I really hate the Ryan Malone comparison for Ponikarovsky. There's a difference between industrious and gritty. Malone is gritty and tough as nails. Ponikarovsky is just industrious. Malone is a true leader who sacrifices himself for his teammates. Poni is...industrious.
Nothing wrong with that, but Alexei Ponikarovsky has been overrated on our board for quite some time now. Hopefully, he moves to Nashville (where he was traded last March but it happened too late to be processed with the league) and we can move on with our lives.
Alexei Ponikarovsky has been overrated on our board for quite some time now.
Or underrated by a few posters.
Last year he got 60 points while leading the Leafs in plus/minus. This year he will get around 60 again while beating his personal best in goals (23, last year), and he is the ONLY regular Leaf forward who is a plus player.
He is defensively responsible, an accomplished secondary scorer with a big frame and a low salary. Its close to being the ideal rental package for a team in our situation.
Or underrated by a few posters.
Last year he got 60 points while leading the Leafs in plus/minus. This year he will get around 60 again while beating his personal best in goals (23, last year), and he is the ONLY regular Leaf forward who is a plus player.
He is defensively responsible, an accomplished secondary scorer with a big frame and a low salary. Its close to being the ideal rental package for a team in our situation.
But if we're going for a non-proven rental from a chronically bad team, I'd rather go after someone with more upside (someone we may actually keep beyond this year).
If we're going the rental route, I want a winner. Whitney fits the bill. Maybe Tkachuk. Not someone with so little experience in playing games that matter.
I'd rather have Mueller. And Phoenix may actually want one of our more experienced wingers in return. They want veterans right now.
I really hate the Ryan Malone comparison for Ponikarovsky. There's a difference between industrious and gritty. Malone is gritty and tough as nails. Ponikarovsky is just industrious. Malone is a true leader who sacrifices himself for his teammates. Poni is...industrious.
Nothing wrong with that, but Alexei Ponikarovsky has been overrated on our board for quite some time now. Hopefully, he moves to Nashville (where he was traded last March but it happened too late to be processed with the league) and we can move on with our lives.
2nded and I like Poni. Wouldn't mind seeing him on the Pens at all though.
Right now I think he would cost a lot though. I would rather see the Pens turn it down a notch and go after the Juice and Andy Sutton.
Didn't even think of including TK in that. Well done.
The Horse (Despres)
The Pony (Ponikarovksy)
The Mule (Franzen)
The ManBearPig (Kennedy)
The Goose (Goligoski)
The Moose (Hedburg)
The Ferret (Legace)
The Big Bird (Valiquette)
The Gorilla (N. Wallin)
I think Franzen is the only one Shero would have difficulty acquiring and obviously we'd only sign one of the back up goalies. Too much time on my hands.
But if we're going for a non-proven rental from a chronically bad team, I'd rather go after someone with more upside (someone we may actually keep beyond this year).
If we're going the rental route, I want a winner. Whitney fits the bill. Maybe Tkachuk. Not someone with so little experience in playing games that matter.
I'd rather have Mueller. And Phoenix may actually want one of our more experienced wingers in return. They want veterans right now.
I would certainly be happy with Whitney too, but there's most likely a steep price to pay.
Tkachuk... could make some sense also if the price is right and we're out of other options, but lets not forget that his last four trips to the playoffs has ended in first round exists with Tkachuk scoring 2 goals (9 points) in 20 games. Last year he had a big fat '0' in a four game sweep against the Canucks.
In 13 playoff runs he has gotten out of the first round twice. I don't know that a history of failure is better than having never had the chance, and Ponikarovsky is a much better player now than Tkachuk is. We have enough lack of mobility with Guerin also, IMO.
As for Mueller.... we're talking about a deadline deal here where you amp up for the playoffs. If Phoenix deals him it is to amp up and get someone they can rely on to perform. The idea that Shero would trade for a player who has underperformed for two years and has 4 goals on the season... that just seems wack. In the off-season perhaps.
In terms of a fit, Ponikarovsky is pretty much a Kunitz for Geno. Their scoring is about the same, and whereas Kunitz fast, terrier style suits Crosby, Pony's more laboured physicality fits Malkin. Doesn't hurt that there's no language barrier either for smooth transition.
The Horse (Despres)
The Pony (Ponikarovksy)
The Mule (Franzen)
The ManBearPig (Kennedy)
The Goose (Goligoski)
The Moose (Hedburg)
The Ferret (Legace)
The Big Bird (Valiquette)
The Gorilla (N. Wallin)
I think Franzen is the only one Shero would have difficulty acquiring and obviously we'd only sign one of the back up goalies. Too much time on my hands.
