I'm indifferent to the signing. I was never a big fan of the guy, felt his numbers were inflated by playing on one of the top lines in hockey at the time when he was with the sharks.
by all accounts out of winnipeg, he was lazy and his compete level was severely lacking. that being said, this was likely a bit of an eye opener for the guy, that he's really playing for not only his next contract but for a chance to stick in the NHL altogether.
I can understand the frustration by some who were hoping to pencil in a rookie or two into the year's starting lineup. Well the bar has been set. Every forward position in the top 9 is clearly up for grabs, and will have to be earned. Any of colborne, setogouchi, jones, mcgratton, bollig, could have their assumed spot taken by the kids during camp.
i am hoping to see some very hungry rookies pushing a vet out of the lineup, specifically baertchi, gaudreau, granlund and reinhart. Of course, that's not to forget a guy like knight could come out and push for that 4th line role also.
|