I think he was meant to play with Bennett. And the fact that he's a natural center helps out when Sam gets waived out of the circle or is maybe just having a bad night on the dot.
So I'm hoping he can be a fixture with Bennett and play up to 15G, 15A. A realistic expectation is he plays there half the season (Other half on 4th line), some PK as others have mentioned and can go 10G, 10A.
Not as optimistic as saying something like "David Jones will score 15 goals in 2016-17"...
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I am probably among the more optimistic regarding Lazar's potential - at least longer term. But I doubt he will get enough opportunity this year to put up 35-40 points. That seems unrealistic.
I think something like 20-25 points this year is doable. And he will earn an increasing amount of the coach's trust as the season goes on.
I can see 35-40 points in 2 or 3 years though.
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Depends on the role he's cast in and his linemates. If he's playing with Stajan on the 4th line, then he's going to produce nada. If he's on the third line with Bennett and Brouwer, then he's going to have a chance to put up 10-15 goals and 25-35 points. If he's on the third line with Bennett and Tkachuk, then I think he has potential to hit 15-20 and 35-40 points. Depends on a lot of variables.
I am probably among the more optimistic regarding Lazar's potential - at least longer term. But I doubt he will get enough opportunity this year to put up 35-40 points. That seems unrealistic.
I think something like 20-25 points this year is doable. And he will earn an increasing amount of the coach's trust as the season goes on.
his Ottawa Senators 2015-2016 numbers. This year I expect Lazar to get back into the game, I don't expect him to go from scratched to .5 pts a game. I expect 3rd line, pk minutes and occasional offence, depending on his line mates.
Flames are banking on a lot of youth to be real contributors this year. I think its possible Lazar contributes, but I'm finding it highly unlikely that Lazar, Jankowski, (Foo?), Bennett, Tkachuk and Kulak all winding up impacting games in a meaningful way.
I don't care so much about his numbers if he can consistently play hard every shift, back check strong, and win some board battles. Any points he nets is gravy.
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I have a feeling he breaks out, but realistically, I expect him to start the season strong. Show up to camp in amazing shape, play with Hathaway level enthusiasm and carve out a role on this team defensively (pk), and physically (people think we lost toughness from Engelland yet we get a full season of Lazaar, Stone, Hamonic and maybe Hathaway). Points are the hardest thing to predict, especially for a young player yet to breakout. Offensively I expect a hard forechecker, enough speed to push the defence back and for him to net a good portion of his chances. Bang home a few garbage goals while providing a net front presence. His style reminds me of when Glencross was one of the best grinders( right word?) In the league.
Guesstimating I'll say 11 goals, 25 points, 73 PIM, +16 in 69 games is pretty reasonable. Hopefully averaging 15 minutes a night by the end of the season as a third line fixture with PK time.
Ultimate upside is around Glencross but I doubt our lineup will be shallow enough for him to play that role, so less points. Good player, glad we got him.
I don't care so much about his numbers if he can consistently play hard every shift, back check strong, and win some board battles. Any points he nets is gravy.
I mean we could have brought up Hathaway for free to do the same. Here's hoping he's able to consistently combine that hard work with the occasional skill-play. Like a Ferland type.
I don't care so much about his numbers if he can consistently play hard every shift, back check strong, and win some board battles. Any points he nets is gravy.
I don't care about his point totals either. To me higher point totals doesn't necessarily equate to a more successful season. With the departure of Bouma, Brouwer no where to be seen and Hathaway seemingly in and out the lineup, the Flames need some bite in the bottom 6. Lazar could put up 5 pts, but I'd be happy if he plays a chippy game and gets under the opponents skin. Finish his checks and bring a hard work ethic every game. If he buys into the system, earns a full time spot and becomes a reliable hard working player, to me that's a good season for him.
He's definitely got some untapped offensive potential. But IMO he's (for now) much more useful on the bottom 6 until he forces his way into a more offensive role.
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