Truthfully, I'd rather keep Berube over Mayfield. I don't value Mayfield very highly and the right side of the defense is pretty much all set with 3, 55, and 6. Additionally, Seidenberg can play both sides. I don't want to lose any asset for nothing, but if you put a gun to my head I would rather keep Berube over Mayfield. Honestly, I'm not even sure that Mayfield would get claimed if he was put on waivers. - eichiefs9
I know you don't value Mayfield but I'm pretty certain he'd get claimed. I think he's a lot better then you give him credit for but that's just me and obviously my opinion matters more so there's that.
For one thing the isles have way too many centers, which is why you saw Strome and Nelson moved to wing. Casey is part of the top PK unit because hes a worker and good defensively.....relentless if you will. With that said, he was 7 pts behind Anders Lee who saw top line and PP minutes. Im not comparing the two, im saying that CC is capable of being more offensive, but its because hes so good defensively that he got labeled a "4th liner".
I said this before but you will see CC playing 3rd line center, and Barzal will make the team and play "4th line" center. - kindlyrick
They do have too many centers. I would definitely like to see him up his offensive productivity. It'd be great if everybody did, but that's a different discussion. I don't think Barzal will be 4th line though. I'd like to see what Zeeker could do with more offensive responsibility on the 3rd line. The other thing too is with Martin gone, maybe a "4th" line of Chimi, CC,& CC could have more offensive punch. Zeeker may have had to play more defensively because Martin got caught behind the play frequently chasing 1 more hit. Personally, I think his contract is in line. It might be a touch heavy right now, but I think it will be fine in a year or 2. Heck, if he puts up 40 points, he might be considered underpaid. Which, that's only 11 more.
I just like that he's not afraid to put people in front of the net on their butts rather than backing into and screening his own goaltender like so many of the string-bean "intelligent" defensemen we've been force fed as viable depth options over the years.
Don't see an issue with 8 D if they're used properly. There are always injuries...8 can become 7 and then 6 in the blink of an eye...and I've said before I think it'd be a good idea to not think in terms of "6, 7, and 8" but rather use a different mix of bottom-pair d-men depending on the type of opponent. - UIF
"If they're used properly." Is the caption after every post. Let's not forget Zidlicky and Strait.
You're gonna see Barzal make the team and play "4th line" center. Which, doesnt make him a 4th liner.....its just where they will ease him in. - kindlyrick
If he plays on the 4th line it's (frank)ing stupid.
You're gonna see Barzal make the team and play "4th line" center. Which, doesnt make him a 4th liner.....its just where they will ease him in. - kindlyrick
If Barzal makes team, will NOT sniff 4th line mins or anything of that kind. Chimera will be his W on 3rd line....
They do have too many centers. I would definitely like to see him up his offensive productivity. It'd be great if everybody did, but that's a different discussion. I don't think Barzal will be 4th line though. I'd like to see what Zeeker could do with more offensive responsibility on the 3rd line. The other thing too is with Martin gone, maybe a "4th" line of Chimi, CC,& CC could have more offensive punch. Zeeker may have had to play more defensively because Martin got caught behind the play frequently chasing 1 more hit. Personally, I think his contract is in line. It might be a touch heavy right now, but I think it will be fine in a year or 2. Heck, if he puts up 40 points, he might be considered underpaid. Which, that's only 11 more. - Isleshockeyman
I believe he will be.
I also believe Barzal eases his transition into the NHL as the 4th line center, learning from two vets in Chimmer and Clutterbuck.
If he plays on the 4th line it's (frank)ing stupid. - Cptmjl
I dont think its stupid......i think they are gonna ease him into the league. He's too good for juniors and too young for the AHL. He's extremely talented, but phuck Tavares looked like a kid his first year too. I dont think its a bad idea to put him between two vets who can actually play the game.
