Colin Greening
Dec 3, 2013; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Sean Bergenheim (20) is checked into the boards by Ottawa Senators left wing Colin Greening (14) in the third period at BB
Expectation: After signing a contract extension that will kick in next season for almost $3M per year, Greening was expected to compete for a top 6 forward spot, providing size and grit to one of the top 2 lines in a worst case scenario, or to provide a little offense to the bottom half of the lineup.
In The First Half: Greening struggled to find his place in the lineup. Almost by default he was placed in a top 6 role, but didn’t provide the offense that was needed as part of those units. He started the season with a 24 game scoreless drought and had just 3 goals at the midway point. He then became a mainstay on a pretty good third line with Smith and Chris Neil, providing a physical presence and hard checking line that is tough to play against.
GRADE: C
Potential for Improvement: The contract he signed will be tough to live up to in that role, but the crash and bang third line role is perfect for him. If he can continue to go up and down his wing, deliver hits and the odd goal here and there, the Senators should be happy.