With the uncertainty surrounding Cam Atkinson the Blue Jackets have recalled Tyler Motte from Cleveland.
#CBJ have recalled @tmotte_14.
— ColumbusBlueJackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 30, 2017
More information ↓.https://t.co/WTCrKwXkCD
Motte has had a strong start in the AHL, with five goals and seven points, both tops on the team, in seven games. He’s also added 29 shots, close to doubling the next closest teammate. His five goals are tied for 10th (with 13 others) in the league. He is averaging 4.14 shots per game which ranks fourth in the AHL. This is what Motte does, he is a volume shooter.
He should fit right in on the Jackets who have averaged 36.8 shots a game this season, third in the NHL. Motte should be inserted onto the fourth line regardless of whether or not Atkinson can go in the game tonight. John Tortorella has made it clear he doesn’t trust the fourth line so it might time to have one of them sit in favour of Motte. Personally I would sit Dalpe and keep the rookies playing, as Motte has played some centre in the past. But with Sonny Milano playing under five minutes last game it wouldn’t shock me if he was the one to take a seat.
Motte with Dubois and Milano would be a very interesting line stylistically. Motte likes to shoot, Milano, despite his five goals has been much more of a play-maker in prior seasons, and Dubois has a combination of both, plus the speed and big body to get to the front of the net and get those garbage goals. This could be a very effective line, if they could overcome their defensive deficiencies. This line would need to be sheltered to hide those issues defensively. Tortorella had no problem doing that with the fourth line last year and they ended up as one of if not the best fourth line in the league.
The Jackets take on the Bruins tonight at home, before heading to Florida to take on the Panthers and Lightning.
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