I feel like there are certain prospects that we' tend to want to keep pushing.
If they're fourth line centers, we want them to be third line centers. If they're third line centers, we really want them to be second line centers. Etc. etc.
At some point, it's okay if a player is "only" being a fourth liner, or "only" a second pair defenseman.
Yes, chemistry is a component of success. But you always have to be mindful of where you're splitting the difference on who actually benefits.
If Kreider finds chemistry with Chytil, splitting the difference on who benefits is probably a little bit more balanced --- even if Chytil is "only" a second line center.
When you start replacing Chytil with someone like Nieves, it could work, but the balance is probably going to be off. In other words, Kreider probably elevates Nieves, but Nieves doesn't strike me as the type who would elevate Kreider. So you're taking more from Kreider, to elevate Nieves.
And frankly, if we're looking at historical context, players with Nieves' numbers at the collegiate and AHL levels haven't typically translated to top six forwards. Hell, you'd even find that the third line gets a little tricky.
focusing on the bold
all I ask is a fair shot at a legit experiment
we have already seen in 2 isolated snapshots that when paired with a W who could finish, Nieves delivered the mail, resulting in goals for both kreider and Chytil
Again, yes, that is isolated. But it is the only level of test of my theory. So far Nieves has been with Names and others. And I postulated you needed ideally to give Nieves at least a couple of weeks practice with Kreider and the ideal best available RW to develop the chemistry needed to max possible best results. That has not happened.
So far, we only see Boo look good, solid, not great/spectacular with less than spectacular talent.
If we don't get righty Nylander from leafs our 1RW should be Chytil [assuming Zib moved].
Respectfully, IMO, the flaw with your premise is you are focusing strictly on how offense is driven.
Kreider currently looks at what is coming from 2 other guys. It varies from night to night and not all are consistently on the same page. And offense is distracted b'c more time has to be focused on switching to defense immediately with change of puck possession.
While obviously only the exact same 1 or 2 plays can not be used exclusively virtually every time, Kreider will know he can rely on Boo to get his back and the other W's back on defense. That does not mean the Ws can ignore defense, but it does mean they can concentrate just that much little bit more on offense because of what Boo brings. While Nieves has a HUGE way to go as to technique, he has gifts or like Liam Neeson said in those flicks, a specialized skill set, and he CAN GROW INTO being another Jan Erixon type of F --- typically a C --- for us. Boo supports whatever the Ws are generating, fully complementary. He only comes in to chip in to the offense if there is enough pinching and double teaming that now suddenly, he is the open guy.
Sorry, I believe that given the opportunity that is a credible scenario which would work. Kreider dominates physically, a Nylander is smooth passer and also fast skater and decent shooter, and if we don't get Nylander, we see Chytil already showing moves and at 19 he will eventually fill out.
Of course, again Kravtsov next year, but til then I am adamant, pls let Quinn read this and just give it a shot.
