I think they just really wanted to get rid of Turris since he clearly had no intention of playing for them. They took the best return, which was David Rundblad. Coyotes are in good shape, having a surplus of young, potential top pairing defensemen is such a rare commodity.
DR obviously needs a lot of time. With the Sens he was the worst defensive defenseman I've ever seen; his -15 in 23 games with Portland says the same.
I just hope that at some point Tippett gives him the green light to take chances (in 2-3 years), as it's a shame when overly conservative coaches shackle offensive talents because of inevitable defensive mistakes.
Yea, he was a liability in Ottawa for the short time he was here; plainly not yet ready for prime time.
Hard to argue with Tippett's approach though, given that the Coyotes look good to make the playoffs again with the roster, albeit underrated, that they have.
I'll tell you what isn't debatable though... Alex Edler wasn't punted by the team that drafted him a year later, then traded again by that team for a player with previous contract issues that demanded a trade.
Two teams gave up on him in a span of a few years, on top of his putrid showing at the WJC.
just so we clarify this:
rundblad traded for tarasenko, who if it werent for the russian factor, would be a top 5 pick. the sens tend to avoid russians after being burned by them numerous times. along with the development of erik johnson, pietrangelo, cole, polak and other dmen, st louis traded from a position of strength.
then rundblad was traded for turris. the sens center depth was not very strong, since they planned on moving zibanejad to the wing. defense was our strength so we dealt from a position of strength to solidify our depth down the middle. after pairing cowen with karlsson and seeing the two work well together, the sens brass decided that they could take this risk.
both trades were results of dealing from a position of strength and not as much to do with rundblad's play.
I'll tell you what isn't debatable though... Alex Edler wasn't punted by the team that drafted him a year later, then traded again by that team for a player with previous contract issues that demanded a trade.
Two teams gave up on him in a span of a few years, on top of his putrid showing at the WJC.
On the other hand, he was the best defenseman in the SEL at the age of, what, 20? Which represents a much higher level of play than the WJC, as well as a full season rather than a week-long tournament. You'd think that might count for rather more?
Anyway, you can't neccessarily equate being traded with being "given up on". Sometimes that's the case, sometimes it isn't. In Rundblad's case, there doesn't seem to be anything in particular to indicate he was dealt because his teams had reservations about him.
I hope this guy does well this year. I have him in my keeper league hockey pool and have real high hopes for him as soon as he gets used to NHL... could this year he make huge strides since playing most the year in AHL last year??
I love his skill, but his decisions with the puck were very poor at the NHL level. He's gonna need to improve on that immediately, or run the risk of never really 'making it'. How does the old saying go, he's got the tools, but not the toolbox. Hope he puts it together, he's a special talent.
Watch the game last year against Vancouver, and you'll understand how much of a mess he is defensively. Regardless, he has elite (potentially) vision and passing ability which makes him a very nice prospect. I hope he turns out good for Phoenix.
He'll be fighting it out with Schlemko, Stone, Summers and Gormley for the 6th spot on defense so if he does make the team then he'll definitely have earned it. He's probably going to start the year in Portland since he still has some issues defensively to iron out. Wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he is called up during the year as an injury replacement.
He'll be fighting it out with Schlemko, Stone, Summers and Gormley for the 6th spot on defense so if he does make the team then he'll definitely have earned it. He's probably going to start the year in Portland since he still has some issues defensively to iron out. Wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he is called up during the year as an injury replacement.
Gormley doesn't even have any competition..He's already their best defenseman after OEL and Yandle.
Gormley doesn't even have any competition..He's already their best defenseman after OEL and Yandle.
I don't expect him to have much trouble doing so but he'll have to prove he can take the next step first. Tippet recently said in an interview that he expects Gormley to come into camp and force him and Maloney into a making a hard decision. But he also thinks very highly of what Schlemko and Stone did while on the Yotes last year, so nothing will be given for free next year.
I love his skill, but his decisions with the puck were very poor at the NHL level. He's gonna need to improve on that immediately, or run the risk of never really 'making it'. How does the old saying go, he's got the tools, but not the toolbox. Hope he puts it together, he's a special talent.
all i have to say is look up the pass to greening...seemed like a pretty good decision
Watch the game last year against Vancouver, and you'll understand how much of a mess he is defensively. Regardless, he has elite (potentially) vision and passing ability which makes him a very nice prospect. I hope he turns out good for Phoenix.
He made improvements after being traded tbh though I only saw a few games.
Knowing Tippet, even if Gormley is good enough to make the team, they'll send him down to the AHL and make him work for it and then when he has, play Schlemko over him lol.
Isn't Phoenix a structure and defense first team? I am not sure how a player is going to do in phoenix if their best asset is offensive creativity. Sounds like they could be trying to mold him into something he is not.
Isn't Phoenix a structure and defense first team? I am not sure how a player is going to do in phoenix if their best asset is offensive creativity. Sounds like they could be trying to mold him into something he is not.
Isn't Phoenix a structure and defense first team? I am not sure how a player is going to do in phoenix if their best asset is offensive creativity. Sounds like they could be trying to mold him into something he is not.
Gormley doesn't even have any competition..He's already their best defenseman after OEL and Yandle.
I think Gormley would benefit greatly from some time in the AHL. I'd the chance to watch him at a couple of international tournaments and the memorial cup. He is a flat out amazing prospect. That said, he doesn't move quickly. He's got time and space as an amateur that he will not have as a pro. The AHL is a good place to adapt.
I like Rundblad's chances of cracking the line up. We can significantly shelter his five on five minutes, and primarily use him as a pp specialist. Our pp is flat out embarrassing and could really use him. Five on five he will have one of Michalek, Morris or Klesa to hold his hand. All are fantastic stay at home defensive defensemen. And great partners for young players.
Isn't Phoenix a structure and defense first team? I am not sure how a player is going to do in phoenix if their best asset is offensive creativity. Sounds like they could be trying to mold him into something he is not.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Security Guard Chang
Apperently the reason why turris wanted out.
And Yandle has done just fine under Tippett.
Turris wanted out because he didn't want to work and earn. You'll see soon enough.
Does Rundblad make the team next season? I see he has improved pretty much across the board down in the AHL. He is now a plus 4 after 38 games, pretty good considering his defense is always the most critizesed part of his game. Anyone seeing him play lately?
The Coyotes have struggled all season. They had no time (and Tippett no patience) for Rundblad's growing pains on the defensive side of the puck. Stone won the spot, mostly due to being more ready and more reliable in his own end.
I think the Coyotes move him if they don't deal Yandle. He still has considerable value, and has been great in Portland.
