THE TEAM 990 SHOW HOST BLOGS

Bob,

I will make this short and sweet. It's something I have been screaming for over the last several weeks.

It's quite evident that Max Pacioretty is not ready for prime time just yet. So, send the youngster down to Hamilton to get accustomed to playing physical and sign someone - Brendan Shanahan!

Here is what he would bring.

-Added toughness, size and grit to the second line

-Leadership in the lockerroom and the knowledge of how to win

-A righthanded shot on and a big body in front on the power play

-Someone who is not afraid to go to the net or battle along the boards

-A guy who won't tolerate loafing or lack of effort on the second line, from anyone! 

He is not playing because he does not want to be a grinder on the fourth line. You bring him in right now and he would instantly give Plekanec a finisher. Also, don't worry about his lack of speed. You play him with Plekanec and Kostitsyn and there would be plenty of speed on that line to cover him.

Do it, Bob, PLEASE! He's a cheap way to upgrade your hockey club in a number of key areas.