Final Grades: David Koci
by David Driscoll-Carignan on May 31, 2011 7:02 AM MDT
in Final Grades 2011
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PrintThis report card is a joint effort by Beachie, Sandie, Paul, SlamDunktheFunk and DDC. Stats courtesy of hockey-reference.com and NHL.com
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Final Grade |
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Final Grade: D+
Midseason Grade: INC
Last Year: F
Position: RW (27gp), LW (4gp), D (4gp)
Vitals: 6'6" / 238 / 30 / Shoots L
Drafted by Pittsburgh in the 5th Round (146th) in the 2000 Entry Draft
Joined Avalanche: July 1, 2009 as a free agent, signing a one-year contract.
MHH Nicknames:
Linemates:
LW:
- McLeod 15gp 0g 0a 0pt -3
- Winnik 4gp 0g 0a 0pt -2
- Porter 3gp 1g 0a 1pt +1
- Dupuis 1gp 0g 0a 0pt -1
- McClement 1gp 0g 0a 0pt Even
- O'Reilly 1gp 0g 0a 0pt Even
- Yip 1gp 0g 0a 0pt Even
C:
- Dupuis 21gp 1g 0a 1pt -2
- O'Reilly 5gp 0g 0a 0pt -3
- Galiardi 3gp 0g 0a 0pt Even
- McClement 1gp 0g 0a 0pt Even
- Olver 1gp 0g 0a 0pt -1
RW:
- Yip 3gp 0g 0a 0pt -1
- Van der Gulik 1gp 0g 0a 0pt Even
D:
- Holos 4gp 0g 0a 0pt Even
Avs with Koci in the lineup: 10-19-5 (.367 pt %) 2.59 GF 3.91 GA (no Scott Parker-like numbers here)
Ice Time:
- TTOI 4:05 (20th)
- EV 4:05 (20th)
- PK 0:00 (20th)
- PP 0:00 (20th)
Career Highlights: Scored his third career goal on Jan. 8, 2011, vs. the New York Islanders. Was second on the team in penalty minutes (80) and fighting majors (8).
Report: David Koci is the resident book-lover and self-help guru as well as the enforcer on the Avalanche. Scott Parker he is not, according to hockeyfights.com out of the eight fights he had this season, he won one (against Boll) and lost four (the rest were draws). Playing the majority of his season on the right wing he was often in the penalty box seemingly longer than he was on the ice during any given game. He played 35 games, had 80 penalty minutes and averaged around 4 minutes of ice time per game. It should be noted that when he was switched from a forward position to his natural defensman position his ice time increased. Although how much ice time he got is based on Koci's play and how much is based on Sacco's use of the bench is unknown. As a defenseman this hulking guy played a good, solid defense-minded game when he was given the opportunity to do so. If he is back on the Avalanche next year, here's hoping that he can stay in that position, because it works so much better for him that being a forward. Plus having a guy on the bench who can play both as a forward and as a defenseman has to be a bonus. Hopefully we can see Koci blossom out of the shy forward who is expected to fight and into a tough SOB defenseman. What? We can dream, right?
Fun Fact: Koci's lone career assist came on a goal by Mark Recchi
The David Koci Drinking Game: Drink every time Koci makes a good play as a defenseman. Drunk potential: Surprisingly pretty damn high.
What We Said Last Year: As far as I can see, David Koci adds nothing to this team. Hendricks, McLeod, Durno and Stewart can all fight and actually add some offense. Koci's lone goal came off a Brett Clark shot that hit him in the leg. He doesn't add much physicality either, averaging less than one hit per game. He should be gone this summer. [Ed's Note: Well, we nailed that one. Koci has so far outlasted 3 of the 4 guys on the list]
2010 Cap Hit: $575,000
2011 Status: UFA
Outlook for Next Season: We didn't expect Koci back last year, which is proof positive that you should never, ever look to us for predictions. Clearly, someone in the Avalanche front office felt that Koci is an asset we needed last year and he surprised us late in the year, pitching in admirably on the blueline (heck, he was a better defenseman than a forward). Of course, now that we're all hearts and butterflies about his versatility, he's sure to be let go. We think.
Next Up: Ryan Stoa
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Look at Koci climbing up the grade ladder. Damn. You go, man.
I really am okay with him being the designated nacho guy, letting guys on the cusp of breaking in get ice time in Erie. Unless he really tears it up on defense, any more than one or two games played next year means the Avs are in deep trouble. Again.
