James Tanner: Nick Schmaltz helps set unofficial injury record

Was the best free agent signing meant for the Coyotes or the NHL.

Thanks and I'll wait for your answer.

Going on a booze cruise for Hughes. Screw the hockey games.

Thats the other thing about Schmaltz and probably why Chicago traded him (beyond the other more obvious reasons) is that he is pretty frail and seemingly is always dinged up after a sizable hit. Then he comes back from injury and avoids contact even more like he has an allergy to it, just wait.

This is his fourth injury in only a few years since coming into the NHL (two upper body, two lower body)

Was the best free agent signing meant for the Coyotes or the NHL.

Thanks and I'll wait for your answer.

Going on a booze cruise for Hughes. Screw the hockey games.
- gramps

Coyotes only. I guess I should specify. Thanks

Thats the other thing about Schmaltz and probably why Chicago traded him (beyond the other more obvious reasons) is that he is pretty frail and seemingly is always dinged up after a sizable hit. Then he comes back from injury and avoids contact even more like he has an allergy to it, just wait.

This is his fourth injury in only a few years since coming into the NHL (two upper body, two lower body)
- Stan_Bowman

I try to take that stuff with a grain of salt, and see what happens. Anyone can get injured in hockey and a lot of skill players don't look like they grind. Easy to get a reputation if you play a certain style and happen to take a couple injuries.

That said, it doesn't mean you are wrong, just that I like to keep an open mind.

Offensively he looks great, but it's concerning that the other best players have better numbers away from him. Its also only a few games too, no one else scores on the team and he may be trying to do too much. Plus, Nick Shmaltz is probably mismatched as far as coverage goes relative to other first line centres.

Would his possession numbers look better on a team where he was the #2 or #3 centre? I think so, but again, who knows.

I try to take that stuff with a grain of salt, and see what happens. Anyone can get injured in hockey and a lot of skill players don't look like they grind. Easy to get a reputation if you play a certain style and happen to take a couple injuries.

That said, it doesn't mean you are wrong, just that I like to keep an open mind.

Offensively he looks great, but it's concerning that the other best players have better numbers away from him. Its also only a few games too, no one else scores on the team and he may be trying to do too much. Plus, Nick Shmaltz is probably mismatched as far as coverage goes relative to other first line centres.

Would his possession numbers look better on a team where he was the #2 or #3 centre? I think so, but again, who knows.
- James_Tanner

Chicago tried this and he turned into a ghost. When he was pulled away from Kane and top line linemates, he struggled to generate the same opportunities and scoring chances. Seems like he really fits in when put with top tier talent and has more confidence. When he is put with more middle 6 players, he doesnt drive the play himself and with inferior linemates than before, he looks less engaged and they cant/dont provide him the same space and scoring opportunities he used to get and he looks like a passenger just floating around out there. Especially since on a lower line he is expected to play 200ft more, he spends more time defending and its a VERY weak point for him in his own zone. His possession numbers are great when he plays top line because they are controlling the puck the whole shift but when he gets hemmed in, its ugly. He has never really learned how to defend, gain possession, and tilt the ice back in the other direction. Either you get a shift when the line controls the puck the entire time, or you get a shift where they dont get out of their own zone the entire time

Keller is the teams best player, and that includes OEL. How long before he is on IR with a serious case of depression. Every team suffers injuries but manage to battle through them. Not this team. Zero battle level. Perfect excuse for all the losing. I enjoy reading Mr. Tanner because of the frequency that his hyperbole comes back to bite, or his unwavering support of trades that seem....short sighted? Blame the injuries. Blame the coach. Is it possible the team is just not that talented? I guess not

Possession and Corsi is overrated. It's okay if those numbers are lower if a player produces offensively. What matters is goals scored and given up and wins and losses.

Keller is the teams best player, and that includes OEL. How long before he is on IR with a serious case of depression. Every team suffers injuries but manage to battle through them. Not this team. Zero battle level. Perfect excuse for all the losing. I enjoy reading Mr. Tanner because of the frequency that his hyperbole comes back to bite, or his unwavering support of trades that seem....short sighted? Blame the injuries. Blame the coach. Is it possible the team is just not that talented? I guess not
- Hardbalz

So are you saying that most teams could overcome significant, long-term (some season ending) injuries to their #2 and #3 defenseman, #1 goalie, #2 centre, and the four players they acquired to shore up scoring (Galchenyuk, Grabner, Hinostroza and Schmaltz)?

I feel like if the Leafs had to play the season without Andersen, Gardiner, Dermott, and Tavares and had to deal with injuries to Marner, Nylander, Kapanen and Johnson their record might suffer for it.