Player Discussion Mark Kastelic (signs extension Jan 3 | 3yrs, $1.57M/yr)

[Terrier]

The Bruins’ fourth line isn’t just exceeding expectations. It’s been the best line in hockey. - The Boston Globe

“I think we’ve got to stop calling them the fourth line. I mean, it’s impressive — the way they’ve been playing.”

www.bostonglobe.com

 

[goldenblack]

This guy got passed over in the NHL draft TWO YEARS in a row. Still made it.

Imagine how hard he's gonna play here to stay in the show? I'm not betting agaist him. Massive chip on his shoulder.

They don't call him Sweenius for nothing.

 

[PlayMakers]

We can't help ourselves. He would be the next slam dunk Brady Tkachuk. Drop the gloves well a few times and we'd anoint him the next Bob Probert/Cam Neely clone.

Exactly. So maybe we shouldn't be so quick to put a ceiling on him as a 4th liner. He's a year younger than Brazeau and folks are willing to give Braz a chance higher up the lineup/PP. He's younger than Frederic and Geekie who folks were hoping could take another step this year. They can improve but Kastelic can't?

Small sample but Kastelic certainly looks like he's taken a step from 4c to a very capable 3c.

 

[Sheppy]

If Kastelic's ceiling is 15-15-30, sign me up.

 

[Kegs]

If Kastelic's ceiling is 15-15-30, sign me up.

He is looking more like a 40-50 point player :p

 

[Sheppy]

He is looking more like a 40-50 point player :p

I'm just trying to keep peoples expectations in check. This fan base can be crazy when they see someone overachieve a bit then demand that out of them the rest of their careers.

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

Keep him where he is and with who he’s with and keep letting him cook. It’s 5 games no need to get crazy.

 

[KillerMillerTime]

He is looking more like a 40-50 point player :p

That's a bridge way to far.

 

[Sheppy]

Keep him where he is and with who he’s with and keep letting him cook. It’s 5 games no need to get crazy.

This.

I feel like I've worn myself out replying to people who say "Move him up to the 2nd line" - Leave their line in tact, if they play well, they'll get more minutes, which they have been.

 

[Mad-Marcus]

A point that a lot of the "move him up" crowd is missing, is that this line has had instant chemistry. That is not a given when players are thrown together by their perceived place in a lineup.
Breaking them up, might just break any success at all.
Leave it be and use it more. Their cycling is something I wish the other 3 lines did and it seems to come to the KBK line naturally.

 

[DominicT]

Keep him where he is and with who he’s with and keep letting him cook. It’s 5 games no need to get crazy.

Furthermore, he is having a huge impact on John Beecher.

 

[DaBroons]

I confess that I was furious with the return for Ullmark. I've changed my opinion considerably.

Korpi has been a decent backup, and he should get better, because we have the best goalie coach in the league.

Forsberg has been dreadful for Ottawa.

Kastelic has been terrific. We now have the best 4th line in the league, IMO.

Finally, I like the potential of Dean Latourneau.

In addition, Sweeney signed a 4th line gem in Koepke. He seemed an afterthought for Providence, but he is here to stay.

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

Furthermore, he is having a huge impact on John Beecher.

Agree. Beecher hasn’t taken a single shift off. It’s awesome to see.

 

[Cam Em All]

Agree. Beecher hasn’t taken a single shift off. It’s awesome to see.

using his speed at the right time and even being physical in puck battles

 

[duffy]

He is looking more like a 40-50 point player :p

should have had an assist on the Lindholm goal! Not sure if he was credited later or not, but love his play. Loved him as a Senator also but the coach wanted more skilled players in the line up or he would have had a better stat line.

 

[Over the volcano]

This.

I feel like I've worn myself out replying to people who say "Move him up to the 2nd line" - Leave their line in tact, if they play well, they'll get more minutes, which they have been.

Right?!

Just move all three of em up to the second line. Problem solved

 

[The don godfather]

The guy has scoring tools. What a treat on the 4th line.

 

[Bradely]

love the guy. Simply.

 

[JOKER 192]

I was intrigued by this player but I never expected this.

You'd be nuts to mess with that line .

They're producing at a 1st line clip.

Ride it out, it's the only logical thing to do .

 

[goldenblack]

I confess that I was furious with the return for Ullmark. I've changed my opinion considerably.

Korpi has been a decent backup, and he should get better, because we have the best goalie coach in the league.

Forsberg has been dreadful for Ottawa.

Kastelic has been terrific. We now have the best 4th line in the league, IMO.

Finally, I like the potential of Dean Latourneau.

In addition, Sweeney signed a 4th line gem in Koepke. He seemed an afterthought for Providence, but he is here to stay.

He is the Sweenius. People need to let his deals breath a little.

Agree. Beecher hasn’t taken a single shift off. It’s awesome to see.

Dom's point was excellent. But to take it one step further. Once you have a productive 4th line with constant effort and jam, the whole team is pushed to be better.

The 3rd line HAS to be, or their minutes are cut. Cut minutes mean cut production and cut dollars. Lot of guys in contract years in the bottom 9...

The 1st line plays better because it's not the only line that has to score. The trickle up effect is huge. We're a top scoring team for a reason. When the goalies click and the D settles, yowza. We could win 10 in a row easy.

 

[Hookslide]

Furthermore, he is having a huge impact on John Beecher.

right

Agree. Beecher hasn’t taken a single shift off. It’s awesome to see.

yes

 

[Icelevel]

With ullmark not starting for us at the moment you guys are actually winning the trade so far. I know that’s a ridiculous thing to say but it’s actual reality.

I think I was the only one who was sad to see kasty go in the trade. Some over on our board even wanted him gone.
Shows how smart hf Ottawa fans are.
Hope he can keep it up. I’ve watched a couple games he looks awesome.
We need more players just like him.

 

[goldenblack]

With ullmark not starting for us at the moment you guys are actually winning the trade so far. I know that’s a ridiculous thing to say but it’s actual reality.

I think I was the only one who was sad to see kasty go in the trade. Some over on our board even wanted him gone.
Shows how smart hf Ottawa fans are.
Hope he can keep it up. I’ve watched a couple games he looks awesome.
We need more players just like him.

I don't believe we will ever know the outcome until big Dean develops. I mean I suppose we can just go by the value of a 1st. But in the end, big Dean is the deal. Korpi and Kasty are great little pieces who will add value.

If Dean ends up a 15/15 3rd liner, I got the deal as a push. If he's more, it's a win for us. We'll see!

You got a gem of a goalie in this deal. And signed too!

 

[Colt.45Orr]

He’s a 4th liner who had quite a few healthy scratches the past couple seasons.

He will make the roster, but that’s pretty much what a JAG is.

Yikes. Take a few weeks off.

I've always seen some Lowry in him (as a WHLer). He is an absolute crushing hitter and has solid enough hands to keep up to his speed.

 

[PB37]

Yikes. Take a few weeks off.

I've always seen some Lowry in him (as a WHLer). He is an absolute crushing hitter and has solid enough hands to keep up to his speed.

He puts everything he has into his hits. Love it.