With
Darcy Hordichuk back in the A for the first time in 10 years and
Matt Kassian likely to be claimed out east if anywhere it is unbelievable the numbers situation we have out west.
It has not been this bad out west in the modern era and ironically the east has stabilized somewhat this year. Going back to Hordi I'm surprised I didn't see him challenge Bordeleau in his only of 4 games this year with someone to fight, maybe he did and we didn't see it but even if Bordeleau is a better player neither has any real choice out west. If Hordi didn't challenge him I can't see why, it's not like Kruger was living up to his word to play Hordchuk more, in fact he played him fewer games and fewer minutes than Remmey did, roughly half as an average and twice under 1:00 in 4 games. A 2 minute man, scratched against anyone left but Bordy who he unwisely did not try to fight to show why he was signed. Hopefully we see him again next year, but unlikely on a 1-way or out west.
Here's the west as it stands unless Kassian is picked up out west and plays a game:
Super heavyweights:
Patrick Bordeleau
Brian McGrattan (hasn't played since first two games)
Heavyweights that will fight anyone, the always-willing:
Jared Boll
Sometimes willing/Light heavies:
Brad Staubitz
Mike Rupp
Zenon Konopka
Brandon Bollig (could fit above category instead)
Paul Bissonnette (could be above category instead as well)
Sheldon Brookbank (at least when with Anaheim)
Ryan Reaves
Less willing light heavies:
Ben Eager
Tim Jackman
Zack Kassian (though a very good player, too good to fight 4th liners regularly)
Jamal Mayers
Dan Carcillo (he's out for the year anyway isn't he?)
Everyone else:
The
Eric Nystrom's, Dorsett's, Clowe's, Bieksa's, Weise's, Volpatti's, Nolan's, Clifford's, Bryan Bickelk's, etc.
There's a number you can count on one hand for several guys to fight out here this year. Boll's okay in his role because of his smaller size, respect he's gained NHL-wide, and playing ability, but guys like McGrattan and even Bollig, Bissonnette, and Bordeleau are hanging by a thread.