May very well be..Sounds like Mcmaster may be Dudas new wingman .
DeGray's cryptic trade talk leads me to believe this may be the top line Jan 12.
Totally agree with your take on the trade. Russell's speed and skating ability wasn't there (at least not yet). Always seemed a step behind in the offensive zone, just kind of following the play around and not really creating much. Was getting increased opportunities this year (2nd PP unit, also some ice time in OT), but the production didn't come. The defensive side of his game impressed me, he was solid defensively despite his young age and was by no means a defensive liability. Defensive awareness is probably his strongest attribute at this point. Will be interesting to see how he develops in NB, here's hoping the can round out the skating/offensive aspects of his game (in which case, yeah, NB might win this deal).Owen Sound Attack-Battalion Deal News Centre News
Russell for McMaster official, interview with Dale DeGray if you follow the link.
Love this deal. McMaster is a nice boost to the team today, and is the classic 2.5 year player Dale loves to acquire. I have mixed feelings about Russell. Has an intriguing skill set, but for me until that skating stride gets up to snuff with the modern game, his offence will be held back. If he fixes that, we could definitely be the losers of this trade.
Interesting interview by Fred. Sounds like DeGray may want to use the full two week window up until the Jan. 10th deadline to decide what direction this team needs to go. Was pretty tight lipped but truly does sound like there are a lot of options on the table. Will be an interesting deadline to say the least!
How does the quote signify a sale is coming? Russell is a 2001 birthday - he would be the type of kid you would want to keep for a rebuild. I do agree that they need to rebuild for the next few years and sell their studs but don't understand your point of view.He knows where he's going. He said so in the statement that basically Russell didn't fit where the team is will be by the deadline. That was the tell tale statement right there.
Definitely selling
Sorry. Russell doesn't fit with plans moving forward and wasnt where he needed to be at this point and time. Someone a year older will help with the younger team they will have after the deadline.How does the quote signify a sale is coming? Russell is a 2001 birthday - he would be the type of kid you would want to keep for a rebuild. I do agree that they need to rebuild for the next few years and sell their studs but don't understand your point of view.
Totally agree. Upcoming draft Attack don't have a 2nd, 3rd & 4th round pick; 2020 no 2nd or 4th. DD definitely has to do something about that i.e. trade for picks. When he does that, McMaster will be able to slot into hole left by trade.He knows where he's going. He said so in the statement that basically Russell didn't fit where the team is will be by the deadline. That was the tell tale statement right there.
Definitely selling
Next year is not a bad year to be short on picks. Draft is reported to be very weak.
I know it is just one game but Russell with an assist and goal in Sudbury tonight. Change is good for players that don't fit.Sorry. Russell doesn't fit with plans moving forward and wasnt where he needed to be at this point and time. Someone a year older will help with the younger team they will have after the deadline.
Totally agree on Gill. I said it when they hired him.The give a shhhhhhhhhh meter was at a low tonight
Ive said it before and ill say it again,
Todd gill is the worst active coach in the league and would love nothing more then to see DD kick his A** to the curb anytime now.
Team and city deserve better then him
Couldn't agree more on Gill. I don't see him as a coach who is able to get buy in from his players (at least not with any consistency). The guys look disinterested out there. I'd love to see a new HC too, but I can't see DD canning an old Leafs buddy (though Gilmour did it to Gill in Kingston).The give a shhhhhhhhhh meter was at a low tonight
Ive said it before and ill say it again,
Todd gill is the worst active coach in the league and would love nothing more then to see DD kick his A** to the curb anytime now.
Team and city deserve better then him
The give a shhhhhhhhhh meter was at a low tonight