Today is the second part of our protected players analysis, which covers the next 5 Privateers players.
Alex Goupil
Stats: 26 y/o C; 44 GP, 42 G, 35 A, 77 Pts, +23
Thoughts: One of the league's true elite snipers, he'll always hold a place in Danbury fans' hearts for his time spent with the Trashers. A responsible player in all zones, Goupil posted inhuman point production this season, carrying it well into the playoffs with 7 points in 4 playoff games. He's not getting any younger, and the Privateers themselves announced last season would be his last.
Verdict: Questionable at best. If he returns, I've no doubt he'll be on top of his game, but numerous sources reported that he had played his last professional game this past season. Citing the desire to settle down with his wife and the fact that he wasn't getting any younger, Goupil wanted to move back to Kansas this year. If he's on the protected list, it may be a precautionary move in case he decides to keep playing, but no official word yet.
Adam McAllister
Stats: 23 y/o Left Wing; 42 GP, 17 G, 16 A, 33 Pts, +1
Thoughts: McAllister is a very unusual case in that he seems to be able to combine above average point production with above average penalty box time. He plays a gritty game that may be considered antagonistic by some, but if that's his secret to putting up points, it's definitely working.
Verdict: This is the grinding, hard working kind of player you build a team around.
Nick LaPorte
Stats: 21 y/o Defenseman; 24 GP, 1 G, 5 A, 6 Pts, +8
Thoughts: Originally touted as a playmaking defenseman, he was certainly overshadowed in that regard by Byrd and McAllister. At 6'5 and 200+ pounds, he's a big kid. It may benefit the Privateers for him to switch focus from being up ice to protecting the blue line. With that height, he's got plenty of reach to shut down the other team's top scorers and allow the Privateers to move right back up ice. Plenty of booming hits this season give me the impression he's capable, if he wants to.
Verdict: Stays, but needs to focus more on his physical role than trying to score. Either way, still young and plenty of time to develop. Don't expect him to go anywhere without his twin brother.
Mike Byrd
Stats: 22 y/o Defenseman; 43 GP, 11 G, 34 A, 45 Pts, +31
Thoughts: Fits in very well with the Privateers all-out offense mentality. Though it remains to be seen if that approach remains come this Fall, Byrd throws up crazy point production for a defenseman. When you have a defenseman so beautifully capable of moving up and into the play, defense becomes almost unnecessary. A defensive playmaker like Byrd is a hot commodity, but again, the Privateers are in dire need of some true blue line powerhouses as well.
Verdict: Assuming he doesn't get called up again (6 games with Huntsville Havoc, SPHL), he's not going anywhere. Somebody has to feed the snipers pucks, and he's darn good at it.
James Kirkwood
Stats: 24 y/o Right Wing; 7 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 Pt, -2
Thoughts: Contributes on the offense without being a defensive liability. Slightly on the small side. Completely shut down during the playoffs. May have to go if the opportunity to acquire a big stay at home Dman arises. Necessity diminished by more productive offensive Dmen already on the team. Eventually somebody has to go, and amongst the defensive corps, he's certainly on the lower end.
Verdict: Stays to fill the up-ice D role. Potential trade bait to a team looking for a fast defenseman.
Friday you'll see the rest of the Privateers and the beginning of the Warriors.
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