Player Discussion Josh Norris (C) 6’-1” - Part 3

[R2010]

The only thing that makes this a viable take is that there are no other disappointing aspects so technically yes, it's 100% accurate to suggest that such a minor thing is one of the most disappointing aspects.

If Stu keeps up his play his + - 8 face-offs lost per 100 vs Spezza will be even more irrelevant to the debate than it is now.

I mean he's the #1 center for a team that loses more than it wins for a team that has a history of not showing up when things get tough. So yes there's lots to be disappointed about.

But he's still young and improving. He should eventually pass prime Spezza and will eventually lead us to the playoffs. But right now he's not there. I do expect that any *top centerman of all time for a team* should be a good faceoff man.

 

[PlayersLtd]

I mean he's the #1 center for a team that loses more than it wins for a team that has a history of not showing up when things get tough. So yes there's lots to be disappointed about.

But he's still young and improving. He should eventually pass prime Spezza and will eventually lead us to the playoffs. But right now he's not there. I do expect that any *top centerman of all time for a team* should be a good faceoff man.

Well, you're measuring it wrong. In individual player debates, shy of a cup, team achievements don't count for much. We're talking about the best player, not the most accomplished. Holding team success against Stu at this point in his career is obviously a bit ignorant.

Back to face-offs, Nate McKinnon isn't very good in the dot. Does that change your impression of him? Jack Hughes? Tage Thompson?

It's an overrated stat when you consider that an average face-off player vs a weak face-off player is the difference between about 2 lost face-offs per game. It's why no one has ever cared to criticize Nathan McKinnon or Jack Eichel for being below average in that category. When your whole team is below average that's a different story. But considering Brady can take key draws for Stu, or Norris AND Brady on the pp it's totally irrelevant imo.

Shy of the truly elite face-off artists like Bergeron and Barkov it's at the bottom of the list in a debate between two centremen. But feel free to think otherwise.

 

[coladin]

Loving our top two centers.

 

[Loach]

He looks like he's getting stronger

 

[UglyPuckling]

Loving our top two centers.

Not sure we’d have a 2C of the same caliber if Norris were to leave. And it's easy to assume we’ll get good assets back in a trade, or the cap that is freed up will result in improvement. Its easier said than done.

His shot looks fine to me. I think they’ve changed the PP scheme and the new scheme doesn’t feed the puck to Norris in the bumper position like it use to. He’s handled the physical play just fine. His defensive work is underrated. He PKs, and Green is using him more in a defensive role now. Thought I heard he has the most defensive zone starts on a recent TV broadcast (might have just been for forwards versus all skaters).

People were worried about another injury. I get that, but Tarasenko with the same surgeon and surgery seems fine.

Maybe we are lucky that in-season trades are very difficult to complete?

 

[Answer]

How can you only have 6 assists in almost 30 games being a 1b center?

I guess only Batherson and Tkachuk can work with him, and even though their line looks really effective, the production does go down for both Brady and Batherson

 

[OD99]

How can you only have 6 assists in almost 30 games being a 1b center?

I guess only Batherson and Tkachuk can work with him, and even though their line looks really effective, the production does go down for both Brady and Batherson

He is what he is, a goal scorer who defends and gets around the ice well while also being good in the dot.

That said, guys have missed more than a few glorious opportunities that he has set up. He should have at least double the assists that he does.

 

[Answer]

He is what he is, a goal scorer who defends and gets around the ice well while also being good in the dot.

That said, guys have missed more than a few glorious opportunities that he has set up. He should have at least double the assists that he does.

No he shouldn't. Just same old cliche to throw around. If he should've then he would've. Eye test and his track record clearly indicates that he has tunnel vision and doesn't know how to setup his wingers.

I am well aware of his scoring ability and defensive game, that is why i did not bring that up and only pointed out the 1 main and glaring hole in his game, given his position

It just seems you wanted to reply to my post just for the sake of replying without even addressing my point except throwing a typical cliche

 

[bicboi64]

He's pacing for similar numbers during his 30g season. If he stays healthy, i think we can call his return a success even though ideally you want him building on that initial season.

