He's basically becoming a Trevor Lewis based on how they describe him. Fast and a great PKer with hands of stone.
I think there's a bit of hyperbole there with his perceived hands of stone by Oilers fans. They are typically a fanbase that likes to overreact in the short term. Hemsky is made of glass, Hall and Eberle are the greatest thing since sliced bread, Dubnyk was demonized and has now gone to a "proven #1 net minder."
Gagne has been shooting a lot more lately and his skating is still there-the problem is he avoids the dirty parts of the ice like the plague. If you could score with your back against the boards his numbers would be much better but it's tough to blame a guy for not cruising the slots with your head down based on his past. I thought Penner played his best game of the season last night. He protected the puck with his body, it didn't take him 3 seconds to begin skating again after the puck changed directions. Much like Gagne I think the tools are there, it's the mental part of the game that comes and goes.
Bolded is the issue with Gagne and why he is a former shell of himself. After numerous injuries, especially concussions, he just doesn't want to take the beating anymore and is hesitant to get his nose dirty. And really, who can blame him after he supposedly had 3 concussions in a 5 month span a one time in Philly.
He still has a very good shot, but if he's not willing to take the hits, he's naturally not going to be skating around like he used to. Slowing down to avoid contact, not throwing his body into the corner, not cutting to the middle of the ice or slicing through the slot for a one timer.
I have never been a Penner fan. A tiger doesn't change his stripes. Once a dog, always a dog. Has some talent, and is physically everything you want in a goal scoring power forward but just always leaves you disappointed. Often out of shape, lazy, doesn't show up consistently, lacks mental toughness. I still cannot believe Deano re-signed him to a one year deal rather than going after a guy like Semin on a one year deal given the cap space we had this season.
I've always been a big supporter of Paajarvi and no, his hands aren't made of stone.
That said, if you are seeking a goalscorer, that won't be his forte. His upside is that of a 25 goal guy, but he likely more an ideal third line checker with two way ability. This of Jere Lehtinen, just not quite as good of numbers. Still, man I'd love to have him on this team. Him and Cogliano.
We need a Loui Eriksson for the top two lines though, someone that can bury a chance.
I've always loved Paajarvi and was a big fan of Cogliano as well. I've like Gagner for a while as well.
Unless a guy comes in and lights it up like Hall, RNH, Eberle, Oilers fans seem to classify the guy as a bust/disappointment.
Loui Eriksson would be an excellent fit on this team.
As for Paajarvi, I can't help but think of Markus Naslund. First round pick, slow-developing Swede who took a few years to find his footing in the NHL and eventually became an impact player and 30-40 goal scorer.
I look at Paajarvi play and I see a tremendous amount of potential. Excellent skater, good playmaker, good two way upside, and still only 21 years old. I still think the kid has 30 goal potential, although I would say he is more of a playmaker than a finisher. I think his floor is a tremendous skating two way forward who scores 20 goals a year.
However, I think the Kings could definitely use some speed on the wing and with Paajarvi seemingly blocked in Edmonton from being a full time player for the forseeable future, I would definitely kick the tires on him. I think he'd add some jump to LA's offense and would slide in nicely where Penner/Gagne are supposed to be. I love what Carter's speed has brought to this offense, and would love to see Paajarvi on a guy like Kopi's or Richards' wing.
