[A] Player Evaluation: Steve Montador

[Ton]

Quite honestly, Montador did well when he was in the line-up and performed as he was advertised. As far as I'm concerned he struggled last season mostly due to injury. Yeah, he only had 14 points in 52 games and his career average is around 23 points per 51 games -- but considering his injury issues along with joining a new team, it may have played a part in his struggles.



The short time we saw Montador, it's pretty clear that he has a good all-around game. Enough that he is versatile enough to play wing at times and contribute on special teams. He isn't exactly the best defensive player out there, but he plays his role well.



Considering the fact that he is a right-handed defenseman along with his versatility gives him a buy into the Blackhawks line-up. I don't see any reason why he wouldn't be in the line-up every game, barring injuries that very well may effect his season. I wouldn't be surprised to see him standing in front of the net on the power-play from time to time either, and I think he will be a regular on the penalty-killing units.



I don't think he'll see much time into the top-four, but if he can contribute in any way possible, then he should see time in the line-up consistently... whether it be on defense (most-likely) or on the wing.



Montador seems to have a good grasp on the a lot of key areas in the game. He can hit, block shots, has a hard shot from the point, and can carry the puck up the ice. All he really needs to work on is his decision making in his own zone as well as the neutral zone. His hockey sense really isn't on par with any of the elite players in the NHL, but his physical talent makes up for his lack of mental ability as far as bottom pairing talent goes.



PREDICTION: 46 GAMES | 7 GOALS | 13 ASSISTS | 20 POINTS | PLUS-2



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[jakobeast]

I wouldn't mind seeing him play at the UC again. I get a feeling that I may not see him play again. I don't know how bad his injury is/was, but I am not holding out hope.



I hope I am wrong.

 

[Variable]

 

[Ton]

I get where you're going with that Variable, but what exactly is unrealistic about Montador getting 20 points?

 

[Variable]

If Montador gets 7 goals, one short of his career high, in about half a season, where he's coming back from a possible career ending injury, and by your prediction of games played, battling other sorts of injuries throughout the season, all while not playing much in the top 2 pairings, the Blackhawks might as well be the fucking Juggernaut on ice. The only thing that doesn't add up, funnily enough, is that his +/- should probably be higher.

 

[Ton]

The Blackhawks are going to be a juggernaut because Montador gets 7 goals? Are you high?



He had 5 last year in 52 games, if he plays forward on the PP again then I think he could have a decent amount of production. I don't think he'll battle through injuries through out the season, I just think he'll have a late start due to the recovery process. Who knows, maybe he doesn't play another game again but I doubt that.



Sorry, let me edit it so he has three less goals so he fits his career average (as well as playing 52 games per year) to make you happy. Didn't know THREE goals was such a reach and turned the Blackhawks into juggernauts.

 

[Variable]

No, that picture represents a lot more than just this single thread. Already gone over it. I'm not saying it's not going to happen but if it does, if things like a third pairing d-man whose head is still re-entering Earth's atmosphere and who you have scoring more goals than every blueliner not named Seabrook last season in nearly half the amount of time, on a clip that would have him be among the highest goal scoring d-men in the league (not to mention most likely having to surpass his CAREER power play goals in that one single season),and doing that in between losing time to injuries or something, the Hawks are going to be an unstoppable force.

 

[JOVE23]

Montador's new nickname: The Juggernaut, *****

 

[supraman]

Trollin' trollin' trollin'

 

[MassHavoc]

 

[Ton]

No, that picture represents a lot more than just this single thread. Already gone over it. I'm not saying it's not going to happen but if it does, if things like a third pairing d-man whose head is still re-entering Earth's atmosphere and who you have scoring more goals than every blueliner not named Seabrook last season in nearly half the amount of time, on a clip that would have him be among the highest goal scoring d-men in the league (not to mention most likely having to surpass his CAREER power play goals in that one single season),and doing that in between losing time to injuries or something, the Hawks are going to be an unstoppable force.

I've already explained it to you... Seabrook doesn't get time in front of the net on the PP.

 

[Shantz My Pants]

I wouldn't say the fact that because Montador played forward a few times makes him versatile. Typically means he just ain't good enough to play in your 3 defensive pairings and the team doesn't want to either send him down or has no better options.