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Nice write-up......like the direction you're taking here.
The D line is fairly stable overall. I think DD is probably going to be on the injured list more than on the ice. He'd be a good mentor, but the move for Leddy is the one that help Mo Sides transition his game to the next level. That was a good move from the on-ice teaching aspect.
Mo is a man among boys, but the NHL is truly different than any other league; harder hits, quicker reaction times, less anticipatory time....It's going to be a trying transition. I'm a little concerned that due to his "aura", he may have a bit of a let-down mentally ("Wholly CRAP these guys are fast and quick with the passing...wasn't ready for that!!"). I think he starts in GR for a period of time, and that's a smart thing to do, just to get his NA legs under him.
Being honest, we're not in a position where we desperately need him in order to make the SCPO. There's a decent mix of D-men, so it wouldn't upset me in the least to see him in GR to gain crucial ice-time, get his head straight, and pave the way for his debut in the NHL. I feel like his 1st year will trials and tribulations, but come Feb-Mar, it's going to click and he'll open up his game. I really think there needs to be expectation-management here.
Those who think this is the second coming need to get their head out of their collective...clouds. Mo is not going to save the Wings. We're not very likely to make the SCPO, he's not going to crush Draisaitle or Connor Mac, he's NOT The Perfect Human, or Chelly, or Gordie on the blue-line. He's a kid who needs to learn and grow. I'm excited to see him in NA, but throwing him to the wolves will be a bad thing developmentally, pushing The Captain & Blash to do so will also set the group up for failure. They're going to take a methodical approach to this, guys. When Mo does finally click.....I think it's going to be a beautiful thing.... |
