I believe this was a very smart free agent pick up for us.
First, we lost Zubrus in a trade but we replaced him with an equally big and perhaps more dynamic offensive force. Second, Kozlov and Alex are quite comfortable playing together. And third, Kozlov adds "optionality" to our coaches as he can play center on the first line, wing on the first line or be dropped down to any other line. It adds depth to our team. He also has a very upbeat personality. He is a more natural playmaker at center for us and has a very heavy shot and very soft hands. His comments on the tempo of practices are also very insightful. That is one of the things that we are preaching: let’s roll four lines; play offense pushing the pace of play; take advantage of young legs; keep the play in the offensive zone; and focus on puck possession. (Nylander is perhaps one of the best centers in the NHL in terms of puck possession, too.) Come on out and watch the practices and scrimmages. They are fun and will offer lots of insights into the coming season.