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Advanced metrics on Stamkos last year showed he's really become a powerplay merchant, and struggles at 5on5. It'll be interesting to see whether that trend continues or if he gets some traction (hopefully with some health) because if he cannot be a top-six 5-on-5 forward.. this could really come back to bite the Predators.
I think Nashville's PP will be pretty good, considering who they have, so he could still thrive on the PP. But yeah, we'll see who he plays with even strength and if they can get some chemistry going. Otherwise, you're right, he could struggle. I think if they don't get a cup out of this, they're going to regret some of these signings. Maybe all of them.
I am a little ticked off. Yaroslavl Askaros is a franchise goaltender, he had a 2.39 GAA this past year and 2.69 the year before. He is 21 years old. No room for him? They will force him back to the KHL
Thanks for the comment, Christopher. Hmm, yeah, that's interesting. Perhaps the coaching staff doesn't think he's quite ready to make the jump to the NHL yet. Injuries can and will occur though, so I wouldn't be surprised if he gets a couple games in the NHL at the very least, this season. And then hopefully by the following season he'll be ready for the full transition to the NHL.
Listen to Barry's 30 minute press conference. He spoke to Askarov's agents before the signings to let them know he's still in the plan. He's going to compete with Wedgewood for that backup position this year. Pekka Rinne himself said that an extra year in the AHL helped him develop as well. I think this team goes deep now in the playoffs. Hopefully a Cup win this season or next. But even if it does fail, Barry can just buy out the failing players, sign all those prospects he's hoarding to ELCs...and boom, instant rebuild.
Thanks Don, this is good context to have. Trotz is such a stand up guy, glad he reached out to Askarov's camp. And I tend to agree with Rinne, that having that extra year in the AHL usually does really help.
Damn, well I guess that's that. Askarov was just dealt to SJ for a 1st round pick and other assets. I guess they determined that Askarov wasn't going to get many games at the NHL level and so he wanted out.