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Originally Posted by Joe Cole
You know, I can't understand why everyone is pulling for him so much. Is it because he is such a bashful, nice guy? The fact that he is one of the only non-Quebec born players that can speak french? I dunno.
A player is a player. I have said it before, you have to cool headed and not fall in love with players. You have to evaluate what they put on the ice over a 20 or so game stretch. Remember, a player will leave a team if a better situation comes along, a GM must do what is right for the team.
I do believe that he could be taught to be a defensive forward, because any player can be taught to play defensive. Do you prefer him to other less expensive younger players with limited offensive upside?
Kilger treats every player on the ice like they are close family friends, it seems like he says "sorry" after every bodycheck. That, I do not appreciate in a "defensive" or grinder player. They have to be a tough guy to play against, a guy that you hate. Kilger is just too nice.
And never forget....consistancy is key. Something Kilger has never shown.
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Personally I pull for him because he has intriguing talent for such a big guy. I don't believe I have to love the player to pull for him... But the fact he had every reason to leave this summer, but opted to stay speaks good things about how serious he is about Montreal.
I do prefer him to the 'less expensive/limited upside' forwards... Because though he has shown little in his career, he does have MORE upside than those you speak of.
Ya Kilger could learn a few lessons from Johnny Ferguson on how to hate... but Last night he certainly was not bashful, he hit many players and generally played like his career was on the line... If he shows this facet of his game more often, he will be more valuable than those limited players.
This guy has all the tools, but no product has been produced good enough on his end. IMHO, it's alot like Manny Malholtra, they rush these kids, and they get burned because their ceilings dropped, as they are asked for less and less. If Julien/Gainey get Kilger to turn around his game, he can and will become a great contributor to this club. That is what I believe, and ultimately that is why I don't like the idea of giving up on him outright.
Clearing waivers is a blessing in disguise IMHO, because now Kilger is on the crossroads.