Quote:
Originally Posted by Caged Great
Ferland to me is on the verge of losing his spot on the team to Hathaway. The new guy plays the same role that Ferland did in the playoffs, but consistently every game. Ferland doesn't hit or do much of anything. If you're not scoring and you're not bringing anything else, why are you there?
Mind you, you can say the same thing about several of the other bottom six forwards on the team.
|
I've been thinking this a lot lately as well. Hathaway has been giving the Jam where Ferland is trying to develop other parts of his game. But the reality is Ferland is most effective when he is playing the wrecking ball. It's that level needs to be closer to consistently.
Now the question is, will Hathaway slip the same way as well if he earns a spot next season? Complacency, trying to be less physical to endure such a long schedule are a couple of things I can think of that let players like Ferland or Hathaway become less effective over time. In which case, who comes in chomping at Hathaways feet next season? BvB? Harrison (he is a senior right?)? Carroll? All similar players with speed and Jam. Maybe Smith comes in and does the things we want guys like Hathaway or Ferland to do.
I think Ferland can be a solid 3rd line guy. Just needs to find that next gear with some consistency. But no, he hasn't really done much this season. He's certainly had some brief moments but few and far between for sure. I think it is fair to raise some concern on Ferly.