Quote:
Originally Posted by flamesfever
IMO the timing is perfect to sign Russell to a long range deal for a reasonable amount, and include him in our long range plans.
His attributes, as I see it are:
1. Leadership e.g. when Gio went down last year, IMO it was Russell who took this team on his back and helped us get us to the playoffs.
2. Hi IQ and skillset (see his history)
3. He is only 28, and in his prime
4. Super competitiveness and devotion to winning, as evidenced by having the highest number of shot blocks in the NHL
Sure, he has struggled this year, as has most of the players on the team. But trading him for a 2nd or 3rd...for the sake of getting bigger, will IMO be enormously counterproductive, and the rebuild will last a lot longer.
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1. I would suggest it was Brodie's play and leadership that carried the team into the playoffs last spring.
2. Getting pelted with pucks after losing one-on-one battles and missing outlets isn't a great skill set.
3. Players hit their prime at 23-24. And if he is in his prime, it is a bad prime. Like Chris Butler bad.
4. Again, blocking shots doesn't win hockey games. Scoring more than the opponent does.
Getting a second or third would be a great return on an asset that cost a fifth rounder to acquire. You take that deal.