Would Yashin look good in Toronto?
Since the article about Clemmensen signing turned into a potential Peca or Yashin signing discussion, I figured I’d start a new thread to get everyone’s opinion on the possibility of Yashin as a leaf.
Alexei Yashin is one of the least liked players in the NHL because everyone thinks he is a lazy, selfish player. But he is very talented. Has great vision and monster wrist shot.
So my question is: Would you like to see Yashin come to Toronto? Here are some things to consider:
– His agent said he’s seeking around $3 million per season. Not sure about term.
– He had 28 points through the first 22 games last year before his injury that put him out for a couple month’s. When he came back, he averaged a few less minutes per game and finished the season a little under a point per game.
– Before his injury he was leading the NHL in 1st assists (he was the last player to touch the puck before the goal scorer.) So its not like, he was just cycling it around on the PP to get his points, he was actually making those plays and setting up those goals.
– According to hockey central at noon on Sportnet: 31 of Jason Blake’s 40 goals were scored on Yashin’s line. For those of you who remember, Blake was off to a terrific start, then struggled somewhat for a while, while Yashin was out. He had up in the high 20’s in goals for a long time, and it took him a while to hit the 30 goal mark. When Yashin came back so did Blake’s scoring pace and he cruised to 40 as you know.
Although the leafs roster is currently full, Yashin would replace one of our forwards and significantly upgrade the talent level. What made the Sabres such a force last year was being able to throw out a 3rd line that still had very talented guys. With Yashin in the line up, the potential would be there to have that kind of offense where you could keep throwing out guys who can hurt you on the scoresheet. And there are always injuries, so having another capable first liner never hurts.
Anyway’s line’s change frequently to try different combo’s and there are injuries so I’ll just post this, please don’t comment on who should play on which wing, its just to look at what their roster could look somewhat like with Yashin in:
Poni – Sundin – Antropov
Blake – Yashin – Wellwood
Bell – Steen – Tucker
Kilger – Stajan – Devereux + Battaglia, Pohl, Belak
With Yashin in, the leafs would have a potentially deadly 3rd line. So Yashin haters, bring it. Why would not want Yashin in the line up? Besides the fact that you don’t like him personally, why logically would you not take a chance on a talented and affordable player like Yash?