Quote:
Originally Posted by djsFlames
Now two non player centric threads have now spawned Colborne discussions..
He needs to take a step forward next season. He's been an NHL 3rd line caliber player since his benching a couple months back. He's been money in the shootout. But he needs to continue it while improving in other areas including physicality next season and beyond to be worthwhile longterm.
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Colborne's already taken steps forward in many areas - faceoffs, scoring, physicality, just not to the extent we were hoping for. He's played badly when he's trying to do too much (top 6 winger Joe Colborne). On the other hand, when he keeps the play simple (bottom 6 grinder Joe Colborne) the points start rolling in.
2013-14 - 80GP, 10G 18A - 28P
2014-15 - 64GP, 8G 20A - 28P
2015-16 -56GP, 11G 15A - 26P
He's on track for a career year. Furthermore, his shots, shooting % and faceoffs are showing steady progress as well.
Joe is just fine in that 3rd line caliber support role because he can do it well, and he's got the size and hands for it. It sounds to me as if certain posters expect him to bloom fully into that top 6 power winger role, and feel disappointment when things aren't going on track. Just remember, despite Hartley feeding him top 6 minutes, he's not quite ready for that role and shouldn't be playing such.
In Hartley's shoes who else would you have up there? Raymond? AHL. Jooris? Great energy but little in terms of driving offence. Hathaway? Good physicality but an absolute muffin of a shot. Ferland? Fell into a bit of a slump lately.