There was a time when Hrivik presented some interesting possibilities, but his play as been stuck on a plateau for a couple of years now.
He could still potentially turn himself into a solid AHL scorer, but the expectation for him to potentially develop into an NHL player is pretty remote at this point.
There was a time when Hrivik presented some interesting possibilities, but his play as been stuck on a plateau for a couple of years now.
He could still potentially turn himself into a solid AHL scorer, but the expectation for him to potentially develop into an NHL player is pretty remote at this point.
4th line wing material perhaps?
There was a time when Hrivik presented some interesting possibilities, but his play as been stuck on a plateau for a couple of years now.
He could still potentially turn himself into a solid AHL scorer, but the expectation for him to potentially develop into an NHL player is pretty remote at this point.
4th line wing material seems on target. He's a guy who works the corners and boards fine. He'll have to effectively penalty kill if he plays in the NHL. 89 shots on goal last year for a 2nd/3rd liner. The year before his shot numbers were low as well. He's got no upside above 4th line in the NHL IMO.
It's sort of ironic he came in as a scorer, and everyone expected him to do that, but his defensive game wasn't great. Kenny did a great job of turning him into a checker, then a center, and then a top 6 center in the AHL.
He doesn't shoot or generate enough to be a top 9 guy, but he also doesn't make a lot of mistakes.
Bodies the man, protects the puck when he has it on his stick down low (possession guys get excited... wait scratch that he doesn't try shooting enough... guess he sucks at possession), blocks shots, and has gotten better on draws.
IMO he simply offers more than RyBo, but the latter has speed. The staff will have to decide what they prefer since both are waiver eligible... although they'd probably both pass through. Do you take a utility guy with size that can play a 200 foot game and give you some physicality and versatility... or do you go with the smaller speed guy that can also play a 200 foot game and force the play to move faster?
Last years team would have definitely taken the speedster, but given how this upcoming team just lost two smaller quicker players and replaced them with thicker north south speedsters... I think Marek has a better shot.
I know we're really talking about the 13th or 14th forward here, but if I had to choose between RyBo and Marek, I'd go with Marek. He's more of a playoff type forward than RyBo. Teams need guys that can be versatile.
It's sort of ironic he came in as a scorer, and everyone expected him to do that, but his defensive game wasn't great. Kenny did a great job of turning him into a checker, then a center, and then a top 6 center in the AHL.
He doesn't shoot or generate enough to be a top 9 guy, but he also doesn't make a lot of mistakes.
Bodies the man, protects the puck when he has it on his stick down low (possession guys get excited... wait scratch that he doesn't try shooting enough... guess he sucks at possession), blocks shots, and has gotten better on draws.
IMO he simply offers more than RyBo, but the latter has speed. The staff will have to decide what they prefer since both are waiver eligible... although they'd probably both pass through. Do you take a utility guy with size that can play a 200 foot game and give you some physicality and versatility... or do you go with the smaller speed guy that can also play a 200 foot game and force the play to move faster?
Last years team would have definitely taken the speedster, but given how this upcoming team just lost two smaller quicker players and replaced them with thicker north south speedsters... I think Marek has a better shot.
I know we're really talking about the 13th or 14th forward here, but if I had to choose between RyBo and Marek, I'd go with Marek. He's more of a playoff type forward than RyBo. Teams need guys that can be versatile.
I disagree. I've watched an enormous amount of the guy since we signed him and have always maintained his production is not a reflection of his talent. I think you could stick him on an NHL third or fourth line right now and he would flourish. I really can't explain why he hasn't produced better numbers over the past two seasons, since he's noticeable (in a good way) every night and he does a lot of the little things right.
I'd be surprised if he doesn't end up playing in a couple hundred NHL games before all is said and done. It might not be with us, and he may go back to Europe first, but I definitely believe he has the ability. He was one of the few worthwhile forwards down in Hartford last season, paucity in production notwithstanding.
I disagree. I've watched an enormous amount of the guy since we signed him and have always maintained his production is not a reflection of his talent. I think you could stick him on an NHL third or fourth line right now and he would flourish. I really can't explain why he hasn't produced better numbers over the past two seasons, since he's noticeable (in a good way) every night and he does a lot of the little things right.
I'd be surprised if he doesn't end up playing in a couple hundred NHL games before all is said and done. It might not be with us, and he may go back to Europe first, but I definitely believe he has the ability. He was one of the few worthwhile forwards down in Hartford last season, paucity in production notwithstanding.