The real truth is this ... you guys do not think Stepan will ever be an elite center ... which is fine, I think he's a solid #2. And I understand that we have a void on that first line center ... I just don't think restructuring the team (by trading our young guys) to try and fill that void is a smart idea. Do we need a good centerman (preferably one who will be here for 5-7Y) YES ... But we have to be careful how we acquire that.
I think that all that matters is the combined ability of your team. I mean, if like Krejci had been drafted by Winnipeg anyone would laugh at someone calling him a 1st line center for a cup winner. Andy McDonald was the 1st line center for Anaheim.
The center position is a key position, no doubt. At the bottom line of that equation, we are weak. I personally feel that Stepan is a bit weak overall, and not really the type who brings so much in one area that you can plug two other unique specialist around him and get a complete line (think like Penner-McD-Selanne). I like Brass in that regard, he is really good with the puck and if we develop him well he could become a very valuble player. I like Step more in like a Hags-Step-Cally environment.
I like Richards on the PP but not 5 on 5, too slow and weak. It's tough to blow up our PP, but you gotta consider to buy him out...
Great.
I said that before when talking about Girardi and MSL and I was said he's pretty reliable. now he's unreliable?
