Quote:
Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction
I agree, but I have my doubt that Bollig is that kind of player. Granted I didn't watch more than a handful of Hawks games this year, but he didn't seem like anything special. Going by the way Hawks fans, it sounds like he was a whipping boy a lot last season (based on threads from last season long before this trade).
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This is true - we may not really know how it works out until he gets here. I like it because of his comments that he made ("I will do anything for my team" or something similar), how he stepped up to fight McGrattan knowing he was going to lose, the advanced stats (apparently mostly defensive zone starts, playing against high-level competition which says this isn't a typical 'goon' that needs to be sheltered), the high amount of hits given (though always somewhat of an arbitrary figure), and the fact that he is a good sized player with decent skating abilities and hands that played in every game last year for one of the elite teams while averaging 10 mins.
To me, this sounds like a player that can help the team become a bit tougher, and can actually help to shelter the youth (if he is indeed capable of holding his own defensively against the other team's top lines). I watched a number of Chicago games, and I can't say he was 'noticeable' very often, but that may also be a good thing. I do remember some hits, and that he looked like a decent 4th liner out there for the Hawks. I think he will come in and not be a whipping boy at least
I do agree that until we see him play with the Flames for a while, both sides of the argument are probably better off having a 'wait and see' approach. Everyone complained a great deal about Jackman when he was signed, and then became absolutely LOVED that season (subsequent disappointing seasons notwithstanding). A number didn't like McGrattan either when he came back. I do want this team to be tougher and have players that can play who are tougher, so maybe I am being overly-positive, but I do see upside. I wanted the Flames to grab another tough player when McGrattan was the only option, but wasn't terribly happy it was Westgarth (though he did better than I thought he would). I think Bollig is a huge upgrade on Westgarth with regards to hockey ability, but probably somewhere in the same range when it comes to face-punching ability.