tjs*
Registered User
- Mar 18, 2016
- 2,103
- 0
I agree with those of you who want to see Point keep a regular spot in the lineup. Not only has he earned it with his play but the scoring depth he gives us could be our X-factor this postseason and the more NHL experience we can get him the better. If he starts to struggle we can send him back down but until then let's keep him where he is.
I also agree with those who mentioned Vladdy's lack of strength. IMO that is the biggest thing holding him back at this point; it's been especially apparent in the playoffs when the game gets more physical. I still think he has a good deal of potential but if he doesn't start seriously hitting the weight room I'm not all that confident that he'll reach it.
Now that said I do think we need to keep playing him on a regular basis and to give him more time at 3C, at least early in the season, so that we can get as a clear a picture as possible of what we have in him. Despite Kucherov's cheap bridge deal we're still probably looking at losing at least two of Filppula, Callahan, Killorn, Palat, and Johnson next summer; the question is whether Namestnikov is in our longterm plans as a replacement for one of them or if he's expendable. Yzerman will need to know this to help guide his moves both this season and in the next offseason, and now is the time to find that out.
I also agree with those who mentioned Vladdy's lack of strength. IMO that is the biggest thing holding him back at this point; it's been especially apparent in the playoffs when the game gets more physical. I still think he has a good deal of potential but if he doesn't start seriously hitting the weight room I'm not all that confident that he'll reach it.
Now that said I do think we need to keep playing him on a regular basis and to give him more time at 3C, at least early in the season, so that we can get as a clear a picture as possible of what we have in him. Despite Kucherov's cheap bridge deal we're still probably looking at losing at least two of Filppula, Callahan, Killorn, Palat, and Johnson next summer; the question is whether Namestnikov is in our longterm plans as a replacement for one of them or if he's expendable. Yzerman will need to know this to help guide his moves both this season and in the next offseason, and now is the time to find that out.