Quoting: ON3M4N
Kase just needs to stay healthy. Ritchie is just to slow and has a low hockey IQ. Could make for a serviceable 4th liner imo. I would have thought we learned our less when we signed his brother Brett....but nope lol
Agreed, I don't think Ritchie is a downgrade on Heinen or anything, just a different skillset. Both are middle 6ers IMO, but you get a little more skill and utility in Heinen vs. the physical presence of Ritchie. I probably had a longer leash on Ritchie than most, but the NHL has just evolved beyond his capabilities.
Quoting: Salzy
Timmins has become a driving force in the AHL, showing some dynamic elements and consistently making plays. The only real hole in his game at this point might be that he doesn’t have the hardest shot in the world. And on the scale of things that matter to me for a defenceman these days, a threatening shot is near the bottom of the list. Otherwise, he’s 6-foot-2, he has begun to fill out, he’s a smooth skater who will get more powerful as he gets even stronger, he’s got NHL hands for his size, he’s a superb outlet and seam passer and he has always been a mature defender for his age, demonstrating an impressive ability to read the play and pick his spots.
Yeah concussions could be an issue but he is a player with a very high ceiling imo, I would take him and a first in a heartbeat for Rakell
Fair enough, but this is all at the AHL level. IMO, D-men suffer the most from the jump to the NHL. We've seen that with Larsson and Mahura of late. I mean, I've seem Timmins and he looks reasonable at the AHL level, but nothing special and he hasn't progressed that much either. Kind of similar to Montour, but without the shot and less vocal with his teammates. I just don't understand why he's viewed so highly. Again, at best, he's got top 4 potential. However, he's not a bluechipper so the likelihood of that isn't exactly high. I see no reason to move a 1st line winger on a sweetheart contract for him and a late 1st. Makes no sense to me. If COL wants Rakell, I'd be demanding Alex Newhook+.