I'm not talking about killing it offensively, I'm talking about taking over as the 4th or possibly 3rd center.
Have you seen Sheahan play much? You mentioned in your post twice that Andersson is "strong defensively". That happens to be Sheahan's biggest strength as well. Everything that Andersson is good at, Sheahan is good at. But the difference being, Sheahan doesn't share Andersson's inability to skate.
I'd like to see Sheahan get Andersson's role to compare the two. I think once he got adjusted, Sheahan would be an upgrade in not too long at all.
But Andersson is a lot like Emmerton to me. Forgettable and replaceable. I don't know if Sheahan will even be any better than these guys, but I'd like to see.
Have to disagree here, much like Frk It was stating the only true advantage is in the face-off department. Andersson's skating issues are a much bigger deal at this level. Now assuming they don't mess with his line all is not lost, but he is going to need two burners on his line at all times until he either gains a half step or even a full step. Sheahan is just as responsible defensively, has better offensive tools and keeps up to the pace of play more often. Sheahan's skating has actually got even better this year and it wasn't a weakness to begin with.
Andersson is a very smart hockey player, he has learned to play with his problems, but he will more than likely always need some protection and the right linemates. As long as we plan for that we are fine, but that miserable stretch with Cleary and Bert was a preview of what happens when he doesn't have the speed flanking him. Without he can get pinned in his zone and all the position savvy in the world doesn't really help him, he cannot really help break zone pressure. Sheahan has the speed and board play advantage over him to stem the tide when his unit gets pinned.
I have watched Riley Sheahan. I watch a bit of Grand Rapids games, and paid close attention to him in pre-season as well. He's yet to show that he can come up to the Red Wings and take over a #3C spot. He hasn't.
I've said this before too, but why mess something up? Joakim Andersson has been performing well on line 3. Line 4 is a different story, I'll agree with both of you guys there. Okay, Dan Cleary and Todd Bertuzzi did not work out. Are you shocked? Both are poor skaters. Henrik Zetterberg likely struggles with them too.
Joakim Andersson has a great stick defensively, and is pretty strong at cuttling off angles and backchecking. He's been producing. He knows where to go, and how to work with skilled players. But to say Riley Sheahan is better offensively is shocking to me. Andersson is smarter in that area. Right now, he's a better fit at this level.
Andersson's numbers are improving from last season. He's getting the second most PK time on the 2nd best PK in the NHL. He's meshing in well with Tomas Tatar. He's a career bottom six centre. Is Riley Sheahan's potential really that much higher than that? He's shown some flashes offensively, but he's never been anything amazing. Andersson's numbers in the AHL were much better. Could age factor in there? For sure. But that's reality.
Truth is, we're a different team now. Look at the top nine wingers. You have Daniel Alfredsson, Tomas Tatar, Gustav Nyquist, Johan Franzen, Justin Abdelkader and insert player here (Drew Miller right now, Todd Bertuzzi). When Bert is up, he's with Datsyuk. Up there, the only defensive liability is Tomas Tatar, and Andersson has done just fine playing with him. Those guys are all fast, so us worrying about that is pointless. Dan Cleary has settled into the fourth line role, and that's where he will liekly stay if things go right. Andersson's IQ is very key in playing with Tatar, Alfredsson, Nyquist, etc. Also, the best third line play is when Tatar has the puck. He's the creater. Andersson does a great job drawing defenders, finding him, and going to the net.
I like Riley Sheahan, but I can't see him performing well on line 3 this season. I wouldn't be against line 4 time, which is where Andersson will likely return if Stephen Weiss can get it done. He'll likely have Drew Miller on his wing there too for good.