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Jason Strudwick |
Games
|
Goals
|
Assists
|
Points
|
+/-
|
PIM
|
|
Regular Season
|
8
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0
|
0
|
0
|
0
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2
|
|
Playoffs
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
A review for a guy with 8 games under his belt? Whats the point? Well, its pretty simple, we saw him last year for the bulk of the season on the big club, and we know he is signed for next year, so we probably should spend some time talking about him.
What do you get with Jason Strudwick? Simply put, the ultimate team guy. A guy willing to do whatever it takes to make the team better, from playing wing, to picking up paul maras dry cleaning. From walking Henrik’s dog, to playing defense, he will do whatever it takes. You love to have guys like these around your team, especially to show the young kids what it takes to make the NHL. With that said, I am not convinced Jason will be in the NHL next year, but I’ll save that for a little later.
Examining Jason’s overall game you find yourself wanting more. Hes not fast, he doesn’t jump into the play, he’s got a terrible shot, his outlet pass is well below average, but, he is a smart defender with average to above average positioning, very good aggression, and is good at finishing his checks. When you watch him play out there, you almost see a less polished version of Girardi which is kinda funny considering who is younger and who is the vet. He also plays the wing, which I’m not sure I get. Hes got poor foot speed and crummy offensive instincts. I suppose he just plays more of a defensive winger role which allows his center to jump up in the play, but since I think in the last 2 years he has only played 1 game at wing, there is no semblance of a sample size to discuss.
However this dual aspect of his game is HUGE. Much like Thomas Pock Strudwick gives the team flexibility. The Rangers, as I am sure you know by now, are in cap hell. They will be forced to carry at MOST 22 men with the big club. This means having guys like Strudwick or Pock in the owners box is extremely important, since they can fill in for either type of player should the need arise.
But, I don’t think he will be on the Rangers next year. I am sure you are saying…umm, hello, moron, he just signed a contract only a few weeks ago, of course he is going to be on the Rangers. I say, no, I dont think so. I see 1 of 3 possible situations arising here.
1)The Rangers trade a player away, like Cullen or Malik to clear up some cap space that lets them carry a full 23 men.
2)The Rangers go into the season with the lineup we have right now on paper, with Rozsival, Malik, Tyutin, Girardi, Mara, Pock and Strudwick in the press box.
3)Marc Staal forces his way on to the club right out the gate. Forcing the Rangers to waive Strudwick and send him to the minors or trade his rights.
While it is not a given that it will happen, I think Staal will make this team. He is an amazing prospect and probably could step in as a #6 right now and be a-ok out there. This means that, barring a trade, there is no room for Strudwick since it is highly doubtful the Rangers will carry 2 defenseman in Pock and Strudwick, only to walk away from Hossa, or to give up on another young player. My guess is Strudwick gets waived, and plays in Hartford. Which isn’t the worst thing in the world if you ask me. Strudwick would help out a very young core of kids, and having him, Purinton, and Kasparaitis on the Wolfpack can only help the team with some excellent leadership.
Either way, he is a heck of a guy, and you can’t help but root for him.
-Inferno