Wow, a bit surprised at this. Bit of a risk, but could pay off. Sucks to give up draft picks for a rental, but has to be done if you want to improve your team and you have no cap space.
Curious as to where he'll play.
I don't see him on the third line...WTF good would that do? I mean Eller and Hags have both picked it up lately, but I see them more of a shut down type line than a scoring line and that AINT Kovi.
I think Eller is actually having a good year. He does so much for this team and people on these boards mostly don't like him. He handles pretty much the same load as Backy, just not as talented. And, I'll admit he takes some dumb stick penalties on occasion. I think he has more than outplayed his salary though. He hustles, he forechecks, he mucks, and on occasion makes some decent O moves.
Hags I think is our best PK guy and we sorely needed that this year. Panik has been the weak link on that line, but I am not as frustrating with that line as most, as I believe I have a realistic expectation about what that line is.
Maybe they put the Russian Trio together - Kuzy/Ovi/Kovi. M-A-Y-B-E that line would actually score more goals than it allowed, but that would be pretty scary to watch (defensively speaking)
Move Willy to line 2 and put Vranna on the third line and Panik to the fourth and sit Leipsic? Kind of a waste of race horse Vranna.
Pretty sure I'd rather keep Willy on Ovi's line - especially with Kuzy at C. Someone has to be responsible on that line.
Or maybe move Backy up to 1c with Willy and Ovi and use Kuzy/Kovy/Oshie
Or Backy/Ovi/Oshie and Willy/Kuzy/Kovi
Curious to see how they manage it. I know Kovi is older, but probably a waste of talent anywhere not on the top two lines.
Go Caps
