Hoags wrote:wprager wrote:
He has not outplayed Regin. He's shown better than I expected, but so has Regin. At this point, as much as I've been impressed with DaCosta, I'd keep Zibanejad. I'd play him on the wing until injuries dictated otherwise, and see how things go after a handful of games. One thing Zibanejad has over DaCosta is size.
I'd keep Da Costa and send Zibby down to SEL. Unless you're the next Crosby, Stamkos etc. I don't think you should be in the NHL at 18 and he JUST turned 18. What's the rush ?
Given same ice time, same linemates I think Da Costa would put up more points and generate more scoring chances over Regin. Da Costa creates "How the Diddle did he pull that off ?" moves, that's the kind of sheer talent you need in the top-6. Regin is a great player though.
Agree with the 1st part, disagree with the 2nd. Da Costa has outplayed Zibanejad in this camp, for that reason only I think you send Zibanejad back to The SEL. The best players should be on the team and Da Costa has looked really, really good.
The 2nd part, you look at Skinner, Burmistrov, Kulikov, Perron, all those guys played at 18 and they have been nothing short of very good to great since that time. You can develop players at The NHL level. A guy like Filatov is an example of a player that wasn't ready and was in an organization that destroys prospects. It all depends on the player. Zibanejad IMO is NHL ready but he's being outplayed. You're right when you say there is no rush, but right now with Da Costa playing the way he has, there is no room in Ottawa for him.