Quote:
Originally Posted by Flash Walken
Worried about Gaudreau being able to put up points now through his 28 year old year? Sign him to a 3 year deal for a higher cap hit and replace a bottom 6 forward veteran with a bottom 6 forward ELC.
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I agree in principle, but replacing a bottom-six forward with an ELC with no experience is a scary thought. Bottom six guys are just as important and need to have the grit, physical play and backchecking to shut down top-six lines.
This is where I see veterans who have specific skills have opportunities to round out a team. Someone like Stephane Yelle, who blocked shots, was fantastic as a 3rd or 4th line center. If, however, a rookie player's game is suited to 4th line duty (e.g. Ferland), then it would make sense.
It would scare the bejeezuz out of me to rely on Hanowski (no longer a problem haha) or Elson on the bottom-six night in, night out simply because they would be cheap though.