ROMAN POLAK - Defenseman - 33 - $1.75MM Cap Hit - UFA in 2020-2021
LAST UPDATED 8/19/19
If we get past the meme that is Roman Polak, we actually find a defenseman who belongs on an NHL roster even if it's not every night. Polak is a physical player, who uses his snarl, exceptional strength and size to be an imposing, intimidating presence. Polak doesn't have the skating ability or puck skills to produce offense at all. In fact, he should stay far away from offensive situations and should not touch the puck unless it's absolutely necessary. Defensively, while Polak is still an intimidating physical force he sometimes makes the wrong defensive play in order to be able to rattle off the biggest hit. He still has value as an intimidator, but we shouldn't confuse that with him actually being a plus in his own end. Still, there are worse players to have than Polak, and in the right situation he can bring value to a team. If he's in the press box more nights than he's on the ice, and getting his time in as a physical seventh defenseman, his wealth of experience and his willingness to do what it takes for the team may have value, but expecting him to be more than a depth piece, or even an everyday defenseman, would be a mistake.
If we get past the meme that is Roman Polak, we actually find a defenseman who belongs on an NHL roster even if it's not every night. Polak is a physical player, who uses his snarl, exceptional strength and size to be an imposing, intimidating presence. Polak doesn't have the skating ability or puck skills to produce offense at all. In fact, he should stay far away from offensive situations and should not touch the puck unless it's absolutely necessary. Defensively, while Polak is still an intimidating physical force he sometimes makes the wrong defensive play in order to be able to rattle off the biggest hit. He still has value as an intimidator, but we shouldn't confuse that with him actually being a plus in his own end. Still, there are worse players to have than Polak, and in the right situation he can bring value to a team. If he's in the press box more nights than he's on the ice, and getting his time in as a physical seventh defenseman, his wealth of experience and his willingness to do what it takes for the team may have value, but expecting him to be more than a depth piece, or even an everyday defenseman, would be a mistake.
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