After years of line-jumping and niche-seeking, Jiri Tlusty will face his decision day with the Carolina Hurricanes this summer.
Tlusty's contract will expire in July; he's set to be a restricted free agent (RFA).
Eight seasons and 344 games into his NHL career, Tlusty's ideal role has never been conclusively established. His playing time and productivity have varied wildly since his arrival in Carolina in 2010, and not always in correlation.
Yet Tlusty, 26, has the ability to be an upper-tier forward.
He ranked sixth in the league in scoring in the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season, racking up 23 goals in 48 games thanks to a stunning (and fluky) 19.7 shooting percentage.
A plethora of injuries prevented such rhythm to be regained for much of 2013-14, but the spring brought renewed production to No. 19's stick. Tlusty finished with 12 goals and 22 points over his last 33 appearances, including six goals and 11 points over his last 12 appearances.
The innate opportunism that has always been Tlusty's most exceptional trait also serves as his greatest hindrance ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Mark Jones
Carolina Hurricanes Must Make Decision on Jiri Tlusty in 2014 NHL Offseason
May 23rd, 2014 by Mark Jones Leave a reply »
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