Eternal Leaf
Registered User
Fair analysis.
My worries are
1) on the top line does his shoot first mentality throw off the balance of that line? A shooter will look to get into position for the shot whereas a pure forechecker like Hyman disrupts the defensive setup and allows the shooter to find spots easier.
2) as you said his spurts of improv. Whereas mariners improv is withing the line chemistry, Hall as as a shooter might create disharmony in that line.
Seeing Galy on that line last night though makes me think it could work, but then I also think adding Hall to the 3rd line would seriously tilt favor of matchups in out favor and allow him to regain some confidence playing against lesser compitition
Your worries are spot on.
I have a feeling Dubas just wants to give Keefe a weapon up front that can be used on any line he deems fit. The concerns of Hall not adapting are legitimate and that's where the remaining regular-season games become important. They will have to test different ideas to make sure he gels properly.
I can see the logic for all three lines assuming Hall goes back to his regular form. That's a big assumption of course
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1. On the first line, it gives Marner two targets as a playmaker allowing Matthews more space as defenders back off a bit to cover Hall.
2. On the second line, Hall and Nylander's skating allows Tavares more open space while acting as a playmaker.
3. On the third line, as you said, the goal is to overwhelm the other team's weakest defenders with a player of Hall's caliber (once again assuming he goes back to his original form).
It's a risk and the onus wouldn't only be on Keefe to fit Hall in. He also has to come with an open mindset to adapt rather than winging it.
This is why the price has to be fair for it to make sense because it's not the same as getting a Forsberg who is proven in the playoffs and can fit in easily.