At this point, I would not consider trading him at all. I think he 'could' turn out to be a very VERY good second line center. However, the proof is always in the pudding, so we say. He is small, but he plays much larger than he is. He has speed, hands, vision, and he's bold.
Perhaps a Mod could rename this thread the "Da Costa Appreciation Thread." (apologies if there was one - i just could not bother to sift through pages of threads =)
=)
I'm very excited about this kids potential. He has the makings of a Martin St. Louis in him.
I hope he centers the first line while subtly giving Turris a motivational jolt. Zibby and Da Costa seem to be the only centers that can enter the opposition's zone with authority.
Remember way back in 2012 when this guy didn't have a future with the team? Good times.
Is Da Costa one of the only things we've agreed on for a decent period of time? I remember being quite excited after watching him play for us, and when we signed him. You can just see the natural talent and hockey brain at work.
I've always thought Da Costa would be a late bloomer due to the lack of development relative to most professional hockey players. He was playing in a bad french league until he was 18 (when most people are drafted by the NHL). I think his development accelerated tremendously once coming over to NA, but even then he still had so much untapped potential. The more he plays in the NHL the better he is going to get and I don't see any reason why he can't be an amazing 2nd line centre.
Michalek - Spezza - Turris
Zibanejad - Da Costa - Alfredsson/Silfverberg
When healthy that could be nice! Especially since Da Costa and Silf have already shown a lot of chemistry.
so now Da Costa is better than Turris? Give your head a shake.
I think Turris is a great second line center and much better all aroundplayer,but offensively Da Costa is much better with more potential . He's got the elite "it" factor when he on.
Da Costa has a pretty ridiculous OICorsi right now. Leading the team and he's looked fantastic doing it...and if his PDO is any indication he's has some pretty bad luck so far.
Da Costa has a pretty ridiculous OICorsi right now. Leading the team and he's looked fantastic doing it...and if his PDO is any indication he's has some pretty bad luck so far.
Most offensive players start most of the time in the offensive zone. Obviously that stat is an extreme, but it's encouraging that he finishes the majority of his shifts in the offensive zone, too.
If he builds up strength (kinda like Cammalleri did) this kid can be a very good player. He's got slick moves, fantastic vision & creativity and seems to have a drive to go get the puck. He's assertive even if he's not very strong.
so now Da Costa is better than Turris? Give your head a shake.
It wasn't said he was better than Kyle Turris, just that the offensive potential could be higher, which I agree with. I know it's easy for somebody not to except that judgement call, based on one having the sexier history out of the two. One talent drafted early his draft year vs. another undrafted talent due to his background. Both are very good players, but Stephane Da Costa when he's on is someone that makes you salivate and have your jaw drop to the ground with his uncanny ability to make plays like the best of them.
Even if Da Costa never reaches his potential (with the way he has been playing, I don't see that happening), he's flat out fun to watch. Despite James Neal and Sidney Crosby being on, I noticed Da Costa much more in that game, and that says a lot. Since he had 1 point to both of their 3.
I really love DaCosta's game (and that huge hit he laid a few games ago!) and would love to see him thrive with the team. His skill level is through the roof and I think its only time before he starts putting up numbers. I hope Maclean give him some more ice time for a real assessment against quality players. I think he could potentially become a 2nd line center; move turris to wing; Stanley cup baby!
Guys got elite level skills. A threat every time he hits the ice.
lol no, Spezza has a NHL top-10 vision... ELITE. Same with his passing shooting, etc.
The thing that brings down Spezza a bit is his decision making... If he had Elite decision making, he'd be a top-5 player in the same category as Malkin, Crosby, Datsyuk, Stamkos
Da Costa is not in the same stratosphere yet but I agree he has star potential, 2nd line center and maybe even 1st line center. He just has to put it all together, continue to get stronger and be consistent
I'm becoming a huge fan instead of just a fan. Hopefully he breakouts soon to sweeten the pill of this season (lockout + injuries = FU!)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Really Long Username
Turris is way too valuabe as a center,
Michalek- Spezza-Greening
Zibanejad - Da Costa - Alfredsson
Silfverberg- turris - Lindholm
No idea if Alfie retires, no idea if Lindholm would NHL ready and no idea why Greening would be on the first line
I'd hope to see next year, something like :
Zibanejad - Spezza - Michalek
Silfverberg - Turris - Stone
Regin - Da Costa - Condra
Smith - O'Brien - Neil
Greening
And hopefully a big signing or trade to get a guy like Corey Perry
Is Da Costa one of the only things we've agreed on for a decent period of time? I remember being quite excited after watching him play for us, and when we signed him. You can just see the natural talent and hockey brain at work.
I've always thought Da Costa would be a late bloomer due to the lack of development relative to most professional hockey players. He was playing in a bad french league until he was 18 (when most people are drafted by the NHL). I think his development accelerated tremendously once coming over to NA, but even then he still had so much untapped potential. The more he plays in the NHL the better he is going to get and I don't see any reason why he can't be an amazing 2nd line centre.
Michalek - Spezza - Turris
Zibanejad - Da Costa - Alfredsson/Silfverberg
When healthy that could be nice! Especially since Da Costa and Silf have already shown a lot of chemistry.
Yup, we've only really agreed on Da Costa and the awesomeness of Spezza
