Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike F
He scored at a .62 ppg pace prior to Giordano's injury, and a .95 ppg pace after. And even that .62 ppg pace was well above any other season he's had outside of '08-'09, when he was getting over 24 mins per night, behind only Chara, for the Bruins. He's now been bumped further down the depth chart by Hamilton, who will eat up a bunch of both even strength and pp time.
With Giordano, Hamilton, and Brodie in the top 3, Russell's defensive game is much more valuable than Wideman's offense, so I see him getting #5 ice time, unless Hartley abandons pairs.
With #5 even strength ice time, and maybe 2nd unit powerplay time, I just don't see him being a crucial piece on the team, but could land a decent return from a team who needs that RH first pp guy.
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I believe that Wideman will be sitting with similar PP ice time or at least share that responsibility with one of Gio/Brodie/Hamilton. Get him those "easy" assignments as a #5 to cover for defensive weakness, take advantage of PP asset and get Russell to cover for PK duties. That way you can spread those minutes and keep everybody fresh while continuing to give 120% late into the season.
Hopefully the 2nd PP group will be more of a reliable balanced threat with Hamilton or Wideman helping man the line.
Not to mention I seriously doubt Wideman being interested in being moved right now before anything has been settled. Coming off a fantastic season where you're close with your teammates and know you have the coaches trust... Not sure why you'd give up moving off a team on the rise even if it's on a perennial playoff team like Detroit.