Florida Panthers: Player Size Not An Overriding Factor
By Erin Stedt
Should the Florida Panthers be more invested in size or skill? Recent trends show that skill is more advantageous than size.
For many years, there has been a popular debate about whether NHL teams should have a “heavier” roster rather than a more skillful roster.
Some believe that players who are gifted with size are more beneficial than those who are on the diminutive side. However, it seems recently that players who are smaller, faster, and more skillful have the upper hand.
Just take a look at Panthers center Jonathan Marchessault who stands at a mere 5’9″, weighing in at 174 pounds. Leading the team with 30 goals this past season, Marchessault proved to be the best off-season pickup this year in the entire NHL.
His breakout season for the Florida Panthers has shown that size doesn’t always matter. Another example of this speed and skill is all-star Vincent Trocheck. The 5’10” center led his team with a career high 54 points this past season.
Recent trends have shown that NHL players are decreasing in size. The BMI (Body Mass Index) of players has dropped significantly in the recent years. NHL teams seem to be shying away from the hefty players and leaning more towards the compact players.
Is there still a place for “enforcers” like Shawn Thornton?
Panthers “enforcer” Shawn Thornton hung up his skates this past season, or rather threw them away. Thornton believes there is a still a place for “enforcers” in the NHL, contrary to the recent shift.
"“You can say all you want about the game changing, the analytics and all that, but at the end of the day these guys want to know that somebody has their back at all times. I think there’s still a place for that in this game.” -Shawn Thornton"
Fighting has no positive impact on the outcome of a game. Statistically speaking, there is little to no correlation between fewer injuries or a surge in scoring after a fight occurs. Fighting in the NHL has also declined in the recent years. According to hockeyfights.com, during the 2015-16 regular season there was an average of 0.28 fights per game. This is far from the 2008-09 season, which had an average of 0.60 fights per game.
The Florida Panthers should stick with players like Marchessault and Trocheck. Though they may be small, they still pack a punch. During the 2016-17 season Trocheck ranked second in hits at even strength with 164. In turn, Marchessault had 105 hits at even strength. As shown by this past season, size does not equate to grit. Despite their size, Marchessault and Trocheck are not easily intimidated. This is more effective compared to Thornton’s 52 hits.
Next: Roberto Luongo And His New Role With The Florida Panthers
It is better to spend the money on skillful players, rather than a bulky enforcer. Thornton’s annual average salary (AAV) is $722,00 which is quite a bit for someone who only plays an average of 7:41 minutes per game.
The Panthers should follow recent trends and invest in productive players, regardless of their size. Overall skill will always trump size when it comes to a winning formula in the NHL.