Player Discussion Ryan Spooner: Part IV

[GloryDaze4877]

He's been good digging picks out which is nice to see in both offensive and defensive zones.

But his forechecking lanes are pretty bad still in the neutral zone. I'm not expecting much from him but he definitely can improve on it. People skate or pass right by him like he is a traffic cone in the neutral zone. He's often behind the play but can make up for it with his skating.

Just calling it how I see it.

Sorry for the late response, but I just noticed this post.

Please explain what you mean by his "forechecking lanes are pretty bad still in the NZ". A player does not "forecheck" in the NZ, they forecheck in the the other team's defensive zone. One of the issues with trapping in the NZ (for every player, not just Spooner) is that they tend to be almost standing still or at least moving slower than the players coming out of the zone. If the team coming out can get through the layers, or if they dump and chase, it often looks like they are passing the D players like they are standing still.

Personally, I like Spooner being the first guy in on the forecheck because of his speed. His board play and compete have gotten stronger, so he's more capable of battling for the puck once he's into the zone and on the puck. Then, as you pointed out, his speed allows him to get back into the play if he does take a bad angle.

 

[Krupp]

....Gott en himmel, it took me a bit to find this thread; I didn't want to make anybody roll their eyes by creating a new thread though, so...

I'm interested in talking about this kid. We've all been talking about Backes, the defense, the controversial Freddy #29 pick, and the 'imminent' signing of Vesey. But I want to talk about a guy who already has made a spot for hismelf on the roster.

As of late, everything I think i've read about Spooner on here has been about trading him. Instead of just talking about this all in one of the multitudes of Sweeney or trade threads, I wanted to discuss Ryan in particular. Because not too long ago, a few seasons back, almost everyone on here was clamoring when it appeared that Spooner was going to be allowed to walk/be traded/not given a fair shot. Now he's done more than that. He's shown real potential as a third line center, and maybe some day down the road, a top 6 playmaker with good powerplay abilities. Is he the greatest shooter? No. Does he need to work on his defensive game more? Absolutely.

But why trade him now, now that Backes is a part of this team? What's the reasoning? Because Vesey is supposedly coming here, and Backes is normally a center, suddenly Spooner is obsolete? Because I would disagree. While he's not a natural RW, he certainly can play the position, and has already done so before. He may not be perfect at it, but he brings the speed and skill that so many have complained that Backes is going to start losing in a year or two. (Not that Backes is fast, but you get my point...)

I'm not looking for an argument; I'm looking for clarity. I understand the need to SERIOUSLY upgrade and improve the defense. Hell, we all know that. But I also think we all know Spooner definitely isn't bringing back a top 4 Dman by himself, so what are you willing to throw in as a package with Ryan to get that?

I think we should hang on to Ryan. He had a decent season, if not spectacular. He can improve. He played in the top 6 briefly while Krejci was out. I think he has more to show. Why give up a potential younger center, when the top three on this team now are kicking down the door of 30 years or more? For all we know, Spooner's only just beginning to scratch the surface of his true talent.

/college essay

 

[Beesfan]

....Gott en himmel, it took me a bit to find this thread; I didn't want to make anybody roll their eyes by creating a new thread though, so...

I'm interested in talking about this kid. We've all been talking about Backes, the defense, the controversial Freddy #29 pick, and the 'imminent' signing of Vesey. But I want to talk about a guy who already has made a spot for hismelf on the roster.

As of late, everything I think i've read about Spooner on here has been about trading him. Instead of just talking about this all in one of the multitudes of Sweeney or trade threads, I wanted to discuss Ryan in particular. Because not too long ago, a few seasons back, almost everyone on here was clamoring when it appeared that Spooner was going to be allowed to walk/be traded/not given a fair shot. Now he's done more than that. He's shown real potential as a third line center, and maybe some day down the road, a top 6 playmaker with good powerplay abilities. Is he the greatest shooter? No. Does he need to work on his defensive game more? Absolutely.

But why trade him now, now that Backes is a part of this team? What's the reasoning? Because Vesey is supposedly coming here, and Backes is normally a center, suddenly Spooner is obsolete? Because I would disagree. While he's not a natural RW, he certainly can play the position, and has already done so before. He may not be perfect at it, but he brings the speed and skill that so many have complained that Backes is going to start losing in a year or two. (Not that Backes is fast, but you get my point...)

I'm not looking for an argument; I'm looking for clarity. I understand the need to SERIOUSLY upgrade and improve the defense. Hell, we all know that. But I also think we all know Spooner definitely isn't bringing back a top 4 Dman by himself, so what are you willing to throw in as a package with Ryan to get that?

