I think having naturals C’s who can play W offers a ton of flexibility and is really valuable. They had a need for a top 6 wing and or a 3C and they made a smart move and got a guy who can do both. With RNH, Henrique and McLeod all able to play W or C in the top 9 it gives you so many options to move guys around, try things out and find some chemistry. If a guy like Mcleod is struggling down the middle you can move him off to the wing and have Henrique or even RNH take some shifts at 3C. The other thing I like about the Henrique acquisition is he’s a veteran pro who’s barely been in the playoffs, this may be one of his only chances at a cup and I think that’s the type of guy who can really lock in and elevate, especially in a secondary/complimentary role.
Carrick has given us an every day right shot 4C option. He plays hard, hits, fights, can win a draw and can pk.
I agree completely.
The only thing I was a little lukewarm about regarding Henrique was that I thought that the team needed a shooter.
I liked everything else about Henrique. I even suggested (to some ridicule) back when he was acquired that Henrique could be a temporarily solution in the top 6.
Well obviously Henrique hasnt disappointed at all and I am even going to have to walk back my comments about the team needing more of a pure shooter. The man can shoot the puck as well.
What I didnt realize was how good he is in front of the net. He has a strong sense of how to occupy defenders in a way that provides Connor and Hymen with more room to spin their magic.
Its a thing of beauty to watch. Its one thing for a player to just stand in front but its another thing altogether to maximize your presence in front of the net. Henrique does that really well.
With Carrick I thought that he was a good pickup right from the get go. I liked that he was a RH centre and that he could PK. He is also tough and can drop the gloves.
Great fit on the 4th line...something the team needed.