Chris Posted June 29, 2012 Share Posted June 29, 2012 Why? Nokeleinen wins faceoffs and is a center Darche is not. They have Moen, White, Staubitz, Geoffrion to fill Darche's role. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Machine of Loving Grace Posted June 29, 2012 Share Posted June 29, 2012 Why? Nokeleinen wins faceoffs and is a center Darche is not. They have Moen, White, Staubitz, Geoffrion to fill Darche's role. True. People are treating him however like a 13th forward. If he's the fourth line center it's a bit different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commandant Posted June 29, 2012 Share Posted June 29, 2012 True. People are treating him however like a 13th forward. If he's the fourth line center it's a bit different. A 13th forward with the versatility to play both centre and wing is more attractive IMO (all else being equal of course) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCPetit Posted June 29, 2012 Share Posted June 29, 2012 Wait so they couldn't sign Darche to a two way deal so in response they sign Nokia to a one year deal? Odd. Darche is 35 and injury prone, that's why. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nhfarber Posted June 29, 2012 Share Posted June 29, 2012 Darche is 35 and injury prone, that's why. THIS, plus the positional flexibility, plus the cheap contract plus the fact that Nokelainen is 26 explains them choosing him over Darche. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMMR Posted June 29, 2012 Share Posted June 29, 2012 Wait so they couldn't sign Darche to a two way deal so in response they sign Nokia to a one year deal? Odd. Nokia is about 10 years younger and can play centre. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlbalr Posted June 30, 2012 Author Share Posted June 30, 2012 This faceoff specialist thing is getting a little overstated. With Montreal, his faceoff percentage was 51% on the dot. That's nothing to get excited about. Personally, I think it was the Engqvist signing that precipitated this move. I think their plan was for Engqvist to be the #5 centre, someone who could start in the minors but would play 25 or 30 games when injuries/slumps arise. Rather than risk having to overpay for one in free agency, they've now made Nokelainen the #5 centre who, depending on what happens in free agency or trades, may start with the Habs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hankhab Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 This faceoff specialist thing is getting a little overstated. With Montreal, his faceoff percentage was 51% on the dot. That's nothing to get excited about. Personally, I think it was the Engqvist signing that precipitated this move. I think their plan was for Engqvist to be the #5 centre, someone who could start in the minors but would play 25 or 30 games when injuries/slumps arise. Rather than risk having to overpay for one in free agency, they've now made Nokelainen the #5 centre who, depending on what happens in free agency or trades, may start with the Habs. Agreed, it sure would be nice to have a centre who could reliably win faceoffs, it makes a huge impact when you start with the puck, especially in your own end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commandant Posted July 1, 2012 Share Posted July 1, 2012 51% is still better than most of our other guys last year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueKross Posted July 1, 2012 Share Posted July 1, 2012 This faceoff specialist thing is getting a little overstated. With Montreal, his faceoff percentage was 51% on the dot. That's nothing to get excited about. Personally, I think it was the Engqvist signing that precipitated this move. I think their plan was for Engqvist to be the #5 centre, someone who could start in the minors but would play 25 or 30 games when injuries/slumps arise. Rather than risk having to overpay for one in free agency, they've now made Nokelainen the #5 centre who, depending on what happens in free agency or trades, may start with the Habs. Exactly. I think we also agree that Engqvist would have had more upside. I just think with all MB had on his plate , he just was a little slow on the DRAW. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMMR Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 Exactly...the entire 4th line shouldn't cost more than 2 million per season combined. Play 5 minutes, don't do anything dumb, while Cole, Pacioretty and Desharnais are resting up. I think your 4th line should be able to play 10 minutes though when needed. They should be able to change momentum with a hard hitting forechecking shift, if all you have are scrubs as your 4th line the season and playoff series especially can become even more draining on your top 6-9. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Chicoutimi Cucumber Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 I think your 4th line should be able to play 10 minutes though when needed. They should be able to change momentum with a hard hitting forechecking shift, if all you have are scrubs as your 4th line the season and playoff series especially can become even more draining on your top 6-9. Bingo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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