darko
Registered User
- Feb 16, 2009
- 70,272
- 7,803
Biggest positive in what's been a disappointing season (and that's putting it mildly).
He is really starting to control the game during his shifts. Maybe it’s more due to matchups or something but I like to think he’s improving. He always had good vision but now he’s starting to make those good smart passes from all kinds of positions on the ice. And he’s also getting his body positioned great.
Was just going to say this...what looks different is his entire demeanor...he looks like he wants to be...the man...rather than just be one of the guys. Hes being very forceful with his game and it's paying off...I a very real sense he's reminding me of the transformation of Blake wheeler...went from being a good support piece to an absolute stud by being handed more leadership and higher leverage situations.To me the last couple months he's become a real leader on the team in that the team looks to him now for goals and points and the coaching staff looks at him for the hardest defensive assignments. He should get an 'A' next year.
If he did, I'd go out on a limb and say he would be at least a ppg guy. Anyway, I think i may have been one of the few NEVER wanting him to be gone. Imo, he just has that special full ice awareness, but his main fault was holding onto the puck too long and not shooting enough. He seems to have recognized that and improved in those areas. A big skilled Center like him, you don't give up on, UNLESS you have 3 that are even bigger/better. Happy he is making me right. Hes grown up, while his "kiddie friends" are now gone. (MDZ, JT and I forgot whom else) Zuccha still here.4 years at 4-4.5M per would be fair IMO. He's had a very nice season and I would have no problem with him being here for the long haul. Would love to see him have a legit goalscorer on his line too, he's never had that.
I think its really as simple as they both needed to prove they deserved their next contract this year - Hayes grew in multiple ways and Miller floated half the season. Hayes earned another deal here and Miller didn't despite putting up pretty good points for the minutes he was playing. They likely didn't want to pay big money and term to someone they thought was unreliable and inconsistent in their effort. Fairly understandable. Do wish we moved him separately for something better than Vlad though.I have ZERO proof, but I just wonder if FO thought maybe moving JT would better Hayes. Maybe they were trouble outside of the garden. Too much fun and not enough business. I may be soooo wrong, and not trying to start any hurricanes here, it was just something that I've wondered "could be" in the eventual movement of JT. I seriously question as to WHY THE HELL would they move JT, if this wasn't the case. If the problem was between JT and AV, then replacing AV (which supposedly we will do) makes the situation instantly better.
Trading JT, was very bad for me. Don't like it, even though I do like Namestikov, I'd prefer JT and what he could've brought in the future.
I still believe that Miller should've been retained and part of the new core that's solidifying now with Hayes, Kreider, Zibanejad, and Fast. Miller can beast if motivated, and he wasn't fully committed for whatever reason or cause. Sure, he's racking up points now in Tampa, being on the top line with two world-class players. But for all the "shotgun riding" arguments against Miller, one still has to execute the plays, at the end of the day. Yeah, so he gets fed slam-dunk goals, but how many times have we seen players miss on gaping nets--especially ours? Miller has made the plays and lived up to his billing down south.
I think the reason Gorton wanted Namestnikov is the recent departure of Nash and Grabner. We were lacking 2-way forwards. Guys who are defensively responsible.
Yes, Miller is having a great few weeks in Tampa but as aufheben pointed out, he's shooting at 24%. That'll never stick. Miller is not a bad player, but I feel Namestnikov is a better fit for this team long-term, also with a lower AAV on his next deal.
A year ago I hated Hayes more than Miller, thought he was lazy, didn’t have a great attitude, inconsistent, etc. but he’s took tremendous strides this season. He’s an absolute beast and is emerging as one of the leaders of this team. One of the most underrated players in the league today
We’re about to be so stacked at Center, I don’t want to move any of them though. Center depth has definitely been one of the biggest factors in who’s won the cup in recent memory. Fortunately a lot of our C’s are versatile and can play the wing. I think moving forward Zibanejad moves to the wing, where I think he could really find himself as a player and perhaps even emerge into a bit of an Ovi-lite.
I don't think they'll be forced to deal him at the deadline, if they even move him.MFW the Rangers didn't sign Hayes long-term this year and he posts 50-60 points this year and they tied their hands and are forced to deal him at the deadline
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