Before I begin this article, I'd like to make one thing clear: I like Dave Bolland. He's a top-flight checking center, able to occasionally make a great play and Kryptonite to the Sedin brothers up in Vancouver.
That all said, the one main thing I dislike about Bolland—and this is a big one—is his cap hit. Still on a contract from now-Panthers GM Dale Tallon, Bolland will take up $3.375 million in 2012-13 and 2013-14.
That cap hit is currently the seventh-highest for the 'Hawks for 2012-13, behind the likes of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Brent Seabrook and others. Tallon seemed high on Bolland, seeing him as a future second-line center.
Sadly, that never panned out. When promoted to a second line, Bolland never seemed to be able to get the ball rolling. His chemistry with Marian Hossa on the ice was beyond atrocious, and he simply lacks the raw scoring and passing abilities needed from a No. 2 center.
This season, a similar player to Bolland in terms of skill set had a breakout: Marcus Kruger. While throwing him on the second line was likely a bit too much for him, the talent is clearly there in the 2009 fifth-round draft ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Jim Weihofen
Chicago Blackhawks: Why Marcus Kruger Can Replace Dave Bolland in 2012-13
May 8th, 2012 by Jim Weihofen Leave a reply »
Advertisement