Seems like the easy way out- again. Although the Schenn for JVR while converting him to centre is way more bold than signing Tim Connolly. We'll see. In theory Lupul- JVR- Kessel seems good. We'll see
Whats most interesting is that it makes Lupul the primary setup man of the line as both JvR and Kessel are scorers.
How many lines in the NHL feature a winger as the playmaker?
Both Lupul and Kessel have the ability to dish and shoot equally. That was clearly the case last year when Kessel showcased his play making abilities while they were both on a tear.
As for your question; Tanguay (CGY), St.Louis (TB), Whitney (DAL).
If it works it works, then fine. I just hope they don't try to force the issue to much if its not. I would be much more open to giving Connolly another go in the top six
JVR-Connolly-Kessel
Kulimen-Grabovski-Lupul
if we get Ryan the return would be at least 1 of those for ANA, so it wouldn't be hard to slot him in.
Its hard to picture a guy in the league three seasons, switching to center, which he hasn't played since before junior level hockey.
Worst that could happen, turns out he can't win face offs and isn't suited to centre and is put back on the wing.
Best that could happen, shines in the centre position and the Leafs have a big bodied offensive centre which are hard to come by.
I'd say it's a risk worth looking at.
I guess we'll see. I can't see him faring any worse than TyBo. The question is then what do you do with Grabovski, Connolly, TyBo, Steckel, and McLement who all play centre ice.
Seems like the easy way out- again. Although the Schenn for JVR while converting him to centre is way more bold than signing Tim Connolly. We'll see. In theory Lupul- JVR- Kessel seems good. We'll see
No evidence he can win face-offs. If he is a 40% guy as per last year it will be a short experiment. I am assuming there was a reason Philly never used him there. A big physical center is worth more than a winger and Im guessing they didn't add Schenn because JVR was a better center than a winger.
If there actually was an original comment to this effect, I wonder if it is just a smoke screen so potential trading partners think he is isn't desperate to acquire another center.
No evidence he can win face-offs. If he is a 40% guy as per last year it will be a short experiment. I am assuming there was a reason Philly never used him there. A big physical center is worth more than a winger and Im guessing they didn't add Schenn because JVR was a better center than a winger.
If there actually was an original comment to this effect, I wonder if it is just a smoke screen so potential trading partners think he is isn't desperate to acquire another center.
They had an overload of centers that included Carter, Richards, Brierre, Giroux. After Carter/richards left, they still had Brierre and Giroux as the top 2 centers, so there was no spcae for JVR.
Connolly cant win face-offs but he is still a center. The challenge from playing center is that its more responsibility defensively & you have to have the vision to move the puck to your teammates. Cant think of anyone who was a winger for awhile that turned into a center.
I think this is one of those things that a coach tries for a game & then everything goes back to normal.
So, this is what Burke meant when he said the centre would come "within the organization". Sigh. He is not a C, he is a winger. keep him there. hes great along the boards, play him on the wing.
