Quote:
Originally Posted by Bonded
The weirdest thing is that he killed with Bennett and Duclair on his line at 5v5. It isn't like he was sponging off all stars. No idea what the solution is but feel like he just needs to simplify his game and move his feet more. Shoot more and make simple passes.
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I actually have had little issue with his moving his feet and making (mostly) simple plays since he went to Backlund's line. And as a line they've been pretty effective.
I think last year's lack of success (mostly with Lindholm and Kadri) affected his confidence and while he got some back with Backlund at the end of the year, he got moved around again at the top of this year. Let's see if the improvement continues with steady linemates in Backlund and Coleman. He won't get 114 with those guys, but he will probably have better defensive stats (albeit tougher matchups might affect that).
If he ends up being somewhat overpaid but an effective player and a good teammate on a rebuilding team, that's an acceptable outcome under the circumstances.