Right now, yes, Cates does not have the offensive skills that Frost has. But that is not the point of this discussion! The statement was posted that Cates does not have the skill to be an NHL center, from the same person that has been pushing how great Frost is. My only point here is Cates has NEVER played center at any comparable level before the start of this season, and production wise he is comparable to Frost and has been consistent throughout the season, in fact I think he has been getting as the season has gone along. IMO Cates has to work on his faceoffs, which BTW Frost is not good at either, but other than that, Cates is showing he does have the IQ and skill to be a strong 3C in the NHL. This is not about Frost and how the coaches are screwing him and his line mates are holding him back. This is strictly about what Cates has shown this season at center.
- jd250
It may not be the point of your discussion, but it is definitely the point of the discussion. Bill schooled you and echoed what me and others such as Tomahawk have pointed out.
I have never once stated, insinuated or implied that Frost is in any way, great. Thats hyperbole on your part.
What Bill factually provided is in direct opposition to your and others claims about how Frost is invisible and doesn't bring an equal effort to a player like Cates. That is demonstratively false and Bill provided the facts that proved that.
Finally, you completely glossed over the part where Bill stated that he believes that Cates would make a better winger than a center. Gee, who else has stated that?
Finally, if Cates offensive production playing first line minutes with the teams best offensive players is pedestrian. What would his production rate look like as a 3C playing with lesser players. The point is that while Cates might make a decent 3C due to his play away from the puck. He could make a much better winger that would produce more offense while keeping his strong play away from the puck. Cates does not create offensive opportunities for his linemates or himself playing at center. As Bill also pointed out, he is not a high volume shooter playing at center. He also does not show glimpses of being able to or shown flashes of having that ability. His strengths offensively is as F1 getting first on pucks on the forecheck and crashing the net. Tortorella is misusing him and putting the team over the player and favoring his archaic view of conservative defense first play.
