Jacobv2 said:
I understand someone's definition of a playmaker might be different, but there is no way that Naslund is one.
Who was Tkachuk's playmaker back when he scored 50 with Phoenix? Please don't say Roenick.
I think the argument should be changed, a powerforward doesn't need a playmaker, they just need offensive support. That's all that has been proven to me so far.
Actually, I would argue that Morrison is the playmaker on that line.
But regardless, the original poster didn't necessarily mean that they had to have a dedicated Adam Oates style center on their line, but just that they need someone capable of making plays. Someone who can make use of the space their power game creates.
Goal scorer powerforwards also need someone to get the puck to them when they use their size to win position in a high scoring area. Especially since many powerforwards tend to be less dynamic and slippery, when they drag the puck to these ares by themself, they usually end up there with a couple defensemen hanging all over them.
Of course, some powerforwards play more of a playmaking game (Thornton, Allison if you count him as a PF, and even Bertuzzi is an awfully good playmaker). These PFs use their size to control the puck and make room, and then dish the puck off to someone who has found themselves all alone and ready to bury it. It's less important for them to have a passer, for obvious reasons. I don't think Stewart falls into this category, though. He's more the first category and benefits from someone who can carry and pass the puck.