I do agree that players like Boeser aren’t as important as their stats suggest, and are more easily replaceable than players who are doing the heavy lifting, but you can’t just replace them with anyone and expect the same results. Horvat is a very good player himself and Kuzmenko is talented as well and was posting unsustainable numbers. It takes chemistry, a high IQ and good finishing skills to do what he does. Realistically you’re not getting someone to replace what he does for cheaper unless you get lucky.
I’d certainly be wary of paying him the raise a potential 45-50 goal year might command though, so depending on where things sit in the off season, I don’t think trading him should be off the table if it improves the team. But I think it would have to be a situation where you’re getting roster improvement elsewhere or assets to obtain someone who improves the roster elsewhere.
I also don’t think there’s any way you trade him in season considering how things have gone so far. Not just because he’s scoring but because the players on the team finally seem on the same page and that’s not something you want to upset mid-season.
He is a one dimensional complimentary player.
What he is doing does not require a high hockey IQ, just a quick release or standing up around the net and putting in the garbage goals.
Who knew that Burrows would be a 30 goal scorer, Suter is filling the net way above his average, Blueger just got a hatty didn't he?
Maybe Podkolzin breaks out, or one of the other AHL players. Maybe even Kuzmenko does start potting them again.
Ya the room. It seems they are together and gaining chemistry.
Is there a scenario where parachuting in a "saviour" and moving out a team mate makes thing better?
So much has gone into making this season special or surprising.
Super high shooting percentages, save percentages, getting team as just the right time, their down time, incredibly lucky with minimum major injuries, everything makes it almost too good to be real.
Still move Boeser ASAP and get that cap space for a more dynamic player. 7 million will still get a decent player, (Hughes/Pettersson).