Edited Dec. 30, 2020 at 12:48 a.m.
Trade one of our best young players, under 25 years old for Bonino back. No thanks.
McCann has had back to back 35 point seasons. 19 goals in 18-19 and 35 points and 14 goals and 35 points last year in a shortened season and playing out of position; at Center.
He’s only 24 years old. Played in the NHL since he was 19 years old. Been moved around from 3C, to mid 6 wing, to top 6 wing, to bottom 6 wing, to 2C when Geno or Sid miss time.
Young players need consistency and routine, to play in and out of slumps. Can’t be moved around like a utility player. Not all players can do that, most can’t, and most that can do it and are good at it are older, veteran players.
He’s played every where we have been weak and done well. A good two-way player, fast, great shot, good scorer!!
And still only 24 years old coming off back to back 35 point seasons!!
JR and Sully have it right. He a wing, he will just play the wing this year and do what he does best and score!!
Not play Center and have to worry carrying a line and play-making for all his teammates. Just score!! And he will!! He’ll score 20 plus easily!! He already had 19 goals in 18-19 and was moved around everywhere. Give him that consistency and routine that young players need. Hes gonna stay at 3rd line LW and just score and play good defense like he always does.
Dumping McCann, one of your best players under 25, for Bonino isn’t a good move. And Riikola, one of the top 5 7th D in the NHL IMO.
Plays both LHD and RHD equally as well. Can be trusted and is trusted to slide into the 2nd pairing and 3rd pairing, either side. Has played well coming over from Europe as a top FA signing, 2 years ago, in llimited games. And not limited Ice time. Played 15 minutes a game last year and 17 minutes a game in 18-19. Great analytics and underlying numbers. He’s a great 7th D. He would be a 3rd pairing D on a lot of NHL teams. probably half. Again, a top 5 7th D in the NHL !!