Wow a lot of thoughts on this move.
I obviously didn't like the Mitts-Byram trade, but that's in the past, and we're here now with Casey not working out, on the verge of hopefully another Cup run. So I'm not gonna factor that into my evaluation here.
My first thought is that I wonder where he plays and I wonder if he provides more offense than Mitts might have? I would have been ok with Mitts at 3C if they went that route.
My next thought though is that Coyle is a better goal scorer than Mitts, which they need. His lower point totals this year are entirely due to a lower assist total, which may have to do with playing with lesser linemantes than before, and perhaps here.
He's still on pace for 20 goals, which would be the best pace in his last nine seasons, and just one off his 2nd career high of 21, with 25 being his highest. Both of which could be within reach with a good finish to the season.
The next thought is obviously that he's much bigger, stronger, and tougher to play agisnt than Mitts. They need this in general, but this type of player is also my preference for 3rd liners, especially 3C's.
My question though is does he play 3C or RW somewhere? Guess that's a good option to have.
I'm not sure he's a better skater than Mitts but he plays a different game than Mitts so he doesn't need it as much. If he wants to hold onto the puck he can win more battles, and he can be that X factor clutch goal scoring sniper, and let someone else carry the puck.
He'll score a lot in the slot and front of the net and be some insurance for Val and Landy with his net front presence, that the team desperately misses when they're both out.
You never know, if Nelson leaves, he could find his game again at 2C, and perhaps as a righty form some chemistry with a playmaker like Drouin. Or perhaps he clicks well with Necas if he plays there.
In the end I wish they would have traded Mitts for a top 4 defenseman, since they didn't really make that kind of move, but I like some of the things Coyle brings to the table, and Mitts just wasn't working, so I'll wait optimistically to see how he plays.
