So he's a cheaper, less effective version of Eberle?
I guess it solves the cap hit issue. And he's young enough that maybe we could bring something out in him that hasn't been there yet. I'm not a big fan of Strome, but it could be a case of him needing a change of scenery as well. I'd hope it was Strome and a significant add on for Eberle though if all we are getting is cap space.
This is exactly it. He's a much worse version at this point with the ability to play a flawed game at multiple positions instead of just at RW. If it goes down, I would fully expect us to take on a cap dump in this deal like Halak or Kulemin just to get that additional piece.
As for the faceoffs, in the playoffs, yes, they become much more of a factor then. During the regular season, if you're running a 60% guy on your third line who's completely useless in every other facet of the game, how is he helping you? That third line needs to produce in the regular season.
The faceoff argument is so undeniably boring. There are so many factors involved and the cold reality is only a very small amount of those faceoff wins or losses ever directly results in something happening one way or the other.
There are scramble draws, winger wins, what have you. The Oilers waived their best faceoff man twice last year and now he's playing in Russia.
The faceoff beast is a guy you can trade for at the deadline--they're always available.