in terms of underlying numbers and driving possession, ferland was actually one of our most effective forwards. he does so many things well. he is a prototype of a great modern day middle 6 forward - fast, physical, and keeps the play in the offensive end most of the time. he's also tough as nails to boot and has shown the skill to be more. i tend to think it's players like him who will win you games, rather than guys like bouma who chase the play in their own zone whenever they're on the ice has to block tons of shots. i also appreciate his story and all he's done to make the nhl. really rooting for him.
as a side story, he and some of his family showed up at an out door rink i was at this winter. really nice, humble guy. he was playing with the wrong handed stick and i couldn't even touch the puck
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