Quote:
Originally Posted by mile
He definitely would be playing on the 2nd line instead of Backlund, there is still room for growth on the offensive side IMO. His last two seasons would have been a 45-point pace over a full season.
Not saying he will be another Lindholm, but if there's any comparison it's that he's been playing on a struggling team without much talent and still hovering around 0.5 PPG. The hope would be that Dvorak would pop like Lindholm did - likely not to the same extent since Dvorak started his career later and produced slightly worse but I can see him being a 50+ point player in the right situation
Dvorak's first 5 seasons:
33P in 78GP
37P in 78GP
7P IN 20GP
38P in 70GP (0.54PPG)
31P in 56GP (0.55PPG)
Lindholm:
21P in 58GP
39P in 81GP
39P in 82GP
45P in 72GP (0.62PPG)
44P in 81GP (0.54PPG)
Garland is intriguing too, I like his motor. These are two players who are trending in the right direction that I wouldn't mind in our top six.
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Well, he started off producing more than Backlund (though not exactly fair with Backlund having to break-in under Brent Sutter). However, Backlund has posted better numbers over every single one of those years (well, last year essentially being a tie with Backlund ahead by a point). However, I bet if the Flames utilized Backlund differently, he would also produce more. Starting in the defensive zone and tasked with shutting down the opposing top players has probably reduced Backlund's scoring.
Also noteworthy that with the exception of Tkachuk (and the idiotic Ward experiment with Backlund as the #1 RW), Backlund has essentially played with a revolving door of wingers, many of whom aren't even in the NHL any longer.
I don't know, I don't see him playing above Backlund, but I will be happy for the Flames to get an upgrade if you are right. Maybe he is looking like he is about to bust-out like Lindholm was. Maybe the change of scenery will get Dvorak to become a high-level 2C (which I think Backlund is now). However, maybe he doesn't. I personally don't ever really notice Dvorak much to make me think he is a really good player.
I am open-minded about acquiring him, as long as the Flames don't overpay. I am open-minded about most moves, and sometimes moves that you don't think will work out end up being great moves in the end. Hopefully - if the Flames do acquire Dvorak - this will end up being a great move.