On the block: Tomas Tatar

Expectations can ruin almost anyone. If they are dramatically high, it can make for a tough time for the person trying to reach them. Tomas Tatar is one of the players that has had a hard time meeting those expectations. He is offensively gifted and it is made extremely obvious that when he is away from the team in exhibition tournaments that he can put the puck in the net.

So what’s wrong?

Should he really be placed on the block or is he a player the Wings should wait out? On a team that has such a void on offense, it doesn’t make much sense to deal one of their leaders on the team in that regard. What should they be aiming for to replace him? Is he even a real problem on this team?

When you don’t have any offense, it never really makes sense to trade away one of your best offensive players. While it isn’t a large total, it isn’t something that should be scoffed at overall. The Wings have employed so many lowly players that don’t contribute anything on the offensive side of the ice, blaming Tatar is idiotic. It just doesn’t add up.

He also isn’t given an overwhelming amount of ice time either. He should be one of the first players at 5v5 that comes out and plays. Yet according to the time on ice, he is relegated to a middle six role at times. When Tatar’s rate stats are as solid as they are, they should be utilized to the team’s advantage. Why minimize his possible impact?

Just looking at the most basic of stats, he is a 0.5 point per game player at minimum throughout his career. You know what you’re going to get with him and it should be seen as an asset, not a liability. Use him as an offensive weapon and you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised.

You could very well see him go to another team and be utilized properly then feel some envy. It has always been about potential with Tatar. People will remember his Grand Rapids Griffins’ seasons and think he can produce at that level again. He has an opportunity to and he may not get to that level ever again but the thought of it may be enough for the Wings to hold onto them.

They don’t want to trade away a dynamic offensive asset if they can.

He is also another case for the eye test over the analytics crowd. He does a lot and does nothing at almost the same time. He looks the part but only confirms your original perceptions. It’s a tough for a general manager who wants immediate results and it’s made even worse with an impatient fan base.

Tatar may end up being a perpetual disappoint even what he is performing.

You’re once again going to need to look at analytical front offices that know when to take advantage of a situation. The Leafs and Panthers are going to want to take a look. Tatar may be redundant for them but it wouldn’t be the worst move in the world for either team. The Stars and Kings could use some winger depth. They would also use Tatar in ways the Wings wouldn’t. It could be a real boon for both teams.

You also need to take into consideration that Tatar is still on a cost controlled contract still only being an RFA at the end of his deal this off-season. This could be good for the Wings if they want to ask for an arm and a leg for him. 

Two teams in the Central Division make sense in the Blackhawks and the Wild. The Wild have solid depth all-around but could use improvements if the chance presented itself. The Blackhawks are always in the market for a high end winger to play on the top line. Tatar may not fit the bill but he may be the best option for the Blackhawks as they are up against the cap. An opportunity to keep him after the season may also put him on their wishlist.

The Wings are in a damned if they do, damned if they don’t situation. If they keep him they may end up burning his peak years with the team while they go through a pseudo rebuild. If they trade him, he could end up being one hell of a player for a different team. 

Ken Holland is going to have a multitude of tough decisions to make but this may be one of the toughest.

On The Block: Thomas Vanek 

On The Block: Tomas Jurco