he has the skill, he just can't do it consistently. Like you said, multiple weeks ago after he had the big night against Washington he ended up having 9 points in 6 games or something like that... he just can't do it consistently. Some nights he looks good and some nights he is invisible. Kinda reminds me of Gaborik except for the fact that gaborik is far more skilled and expectations were way higher in gaborik's case coming into the season. But for less than a million dollars per year, and for his ability in the shootout, I think we could definitely package him into a deal this summer.
I can see bringing Prospal and/or Fedotenko back and one of Christensen, Wolski--prefer EC as he's cheaper and Wolski might get us something interesting in a trade. Having at least one shootout specialist wouldn't hurt. Avery as a possibility--he's signed anyway.
The essential player to dump is Drury. Just too much cap space for too little return. That has been a disastrous signing.
Looking at the defense--5 to 7 spots are all open. Can improve on them all. Big question is Del Zotto. Eminger played hard but we can do better. Gilroy is too soft and his offense hasn't come around. McCabe helps the pwp but he's too old and slow in his own end.
I've never been a big fan of this guy. It's beyond me how someone with that kind of talent can't be a consistent contributor. Unless we plan on going to the shootout every game next year, EC doesn't need to be on this team.
As kingwantscup said before, Stopgap and if we sign Richards or trade for a bonafide #1 he will be 13th or 14th forward, possibly even in the AHL. He had a huge assist on the Drury goal tonight and he has gotten us at least 3 points himself via the shootout this season. He is so hot and cold, if he could do some work this off season on his skating and defensive play than I have no problem with him as a spare forward. He has talent and skills, he is just inconsistent and needs to work on decision making/defensive aspect of his game.
it amazes me how much **** this guy gets on here. he makes less than 1m and has 26 points in 60ish games. hes one us many games in the shootout this year as well.
it amazes me how much **** this guy gets on here. he makes less than 1m and has 26 points in 60ish games. hes one us many games in the shootout this year as well.
If EC determines our season or is a major player in determining our season, than a lot of other players are not doing their jobs.
while the guy is awesome on the penalty shot the NYR don't need him.
clearly he checked out over 2 weeks ago
see ya EK, nice knowing you
And in the 8 games before that: 3G 5A +3 12 shots
He's a streaky player, we all knew that.
You can't define a player's season by taking a random cross-section of 8 games. If that were the case, I can take those 8 games I cited and say he's an all-star.
I like EC, I like watching EC, I like the fact that he's a kind of quirky atypical personality, and I like the idea that every handful of games he can pop up with something creative and nifty out of nothing. Even though there will probably be a spare part on the market who can play better overall hockey than Erik, I'd be disappointed to see him go.