I think we should hang on to Ryan. He had a decent season, if not spectacular. He can improve. He played in the top 6 briefly while Krejci was out. I think he has more to show. Why give up a potential younger center, when the top three on this team now are kicking down the door of 30 years or more? For all we know, Spooner's only just beginning to scratch the surface of his true talent.

/college essay

The problem with Spooner is that he is too talented to give away, but until he reaches at least the 60 point threshold, he doesn't have much trade value as a scoring center.

I think he hurt the team last year. He just was not effective 5x5. I am hoping for a lot of growth from him this year, and if I were the GM, I would be willing to give him an opportunity to run with. However, if he is hurting the team, I would pull the plug, even if it meant losing him for nothing. If he can't make strides now as a 24 year old, it probably just isn't going to happen for him.

 

[Brewins]

The problem with Spooner is that he is too talented to give away, but until he reaches at least the 60 point threshold, he doesn't have much trade value as a scoring center.

I think he hurt the team last year. He just was not effective 5x5. I am hoping for a lot of growth from him this year, and if I were the GM, I would be willing to give him an opportunity to run with. However, if he is hurting the team, I would pull the plug, even if it meant losing him for nothing. If he can't make strides now as a 24 year old, it probably just isn't going to happen for him.

He had defensive lapses, but he was most of the reason our pp was so good. Give him a real scorer like pasta/vatrano/backes and not Hayes and see what happens 5 on 5

 

[8thRoundPick]

....Gott en himmel, it took me a bit to find this thread; I didn't want to make anybody roll their eyes by creating a new thread though, so...

I'm interested in talking about this kid. We've all been talking about Backes, the defense, the controversial Freddy #29 pick, and the 'imminent' signing of Vesey. But I want to talk about a guy who already has made a spot for hismelf on the roster.

As of late, everything I think i've read about Spooner on here has been about trading him. Instead of just talking about this all in one of the multitudes of Sweeney or trade threads, I wanted to discuss Ryan in particular. Because not too long ago, a few seasons back, almost everyone on here was clamoring when it appeared that Spooner was going to be allowed to walk/be traded/not given a fair shot. Now he's done more than that. He's shown real potential as a third line center, and maybe some day down the road, a top 6 playmaker with good powerplay abilities. Is he the greatest shooter? No. Does he need to work on his defensive game more? Absolutely.

But why trade him now, now that Backes is a part of this team? What's the reasoning? Because Vesey is supposedly coming here, and Backes is normally a center, suddenly Spooner is obsolete? Because I would disagree. While he's not a natural RW, he certainly can play the position, and has already done so before. He may not be perfect at it, but he brings the speed and skill that so many have complained that Backes is going to start losing in a year or two. (Not that Backes is fast, but you get my point...)

I'm not looking for an argument; I'm looking for clarity. I understand the need to SERIOUSLY upgrade and improve the defense. Hell, we all know that. But I also think we all know Spooner definitely isn't bringing back a top 4 Dman by himself, so what are you willing to throw in as a package with Ryan to get that?

I think we should hang on to Ryan. He had a decent season, if not spectacular. He can improve. He played in the top 6 briefly while Krejci was out. I think he has more to show. Why give up a potential younger center, when the top three on this team now are kicking down the door of 30 years or more? For all we know, Spooner's only just beginning to scratch the surface of his true talent.

/college essay

I have absolutely NO ISSUE keeping Spooner. I really like him, and he's getting better and better. I don't think people want to trade him, it's just that if you are going to make a trade, you trade from a position of strength - and in Boston's case, down the middle;

Bergeron
Krejci
Backes
Spooner
Nash

All 5 of them are centers naturally, and it seems the consensus is Nash will play the 4th line center role, so that leaves 4 legit NHL centers for 3 lines. We do know Backes has played right wing quite a bit, but we also heard in his interview that he said he been told he'll be playing center (or similar to that effect).

Ideally we convert Spooner to the wing, but if memory serves me right, he's had some real struggles on the wing. I hope since he has improved as a player that he'll do much better on the wing this year - but if you're looking at a player with value that is expendable, it's Spooner. Yes, we'd need to add in order to fetch a top 4 RHD, but it's a quality starting point.

 

[wintersej]

As far as Spooner 5 on 5 play, keep in mind that he was top 20 amongst all forwards in 5 on 5 assists and top 10 in primary assists at 5 on 5.

