Quote:
Originally Posted by Coach Brisebois
Gionta's spot opens up a place for Gallagher.. leaving him and DD as the only smaller players. While we're waiting for Collberg.. Leblanc and Gallagher should have a chance. if Gallagher can't make it in the NHL by the time Collberg is ready than yeah, we will probably trade or whatever... but Gallagher seems to have what it takes, and we don't have the surplus of small players that we had. Two small players isn't too many. There will be three.. but not in the same year Collberg is coming over (not that Collberg or LL are small).
You don't add toughness by ignoring skill. You add toughness by insulating your non-tough players with tough/bigger players and then having skilled tough guys on the lower lines... people like Moen and White. Also by not having wimpy average sized guys.. like Gomez or Pleks back when he played like a girl. Also, if your small guys are able to fight through checks.. like Gionta and DD can... and hopefully Gallagher can (that will be the determining factor in regards to him staying in the NHL) then it isn't a problem (so long as you don't make smurf lines).
Pacioretty-DD-Cole
Bourque-Eller-Gionta
Leblanc-Plekanec-Palushaj
Moen-White-Gallagher
Staubitz
yeah not optimal (I do think Palushaj will start next year with us and Leblanc will be in Hamilton and who knows if we get Moen back) but those lines aren't going to get pushed around (the third line might, but they'd have to catch them first)... Palushaj is the one who's likely to be showcased, and it will be his spot that goes to Collberg.. Gallagher will inherit Gionta's.. and Kristo should end up here sooner or later.
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I don't like your 2nd and 3rd lines. I can see something like:
Moen - Pleks - Gionta
Eller - Galchenyuk - Leblanc (Bourque)
Even this isn't very good either but what can you do besides work with what you got.
If Gionta moves on in 2 years I think Collberg will be a better fit than Gallagher whether the open spot is on the 2nd or 3rd line. Unless Bourque really turns his game around I don't see him staying here very long either.