If Barzal makes team, will NOT sniff 4th line mins or anything of that kind. Chimera will be his W on 3rd line.... - Ur Not Me
Man you guys get so caught up in this "4th line" thing. The bottom line is ALL FOUR LINES need to produce. He's just not gonna get 20 min a night, in his first NHL season. I see nothing wrong with an 18 year old centering Chimera and Clutterbuck playing 8-11 minutes a night
I dont think its stupid......i think they are gonna ease him into the league. He's too good for juniors and too young for the AHL. He's extremely talented, but phuck Tavares looked like a kid his first year too. I dont think its a bad idea to put him between two vets who can actually play the game. - kindlyrick
He's not that kind of player. A 4th line is a fourth line you're not slating him into a checking role. That's not exactly "easing" him in. Nino 2.0
Man you guys get so caught up in this "4th line" thing. The bottom line is ALL FOUR LINES need to produce. He's just not gonna get 20 min a night, in his first NHL season. I see nothing wrong with an 18 year old centering Chimera and Clutterbuck playing 8-11 minutes a night - kindlyrick
Ok regardless of mins played, wasnt the isles 4th line the best in hockey? Teams need to establish their lines.
So on that note, I just dont see Barzal playing 4th line duties....
Man you guys get so caught up in this "4th line" thing. The bottom line is ALL FOUR LINES need to produce. He's just not gonna get 20 min a night, in his first NHL season. I see nothing wrong with an 18 year old centering Chimera and Clutterbuck playing 8-11 minutes a night - kindlyrick
Yeah sure and when he fails to produce Capuano will bench him and half the stupid fan base will be calling him a bust. Where's Casey? Oh that's right he's centering our 2nd line bcs he's really a 2nd line center
He's not that kind of player. A 4th line is a fourth line you're not slating him into a checking role. That's not exactly "easing" him in. Nino 2.0 - Cptmjl
I read this in the AM......and I agree with Staple, for whatever its worth.
@RTaub_: If Barzal makes it, will he be the second line C or fourth line C or he gets moved to the wing?
Staple: All remains to be seen. I’d guess his usage would look like fourth-line minutes at even strength, since they won’t rely on him to win key defensive-zone faceoffs or put him out against top defensive pairs.
He could certainly move to the wing to grab a spot, but what makes him an enticing player to have on the roster is his vision and creativity. That seems better suited to center.
Ok regardless of mins played, wasnt the isles 4th line the best in hockey? Teams need to establish their lines.
So on that note, I just dont see Barzal playing 4th line duties.... - Ur Not Me
Well judging by your rationale that 4th line doesnt exist anymore......so its a moot point (or as someone on here wrote the other day a "mute" point.
Yeah sure and when he fails to produce Capuano will bench him and half the stupid fan base will be calling him a bust. Where's Casey? Oh that's right he's centering our 2nd line bcs he's really a 2nd line center - Cptmjl
Casey is and should be the third line center. Capuano should be coaching the Tallahassee Warthogs.
He's not that kind of player. A 4th line is a fourth line you're not slating him into a checking role. That's not exactly "easing" him in. Nino 2.0 - Cptmjl
I really hope they learned from Nino. That was not a great Isles team and Nino should have been given a real shot with JT that year. If he was lousy then you move him down.
He's not that kind of player. A 4th line is a fourth line you're not slating him into a checking role. That's not exactly "easing" him in. Nino 2.0 - Cptmjl
You have Clutterbuck and Chimera who are 15 and 20 goal guys respectively. Add to them a young talented center to play on the "4th line" and now you're up against a teams bottom pair defense. Watch out......they'll dominate. Barzal is a passer and we all saw Clutterbuck sniping...
Well judging by your rationale that 4th line doesnt exist anymore......so its a moot point (or as someone on here wrote the other day a "mute" point. - kindlyrick
Never said 4th line doesnt exist, just said dont see Barzal easing into NHL as a 4th liner, thats all.
And from ur other post, dont believe anything Staple suggests bc he doesnt know anything, its an opinion like everyone else....
You have Clutterbuck and Chimera who are 15 and 20 goal guys respectively. Add to them a young talented center to play on the "4th line" and now you're up against a teams bottom pair defense. Watch out......they'll dominate. Barzal is a passer and we all saw Clutterbuck sniping... - kindlyrick
Never said 4th line doesnt exist, just said dont see Barzal easing into NHL as a 4th liner, thats all.
And from ur other post, dont believe anything Staple suggests bc he doesnt know anything, its an opinion like everyone else.... - Ur Not Me
I prefaced it by saying this is what Staple wrote, and I agree.
You have a passer playing with two vets who can score 15-20 goals. Top 6 guys play against teams best d men. No reason why its bad to ease him in. Not like he's playing with Martin and Boulton. Being flanked by Clutterbuck and Chimera is a good thing for an 18 year old, and as I mentioned before.......going out against teams bottom pair is going to be dangerous.
