Earlier this year Patrick Eaves was put on waivers in order to make roster space for Daniel Cleary. But recently with all the injuries Eaves was recalled from Grand Rapids and is now playing some really good hockey for the Wings. Click the jump and learn some more about Patrick Eaves.
Eaves is a typical grinder who shows some really impressive flashes. He was effective last year in his fourth line role in the playoffs last year supplying a gritty physical presence to the team. The 4th line was a big reason the Wings were able to go up 3-1 against the Hawks last year. The bottom 6 guys were supplying offense and being dynamic while shutting down their bottom 6. Eaves has found his stroke again in the few games. His play in the Chicago game a few nights ago is the inspiration for this article. Eaves has obviously shown he has a great shot. Although I can't find a video of the it he roofs another in the shootout in a perfectly placed shot that fits right under the crossbar.
The Wings obviously like Eaves right now evidenced by their waiving of Samuelsson and keeping him on the roster. Eaves value lies beyond the stat sheet. He is a tenacious player with a high compete level. He forechecks well and is able to create plays without the puck. He has a nose for the net and can use his body well enough to capitalize when given the opportunities. He consistently kills penalties on a team with the 7th best penalty killing unit in the NHL(just .2% away from being top 5).
Eaves may very well be earning himself a roster spot on this team next year. His contract is expiring and this a guy who is good enough to play in the NHL without a doubt. His strong play right now will allow him to stay in the NHL until the Wings get healthy, but there should be a lot of turnover for the roster next year and there will be a few spots open and Winged Pride wouldn't be surprised at all if Patrick Eaves earns himself a 2 or 3 year deal and teams up with Drew Miller and Luke Glendenning for the next year or two to form one of the best 4th lines in the NHL.
The Wings obviously like Eaves right now evidenced by their waiving of Samuelsson and keeping him on the roster. Eaves value lies beyond the stat sheet. He is a tenacious player with a high compete level. He forechecks well and is able to create plays without the puck. He has a nose for the net and can use his body well enough to capitalize when given the opportunities. He consistently kills penalties on a team with the 7th best penalty killing unit in the NHL(just .2% away from being top 5).
Eaves may very well be earning himself a roster spot on this team next year. His contract is expiring and this a guy who is good enough to play in the NHL without a doubt. His strong play right now will allow him to stay in the NHL until the Wings get healthy, but there should be a lot of turnover for the roster next year and there will be a few spots open and Winged Pride wouldn't be surprised at all if Patrick Eaves earns himself a 2 or 3 year deal and teams up with Drew Miller and Luke Glendenning for the next year or two to form one of the best 4th lines in the NHL.