Offensively he was far from a power play specialist. He is a high end play maker that played with Hayes and Beleksey and still put up points.

He is not good in the possession game or in his own zone. His possession numbers were worse than his offensive numbers were good. He can (and will) get better, but I think that some of the deficiencies would be covered by playing with better line mates. I think he COULD be someone that you could have as a drop in replacement for Krejci in the next 18 months... or he will be the kind of guy who puts up lots of points on a bad team.

 

[BobbyAwe]

A slow team trading it's fastest skater...not necessary to be Sheldon Cooper to find a problem with that.

 

[SpitfireIX]

As far as Spooner 5 on 5 play, keep in mind that he was top 20 amongst all forwards in 5 on 5 assists and top 10 in primary assists at 5 on 5.

Offensively he was far from a power play specialist. He is a high end play maker that played with Hayes and Beleksey and still put up points.

He is not good in the possession game or in his own zone. His possession numbers were worse than his offensive numbers were good. He can (and will) get better, but I think that some of the deficiencies would be covered by playing with better line mates. I think he COULD be someone that you could have as a drop in replacement for Krejci in the next 18 months... or he will be the kind of guy who puts up lots of points on a bad team.

I think Spooner did pretty well given for where he is at in his career 5 on 5. I also found that he played with a bit of an edge and was harder to separate from the puck. He has been better every year. I could see him taking things to an even higher level if traded to another team. I also see him continuing to do well in Boston and improving step by step.

 

[Greek_physique]

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed Victor Rask to a six-year, $24 million contract.

Could that become the starting point for Spooner after this year? I wouldn't mind that type of contract.

 

[wintersej]

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed Victor Rask to a six-year, $24 million contract.

Could that become the starting point for Spooner after this year? I wouldn't mind that type of contract.

Rask is a smidge younger and better defensively and put up similar points. He put up those points in more minutes. Seems like a reasonable comparable, tho, in my opinion.

 

[Mr. Make-Believe]

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed Victor Rask to a six-year, $24 million contract.

Could that become the starting point for Spooner after this year? I wouldn't mind that type of contract.

It doesn't get much closer of a comparable than Victor Rask.

Uh... I'll be honest. I'm not sure I like it.

 

[Beesfan]

It doesn't get much closer of a comparable than Victor Rask.

Uh... I'll be honest. I'm not sure I like it.

No, I think Victor Rask has far more value around the league. He's bigger, stronger, better defensively and a better goal scorer. That's the type of player teams are looking for.

 

[JoeIsAStud]

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed Victor Rask to a six-year, $24 million contract.

Could that become the starting point for Spooner after this year? I wouldn't mind that type of contract.

I doubt the Bruins or Spooner would want to go that long. Make it a 3 year deal and you should be closer to 10 or 10.5 million (Carolina is buying out a couple FA years)

 

[chizzler]

No way Bruins give Spooner 4 mil per. He'll be gone by then.

 

[JRull86]

I doubt the Bruins or Spooner would want to go that long. Make it a 3 year deal and you should be closer to 10 or 10.5 million (Carolina is buying out a couple FA years)

This is probably right in the neighborhood of where they end up if they don't end up trading him.

 

[Mathews28]

Sorry for the late response, but I just noticed this post.

Please explain what you mean by his "forechecking lanes are pretty bad still in the NZ". A player does not "forecheck" in the NZ, they forecheck in the the other team's defensive zone. One of the issues with trapping in the NZ (for every player, not just Spooner) is that they tend to be almost standing still or at least moving slower than the players coming out of the zone. If the team coming out can get through the layers, or if they dump and chase, it often looks like they are passing the D players like they are standing still.

Personally, I like Spooner being the first guy in on the forecheck because of his speed. His board play and compete have gotten stronger, so he's more capable of battling for the puck once he's into the zone and on the puck. Then, as you pointed out, his speed allows him to get back into the play if he does take a bad angle.

I think the use of "forecheck" was misplaced but the point is discernible...and for me my observation would be that Spooner doesn't quite yet see the ice and the play developing like maybe he will with more experience...or maybe he never will.

We hear of players who "see the ice" usually in reference to the offensive side of the game, but it goes both ways. Bergeron is the perfect example of a guy who defensively sees the ice, his ability to assess the options the opposing team has among the best in the league. Krejci is decent at it, Spooner, at this point, a little lost sometimes.

 

[bruinmann77]

I hope they keep him he a good PP guy and decent scorer and really good passer.

