- Jun 13, 2010
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I agree with you on Pouliot, but I disagree with you on Sheahan. I think Sheahan would bring everything Bonino brought, but with a worse offensive ability. I think you'd have a 10 or so point drop from Bonino to Sheahan (although Sheahan is still young and he's had good offensive seasons before, so who knows), but I think Sheahan would be able to replace Bonino defensively, on the PK, at faceoffs and with possession stats.
The article for anyone who didn't read it:
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/...ed-wings-nhl-2017-season/stories/201709130143
Sheahan as a target makes sense in the "guys available now" sense. The Pouliot swap makes little sense. From both sides.
He better play at 4C. We don't need a worse offensive player than Bonino on the third line. We need someone who can get Phil the puck because that line is where Phil should be playing....
Ideally he slots in at 3C for now and closer to the TDL we bring in a legit 3C and he pops down to 4C.
Some major break pumping on Blueger needs to happen.
Said this last thread. I have hopes for the kid but a lot needs to happen first.
This is your actual issue.
Warts and all, Bonino is a very good 3C league wide. Good enough that he just got himself a fat, long 4 million per year contract in free agency. You want someone who is likely to be better - and soon. While we have the best 1-2 punch at center in the league, wicked winger depth and a high end D (at least top 10 in the league) and one of the very best goalies.
Bonino got that contract based purely on his playoff performances. He performs when it matters. To a contender, that's what they want.
That doesn't sound bad, for his size.
Problem is, he rarely uses it.