Tell that to the teams looking at Hainsey now, as a reasonably-priced alternative, in light of yesterday's events.
Despite my earlier comment - which I stand by regardless of what folks have said about those other players - I have been in this camp since the end of the regular season.
there are dif. types of off. dmen. what we need most is a puckmover. something Hainsey isn't.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pucknacious
I know your shtick is being the contrarian. And that's fine by me. But please don't waste my time with semantics.
Hainsey IS considered a D-man with offensive capabilities. That is why he is being wooed by teams now. Teams other than the CBJ. Presumably, teams with histories as such that they are able to attract the talent they need.
Since Hainsey isn't your man, tell me who the CBJ signed yesterday to better fit the role? Who do you see on the horizon - given the prices lesser guys like Streit and Roszival went for - that fit the bill, and might be willing to play here?
I would rather give Russell every opportunity to excel in this league , before I waste 4 million per year on Hainsey. If he were the answer, Hitch wouldnt say we need a puck moving defenseman.
Despite my earlier comment - which I stand by regardless of what folks have said about those other players - I have been in this camp since the end of the regular season.
Hainsey might not be cheap to resign either, given yesterday's D spending.
Hainsey is a D-man who has no offensive abilities. He wasn't one of the top six or eight puck-moving (read: offensive D-men) available, going into yesterday's free-for-all. He won't be signed by a team looking to use him in that manner. He didn't see time on the CBJ PP last season, and likely won't with the club that signs him..
Pucking moving and offensive dmen are two different things. Hitch himself told Hainsey (and the media) that Hainsey need to work on his offensive side of the game.
Hainsey's first pass out of the zone is average, at best. His puck handling skills are terrible for an "offensive" dman. The dude fumbles the puck around more then just about anyone at the blueline, on the PP, then I have ever seen. Defensively he's improved. His shot is better then it was two years ago.
Hainsey is a guy that has received more PP time then he deserves. However, he was the best we had last year. It's a big reason why our PP was crap.
We joke now... but seriously.. Feaster isn't sitting on his hands, which is more then I can say for some GM's, who shall remain nameless...
Like i've said before, Tampa bay was a team that was in need of such drastic upgrades. If you asked me a week ago who would be the loudest franchise... i'd peg them and the ATL as the ones.
You also couple this with a new Owner and the buzz of the Mullet as your coach, and you have the makings of a GM who basically needs to make a BIG splash.
You could see this coming a mile away.
Lots of moves does not equal the best moves. Wait and see.
Like i've said before, Tampa bay was a team that was in need of such drastic upgrades. If you asked me a week ago who would be the loudest franchise
You also couple this with a new Owner and the buzz of the Mullet as your coach, and you have the makings of a GM who basically needs to make a BIG splash.
You could see this coming a mile away.
Lots of moves does not equal the best moves. Wait and see.
Wouldn't that kind of explain the entire existence of the Blue Jackets?
Like i've said before, Tampa bay was a team that was in need of such drastic upgrades. If you asked me a week ago who would be the loudest franchise
You also couple this with a new Owner and the buzz of the Mullet as your coach, and you have the makings of a GM who basically needs to make a BIG splash.
You could see this coming a mile away.
Lots of moves does not equal the best moves. Wait and see.
Yeah, they could be the Philly of this year, but they could also be the LA. This goes for Edmonton both years as well, lots of moves, not a lot of positive outcome last year.
If you honestly think that Feaster is calling the shots there, you're crazy. These moves have Koules and Barrie written all over them.
Feaster reminds me of Charile Weis... Anybody else see it??
And regardless of who's calling the shots, they are getting it done. They were gawd awful last year and they are meaning to rectify it. They play in such a weak division, I wouldn't rule out a nice playoff run, maybe the second round... I doubt they will be a lotto pick team next offseason.
Like i've said before, Tampa bay was a team that was in need of such drastic upgrades. If you asked me a week ago who would be the loudest franchise... i'd peg them and the ATL as the ones.
You also couple this with a new Owner and the buzz of the Mullet as your coach, and you have the makings of a GM who basically needs to make a BIG splash.
You could see this coming a mile away.
Lots of moves does not equal the best moves. Wait and see.
Yep, Melrose is a likable guy, he's a celebrity in the hockey world. Hitch is a drill seargent. Who do you want to play for? Both teams will make the playoffs this year. TB will make it because alot of high end talent is flocking to them. We'll make it because Hitch will demand excellence from every player regardless their talent level or contract.
Hitch is a great coach and I'm glad to have him, but do you think high profile UFA's want their games broken down and rebuilt? Brett Hull sure didn't.
Question: If we are looking for a puck-moving, offensive DMan and don't really care much how good he is in his own zone...
How hard is it to convert a forward to a d-man? I know Hitch asked Feds to do it, so it must happen at least occasionally. Is this absolutely out of the question?
Hopefully, a team of overacheiving third liners squeaks out enough goals to become playoff eligible, while at the same time, preventing the other team from scoring goals then doing pregame interviews starring RImer's Mustache and Commodore's Hair....
All wrapped around heaping helpings of Bashing this organizations two biggest pariahs, Doug MacLean and Adam Foote, for, without whom, such complaining would not be necessary...
