It seems like mentally some pundits haven't realized what lower scoring levels means.
O'Reilly, since being used on a scoring line from 2011 and forward, is 33rd in center PPG with a 57 point pace.
There are only 15 centers on a 70 point pace and six centers that are PPG (Crosby, Malkin, Stamkos, Giroux, Tavares, Bäckström).
Add that O'Reilly is better defensively than most than a handful of the centers above him and it's bizarre to call him a third line center. If he's one Backes, Plekanec, Kesler also are.
I don't want to start a campaign against him and I'm really hoping he turns out to be a mean SOB bottom pairing PK guy. I didn't say no IQ, I said not up there, thus limiting him. It's my opinion and the one of a few out west that are closer to the scene.
would read again.
That's the issue I have with ROR. He wants to be paid like a top star but he topped 50 pts twice. Yes his defensive game is elite but he wants more than he is worth.
What's not up there about it?
Ferraro is a dimwit.
60 pts + for a second liner?
He seems to be a decade behind with his opinions.
A consistent 60+ point center who is good defensively is easily a #1 in this league IMO.
That seems to be the expectations from some here too when they call out our forwards production.
Chris Nichols @NicholsOnHockey 19s19 seconds ago
(NEW) Dreger: “I don’t believe the Toronto Maple #Leafs are strongly going after Ryan O’Reilly." #Avs http://www.nicholsonhockey.com/wort...e-leafs-are-strongly-going-after-ryan-oreilly …
Chris Nichols @NicholsOnHockey 19s19 seconds ago
(NEW) Dreger: “I don’t believe the Toronto Maple #Leafs are strongly going after Ryan O’Reilly." #Avs http://www.nicholsonhockey.com/wort...e-leafs-are-strongly-going-after-ryan-oreilly …
I don't think it's possible for Toronto to push for ROR through media any harder than they are right now. It's ridiculous the amount of reporters doing their bidding with ROR rumors, and Dreger has gone full Ektard.
I know. I get he's the biggest trade rumor out there but doesn't Toronto have other things to worry about? Like that Phaneuf for Richards one should be worth a few days of talk radio at least.
About the contracts thing, does it matter if we hit 50 say after the trade deadline or is there still a need to have flexibility then? And what for? If they want to say give Bigras a NHL look in April or something would his contract have to count even if it still slides since very doubtful he'd get over 9 games?
would read again.