Quote:
Originally Posted by Hot_Flatus
Over his time here Colborne has way too often been a passenger. For some reason he gets props for that from way too man fans. I see a winger that is overly reluctant to use his size, rarely enters the tough areas and has a Tanguay esq approach to shooting the puck.
Surely we have a similar option available for that role that we can bring up on a ELC or can snag a player for less that provides a little more to the team on a consistent basis.
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I think it comes down to expectations. If he was a clear cut top 6 forward, there is no way he would have been available, let alone for a 4th round pick. When he was brought in, right away it was said he would be a valuable 3rd line guy as his likely peak. But due to the transitional nature of this roster, he has too often been played above his head.
I feel he has had enough good moments, and in this division, size is needed.
He plays on the periphery at times, then he plays a strong game in the playoffs last year. I don't think we know yet what we have in Colborne, and being that he is RFA, a "show-me" deal with the incentive being to cash in when he hits UFA may be a good move.
Obviously, if he is the piece needed in a trade to address the top 6, you make that deal, but I think he still has utility on this roster.
And back to Backlund - I think he is a good player to pair with Colborne, as he plays a good, solid game, and Colborne bring the size to that line which would be asked to match up on big pacific lines
I also see the Backlund unit as 3rd line, but a better description may be 2B - with Bennett still growing into his role and likely another young top end prospect being brought on, I would think the lines would have similar amounts of ice time, but having the 2B line means you can control the younger group's zone starts and matchups