Quote:
Originally Posted by Itse
I agree when it comes to offense, but there isn't really anything wrong with Colbornes production right now, as long as you're not overpaying for it. Even if we get a couple of wingers to push Colborne out of the top 6, he'd probably still be playing with Backlund and getting essentially the same EV minutes. It's not like he's been padding his points on the PP as we know all too well 
Many players do become incrementally better defensively all through their careers really, unless they become lazy. Obviously it's unlikely Colborne will ever be a Selke winner, but it's not unreasonable to think he could still round out that part of his game.
If Colborne can put up 12-15 goals and 30 points playing with Backlund in the 3rd line, that's solid depth scoring that's worth money and a contract. Not huge piles of money, but some money anyway.
EDIT: Pretty much what FanIn80 said  |
Offensively, sure I can admit that he is capable of producing enough to justify a bottom 6 role but I do worry about how much will his production fall once his Tanguay-esque SH% levels out and if he no longer gets top 6 ice time on a regular basis?
Defensively is where I think he's not even good enough to play in this league. He makes too many mistakes and is too soft on the puck. Almost every time he goes into a battle along the boards he loses the puck. I don't see how that makes him an effective 3rd liner.
I swear people are just looking at his scoring, thinking "hell that's almost 2nd line production! Clearly he can play on the 3rd line then" when realistically, he can't because his defensive play is poor and so is his possession.