybe boost his asset value. I could see him as a player that if we trade now, we could end up looking bad later.
If Lindholm and/or Backlund get traded at some point, Ruzicka will get a huge opportunity to play up the line-up.
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"A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can."
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