If everybody can get over my parody piece on the Oilers moving…which they won’t, I’d like to talk about the Coyotes. Now I know I won’t get so many hits (SHOCKER) but I don’t give a shit. Allegiances to a franchise shouldn’t dictate what one reads or we are no better than the National Socialists.
Portland Pirates:
Alexandre Bolduc: The ex Canuck and new Captain of the Pirates has been a force. He’s that kind of playaer that causes problems in hockey. He doesn’t have the skill to get past the 3rd line in the NHL, yet he has the ability to lead a team in the AHL, his defensive game isn’t there and he isn’t young. He’ll likely always be a call-up kind of player, yet his extremely hot start should help him over a certain fun loving Wheeling Nailer.
Chris Conner: The ex Pens/Stars/Wings prospect looking for a new home has found one on the top line for Portland. Like usual he has had a great start in the AHL, the 5’8 winger has no issues scoring in the AHL and has even shown a tiny bit of ability at the NHL level, sadly even if the year were to happen he wouldn’t make the Coyotes if only on team policy.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson: Easily the most important piece going forward. OEL has been destroying the league so far and really needs to get back to NHL competition and show his ascendency to stardom. His 3 goals and 7 points in 5 games are a good outline of his play, but it’s his attention to the defensive zone and becoming more physical that is attracting more attention.
David Rundblad: Mixed reviews for the skilled defender. He has shown issues with being a giveaway machine and a creative monster. He has created numerable chances that people haven’t finished off, and his outlet passes are sublime. However, he is still lost under pressure. He needs to either adjust to the new ice or fade away, he has all the skill and attributes to be a great NHLer.
Brandon Gormley: The young defender has had a slow start to his AHL year behind a rather stacked squad. Despite limited PP time and 3rd pair duties he’s managed 2 assists in 5 games and hasn’t been terrible defensively…in fact, he has been pretty solid showing his positional intelligence.
Michael Stone: The most underrated of the Coyote prospect Dmen, he has been a tower of power. Defensively he has been amazing, offensively he has shown he can move the puck despite no PP time and overall he has been a perfect fit with OEL. He might have been a terribly sad Phaneuf style clone when drafted, but he has become a great two-way reliable defender.
Thanks for reading. Update on the KHL soon.
Join the Discussion:
»