 

[Bmessy]

What are the thoughts on this kids extension? I bet Spooner's camp will want to wait till the offseason. I think if they can lock him up to one now they should. I don't really care about $$$'s details at the moment, I just want them to lock him down before those $$$'s get much higher.

Spooner had 49 pts last season in 80 games playing an average of 15 mins a game. That's good for 5th on the team last year. He will probably be our 4th highest scorer next year after losing Eriksson.

Everyone above him in points played at least 3.5 to 4 minutes more a game than Spooner. Granted a couple minutes of that is SH TOI for those other players.

Now we all know he had a pretty tough final quarter of the season. He was apparently hampered by an injury, and that most likely impacted his point totals.

For example, in Spooners final 24 games he got 9 pts. That's 0.375 PPG. In his previous 56 games he scored 40 pts good for 0.71 PPG. Just for fun let's assume if Spooner didn't get hurt and he put up a 0.6 ppg pace the final 24 games. That would have had him at 54 points. Now all this math means nothing but I believe this kid is just gunna get better. And if he puts it all together for a year he will a real solid player. Let's sign him before he prices himself out.

I can see this kid putting up 60 points next year in a secondary scoring role (on the bruins!?). I would like the B's to sign him before he puts up one of those years which would skyrocket his value. But I bet his agent is waiting that one out

 

[bearcountry17]

If Spooner can continue to make strides in his 200 foot game and bump up his goal total a bit i would have no problem giving him a similar contract to VRask. If he doesn't I would be looking at another 2 year bridge deal at 3-3.5 million.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

What are the thoughts on this kids extension? I bet Spooner's camp will want to wait till the offseason. I think if they can lock him up to one now they should. I don't really care about $$$'s details at the moment, I just want them to lock him down before those $$$'s get much higher.

Spooner had 49 pts last season in 80 games playing an average of 15 mins a game. That's good for 5th on the team last year. He will probably be our 4th highest scorer next year after losing Eriksson.

Everyone above him in points played at least 3.5 to 4 minutes more a game than Spooner. Granted a couple minutes of that is SH TOI for those other players.

Now we all know he had a pretty tough final quarter of the season. He was apparently hampered by an injury, and that most likely impacted his point totals.

For example, in Spooners final 24 games he got 9 pts. That's 0.375 PPG. In his previous 56 games he scored 40 pts good for 0.71 PPG. Just for fun let's assume if Spooner didn't get hurt and he put up a 0.6 ppg pace the final 24 games. That would have had him at 54 points. Now all this math means nothing but I believe this kid is just gunna get better. And if he puts it all together for a year he will a real solid player. Let's sign him before he prices himself out.

I can see this kid putting up 60 points next year in a secondary scoring role (on the bruins!?). I would like the B's to sign him before he puts up one of those years which would skyrocket his value. But I bet his agent is waiting that one out

Sounds like you value Spooner quite a bit more than Sweeney & Company do.

 

[Bmessy]

Sounds like you value Spooner quite a bit more than Sweeney & Company do.

Maybe I do. I just see guys like Johannson going to arbitration and stuff like that and would want to avoid it. Plus if you sign him to a fair deal now and he goes off his trade value would boost. I would like to keep him though, youth and wheels are always nice. Also, a cheaper Spooner means it's easier to sign Pastrnak.

 

[bruinmann77]

I really like Spooner think his game improved and will get better and should be part of the Bruins future.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

Maybe I do. I just see guys like Johannson going to arbitration and stuff like that and would want to avoid it. Plus if you sign him to a fair deal now and he goes off his trade value would boost. I would like to keep him though, youth and wheels are always nice. Also, a cheaper Spooner means it's easier to sign Pastrnak.

Right now he's a power play specialist/3rd line player who's not good defensively, not good on faceoffs and not physical. Seems not likely to be a player Bruins are looking to lock up long term.

 

[Bmessy]

Right now he's a power play specialist/3rd line player who's not good defensively, not good on faceoffs and not physical. Seems not likely to be a player Bruins are looking to lock up long term.

This is why we've won 3 cups since the 40s. That strategy doesn't win you ****. There's plenty of room for skill players that aren't good at defense on a 25 man roster. I wouldn't build a team around em, but filling out your top 9 with a couple of pure skill guys won't ruin your team especially nowadays. Now if he's really bad at draws maybe make the shift to winger. And it goes to my point, lock him up now long term on a fair deal and it won't be any sweat having him around.

 

[analyser]

Trade Spooner and our 1st. pick from next year for Fowler. We are not going to get a solid defense individual for nothing as Sweeney seems to think.

Just a suggestion, comments.