Quote:
Originally Posted by Bingo
Not sure I'd be quoting that guy, not the best analysis of things. To suggest he only gets points because he's playing with a goal scorer kind of misses the point doesn't it?
Can't argue he's small.
But also can't argue face off stats, and the fact that the player is 1st-3rd in any relative possession statistic on the Hurricanes last year. Manny's WAR model had him top six (which is questionable), but there isn't a lot statistically to not support the player out there.
|
People are suggesting that Ryan will be the 4th line center and kill penalties, because he is so strong defensively. His stats don’t support that perception. He is not strong defensively and doesn’t kill penalties. His one great strength is his face off ability. I could see people arguing that that was enough to sign him, as the Flames suck in the face off dot. But every other facet of his game just isn’t there IMO. I think he’s more Brouwer - coach’s favorite - or Maroon - success based on his linemate - than the picture being painted here. Hey, I will happily come back and fall on my sword if Ryan repeats last year’s numbers and the team is good with him in the role Peters casts him in. I’m just concerned that this is a very short term player who will not contribute to the long term success of the team, because the coach will not play the guys that need the experience.
Something to consider here was Treliving’s stated goals coming into the free agent period. He said he wanted to improve the depth and bring in a PP specialist. Does Czarnik look like a PP specialist? If not, Ryan becomes that guy. That means one of the guys you hope to be on the PP, gain experience and become an important cog in the long term sustainability of the team, is no longer getting that opportunity. Will people be happy when Sam Bennett or Mark Jankowski get bounced so Derek Ryan can take his earned spot on the PP?
This is one of the reasons I hate the free agent period. Part of being a hockey fan to me is watching the young guys develop and become a key part to the hockey team, long term. Free agency has really made that a very tough road to follow, and another reason to not get emotionally invested in the players and team. Free agency, and the mercenary aspect of professional sports, takes a lot of the fun out of the game for this fan.