My issue with Conacher is that is doesn't generate anything on his own.
Seriously his entire shift is spent either forechecking or standing in front of the net. He's not really a part of any play...at least to start.
Good point, he could very well be pulling a Zibanejad for now. Hope he starts handling the puck a bit more soon though.
How many more games before he scored again?
If he's playing eight minutes a night with Kassian and Grant, I bet he never scores again
Therein lies the problem for Conacher, his ice time keeps getting reduced, which suggests MacLean doesn't see him as a complimentary player to any of the Sens centers YET.
While I agree he works hard, skates really well and shows great determination, the reality is he hasn't developed his identity or put his stamp on any of the lines he has played on.
When I had the opportunity to watch Conacher when he played for Norfolk, he was opportunistic, seemed to always find open space in the O-Zone and the puck had a habit of finding him.
Now, while he still uses his speed, he has become stationary in the O-Zone for the most part and parked in front of the net. IMO a job he just isn't physically suited to do 5 on 5.
IMO for Cory to be effective (productive) he must be moving, looking for open ice. Cory drew more penalties in the AHL doing exactly this than he has in the NHL being a pest. He also scored on a consistent basis.
I have no idea what the coaches have asked him to do, but given Cory has been moved down the lineup leads me to believe being the screen isn't what they expect.
Therein lies the problem for Conacher, his ice time keeps getting reduced, which suggests MacLean doesn't see him as a complimentary player to any of the Sens centers YET.
While I agree he works hard, skates really well and shows great determination, the reality is he hasn't developed his identity or put his stamp on any of the lines he has played on.
When I had the opportunity to watch Conacher when he played for Norfolk, he was opportunistic, seemed to always find open space in the O-Zone and the puck had a habit of finding him.
Now, while he still uses his speed, he has become stationary in the O-Zone for the most part and parked in front of the net. IMO a job he just isn't physically suited to do 5 on 5.
IMO for Cory to be effective (productive) he must be moving, looking for open ice. Cory drew more penalties in the AHL doing exactly this than he has in the NHL being a pest. He also scored on a consistent basis.
I have no idea what the coaches have asked him to do, but given Cory has been moved down the lineup leads me to believe being the screen isn't what they expect.
I think Conacher is more a victim of MacLean trying to make a 2nd line that can score than he is playing his way down the lineup.
The fact remains that we have yet to dress our best roster.
Pageau-Zbad-Cony had a lot of success last year.
It only took 5 pages for a good assessment of what is the issue.
Every week he finds himself moving down the lineup. He started out on the second line and was ineffective. He does a lot of little things good but none of them lead to him getting points and because of his size is replaceable. I would rather have a big guy with wheels who's good on the fore check that a small guy.
I think Conacher is more a victim of MacLean trying to make a 2nd line that can score than he is playing his way down the lineup.
The fact remains that we have yet to dress our best roster.
Pageau-Zbad-Cony had a lot of success last year.
Possibly, however I don't believe anyone can argue the Turris-MacArthur-Ryan line has been very productive since the Ryan addition.
When Conacher did get his opportunity to play with Spezza it didn't alter the fortunes of the line. Of course that maybe an indication of Spezza not being at his best playmaking, but Cory didn't provide a spark either.
I was hoping Cory would get an opportunity tonight with Zibby and Spezza, but from what I read it looks like he will be playing with Kassian and Grant.
IMO if MacLean and his staff can't find a spot for Conacher in the top nine, then he should be sent to Bingo and allowed to play some big minutes and work on the things the coaching staff think he needs.
To play him on the 4th line for 8 - 10 minutes a night with no PK or PP time just doesn't make sense for a 23 year old still developing.
While I agree Conacher is not waiver exempt. If he's put on waivers he will get picked up by someone. If they can't find a place for him or he's not a MacLean "guy" then they should trade him. That said I can't believe Greening and Neil are playing top nine and Conacher isn't. Weircioch seems to be in the same situation as Conacher both would benefit with a couple weeks in the AHL but it's not possible. MacLean seems very willing to let veterans play there way out of their funks but he seems to have no patience with our young guys.
MacLean seems to be operating on the basis of playing "the devil he knows rather than one he doesn't".
IMO there is no way the Sens should have traded for Conacher if they weren't prepared to face the risks a young 23 year old without waiver exemption may present.
Conacher wasn't a sure top six last year nor was he coming out of training camp this year. What he had shown suggested he had the potential.
So unless Murray had a plan to flip Conacher if the kid didn't produce, his treatment in regards to where he is in the lineup is very surprising.
I could be wrong, but IMO a young player with the potential to be a top six isn't served well by playing with grinders 8-10 minutes a game.
PS just my view on whether or not Cory would be claimed. I doubt it since he would have to remain on the roster of the team claiming him. Given how things have gone for Cory so far, I'm not sure a team would make that commitment specially this early in the season.
Please waive him so we can call up some better players who can actually play hockey.