I like the Lucic for Hathaway, Dube for Neal perspective. The reality is that Neal is not a top 9 player on this team, and will neuter any sort of energy/checking fourth line, so unless you’re going to permanently put him in the press box, there is simply no room for him. At least Lucic can be a “fourth line” plugger; if the rumoured line of Lucic-Ryan-Bennett happens, that really puts him in a position to succeed. Meanwhile, you give Dube some more offensive starts/minutes, instead of having to waste those on Neal.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bax
You know what would be awesome?
Let’s rally around Lucic. Let’s show the hockey world that we respect a player that wants to be here and comes in to work hard, do his job, and protect his teammates.
Let’s get a Lucic chant going first game of the season and embrace him and his role on the team. Yes, the contract sucks but forget about that and take him for what he is at face value. He will fit in well on the 4th line and provide more than Neal was ever going to despite what he does in Edmonton.
We rescued him from Edmonton so let’s let him return the favor by hitting, fighting, and chipping in the odd goal. Yes, he’s a mean goon, but let’s embrace him as our mean goon.
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Yes, that would be awesome! After getting roasted for the past two years in Mulletville, I bet he could use some support from the home side. No expectations of filling the net with McDavid — just play hard and honest hockey and he’ll get the C of Red cheering for Looch in no time.