MiamiScreamingEagles
Global Moderator
- Jan 17, 2004
- 71,353
- 48,280
I dont know why people are so hesitant about Weal. Even when he wasnt playing well last year, you could still see he had some potential.
I think he has more pure skill and hockey sense than Cousins, Leier, Laughton, Raffl, and obviously Vandevelde/Bellamare. On a good-great team, he could be a third line scorer.
Thats the thing, he has more skill and hockey sense, but out of those guys, 4 are 4th liners, 2 are worse but they serve a different purpose. Leier, laughton and even PEB are 4th liners in a role to forecheck, play d and put pressure on as well as PK. Weal does none of that so he isnt in the same category. now when we look at a 3rd/2nd line role, he fits, but the problem is space. Unless we trade away a raffl or weise, we are jam packed in the top 9.
Unless Hextall plans to give Lindbolm a year in the AHL, were does he fit. Id love to give him a shot, just like i wanted to give Gagner a shot, but it needs to be in the right place, top 9 scoring line.
Thats the thing, he has more skill and hockey sense, but out of those guys, 4 are 4th liners, 2 are worse but they serve a different purpose. Leier, laughton and even PEB are 4th liners in a role to forecheck, play d and put pressure on as well as PK. Weal does none of that so he isnt in the same category. now when we look at a 3rd/2nd line role, he fits, but the problem is space. Unless we trade away a raffl or weise, we are jam packed in the top 9.
Unless Hextall plans to give Lindbolm a year in the AHL, were does he fit. Id love to give him a shot, just like i wanted to give Gagner a shot, but it needs to be in the right place, top 9 scoring line.
Weal is 8 points in 18 games. 6 goals. Shooting above 15% atm however. All goals and points at EV and +4. 59.2% CF with a ton of zone starts.
I'm not sold on him, but he's making a case. Probably the cause of this debate at all.
http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/w/wealjo01.html
92 points in 269 games with limited PP time is 3rd line NHL caliber. That's 28 points per 82 games.
Weal has been good on defense and solid on the forecheck. He would make an ideal 4th liner if needed. Paul Byron types are what teams are transitioning to. Weal fits that mode.
See that's the issue, why the 4th line reserved to muckers and grinders who can't do anything.
Maybe you should put skill guys down there that can all pop in 10-12 goals a year. THEN you make it more difficult to defend.
Im not saying it needs to be goons at all, i am completely against that mentality. but a 4th line will never be looked at an an offensive minded line, you cant have 4 of those as your team will get ripped apart it needs balance. My ideal 4th line is Leier - Laughton - PEB. That is a line that 2 of those guys can be expected to pot 10 goals each. and who knows, maybe with 2 guys who have offensive upside, PEB can finally utilize the good shot he actually does have
Well then we can hope he moves Raffl or Weise. Having someone who actually scores on the third line is an attribute of a good team. Also, in this "new" NHL, having a guy who can score on the 4th line isnt such a bad thing either. Even if he doesn't play all those roles you mentioned, in my opinion a great team will have multiple guys throughout the whole lineup who are well rounded players who play different roles. I dont think its necessary to have that old school kinda 4th line that cant score for ****.
Im so tired of seeing Raffl on this team. He needs to be moved or sent down to make room for NHL caliber players.
How many of those points did he get on the first line with star players at his side?
He might be a third liner on a average to below average team(like us). 4 line probably fits him better but I still dont think the guy adds anything to this team. Watching him on the 1st line is painful. He forechecks hard but has no hockey sense or stickhandling skills.
We need guys with skill and speed. Which is why Id rather have Weal on the third line. Maybe even the 4th if hes out there with Laughton and PEB.
Being content with these below average players does not help.
Why not? CBJ has Hartnell & Gagner on their 4th line. Seem to be doing pretty well. Much better than us.