*Disclaimer*
Written a while ago- just posting now.
Let's start by saying I am not one of those “trade Spezza and get Wayne Gretzky ca. 1981-82 and 3 1st round pick” types. When he plays with only a modicum of defensive passion/awareness, he sees results. (Re: Carter in Philly) Can we put that in water, shine some light on it, and turn it hydroponic?
In a tragic irony, today it's all about you, Jason. No silly, though apropos, nicknames. Not this time. It's ironic, of course, because that's pretty much the way you play: all about you.
I get that you have been a star at every level, and I assume that every coach save Hitchcock has 'overlooked' your disinterest on the defensive side of things due to your offensive production. Maybe, like having a bitchy wife, you have heard it so many times you just don't hear it anymore.
And, in your defense, in black and white, you produce.
Your stats
I'm assuming you watched “The Great One” and “Super Mario” and have (in your mind) modeled your game after theirs. Watching you play, I know you are aware there is are 5-10 second highlight videos run every night on every sports and news channel and that you want to be on them. I'm with you so far.
But consider this:
Who are the 1st names mentioned when the phrase “NHL superstar” is uttered?
Cryin' Crosby and Ovie, likely.
Part of it has to to with marketing, but nobody would argue that they have a 'more complete' game than you. What frustrates me is that you COULD have had your name in with theirs, had your development been different than it was.
Let's start with physical dimensions. According to the 'it's close enough' NHL stats:
6'3” 215 Spezza
5'11” 200 Crosby
6'2” 220 Ovie
So you had/have the potential to be bigger and stronger (though I hear Ovie is a mutant) than either of them. But, somehow, not interested.
You already have money for life, you're in the NHL, just like you dreamed of as a kid (though not the team you'd've dreamed about, I grant you) so why not be a true star? Gaborik, Kovalchuk, and yourself are in this self-inflicted pigeon hole as being 'this type of player': very good, sometimes great, but not epic. All hockey fans know the names of the truly epic Orr, Howe, Gretzky – how many will remember you in 25 years?
I understand that it's easy for some idiot sitting on his couch to tell you what to do. But, hey, it couldn't hurt. Well, actually, it might.
That's because, as I see it, your 2 biggest hurdles are:
You are Corvo-ian in your fear of being hit (THIS is at the true heart of the whole 'blind pass' schmozzle – the blind passes are, oftentimes, simply the mis-characterized result of you RUSHING THE PASS because you don't want to get hit
More mind bogglingly, you are afraid /unwilling / unable to finish a check
That's it. 2 things. You fix those, you're a hall of famer. But you better do it quick: you're window is, as it is for all of us, perpetually closing.
To the coaching staff
At this point, the impetus is on you.
If you agree with my 2 points above, you sure haven't done anything about it. No-one has. You have him locked up for the foreseeable future, so round out his development by force if necessary. Previous coaches/management were unwilling to, perhaps because they didn't want to sour contract negotiations or detract from what Spezz DOES bring to the table.
Step 1: Video Evidence
Take the Ranger game (or broaden it, sadly 1 game can stand for all) and show him what he does on the back-check and ensuing defensive zone play.
Contrast his penchants for the following with Alfie or Ovie does.
Floating around and occasionally (very half heartedly) getting his stick in a passing lane – mostly just waiting for everyone else to do the work.
Unwillingness to "Get" or "Keep" a puck if there is any chance he will encounter resistance.
3. When Sens lose control in the offensive zone, he'll always do the half assed poke-check instead of taking the 2 extra strides and hitting the guy (whether the opponent passes or not is “moo” )
He always has a chance to take this hit/finish his check and never, ever, takes it. One would think someone so averse to BEING hit would understand the value of being physical on the defensive end of things.
Step 2: Truth, and the Consequences
So you've shown him what turns our collective stomaches and how it is a bit of a cancer as far as setting an examples goes. As I said – Alfie does it, so why are you too good for it?
Words haven't cut it, it's time for action.
Every time he (or anyone) rushes a pass because a hit is coming (leading to a giveaway), or doesn't finish a hit, that player must stand about a foot away from boards in the corner and let Fish or Volch run at them from the blue line 5 times during the next practice. They will eventually choose the lesser of two evils or quit.
Insurance company cringing? Oh well. But we might injure them? Well, certain guys need to learn, and words haven't cut it - it's time to think outside the proverbial box.
Not strong enough to hit? Coerce him into spending an extra 45 minutes/day in the weight room. Make him hit football tackling sleds every day. Something.
I like that he's creative, I just hate that he's so lazy.
It might be an addiction to an illegal substance. It might be the pay-day leading to coasting. Might be RL relationship stuff. Whatever it is, he isn't interested putting in the work needed to fulfill his immense potential.
And without that, I am not sure anything will work.
