[Geeoff]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

Yeah, but he's not really done that a whole lot. He's been pretty ineffective for most of the season, but has done better the last week or so. I don't disagree that you need a guy for puck retrieval on that line, but perhaps they play a different game that is purely about possession. I know you need to get the puck first, but it's not like Gaudreau has never stripped a puck, and that Monahan is completely unable to get a puck.

In an ideal world, Leivo is the guy to play that role, but he hasn't delivered so far. Time to look at other organizational assets when the veterans can't do the job.

Seriously, are you telling me that Matthew Phillips couldn't manage 1 goal/2 assists for 3 points, a -4, and a shooting percentage of 3.7%. The guy can play, it's just a question of how much he can do at the NHL level. I'm pretty sure he's equal to or above replacement level players like Leivo.

To me, Leivo is almost indistinguishable from Austin Czarnik. They're out there playing solid technical hockey but not really accomplishing anything.