Zemgus Girgensons upside?

[ceky]

i could imagine him getting sheltered minutes on the bottom 6-wing in the beginning (beginning of the 13-14 season?) and transform to center afterwards.

in the end I would love Girgensons ending up centering the sabres checking line with 3 scoring lines (C's Grigorenko, Ennis and CoHo).
with some grit on the wings this could work out. plus, it's not hard to imagine him and CoHo getting the PK duties while Ennis and Grigs play the PPs

[BalticWarrior]

Originally Posted by ceky

i could imagine him getting sheltered minutes on the bottom 6-wing in the beginning (beginning of the 13-14 season?) and transform to center afterwards.

in the end I would love Girgensons ending up centering the sabres checking line with 3 scoring lines (C's Grigorenko, Ennis and CoHo).
with some grit on the wings this could work out. plus, it's not hard to imagine him and CoHo getting the PK duties while Ennis and Grigs play the PPs

Why would you want Zemgus on checking line if he can become a top 6 centre?

[tsujimoto74]

Originally Posted by Helo

Why would you want Zemgus on checking line if he can become a top 6 centre?

Because we could roll 3 scoring lines (all getting the same ES ice time), one of which can also shutdown oppositions' top lines...Maybe two if Hodgson develops well in that department. But top scoring lines centered by Ennis/Grigorenko and Hosdgson -- Ennis moves back to wing if necessary -- and a 3rd centered by Girgensons. Let's just imagine a roster, assuming no new acquisitions and the G's making the team out of camp next year (pretty wild assumptions, but just stick with me):

Ennis-Grigorenko-Stafford
Vanek-Hodgson-Leino/Armia
Ott-Girgensons-Pominville
Gerbe-McCormick-Kaleta

If Girgensons pushes hard enough to make another center expendable? Then awesome, we can upgrade our D or wingers. But I like the idea of being 3 strong down the middle, and having a 3C who can jump up a line if needed, and a LW who can also fill in at center.

Edit: Oops, forgot Foligno. Definitely no more room for Leino. Sorry, Ville.

[Jakomyte]

Originally Posted by romao

That's just one year. There are many other centers who had 30 goals seasons in past - Backstrom, M.Richards, Thornton, Briere, Marleau, Crosby, Kopitar, Kesler, Toews, Eric Staal, Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Bergeron, Lecavalier, Roy, Carter...

Fair enough, but that still puts him in the company of #1 centers. I guess I just didn't think that he had that kind of potential. I see him turning into a great #3C, the kind that probably has #2 ice time, but plays more of a defensive than offensive role (Holik/Bolland mould).

[Qvist]

Originally Posted by smitty10

I think he can be like Ryane Clowe at some point if he develops properly. Worst case he turns out to be a good role player on the 4th line.

I hate it when people say that. If he can be a 4th liner he can also be a total bust who never plays in the NHL. THAT's " worst case".

[untouchable21]

The comparison I like most is that of Rod Brind'Amour with a bit more nastiness to his game.