Honestly, I never in my wildest imagination would have figured Pierre would almost eliminate his flaws to the point of being this valuable. I have been openly critical of him in the past. All the tools, no toolbox type of player. Made far too many mistakes that cost us in key moments. Was not nearly intense enough. He is really starting to change that narrative for me.
It's not just that he's putting the puck in the net, he's playing far more intelligent. Exponentially really. It is night and day what he has done from even the start of the year until now.
I think the biggest adjustment is that Pierre is finally using his legs instead of his hands. He was always good and possessing the puck, but would often dish the puck into a risky area in neutral ice instead of taking the ice that was given to him. He's doing that same patient stop up, but rather then floating a pizza into nowhere, he either plays it back to the defense or gains the red line and puts it in behind their D. Far more intelligent and higher percentage plays. He's also been far more engaged along the walls. You look at his assist on the Micky goal against the Jets last week and I can't help but think that is a play that would never have happened with Pierre a year ago. He took a big hit to give us the insurance marker, and it was one of the biggest plays in the game.
I think he's far more battle tested now, and he's just playing with a confidence we've never seen from him.
I always knew Pierre was capable of this level of play, I just never thought he'd do it with this level of consistency.
Something will have to give this offseason, because I just cannot see how we can lose both Pierre and Micky. Their speed and size are just too valuable. Kerf is obvious money that would go out, but even if we were to move Willy for a cheaper up and coming player I think that is something we seriously need to consider. I recognize that some may be opposed to this as Willy is a very good player, but we finally have depth pieces that contribute every night. I really think we need to consider any and all options.
Even if we were to center a trade around Willy for Konecny. I'm sure PHI would likely need to add a pick or 2, but that swap of players nets us almost 1.5AAV in savings. If you drop Kerfoot for additional picks, you have more than enough to resign Micky, Engvall, Soupy, Sandin and Liljegren. Especially if we can get rid of Mrazek, which I suspect we will be able to.
Yes losing Willy for Konecny in a vacuum is a loss all day. But if it means we can keep guys like Pierre and Micky, I think we have to consider it. Micky especially. He is just way too consistently good, even when he is not scoring.
Definitely need to consider all options.
