Watched this on a phone and missed the 1st and part of the third but here we go:
Garland is a top line forward. Keller is now expendable. Having both is great. But if the league views Keller the way this fanbase and ownership does then he probably has more perceived value than he is worth.
All that said, Keller has been great. Better than his playin/playoff form back in August. More defensively sound than his rookie year while producing at a better clip. Really impressed with his jump in play and his robotic snarl. Much more aggressive in front of the net. SMART swooping cycles where he re-visions the play as he gains momentum and helps develop one it rather than just swooping around hoping to get the puck. If he continues to do this in 5 game spurts, or a full season will determine the value of his contract. Looks 50/50 to me right now.
If Schmaltz can keep this up he will be a top 32 center. He has had consistency issues before but he has changed his play these past five games. I have never seen him string together this many all around positive games since he has been in AZ. He has always had good chunks, but not a streak like this where he is not only scoring but helping with the transition game and even not being absolutely incapable in his own end. The best 5 games I've seen him play.
Soderstrom looks like a vet. Because I watched it on a phone I constantly figured he was OEL, remembered OEL was out, saw the '7' in his number and was happy to see Capo make such a great play. Then I realized it was Soderstrom and couldn't believe. it. This didn't feel like the typical rookie plays his first game and flashes why he was drafted so high. This was rookie looks like a vet for 60 minutes. Let's see if he can continue this. Watched the Av's game last night and thought Byram looked more like Chychrun his first couple weeks in the league. Soderstrom looked like he is in his third season. Only one game, but extremely encouraging.
If Kuemper can keep this up and the kids keep developing I'd advocate to resign him. He looked back to being a wall again. Especially considering his best defensemen were Chychrun, Soderstrom and Oesterle.
The bottom six grit showed up when needed. Cags had his best game. Pitlick was excellent as well.
Hammer has been invisible all season in the best way possible. Seemingly looks healthy. Hope it sticks.
One of Demers or Goligoski is needs to sit or needs to be traded. Since both need a contract I feel like sitting could wake them up. Either way, if we are pretty much a lock or competing for the playoffs around the deadline we don't need to hang onto both.
Team is fun.
