|
Calgary Flames: Another Word On Kris Russell |
|
|
|
|
|
Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
One name that's been talked about a lot leading up to the trade deadline is defenseman Kris Russell.
Multiple outlets have reported that he'd like to stay in Calgary - and the Flames would like to keep him - but due to financial implications it's possible he is moved.
When I recently wrote the Flames should trade Russell rather than try to re-sign him there was a fair amount of pushback.
Most of the arguments were something along the lines of a) 'Russell blocks a lot of shots!' and; b) 'he's the best true defensive defenseman they have.'
The numbers certainly say otherwise as no Flames defenseman is on for more shot attempts against per 60 minutes than Russell.
View post on imgur.com
For those that will suggest the numbers are skewed and most of the shots are from the outside I give you this: the Flames allow more scoring chances per 60 minutes of 5 v 5 with Russell than any other defenseman on the team.
So, not only do the Flames allow a higher percentage of shot attempts, scoring chances and goals with Russell on the ice but the rate in which they do so is also extremely high.
In other words bad things tend to happen when he is on the ice, and at an alarming rate.
Russell is perceived to be an excellent defensive defenseman because he blocks a lot of shots but the reason he blocks so many is because he spends most of his time chasing play in the defensive zone.
Despite that it seems several teams remain interested in his services. As such, I think GM Brad Treliving would be smart to take advantage of that and move Russell to the highest bidder.
Recent posts:
The Flames control the goalie market
The Flames should trade Kris Russell
On Monahan's full-strength scoring prowess
The Flames probably aren't a good match for Hamonic, Islanders
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»