Marchenko vs. Smith

[LeftWinger 4,959]

Neither are really good, Marchenko makes far less, cap space is at a premium, Marchenko still has upside therefore trade Smith.

Kronwall was apparently hurting all year, which would explain the drop in his play. Once he gets his legs back under him I expect a turn around.

Oops.....

[WingsallTheway 383]

Marchenko has gotten significantly worse lately. Surprising because a week ago I was saying how I've never really seen him make too many mistakes.

Gotta say, about twice a game now I wonder what the hell hes doing. Guess hes getting exposed.

He does have a great cross ice saucer pass though. Noticed that in his first game and he still uses it pretty well.

[kickazz 5,459]

Marchenko has gotten significantly worse lately. Surprising because a week ago I was saying how I've never really seen him make too many mistakes.

Gotta say, about twice a game now I wonder what the hell hes doing. Guess hes getting exposed.

He does have a great cross ice saucer pass though. Noticed that in his first game and he still uses it pretty well.

First time he's played so many games in a season in the NHL. Mrazek is also making more mistakes than previously. The grind is probably getting to Marchenko and maybe partially to Mrazek.

These guys are rookies. The way I look at it the upside has got to be really good if they already make so many less mistakes (overall in the course of the season). Unlike Smith/Kindl who took FOREVER to get better and less error prone. This may be the first season where I haven't wanted to throw my drink at my TV when Smith makes a mistake. I'm at the point where he's played well enough to where I don't mind when he screws up.

Edited March 18, 2016 by kickazz

[LeftWinger 4,959]

Difference is, Smith has peaked, Marchenko has that "potential" tag still. To me, deciding which one to keep all depends on what happens on July 1st and/or which one would bring you more in return. One thing for sure is, Smith won't hanfg the KHL over your head if he doesn't get to play. Remember last summer when he said that if he goes back to GR he may as well go to the KHL. Other than being right handed, I don't see a reason right now that he could've had any advantage in that negotiation, he is not that good. BUT, Smith has peaked, makes tons of bonehead errors. From a business standpoint, I'd stay with Smith, because since he has peaked, he really won't be holding out for more money on his next contract. You will always have the threat of Marchenko bolting to the KHL if he doesn't get what he wants. Having that over your head ties your hands a bit. That being said, I'd keep both of them over Erection, but nobody is going to take his contract from us and both Smith AND Marchenko would be easier to move, with a higher return value. Not much higher, but a bit.

It all depends on the draft and July 1st. If they sign a top guy and feel confindent enough in XO, then one of Smith/Marchy becomes expendable. Also Sproul and Jensen need to be dealt with, I know they aren't top 4 guys, but I am really tired of losing players for nothing. We were able to get a 6th for Kindl, it'd be nice, if Sproul/Jensen are not in the plans to get a couple of picks for them, or maybe something in a package. KFQ can go and I hope and pray Holland doesn't re-sign him using the whole "he knows the system" garbage, because the system sucks and along with personel, system changes are needed as well. May as well start fresh with a new system and new components.

But, in regard to to original question, if I have to choose between Smith and Marchy, I guess I am picking Marchy because of his age, and potential. Smith had that once and has disappointed us, Marchy could do the same, but I'd take the gamble.....again.

[chaps80 1,591]

I'd take either over Ericsson.

[DRW Dominance 255]

I'd take either over Ericsson.

agreed....ericsson really is a mess with the puck

i love smith's skating ability

[Jesusberg 1,256]

Marchenko's had a real rough go as of late, and the underlying numbers support that. I was actually thinking that Quincey's looked rough lately as well, and the numbers also support that. Either way, Smith drives possession - I'd keep him in. Go numbers.

[Echolalia 2,961]

Difference is, Smith has peaked, Marchenko has that "potential" tag still. To me, deciding which one to keep all depends on what happens on July 1st and/or which one would bring you more in return. One thing for sure is, Smith won't hanfg the KHL over your head if he doesn't get to play. Remember last summer when he said that if he goes back to GR he may as well go to the KHL. Other than being right handed, I don't see a reason right now that he could've had any advantage in that negotiation, he is not that good. BUT, Smith has peaked, makes tons of bonehead errors. From a business standpoint, I'd stay with Smith, because since he has peaked, he really won't be holding out for more money on his next contract. You will always have the threat of Marchenko bolting to the KHL if he doesn't get what he wants. Having that over your head ties your hands a bit. That being said, I'd keep both of them over Erection, but nobody is going to take his contract from us and both Smith AND Marchenko would be easier to move, with a higher return value. Not much higher, but a bit.

It all depends on the draft and July 1st. If they sign a top guy and feel confindent enough in XO, then one of Smith/Marchy becomes expendable. Also Sproul and Jensen need to be dealt with, I know they aren't top 4 guys, but I am really tired of losing players for nothing. We were able to get a 6th for Kindl, it'd be nice, if Sproul/Jensen are not in the plans to get a couple of picks for them, or maybe something in a package. KFQ can go and I hope and pray Holland doesn't re-sign him using the whole "he knows the system" garbage, because the system sucks and along with personel, system changes are needed as well. May as well start fresh with a new system and new components.

But, in regard to to original question, if I have to choose between Smith and Marchy, I guess I am picking Marchy because of his age, and potential. Smith had that once and has disappointed us, Marchy could do the same, but I'd take the gamble.....again.

I personally don't think the potential for Marchenko is there. I think right now Smith is a better player than Marchenko will ever be. But who knows for sure.

[joesuffP 1,746]

Is Saarijarvi able to come up to the Griffins and play in the playoffs?

[LeftWinger 4,959]

I personally don't think the potential for Marchenko is there. I think right now Smith is a better player than Marchenko will ever be. But who knows for sure.

Which one would be more coveted by another team is the million dollar question. Smith's experience or Marchenko's potential?

[krsmith17 7,191]

joesuff, yes Saarijarvi is eligible to play with the Griffins, and I've been expecting to hear him joining the team since Flint finished up this past weekend. However, I'm not sure if he would push anyone currently playing out of a spot. We've been playing with the ideal lefty-righty combination all season, with Russo, Sproul and Jensen occupying the right side, I don't see Saarijarvi taking any of them out of the lineup. So unless there's an injury or call-up to Detroit, I see Vili as either a 7th/8th defenseman in Grand Rapids or playing top minutes down in Toledo...

[krsmith17 7,191]

LeftWinger, you don't just trade off whichever player would garner the better return, you keep whichever player is more important to this team, and in my opinion it's Smith, and not even close. This team has been trying to get back to the speed and puck possession team it once was, and Smith brings exactly that. Marchenko is the complete opposite of that... I've never been all that high on Marchenko, and I've always said his ceiling is a third pairing, shut down guy. I see him as another Ericsson type player, that fans get so frustrated with, big body that rarely uses it, mediocre at everything, not outstanding at anything. I hope I'm wrong, but I've just never seen the potential in Alexey that others seem to see...