Hopefully Steel shows some creativity this season instead of dumping and chasing consistently. It's going to be a rebuild year might as well try some stuff out, I don't mind him turning the puck over at times if it leads to better development.
I'm just lost with Steel's production this past year as he had a nice debut with the Ducks on his second stint two seasons ago. I never thought he would be amazing, but thought he'd be more productive as a third line center going against bottom two lines from the opposing teams.
When Zegras signed, I was opposed to him being signed because I didn't think he'd be physically set. But doing a lot of research on the prospects from all the people sharing, I've made a 180 degree thought on Zegras and his talent. Because of Steel's big drop last year, I think Steel gets displaced by Zegras as that third line center b/c Zegras is simply oozing of talent and tenacity! I love Steel's two-way game and his speed, but he looked overwhelmed at times last season. Also, he was so snakebitten in goal scoring, which probably made him hold onto his stick tighter than he should be.
If Zegras is up with the team, then what to do with Steel? We need Steel to continue to develop as a center because we don't know how long Getz will be in a Ducks uni. Henrique is signed through 2023-24. Do we put Steel in the AHL as a center again or maybe try him out on wing at the NHL level? According to Cap Friendly, Steel is waiver exempt. I think Steel would be very good at wing, but we also need that centerman developing. We do have Lundestrom developing, but is he willing to stay in NA after his ELC is up after a tumultuous two seasons on NA ice?
Maybe Steel will be like Rico, more effective as a scoring wing. We know Zegras loves to pass, but also Terry. Terry needs shooters on his line.
Steel-Getz-Heinen
Rakell-Rico-Silf
Milano-Zegras-Terry
Zegras and Terry together is like Getz-Terry. Maybe there might be better chemistry with Zegras-Terry?
Maybe we could put Rico at wing with Getz and Steel in between the Swedes? I dunno. Having Zegras as a possibility at the NHL level does put an interesting spin on who'll be at the NHL level.