Aceboogie
Registered User
- Aug 25, 2012
- 32,649
- 3,896
If that's his ask, we're probably settling somewhere under $4m, which is what I'd be more than comfortable with. Russell has a knack for preventing quality scoring chances. Though his flaws pertaining to weak breakouts and giving up the blueline are valid, his ability to force shots from the outside is why I value him so much. He's basically what we all wanted Andrew Ference to be. The guy is just a calming presence.
Del Zotto isn't defensive in any matter of the word. Kulikov I won't comment on, but Buffalo not re-signing him isn't a good sign and Franson, as I've stated before, should be in Edmonton with Russell.
I wouldnt say this. If by "knack" you mean around team average then yes. Its no special ability. Scoring chances for he ranks dead last as well as chances against. At best in different categories, hes is middle of the pack on the Oilers, at worst he last. Offensive wise ranks dead last again relative to rest of D core in nearly every category. So any benefits we get from him being below average defensively is washed away by no offensive ability
As far as MDZ, he actually ranks better than Russell is nearly every category, defensive and offensive. He is a +50% possession player across the board