Rip a few more in Josh, dude has a beautiful shot

 

[OD99]

No he shouldn't. Just same old cliche to throw around. If he should've then he would've. Eye test and his track record clearly indicates that he has tunnel vision and doesn't know how to setup his wingers.

I am well aware of his scoring ability and defensive game, that is why i did not bring that up and only pointed out the 1 main and glaring hole in his game, given his position

It just seems you wanted to reply to my post just for the sake of replying without even addressing my point except throwing a typical cliche

Very prickly response! You doing OK?

Your point is he doesn’t have a lot of assists, no? Should I argue that? I can't, the number is the number.

I couldn't care less for your "if he deserved it they would be in" BS. I know what I have seen, and guys have missed some very good looks that he set them up for.

You can focus on the 1 thing he doesn't do well, and be as bitter as you like. I prefer to recognize the good things he does bring.

Just same old cliche to throw around.

BTW, what is the cliche you are referencing?

 

[aragorn]

Stutzle would be better on the wing to do what he does & let Pinto centre him who is very good in the dot & very good defensively to cover for Stu. I'd put Giroux on the other side who can make plays & finish them or Gaudette who can finish plays. This might help Pinto get out of his slump too. Ostapchuk - Greig & Giroux would be an interesting 3rd line.

 

[Boud]

Stutzle would be better on the wing to do what he does & let Pinto centre him who is very good in the dot & very good defensively to cover for Stu. I'd put Giroux on the other side who can make plays & finish them or Gaudette who can finish plays. This might help Pinto get out of his slump too. Ostapchuk - Greig & Giroux would be an interesting 3rd line.

I completely disagree.

Stutzle is a center through and through. He defends better than Pinto these days and brings so much pace. His defensive game is better than the majority of our forwards.

 

[CornerStone61]

Stutzle would be better on the wing to do what he does & let Pinto centre him who is very good in the dot & very good defensively to cover for Stu. I'd put Giroux on the other side who can make plays & finish them or Gaudette who can finish plays. This might help Pinto get out of his slump too. Ostapchuk - Greig & Giroux would be an interesting 3rd line.

Very apparent from the last few posts that you've made that you've made your mind up on the player and just refuse to change your opinion because he doesn't fit the archetype that you like despite him objectively being our best player this season. I'm not sure how you can watch Stutzle this season and come away thinking he needs to move to the wing. He gives a consistent defensive effort and is our best distributor which is best suited for the middle of the ice.

Not sure why I bother though because immediately after the ducks game you went to the Tkachuk thread and sung his praises but then went to the Stutzle thread and this thread and only provide criticism.

 

[Wallet Inspector]

Stutzle would be better on the wing to do what he does & let Pinto centre him who is very good in the dot & very good defensively to cover for Stu. I'd put Giroux on the other side who can make plays & finish them or Gaudette who can finish plays. This might help Pinto get out of his slump too. Ostapchuk - Greig & Giroux would be an interesting 3rd line.

Hello 2020 time traveller.

 

[OD99]

This is like the comments on how Karlsson should have been moved to forward.

How can anyone look at Timmy playing and decide that HE is the one to change positions?!

Just go back to when they moved him from W to C and the massive improvement in his play. That alone should let you know he is exactly where he belongs.

Pinto is almost the definition of a North/South player and is a fine C, but he is way more cut out to be winger if we are looking for a change.

 

[CornerStone61]

This is like the comments on how Karlsson should have been moved to forward.

How can anyone look at Timmy playing and decide that HE is the one to change positions?!

Just go back to when they moved him from W to C and the massive improvement in his play. That alone should let you know he is exactly where he belongs.

Pinto is almost the definition of a North/South player and is a fine C, but he is way more cut out to be winger if we are looking for a change.

Yeah but Pinto is 6'3 and 204 pounds so that automatically makes him a better candidate to play center despite being a drastically worse player than Stutzle

 

[DackellDuck]

Stutzle would be better on the wing to do what he does & let Pinto centre him who is very good in the dot & very good defensively to cover for Stu. I'd put Giroux on the other side who can make plays & finish them or Gaudette who can finish plays. This might help Pinto get out of his slump too. Ostapchuk - Greig & Giroux would be an interesting 3rd line.

Stützle is better in his own end than Pinto.