Quote:
Originally Posted by IgiTang
Let's combat a bad joke with being dicks and equally or even worse jokes...
Some of you guys need to grow up...
As for Chiasson, he's been exactly as advertised and as of late, even better.
He was meant to be a bottom 6 guy who could skate and be physical. He was put into a tough spot with trying to play with Johnny and Monny when they were having their own struggles. I think the fact that Chiasson didn't do those two any favours by going offside and not being able to contribute offensively has left a sour taste in people's mouths.
Although his IQ has never been high, he has been able to see the ice well and get to the open spot and win races to pucks with his speed.
What he has been doing really well with Bennett and JG is he has been able to use his speed to the outside to win the dump in and or puck race, something that was severely lacking at the beginning of the season while playing with Johnny and Monny.
So Chiasson has created something very important, the opportunity to back defence off the line by the S having to respect the potential dump in from that line. Also, Bennett has benefitted by being back at Center and being able to use his lateral movement rather than having to be the puck retrieval guy if they have to dump.
I have always liked Chiasson's game, because Johnny and Monny weee struggling, some blamed Alex for that. Which is wrong.
I would be ok with another 1-2 year deal around 2mil max at the end of the season, but it's too early to be re-signing anyone.
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I actually think he has really good IQ, but he is just not that skilled. I have seen him compliment a lot of the skilled players with skilled plays, but when he does it they aren't 'skilled', they are just 'smart'. Hard to explain. It is like he is a terrible playmaker, but he knows to make that pass and knows exactly where to go after. The puck gets to its' intended recipient, but kind of looks 'ugly' getting there.
At any rate, I thought Chiasson was the only guy on the top line doing any positives for about 5 or so games until it trailed off. He has been decent since slotting down the lineup a bit more, and now he is looking really effective alongside Bennett.
I also agree with Huntingwhale completely - he doesn't go offside any more often than any one else. I think because someone pointed it out, you notice it more. Look at how often some of the other players do it. It will surprise you that he doesn't stand out in that regard.
It is like all the Wideman hate that is still going on. Wideman has been pretty solid for a while now, but people can't seem to bring themselves to acknowledge it, and it is probably because they just focus on his mistakes so much more, even if they happen less than probably most defencemen. They even blame Wideman for Brodie's poor play having to 'drag crappy Wideman around' when Brodie has been making too many blunders all on his own thus far, whether if it was with Engelland, Giordano or Wideman.
I really thought Chiasson was a very solid prospect when in Dallas, and can see why he was the centerpiece of the return for Spezza. He attacks the net really well, he goes to the right areas, and he can play with skilled players or grinders. I really believe it is his size and mobility coupled with a very good IQ, and just 'average' hands.