Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Menace
I think Granlund could project to having a Frolik-like career, a solid 2 way pro who can play on your 2nd or 3rd line, good at the PK or PP.
I don't really buy the argument that he can't play the wing, they didn't try it out for very long, and not at all in the NHL (that I can recall)
Shinkaruk may have a higher ceiling, but he also has a lower floor.
I think it was worth the gamble in the end because we need more bonafide top 6 players, but I am sad to see Granlund go.
Unlike most posters I will continue to wish success for both him and Baertschi, even if I hope their team loses every game they play.
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I'm getting a little tired of reading this narrative already. No, Markus Granlund does not have a higher floor. Even as a Markus Granlund fan and a long time supporter it is obvious that he is not going to be an effective third or fourth line player. The downside of Granlund's game is his inability to win a face-off or play with any physicality. He reads plays well and makes smart plays, but to be a successful third liner, especially in the middle, you need to be strong in the dot and play with at least a little bit of gumption. This is why Granlund was spending as much time in the press box as he was in the lineup.
If Granlund is going to be successful they really need to move him to the wing and play him with a guy that let Markus us his shot. He has potential to be a good scorer, but needs someone to feed him the puck. There is no way he's going to turn into a Frolik type player because he doesn't have the size and edge that Frolik has. What he could turn into is a decent scorer along the lines of a Vanek. No, he won't fill the net like Vanek, but he will score goals in similar fashion. The odds of that happening are slipping away fast though. Sadly, I think Granlund will end up going the way of Horak and end up in Europe in the next two years.
The positive thing for Shinkaruk is that he only has to surpass Granlund's numbers for this deal to be a win for us. Anything more than 14 goals and 28 points likely means the fans will forget about Granlund quickly. I think that is doable, especially if he finds his way onto Bennet's wing. This will be interesting to watch develop.