Quote:
Originally Posted by getoverit
take contracts out of equation and that he is an easterner, so that has to be appealing, biggest issue with Gaudreau is he has not evolved his game, totally predictable, doesnt have much of a shot, 5 hole is getting old on break aways, skating has not improved. only thing i have seen is Ward got him to back check. give away machine but he does handle the puck more then anyone. I just dont see him investing enough in his craft to truly be a marque player. he may help get you to the dance but after that everyone in the league knows how to play him. just cant get over not working on getting better and evolving ones game, for that reason alone we should maximize our return if we can now, not next year when it gets tougher to move due to contract conditions
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I think Gaudreau's hype is now at a level greater than what his overall contribution actually is. If we could get another team to bite and give up a premium to get him, he should be traded.
While he still makes highlight reel plays, I was really disappointed at his lack of drive and tenacity last season. His givaways vs. takeaways ratio was abhorrent, while his shots taken and shooting percentage also dipped. But numbers aside, he didn't pass the eye-test on most nights. Yeah, he can still make you jump out of your seat at times, but I found myself face-palming more often.
Honestly, he is one of the last players I would want to see get a lucrative long term deal. I know that they are totally different players, but the next Gaudreau contract has the potential to be the next Lucic contract when it comes to overpaying for hype while ignoring the early warning signs of a depreciating asset.
I have a few theories for why Gaudreau is declining. There is the rumour that his commitment to fitness is lacking and that his family situation (father's health issues and serious GF in Philly) have distracted him. I also think he is losing his will to play through the hacking and slashing that he has to endure more than most. He dishes the puck away in situations where in the past he would hang on and out maneuver opponents. I can't say I blame him, but that was a huge part of his success before and without that aspect, he becomes a more ordinary player.