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Post by Barilko on Jan 12, 2024 17:49:51 GMT -5
Hmm. If you demote Knies to the third line, then you have him playing with Domi and probably Robertson. That line has a lot of problems with defensive assignments, and although I have generally liked Knies' defensive play, I think making him the defensive anchor of a line like this seems a bit much this early in his career. Jenner, if acquired, would probably be a better fit on the third line. He definitely has the two-way chops for the role.
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Post by hobie on Jan 13, 2024 1:58:32 GMT -5
I'm mostly thinking Knies needs to gain experience and deserve to be on the 1st line, right now I think he's an NHL player that is being handed his assignment on the 1st line, I think the best defense is offense and Knies, Domi and Bert could possibly be another offensive weapon line rather than a strictly defensive one.
Does TO need Jenner, I think Robertson could possibly be a better option on either of the top 2 lines, he's better offensively than either Knies or Bert and his deficiencies might be less glaring when paired with better players. I'm thinking Robertson might be another Moore, a player who isn't getting a proper opportunity on TO but might blossom on another team when paired with better players. Robertson has 12 pts. in 25 games, he's managed this playing 4 to 6 minutes less minutes per game than Knies and Bert and he's not playing with TO's stars yet being as productive.
Grass is always greener but sometimes when the blinders are removed a person can come to realize that the grass is as green at home.
The western road trip was fun because TO actually beat bad teams and deserved to win, that might be the progression/maturity we needed to see to have a realistic foundation for optimism?
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Post by Gerard on Jan 13, 2024 10:34:39 GMT -5
Knies has more than done well and has shown a major increase in confidence. He knows his main job is to get the puck to 16/34 but is cert. not just out there for decoration. Considering he is often playing vs the best checking line in the game is another thing as well. Overall I think hes done fantastic. I wouldnt mind him switching lines with Bertuzzi. Considering JTs slowness all over the ice and Bertuzzi's very limited offence its really just Willie driving the entire line. Knies would give that second line more options and Bertuzzi could just play his regular game and make sure 16/34 get the puck. Lets face it they have it 90% of the time anyways.
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Post by hobie on Jan 13, 2024 15:37:05 GMT -5
Seems Keefe might feel the same way I do, he's saying it a different way but ultimately he's saying he's not satisfied with Bert's results, being very diplomatic.
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Post by Leafs_Pam on Jan 14, 2024 12:14:28 GMT -5
Bertuzzi was a waste of money the team can't afford to waste.
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