Robb_K
Registered User
I really like this signing, and I hope Tarasenko plays very well, The Blues are winning, he becomes happy again, and it is Sanford who is traded, instead.
I would realistically view us as Cup Contender if Krug and Scandella would be upgraded.I really like this signing, and I hope Tarasenko plays very well, The Blues are winning, he becomes happy again, and it is Sanford who is traded, instead.
I have to say is Clifford really worth of keeping around? No matter he is just 1mill.$.
I’m not really much for using a player simply for toughness, and I thought that’s all Clifford was prior to last year, but he was a surprisingly decent hockey player. He’s fine as a depth piece.Clifford is good depth. Easily buried in the minors if needed to be. I don't truly understand the hate he gets. He wasn't brought in to be a top 6 forward scoring 20 goals a year. He does he job well. Imho.
Not all that much. It certainly doesn’t seem like useful toughness.Clifford isn’t tough?
Hard disagree. He had 4 fights through 50 games, which was tied for 12th in the league. He overwhelmingly won two of those fights, lost a close fight and got worked over by Reaves. Fighting is way down league wide from what it used to be. The league leader had 7 fights last year. Fighting once every 12 games isn't a lack of toughness in today's NHL. His 69 hits were tied for 5th on the team and he accumulated those playing less than 10 minutes a night. I think there is a great argument that he plays a role that is increasingly less valuable in the NHL and that having a guy around for toughness isn't needed. But he absolutely provided the toughness he was expected to bring.Not all that much. It certainly doesn’t seem like useful toughness.
He might have been at one point, but last year he was very underwhelming in that department.
The key point is that we can't have Kostin sitting in the press box. He needs ice time wherever that may be. Clifford knows and accepts the role of the 14th forward.Hard disagree. He had 4 fights through 50 games, which was tied for 12th in the league. He overwhelmingly won two of those fights, lost a close fight and got worked over by Reaves. Fighting is way down league wide from what it used to be. The league leader had 7 fights last year. Fighting once every 12 games isn't a lack of toughness in today's NHL. His 69 hits were tied for 5th on the team and he accumulated those playing less than 10 minutes a night. I think there is a great argument that he plays a role that is increasingly less valuable in the NHL and that having a guy around for toughness isn't needed. But he absolutely provided the toughness he was expected to bring.
I would like to have him as a 14th forward, but I wouldn't rate that preference high enough to let it impact other decisions. I wouldn't drag out a Thomas contract in order to have enough space for Clifford and I don't think he would be claimed on waivers. If he did get claimed then so be it. But if we can make the roster work with him on it, I like him as a guy who is scratched 75% of the time but can be inserted onto the 4th line occasionally. I'd rather have him sitting in the press box than Kostin, so if the battle for 14th forward comes down to those 2 then I'd give it to Clifford.
Hard disagree. He had 4 fights through 50 games, which was tied for 12th in the league. He overwhelmingly won two of those fights, lost a close fight and got worked over by Reaves. Fighting is way down league wide from what it used to be. The league leader had 7 fights last year. Fighting once every 12 games isn't a lack of toughness in today's NHL. His 69 hits were tied for 5th on the team and he accumulated those playing less than 10 minutes a night. I think there is a great argument that he plays a role that is increasingly less valuable in the NHL and that having a guy around for toughness isn't needed. But he absolutely provided the toughness he was expected to bring.
I would like to have him as a 14th forward, but I wouldn't rate that preference high enough to let it impact other decisions. I wouldn't drag out a Thomas contract in order to have enough space for Clifford and I don't think he would be claimed on waivers. If he did get claimed then so be it. But if we can make the roster work with him on it, I like him as a guy who is scratched 75% of the time but can be inserted onto the 4th line occasionally. I'd rather have him sitting in the press box than Kostin, so if the battle for 14th forward comes down to those 2 then I'd give it to Clifford.
I much prefer MacMac. He is good on forecheck, defensively responsible, skates well. Lacking skill (but so is Clifford) but I trust him as fill in; he seems like ideal spare forward to me.What are your thoughts on Clifford vs MacMac? If we are ever without injuries and need to carry 13 forwards, one of them has to be sent down. MacMac doesn't fight but he had half as many hits playing less than half as many games at less ATOI. He produced less points per game, but he is a bit younger and a bit cheaper. I think he is better defensively and on the cycle, but don't really have proof of that. That's just a hazy memory of the eye test.
MacMac is my choice for 13th forward at the moment (behind ROR, Tarasenko, Schenn, Perron, Buch, Saad, Kyrou, Thomas, Bozak, Sunny, Sanford, and Barby). If Sunny starts the year on LTIR, then Kostin is my current pick for the 12th forward with Mac as forward #13. Either way, Clifford is my choice for forward #14 if we run 23 guys. I want Kostin to either be in the lineup or in the AHL unless he looks absolutely incredible in camp. If he shows out at camp then get him on the roster to practice with the team and be ready for any injury.What are your thoughts on Clifford vs MacMac? If we are ever without injuries and need to carry 13 forwards, one of them has to be sent down. MacMac doesn't fight but he had half as many hits playing less than half as many games at less ATOI. He produced less points per game, but he is a bit younger and a bit cheaper. I think he is better defensively and on the cycle, but don't really have proof of that. That's just a hazy memory of the eye test.
Our Cap situation next year is potentially even tighter than this if we want to resign Perron. This is why Tarasenko ultimately needs to be dealt to get $ off books.Barring a Tarasenko trade mid-season, I’m starting to think Sanford may be moved when Sundqvist returns from LTIR. The price will be cheap. Also, even though Bozak’s bonuses can slide to next season, I’m sure Armstrong would prefer to find a way to fit it under the cap this year.
I'm probably less concerned about Perron than most. I think his number will be exceptionally team friendly, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it worked out before camp breaks. I think his next deal will start with a 5.Our Cap situation next year is potentially even tighter than this if we want to resign Perron. This is why Tarasenko ultimately needs to be dealt to get $ off books.