I'm having a conversation about these two, and wondered about your thoughts on the relative worth of Zidlicky vs Sopel. Would you trade them straight up?
I don't know if I'd call Zidlicky a first-pairing defenseman. While I think his defensive skills are average, they aren't above-average. I'd call him a world-class offensive defenmen who is smart (but not dominant) in the defensive zone. His elite puck moving skills are also extremely valuable in the defensive zone as well.
I don't know who I'd want between Zidlicky and Sopel. To be honest, I haven't seen Sopel play enough to say.
But, if I was trade Zidlicky, I would want something else coming back (i.e. top-notch young scorer, 1st-2nd line centerman, big established crease-clearer defenseman).
Here's a crazy propsal from out of no where...
To PIT: Zidlicky, Legwand, Orszagh, Shishkanov/Upshall
To NSH: Malkin
I don't know if I'd call Zidlicky a first-pairing defenseman. While I think his defensive skills are average, they aren't above-average. I'd call him a world-class offensive defenmen who is smart (but not dominant) in the defensive zone. His elite puck moving skills are also extremely valuable in the defensive zone as well.
I don't know who I'd want between Zidlicky and Sopel. To be honest, I haven't seen Sopel play enough to say.
But, if I was trade Zidlicky, I would want something else coming back (i.e. top-notch young scorer, 1st-2nd line centerman, big established crease-clearer defenseman).
Here's a crazy propsal from out of no where...
To PIT: Zidlicky, Legwand, Orszagh, Shishkanov/Upshall
To NSH: Malkin
that still leaves us in the same bind we're in. no number 2 center. we really can't afford to trade any centers, least of all a top 2 center.
Not even close. I would take Zidlicky miles ahead of Sopel. And I don't hate Sopel.
Zidlicky is one of my favorite players, and i'm a Pens fan. This guy brings so much offense to the table. Its a shame the lockout occured this year, I was really looking forward to seeing him play this season.
that still leaves us in the same bind we're in. no number 2 center. we really can't afford to trade any centers, least of all a top 2 center.
The one thing I'm banking on (and I fairly sure Poile is as well... as he and Leipold have mentioned in the paper), is that there are going to be ton of FAs available, and only a few teams able to bid on them. They've gone as far as to say they have their eye on some people. So yeah, I think we can find another 1st-2nd line center in the UFA market.
The one thing I'm banking on (and I fairly sure Poile is as well... as he and Leipold have mentioned in the paper), is that there are going to be ton of FAs available, and only a few teams able to bid on them. They've gone as far as to say they have their eye on some people. So yeah, I think we can find another 1st-2nd line center in the UFA market.
dulzhok,
I am not attempting to re-open the debate on Legwand. I know how you feel, you know how many of us feel. But they aren't about to trade Legwand without substantial return.
As a canuck fan I would say hell yes to Sopel for Zidlicky. Position wise it is a lateral move, an offensive dman for an offensive dman, Zidlicky is just the better of the 2 IMO. Makes no sense for Nashville.
I am not attempting to re-open the debate on Legwand. I know how you feel, you know how many of us feel. But they aren't about to trade Legwand without substantial return.
