Sunday, March 17, 2013
Friday, March 15, 2013
When Potential turns to a Tradeable Asset
When the Islanders drafted Kyle Okposo 7th Overall in the first round of the 2006 Draft, they believed they were getting a highly skilled power forward with a big body and even bigger Top 6 forward potential. At the midway point of the 2013 campaign, it has become more and more apparent that what they received was a third line Manny Malhotra. A serviceable forward, yet not at all what he was billed as. He has had one season of close to 25 goals (although, without a late push in the 2012 campaign he would have again been a sub 20 goal scorer, just as he had been the previous 4 seasons).
Let's face up to it, there is no such thing as a power forward who doesn't like contact. Power forwards NEED grit and a little bit of "nasty", Kyle possesses none of this. More often than not this season, Kyle has drifted around the ice, shying away from any real contact. This may in fact, be the lasting result of the Dion Phaneuf hit he took two seasons ago in the pre-season. Okposo's effort level has been better of late, but when you are a Top Six forward, you MUST bring it every night! Kyle has 2 goals and 7 assists in 27 games, not TOP SIX numbers to be certain. Since he was drafted in 2006, players such as John Tavares, Michael Grabner, Matt Moulson, Matt Martin and Franz Neilsen have continued to climb the ladder to hockey respectability, if not stardom in some cases. Not Kyle Okposo though, and it's sad to watch a big body with talent, not achieve his potential, sad for everyone involved, especially an organization vying for respectability and fighting for a playoff spot.
The NHL trade deadline will arrive soon. The name "Kyle Okposo" still has some value, and much like Brad Boyes needed a change of scenery to find his game, perhaps moving Kyle would be best for all involved. The Isles have talented forwards in the wings awaiting their opportunity. Players like Ryan Strome, Nino Neiderreiter, Brock Nelson are ready, or close to ready for their shot at the prime time. The time has come to see what needs the Isles can fill (perhaps a veteran D-man) for their run at a playoff spot, Garth Snow, I beg of you to not pass on this opportunity to make a move. Okposo's value will not get any better, whatever potential we all saw in him has now been shown to have been misplaced. It happens, and that's no sin. Not seeing it and seeing it before the rest of the league IS a sin. Let's hope Garth Snow reads this and hopefully sees it as I do, for the teams sake.
Let's face up to it, there is no such thing as a power forward who doesn't like contact. Power forwards NEED grit and a little bit of "nasty", Kyle possesses none of this. More often than not this season, Kyle has drifted around the ice, shying away from any real contact. This may in fact, be the lasting result of the Dion Phaneuf hit he took two seasons ago in the pre-season. Okposo's effort level has been better of late, but when you are a Top Six forward, you MUST bring it every night! Kyle has 2 goals and 7 assists in 27 games, not TOP SIX numbers to be certain. Since he was drafted in 2006, players such as John Tavares, Michael Grabner, Matt Moulson, Matt Martin and Franz Neilsen have continued to climb the ladder to hockey respectability, if not stardom in some cases. Not Kyle Okposo though, and it's sad to watch a big body with talent, not achieve his potential, sad for everyone involved, especially an organization vying for respectability and fighting for a playoff spot.
The NHL trade deadline will arrive soon. The name "Kyle Okposo" still has some value, and much like Brad Boyes needed a change of scenery to find his game, perhaps moving Kyle would be best for all involved. The Isles have talented forwards in the wings awaiting their opportunity. Players like Ryan Strome, Nino Neiderreiter, Brock Nelson are ready, or close to ready for their shot at the prime time. The time has come to see what needs the Isles can fill (perhaps a veteran D-man) for their run at a playoff spot, Garth Snow, I beg of you to not pass on this opportunity to make a move. Okposo's value will not get any better, whatever potential we all saw in him has now been shown to have been misplaced. It happens, and that's no sin. Not seeing it and seeing it before the rest of the league IS a sin. Let's hope Garth Snow reads this and hopefully sees it as I do, for the teams sake.
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