I like +/- as a stat. I don't think it's worth the paper it's written on 15-20 games into the season but as the year goes on, its quite indicative to not only the player but the entire line/pairing.
My move is Toewes for a few reasons.
1. Left shot Center
2. Can move up 1C, 2C, 3C baring any major injuries to Bergy-Krejci-Coyle.
3. Guy is a winner
4. Can kill penalties and play shutdown minutes
5. Line 4 would be way more dangerous offensively with a combination of Foligno-Toewes-XXXX
To be clear, I'd only do this deal if the price was right.
Nosek + Reilly + 1st for Toewes (50% retained)
That sheds us of Reilly's contract in 2023, a first is tough to swallow but its Toewes we're getting plus ridding ourselves of Reilly. I think That's a win/win
From a pure hockey point of view, sure. I'm not against Toews but has a few parts would make me hesitant.
1. Cap, this group is tight knit it seems. Even Toews at 50% (5.25); Reilly and Nosek isn't enough space, add in, if we are looking at any other additions, we are pretty low on cap space as it is. We are likely throwing in Smith, too. Which means we need to bring back more depth, and not just Toews in subsequent deals. Could be more moving pieces than needed for the top team.
2. This is more speculation than anything, but given some of the things that have happened in the past few years, I know captain Toews is a winner, but kinda curious how our leadership looks at Captain Looks-Another-Way after the whole scandal came out. He's been a great hockey player, and our players are professional, but since that story was pretty public, have to think some of the guys have an opinion on it and the team involved. For me, not a deal breaker, given his (lack of?) direct involvement, but since the lockeroom and leadership has been a theme this year more than any, I'd have to think it should be brought up before making a big move like that.