Everytime he covers a habs game Mcguire feels the need to bash the halak trade as well as Eller.
As much of a McGuire fan as I used to be, his opinions and scouting reports, as it pertains to the Habs, have turned into egotistical rantings. I still contend that he knows his hockey, but if he doesn't see the potential in this kid, then there's something askew.
I don't think you need 20 years of experience in hockey to recognize the compete level, hands and vision shown during limited ice-time by young Larry. Whether he reaches his full potential or not, is another question for Pierre to ponder, but to call him a marginal player so early in his career with what he's shown so far shows a lack of objectivity.
Add another 5-10lbs of muscle to that, and I think we have a top 2 line center for years to come. He won't get a tremendous amount of PP this year, so I'll say he tops out at 40 points. Generous for a 3rd liner, I know, but that's how much I think of the kid.
30-33 points is his realistic ceiling next year unless one of Plekanec or Gomez goes down for a large part of the season and a regular powerplay shift opens up for him. 35 points on even strength is about average for a top six player that gets 14 minutes of ES time.
1.8 points per 60 minutes ES is a top-six forward pace. Eller would get at most 13 ES minutes per game ice time on the third line.
1.8points/60min X 13min/game X 82 games = ~32 points in a full season
As much of a McGuire fan as I used to be, his opinions and scouting reports, as it pertains to the Habs, have turned into egotistical rantings. I still contend that he knows his hockey, but if he doesn't see the potential in this kid, then there's something askew.
I don't think you need 20 years of experience in hockey to recognize the compete level, hands and vision shown during limited ice-time by young Larry. Whether he reaches his full potential or not, is another question for Pierre to ponder, but to call him a marginal player so early in his career with what he's shown so far shows a lack of objectivity.
Add another 5-10lbs of muscle to that, and I think we have a top 2 line center for years to come. He won't get a tremendous amount of PP this year, so I'll say he tops out at 40 points. Generous for a 3rd liner, I know, but that's how much I think of the kid.
Loving Larry!!
Problem with McGuire is he's too busy ripping the Halak trade to look at Eller objectively.
On the topic of commitment to training, I don't think our team is any different than others in the league. Good to hear stories of guys training hard and taking their jobs seriously, but it's not like we haven't heard reports of this in the past with former players (Latendresse's speed skating comes to mind, and Ribeiro's improved off-season regiment rings a bell). Just be glad we aren't hearing any Wellwoodian reports on our players.
As for Eller, glad to hear he should be ready for game 1. He'll be an important part of our top 9 depth.
Gomez has the Habs' specialised trainer over in Alaska so he can get in optimal shape.
I never heard this but this is great news. Gomez just needs some confidence and that hunger that got him that contract in the first place, he'll be alright next year.
And Lars is going to be a beast. Pierre's biased rantings would drive me nuts during Hab games on TSN. The guys got loads of talent and a huge frame, will be a star in Montreal sooner than later.
Maxim Lapierre got 15 goals and 29 points a couple seasons back, I think that's the ceiling for a bottom-6 Habs player who gets spot duty in higher offensive roles.
We might see Eller get increased PP time as well this year if Gomez is a ******. Martin let Eller get a few shifts on the second wave towards the end of the season. The thing about Eller he's extremely noticeable out there as well when he's on so he should be easy to reward.
I'd be happy with improved faceoffs, a focus on defensive play and taking some PK time that Halpern/Pyatt used to occupy. With that, any point improvement over last season is just icing on the cake.
