Dubi wasn't overrated here. He was held to unreasonable expectations. He played like a solid 2nd liner every single season save one. What he never recovered from was his holdout. From the moment that happened, these boards turned on him, and it was clear he would always be crapped on here (even after leading the team in scoring).
Yes, I was happy with his increase in production. He consistently had a higher production rate (4 of the last 6 seasons, including the one that just ended) than another player still on the roster who people claimed "made the jump" to the next level.
Last summer, I said that the Nash trade would set us back. I said the Nash trade would improve Columbus to or close to the level of a playoff team. I said that Dubi would bounce back and put up a better production rate than the captain (as he has for most of their careers). You all said I was nuts. You were wrong. The fact that you guys were wrong on every single thing last year and STILL repeat the same, tired crap is just pitiful. Admit it. I admit when I'm totally wrong (I was convinced that Prucha's fall was on Renney, and now I realize that Prucha's success was based solely on the more open game out of the lockout). Give it a try. it's good for the soul.
Just to add something on topic--
Looking at pieces that might be considered a big move, does anyone else think he could be thinking of moving Girardi? He and Callahan are the two guys that immediately come to mind when I think of the Torts culture, and I can't see anyone wanting to move Cally.
slow down Nostradomus. Where to start with all that is wrong with this post?
First of all to state as if it's a fact that the Nash trade "set us back" is folly. That is absolutely a matter of opinion. did we make the 3rd round two years ago and the 2nd round last year? Yes. did a lot of other things change aside from acquiring Rick Nash? Hell yeah. I believe that acquiring Nash made us better and not holding on to Prust and the other grinders is what set us back. Notice how I say "I believe".
Secondly, your Dubi analysis as it relates to Cally is hilarious. I guess you're saying that because Dubi produced .6945 per game and Cally produced at .6885 per game that Dubi had a better "production rate". Let's ignore the facts of last season.
Dubi played only 29 games. He had 2 friggin' goals (following his stellar 10 goal performance the year before) and 18 assists.
Cally played 45 games. he had 16 goals (following his 29 goals season of the year before) and 15 assists.
So, you're trying to tell us that we would have been better off keeping Dubi and dealing Cally? If not, what is the point? We dealt a guy who last year couldn't stay healthy and produced 2 goals!! Not to mention all the smart things Cally does during the course of a game that Dubi does stupidly.
finally, you predicted Dubi would "bounce back". And now after he scored 2 goals in a shortened NHL season you are claiming victory. Nothing is more tired than a self serving diatribe like yours that is completely off base. Sorry dude, but you should be embarrassed by that post.