Never really believed in Enforcers as “Deterants”. I don’t really think that exists. Rather, you do find the types of players that can goad an Enforcer into a penalty. A Sean Avery if you will. That to me is biggest negative of employing a true Enforcer. With that said…I think there is still a place in the game for these guys. They have to know their role. When to do it, when not to. Don’t get lured into the bad penalty. I do think teams are much better off when you have a guy like Ryan Reaves on the bench. He’s the knows the role. He is the guy. Like the best at it in the League right now.
The Tom Wilson incident would have never happened if Reaves was on the bench. Would Wilson still throw a questionable hits? Yes. Maybe an Elbow, Yes, Maybe a Knee, Yes. Board Someone, yes. Chokeslam the life out of your organization by the vicious attack he did on Panarin last year? Nope…that’s just not going to happen.
The biggest thing I think that a guy like Reaves brings to the table is that he makes others guys on the team that much bigger. Gallant understand that well. As a Sophomore for the Red Wings he played with Bob Probert and Joey Kocur. The greatest Enforcer tandem of all time. Im sure he appreciated having those guys with him. I think the new additions will have a positive impact on the young NYR roster. Kakko, LaFreniere, Miller, Kravtsov, Chytil, Barron. Lundqvist etc. Whats the average age here 21 years old? A lot of them played last year on a losing team. They were a team that wanted to be identified as a club that was “Fast, Physical, and Relentless”. They were fast. They were relentless only against the Sabres. The rest of the league…not so much, largely evidenced when they played against the physical clubs last year. They were what 6-2 vs the Isles last year? Against the B’s they were what 5-3?
Im looking forward to where these new guys are going to fit into the roster.
Reaves skated 37 games last season. 71 the season prior and 80 the season before that. Im thinking he skates in 45-50 contests this season.
Goodrow skated in 55 games last season. 70 the season prior and 82 the season before that. Im thinking he dresses every game barring injury.
Nemeth skated in 52 games last season. 64 the season before that and 74 the season before that. Im thinking he dresses for 70 games this season.
Blais skated in 36 games last season. 40 the Season prior, and 32 the season before that. I have no idea what the Rangers really plan to do with him? Maybe 50 games?
Hunt skated in 26 games last season. 21 the season prior, and 31 the season prior to that. Im thinking 10-15 games this season on a packed roster. Hes a wrecking ball player.
Tinordi skated in 14 games for the last season. 28 the season prior, and was in the AHL for three seasons prior to that. I think he starts in Hartford and is traded at the deadline to a team that needs “Tuffness”
The guys that are here already
Lindgren was tough to play against already. Hes got a regular spot and maybe will wear a letter.
Trouba was tough to play against already. He’s got a regular spot and maybe will wear a letter
I would love it if K’Andre developed a mean streak. He is an incredible athelete that if…”IF” he ever realizes he is one of the biggest and strongest guys on the ice he can be an absolute force.
Gauthier is big, and fast as hell but is he tough to play against? With his tools, he should be running people over and playing a relentless style. Something just isn’t there yet. Maybe Gallant, or Goodrow can help him there.
This team is going to be tough to play against!!!