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Eakin towards a third line center |
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We've spent a good amount of time this offseason talking about third line centers the Penguins should want to replace Nick Bonino. Today I'll discuss one of the options that probably isn't on Jim Rutherford's A-list, but is a possibility none-the-less. That player is Cody Eakin.
On the surface it seems like an OK idea. He makes 3.85M for the next three years and he is 26 years old. He's a name that you've heard before. Hell, he's even played on Team Canada in a gold medal winning effort.
Even his traditional stats don't look bad, barring his most recent season
The issue here is that he is not being as functionally productive with his ice time. In fact, it seems to get worse each year since blazing onto the scene with an awesome 2012-13.
The raw totals can be deceiving when not checked against the rate stats. Coaches control the ice time and if you give a player like Eakin a lot of ice time the raw numbers will more time than not still look good. Last year was horrendous on both fronts.
Eakin only scored three goals. His shooting percentage (3.7) was woefully below his 10.6% career average. That will improve. Although, you don't get to a 0.68 points per 60 at even-strength just because your shooting percentage plummeted. Eakin didn't create for others either.
Possession can make up for lackluster offense. If your team has the puck the other team can't score. Eakin's possession didn't make up for his lack of offense.
The most recent samples are the worst. This is a player tracking in the wrong direction.
Cody Eakin is probably one of the players that Rutherford believes he could trade for if he absolutely had to, but is currently (and rightfully) playing the waiting game until a better option makes itself available. Vegas seems like a team that is definitely open for business and willing to sell off parts for draft picks. It's there if the Penguins want it, but they shouldn't want it.
Thanks for reading!
Pittsburgh Penguins Blogger • 
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