I think you can make an argument that he should have gotten more PP time, other then that, based on all the factors, and the situation, I don't see any major issues with his usage. The value of a player like Raffl is that he can be moved around the lineup, and can play multiple positions, in a effort to try and find a combination of lines that are best for the team. That he was able to produce 20+ goals is an indication of his versatility, rather then a situation where he was under-utilized and scored in spite of that. - MJL
Agree his shuffling down the line had more to do with trying to jump strat Schenn in particluar and at times Read. The only potential complaint is that given his year 1 to year2 progress on North American ice maybe they could have left him at line one wing but it isnt a perfect world.
I fear we are having thsi same debate about PEB in the future. I think people forget how fast they are adjusting to NA ice and still producing at this level..its impressive.
Agree his shuffling down the line had more to do with trying to jump strat Schenn in particluar and at times Read. The only potential complaint is that given his year 1 to year2 progress on North American ice maybe they could have left him at line one wing but it isnt a perfect world.
I fear we are having thsi same debate about PEB in the future. I think people forget how fast they are adjusting to NA ice and still producing at this level..its impressive. - juiced
Berube spent the entire season trying to find a combination of lines to work, out of a collection of players that is a poor mix. Plenty of good players, but just not the right mix to form enough chemistry throughout the lineup.
In all seriousness though Rinaldo has been playing some pretty darn good hockey lately. Not sure how long that will last but it's worth mentioning - JonnyHammerstix
I'm not reading Chris Stewart as being a top 10 to 15 UFA anywhere. Even Mike Fisher is making lists ahead of him. I think this is good news if it's possible to bring him on board at a reasonable price.
From my understanding Wayne Simmonds and Chris Stewart are not only good friends but went over seas together specifically with the idea of playing on the same team. I think he'd add much needed toughness and grit to this line up that I find lacking. His scoring touch isn't what it once was but he's never been on an overly offensive team. While Ryan has done a pretty good job in replacing Simmonds on the first unit of the PP, I think Stewart would be a nice addition to our pretty pathetic second unit. Stewart has also seen time on the left side in Buffalo if need to anywhere within this line up.
A 27 year old Chris Stewart is a guy I'd really like to add at a reasonable price.
I still like Zach Kassian who is newly 24 years old in a bottom 6 role in the right deal. I'd really like to see this team get bigger and tougher to play against. - SuperSchennBros
He;s really overrated
He's broken 30 points 3 times in his career, including this season. He also apparently has big problems playing a defensive system. I might be ok with it at no more than $1.5 cap hit if he's willing to take that little. He'd have to be one of those value signings that happens closer to the end of the summer.
