Soundwave
Registered User
- Mar 1, 2007
- 72,208
- 28,016
I think the key to having a guy like Eberle is understanding he's going to be your 4th or 5th best forward.
If you are asking him to "carry" the franchise or be the no.2/3 guy, like the Oilers have been the last 5 years, you're not going to be a good team.
He's never going to be the driver on this team, he's a good-to-very good complimentary player.
That said it's hard to ignore one other fact -- he's the best pure finisher on this team.
We can't afford to lose the 25-30 goals/season he brings to the table. Goals are precious in the modern NHL, and despite all of "offensive talent" we struggle with finishing. None of our players has a high end release like Eberle does, Yakupov shoots hard but usually right into the goalie's crest.
If you are asking him to "carry" the franchise or be the no.2/3 guy, like the Oilers have been the last 5 years, you're not going to be a good team.
He's never going to be the driver on this team, he's a good-to-very good complimentary player.
That said it's hard to ignore one other fact -- he's the best pure finisher on this team.
We can't afford to lose the 25-30 goals/season he brings to the table. Goals are precious in the modern NHL, and despite all of "offensive talent" we struggle with finishing. None of our players has a high end release like Eberle does, Yakupov shoots hard but usually right into the goalie's crest.