But even the 10-15 goal version of Ritchie is also a role player...Heinen was redundant with Bjork also being able to play up and down the lineup on both wings. They were missing a role player like Ritchie, they had another Heinen. They have been trying to find a top 9 guy that can be a physical presence since they signed Backes and Beleksey.
Oh, I agree from Boston’s perspective. It’s Anaheim moving him that should be revealing. Boston wins this no doubt (even though they’re taking a chance) because if he becomes a legit power forward, they get to enjoy him for years and got him for a role player.
Just think people should keep deals like this in perspective. Rarely do we see a team give up on a guy they just recently seen as one of their foundations of the future.... and that player goes on to be successful somewhere else. A guy who’s role in Boston won’t guve him the same opportunities he seen in Anaheim. At least not right off the bat.
I like it from Boston’s perspective though. The chance they’re taking for this season is Heinen has had some nice games in his role in recent memory. We just don’t know how Ritchie will react to a lessor role. But.... Sometimes guys like Ritchie just need a wake up call and maybe this is it.
Anaheim is the big loser here because of asset management. Giving up a guy you’ve invested so much in, is never a good thing.