The "role" of an energy player? lol
We've had a pipeline of Hordichuk, Eager, Brown, SMac, now Gazdik and to no effect.
Fact of the matter is that players that really aren't that good at playing hockey get meaningless shifts on 4th lines where they get to make an impact mostly on the other clubs scrubs. In years of having "energy" guys I think the one game where I can discern it made some difference is the Boston game, which we lost. The only reason any discernible impact occurred was the very unlikely decision in which an actual good hockey player, Lucic, made a poor decision to go off with a goon, Gazdik. If Lucic walks away from that no impact is had whatsoever.
Being that you know so much about hockey please inform what difference players like the above listed make in what games. Let us know when these stellar energy players have actually "rallied" the troops. Should be easy given you arguing this.
Finally, I'd like to suggest that the term "energy player" has taken on different meanings. It used to denote the player that would run around, make some hits, in the Eddie Shack mode. Clutterbuck being a recent incarnation. Those players can be useful provided they can play the minutes.