Once again it’s that time of year here on Defending Big D where we take a look at each player that suited up for 20 or more games this season (and finished the season with the team) – and take a look back at their season. What was good about it, what wasn’t so good, and the lasting impression they left us as we go into summer.
Regular season statistics:
| GP | G | A | Pts | PIMs | +/- |
| 80 | 13 | 12 | 25 | 148 | -20 |
Key Stat: -20: The plus minus of Antoine Roussel was the worst on the team. The next closest was Trevor Daley’s -13.
The Good: Roussel put up nearly identical statistics in the scoring department this season. He had fewer assists in similar minutes, but some of that could be attributable to the struggles of Ryan Garbutt offensively this season as well as not playing consistently with Cody Eakin as his center. Even though he was shuffled around between centers as injuries occured, Roussel still had possession metrics of 50% Corsi.
Roussel was also durable for the second year in a row. He played in 80 games this season and has only missed three games in that time frame. What is so impressive to me is that all of the fights he’s taken on at the NHL level have never resulted in a bad injury, which we’ve seen happen to a lot of guys that throw knuckles at others’ helmeted heads.
The Bad: At times, Roussel can make decisions in-game that puts his team on the penalty kill at a terrible time. It tends to kill momentum. This season, though, Roussel seemed to do it less; he walked the line of playing gritty hockey without as many dumb penalties.
Bottom Line: Roussel’s game is consistent – you know what you’re getting with him. The consistent offense on the third line helps bring depth, and Roussel’s gritty play adds an element unique on the roster.
Vote now: Rate Roussel on a scale of A to F (A being the best of course) based on his performance relative to his potential and your expectations for the season.
Grade Antoine Roussel’s season.
| A | 45 |
| B | 279 |
| C | 234 |
| D | 32 |
| F | 6 |