My Isles Christmas

Before I start, let me say Merry Christmas to all and all a good night. Santa Claus is coming to town, putting gifts and toys in your stockings. So what is he putting in the Isles stockings? 

Let's not be greedy; the Isles have two pressing needs that need to be addressed immediately.

Isles need a power forward who can take advantage of Barzal's generosity. You know, someone who can fill the net with pucks. For the sake of nostalgia, let's call him a Mike Bossy player.

The Mike Bossy Player

The power forward must meet my list of specific characteristics. The first is that he must have the ability of a one-timer. He has to have an accurate and quick release. There is a misconception that wrist shots must be hard to be effective. Most of the time, the quick release gets it done. The second ability he needs is to understand Barzal. Knowing where he is supposed to be at all times is vital for his success as a sniper with Matt. My first gift to the Isles is Vladimir Tarasenko.

 

The second gift for the Isles roster is more complicated. It is dependent on the injury status of Adam Pelech. The concussion issue is frustrating; you never know how long it will last. Every player is different, and of course, there is the degree of the injury. If Pelech is out long-term, we need someone who is durable. Let's call him the Ken Morrow player. If Pelech's injury is less severe, a player like Dave Langevin, who is not quite as good will suffice to fill the gap. 

The Ken Morrow Player

Nathan Beaulieu is a big steady dman who is nothing fancy and may not be a sexy pickup, but someone who gets the job done. Great shock blocker who can play the man. He is decent with the puck and is a decent passer. He can fill nicely for Pelech while he is out and would make a decent number five when Pelech returns. 

The Dave Langevin Player

Now just the fill in a player, the shorter-term player. A number five-six type of dman who knows his abilities. 

Luke Schenn is a nasty stay-home defenseman who can clear a room. A no-nonsense dman you don't notice. This is good because he ensures everything is running well on the defensive end—a perfect fill-in short-term solution. 

Randy