Quote:
Originally Posted by AcGold
Bouma has been under utilized. He's got good hands, he's tough and he's fast. That's a rare combo. Hartley used Bouma like a plug where he should have been used as an accessory. Often times the threat of being hit is just as valuable as making an actual hit and Hartley didn't use that one bit, Hartley used the Brent Sutter approach with many players. Force them into a singular playstyle.
Bouma's not a plug just watch him practicing passes. His hands are soft as butter he's not a plug at all and I predict a major reclamation with Gulutzan. He's got softer hands than Colborne. I can't believe so many are ready to write off a player with such a well rounded skillset. Hartley used Bouma like he was Zac Rinaldo when he's way way more skilled. Some players need more jump (e.g. Baertschi) some players need to be reigned in (e.g. Ovechkin). Bouma needs to just slow it down a little. If he does he'll be incredibly valuable to the team.
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Off topic, but this is one of the things I'm most optimistic about with Gulutzan. From his press conference, and other things I've heard since his hiring, he isn't one to try to force players to all play the same way (force square pegs into round holes) but is more interested in creating a system that can utilize each and every player to their individual strengths while they work as a five man unit.
I hope it works out that way.