A lot of Julien haters on here and while he certainly hasn’t looked like the guy from last year very much this year, it appears he is starting to get back to himself back there the last few weeks.
That goal he scored tonight was siiiilky smooth.
I think in many aspects he has looked better this year.
Guess some miss the 13 who had the op in the role he was in last year to fly the zone, get thru the blues with speed, dump the puck wide of tender and try n sneak by the D to recover off the end boards.
This year more engaged in his own end, supporting the D, usually the low F helping out, almost always on the right side of the puck, winning draws, positionally sound, good job on 1n1 battles. But ya doesn't skate super fast n score alot.
I'd love a break down from those disappointed in his game as an OA and how it differs from last year. ( both in role, expectations and a 200 ft game) Bet we won't get anymore than " OA should be better, looks lazy......"
His game has improved and his contributions will help this team more come crunch time than last year, JMO. Those expecting a scoring machine just had poor/unrealistic expectations. But I'd love an explanation as to why I'm wrong.
And which OA would u like to have in his place plus the cost.
And who cares if it is rookie or OA, it's about contribution, role given by staff n helping the team win.
You can win with great OAs or not, great 19 yr olds or not, 1st/2nd year players taking a big role or not, 2 great Euros or no great Euros, big trade deadline addition or not. Best goalie or not.......
Maybe it's an expectation of an OA that has a coupke posyers dissappointed? I dunno, but kid fills a big role n need on this team.
( no I do not think he carves out an NHL career, no I dont think he is top 10 talent ( akater ) on this team. But an OA doesn't need to be that to be part of a great team. So times they do ( not here thou)
Who were the OAs on the LK OHL Championship teams, but ya find a couplectgat didn't dominate.b