Is he our lone skater in these games?
Hall is not in correct?
I just meant from the beginning Kessel probably should have went. I'd rather Kessel than many of these stupid and redundant grinders that Deano and David "GM since 1982 and not once built a cup finalist team" Poile seem to love.From what I've read they wanted someone who could play more of a checking role since they were trying to replace Callahan. Makes sense why they chose Kyle over Phil in that role
I hope he did decline.There's two possibilities on why Kessel isn't on the team. They either don't think his style of play fits the mold of the team or Kessel declined because he wants to rest before the season starts. I really don't blame him if this is the case.
I just meant from the beginning Kessel probably should have went. I'd rather Kessel than many of these stupid and redundant grinders that Deano and David "GM since 1982 and not once built a cup finalist team" Poile seem to love.
I hope he did decline.
Some of the invites are brutal, just like some of the weird choice for the Sochi Olympic team back in 2014.
I just meant from the beginning Kessel probably should have went. I'd rather Kessel than many of these stupid and redundant grinders that Deano and David "GM since 1982 and not once built a cup finalist team" Poile seem to love.
I hope he did decline.
Some of the invites are brutal, just like some of the weird choice for the Sochi Olympic team back in 2014.
I'd take Kessel definitely over Oshie and Wheeler. I remember last time it was a big deal because Bobby Ryan wasn't picked. Though I think Kessel is better than him.Eh. I don't know.
For tournaments like these, you are building a team, not an all-star team. Kessel is better than a good chunk of forwards on that roster, but he isn't going to play the same role Abdelkader or Palmieiri or Dubinsky or Callahan would play on that team.
When you likely have Oshie, Wheeler, and Pavelski as your likely RWs in a scoring role, where does Kessel play? He's a top-six or bust player. It seems like they are going for the all-around guys over the guy with a very limited, but effective skill set.
Exactly. Kunitz was only on Canada at Sochi because of his chemistry with Crosby. They passed over so many players that are better than Kunitz.
I'd take Kessel definitely over Oshie and Wheeler. I remember last time it was a big deal because Bobby Ryan wasn't picked. Though I think Kessel is better than him.
I don't think people appreciate how good Wheeler is.
Oshie vs Kessel is debatable. Oshie brings a better all-around game, more physical play, and he was clutch in Sochi during the shootouts.
The biggest problem with Kessel is he is as I like to call it a "niche player." He thrives in a very specific situation with linemates that compliment his style. When you add Kessel, you have to build the team partly around him or you sacrifice part of his effectiveness. That's not the case with the other guys.
Kessel had hand surgery, guys. Otherwise I'm sure he would've been the guy.