Quote:
Originally Posted by browna
Good post Fdw, I agree with most of not all points.
2nd line is a problem. Whether it's the coach or not, Backlund and Frolik have 8 goals between them over the last 30+ games each. Just horrendous for a team that needs to pot goals past the top 2 forwards.
Ferland with 2 goals in that time period. And moving him down the lineup off the first line, he doesn't really stand out lower in the lineup either. So that's a dilemma. Streaky over the past two seasons is an understatment,and our top scoring line can't wait for his next hot streak.
My Brodie and Hamilton take is that if you moved Brodie back with Gio and had Hamilton with Hamonic, how would Hamilton do? The same as Brodie is doing now?
Brodie is yes older, not the same size, but him and Gio were a top pairing in the league beore Hamilton came on board.
I don't see Hamilton getting meaner and using the size to any sort of physical defensive advantage. More Bouwmeester then when Sutter turned Regher into a beast when Darryl arrived.
And thats fine for Hamilton, he doesn't have to use that size in that way, but it is part of the appeal and potential you see in a player.
Also, nagging character issues have always been an issue that has dogged him. Hopefully cutting the cord with his brother, which seemed to do the trick, can put those to rest.
But he is an attractive trade peice if your comparing him to Brodie.
GG has been discussed ad nauseum. Smart guy, prepared, but maybe too much smarts and not enough feel and adaptibility and pushing the right buttons on players for the NHL. Solid assistant,solid AHL and ECHL coach, but like others, those best laid messages don't resonate the same to the NHL players.
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Thing about Ferland as a power forward is he does not create chances like a normal power forward. Actually on most of his goals he looked like a Monahan type sharp shooter. Right place at the right time and good shot. Sure didn't bust off the half wall for goals or bust dmen off the puck very often. Look unengaged most of the time like a primadona 1st line winger without the career stats for such an attitude. That could be an unfair assessment of his mental state but the results are the same. He isn't a power forward thought he has the physical tools.
I think if part of the trades is to send a message about intensity Ferland would be near the top of the list for a move. Brodie is another one who could be moved as well. Really unimpressed with his play and attitude. His give a crap meter used to be a whole lot higher and that all changed just because he got moved to his natural side?
Those two are where I would start unless by some gift of the hockey gods they could sign Tavares. Cause if they got him I'd move Monahan for the right winger to complete the first line.