Center Ice Scrum*
Registered User
What people are missing here is that we don't necessarily need an elite #1C. I think our team can get by on having a stop gap center who is used to playing with skilled guy. Our offense is carried through JVR and Kessel rushes. Having JVR play center totally kills the rushes and it has led to our 1 gpg pace since JVR was switched to C. Carlyle in post game conference even said that he'd put anyone at 1st line C if they were capable. JVR is being forced to play there because Carlyle doesn't have any other alternatives. If we had another Kadri type of prospect or hell even a Joe Colborne, our top line would be JVR - Colborne - Kessel. This would push down Lupul to the 2nd line and help create a much more balanced offensive team.
We need a top 6 C. Period. Doesn't have to be elite. Bozo certainly is no where close but he does his job and frees up Kessel and JVR to do what they do best. I'm guessing Nonis's hands are tied because of cap and contract constraints. Otherwise he'd be an absolute moron not to find a replacement center by now. I'm sure we can stick Smithson in at #1C next game and get more offensive jam out of that line.
EDIT:
I'd love to target a player like Mikael Backlund out of Cgy. He probably wouldn't cost much more than a prospect + 2nd/ 3rd. He's got speed, skill and a decent shot. He's also alright in the faceoff dot. Plus he's young enough that he still has time to turn on his game and potentially become a valuable top 6 player.
We need a top 6 C. Period. Doesn't have to be elite. Bozo certainly is no where close but he does his job and frees up Kessel and JVR to do what they do best. I'm guessing Nonis's hands are tied because of cap and contract constraints. Otherwise he'd be an absolute moron not to find a replacement center by now. I'm sure we can stick Smithson in at #1C next game and get more offensive jam out of that line.
EDIT:
I'd love to target a player like Mikael Backlund out of Cgy. He probably wouldn't cost much more than a prospect + 2nd/ 3rd. He's got speed, skill and a decent shot. He's also alright in the faceoff dot. Plus he's young enough that he still has time to turn on his game and potentially become a valuable top 6 player.
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