i hate to beat up on the bottom line type guys but i think it's useful to point out these 2 as they are essentially a waste of a roster spot. im not even going to talk about a rinaldo, mcleod. different role.
gaudreau and salomaki bring absolutely nothing to this team. i am kind of surprised how "useless" gaudreau has been to be honest. i thought he could be a guy on a 4th line that could pot 10~ goals a year and 10 assists or so.
gaudreau 50 games played 3 goals 1 assists. if he were to play 82 games at the same pace, he would attain 6.5 points but we will do him a favor and round it up to 7 points (wow that's putrid)
salomaki 37 games played 3 goals 4 assists. if he played 82 games at same pace, it would be 15 points. it's also worth noting 2 of his goals were empty nets and im not talking EN goals where he "earned" it. a teammate basically gave him a tap in twice on an empty net. salomaki had one of the worst games i can remember in regards to ice time and amount of screw ups one guy can manage in that spanking we received at STL the day after Thanksgiving.
i think both these guys are out of the league in the next year or 2. it's interesting cause we could actually be in the UFA market for some 3rd-4th line guys this summer with these 2 being pretty much abysmal and the unfortunate situation with watson. i still think depth scoring and solid play is something we need to improve.
and also while i know johansen leads the team in points and +/- is far from everything, it's pretty alarming to see him at a minus 1 as our 8 million #1 line center. i think it shows our top line has went full on "offense" mode and really short changed the team on defense and smart plays w/ the puck.
for reference, bonino is a +28, sissons +23, jarnkrok +15. i know not all 3 are always lining up at C but it's just for comparisons sake.
no surprise turris is a -5 . i don't think i can put into words how disgusted i am with his play. dating all the way back to last year after his first 20 games or so. turris is going to have to be a guy night in night out that contributes if we want a cup. i feel bad if granlund continues to see majority of his ice time with turris.
and again, that's why i mentioned granlund moving to center even though it's not optimal and was scolded for it. i don't really see turris getting much better especially if the injury excuse is going to get thrown around for him and by his wife on her podcast. i don't give a shit if he has to have surgery tomorrow and is out for the year, he is a bigger help on IR than on the ice right now. he is that freaking bad.