My biggest problem with enforcers are the waste of a roster spot. I don’t really have a problem with Koci, he does what hes paid to do which is the ability to let big men punch him in the face.
But do hockey people really believe that the Avs needed Koci on their roster when they were going through the injury bug from hell last season. Wouldn’t it have been better to throw a guy like Liffiton or Mauldin in the press box, and then have a player ready to go instead of Koci if there’s a late injury and they can’t get someone from Cleveland in time?
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on May 31, 2011 8:01 AM MDT reply actions
My biggest problem with enforcers are the waste of a roster spot. I don’t really have a problem with Koci, he does what hes paid to do which is the ability to let big men punch him in the face.
My biggest problem is that he’s not really good at that. Sign an AHL scrub or Bordealeau to get up there and fight and be a deterant, no one has said, “Let’s keep it clean, Koci’s on ice tonight.”
Available for a 3rd round pick.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on May 31, 2011 10:26 AM MDT up reply actions
Not so much the roster spot overall, but the waste of a roster spot in game. He gives you a solid 2 and a half minutes a game, then other people have to step up and fill that spot. It’s like being a man down right off the bat
Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
I think the purely “enforcer” thing is silly. Koci was like a fifth wheel this entire season. Sure, he was OK at defense, but I hope we never have to use him there again. He’s as “good” as a AHL call-up would be. For him to take up a roster spot and only play maybe 4 minutes a game is ridiculous. And he’s not even that good a fighter!
However, I don’t think having an “enforcer” on the team is a terrible idea, especially if he can play hockey. Chris Stewart is a good example – he was a top winger and could beat the crap out of people. We also had Chris Simon in ‘96. He had 13 fights AND 37 points while playing on Foppa and Super Joe’s wing.
I do think there is something to be said for having at least one tough guy that will stand up for his teammates like Koci was expected to this year. But having that as his only role is a waste of space and money.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.
I agree, how many injuries were caused by guys playing more minutes to make up for his waste of a roster spot? THe long term effects of having a guy play 2 shifts the whole game have to be there. Also, he’s just not good at his job when compared to other ‘enforcers’.
Available for a 3rd round pick.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on May 31, 2011 5:27 PM MDT up reply actions
how many injuries were caused by guys playing more minutes to make up for his waste of a roster spot?
Probably none. If you have concrete evidence of any, I’d be interested in hearing it. Otherwise, it’s just anecdotal and inflammatory. I get it. Some people hate David Koci. But this is taking it a bit far.
I’m positive he didn’t cause Mueller and Flash’s injuries. He didn’t cause Chris Stewart’s injury. I’m positive he didn’t cause Quincey and Cumiskey’s injuries, or any other d-man’s, for that matter. Koci wasn’t in the lineup on February 9th game when TJ Galiardi got knocked out for the season. What else you got?
Mr. Fuji, the devious ways that you put in my mind will come to use.
by Dan Winkler on May 31, 2011 5:47 PM MDT up reply actions
ok, he’s just not very good at his job. He can’t win fights and he’s not intimidating.
Available for a 3rd round pick.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on May 31, 2011 6:48 PM MDT up reply actions
I know there’s a ton of love for him with his play at the end of the injury-ravaged season, but let’s be honest. If he was even a passable defenseman in the NHL, he’d be playing defense somewhere (the A, Europe, KHL, etc.). He was a desperate injury plug because the Monsters were in a playoff race and the Avs weren’t. Had the roles been reversed, somebody like Liffiton would have been in Denver and Koci would have been in the pressbox.
For what he is (punching bag), he’s a passable ‘enforcer’, but I tend to think like Jibbles in that his role isn’t necessary and his performance in said role leaves a little to be desired if protecting other players is the ultimate goal.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
Liffiton was injured, and we already had Belle up here. I am glad the organization prioritized getting LEM into the playoffs.
Draft Larsson + Sign Bryzgalov = Kick ass.
by niwotsblessing on May 31, 2011 12:09 PM MDT up reply actions
I think it was a refreshing surprise to see him play so well at defense. That said, he’s not good enough to be on the blueline of a playoff team, much less a cup-contending one. And as a forward, well, we know how that turned out.
Patrick Bordeleau would be a better option for that “enforcer” role as he actually lays out big hits, can win a fight, and can contribute offensively. If you have to have one of those kinds of guys (and I agree with Jibs here – are they really necessary anymore?) then at least get someone who can chip in on production.
Oh, and Detroit? You can stop believin' now.
I want Bordeleau..
"Every day is a great day for hockey"- Mario Lemieux
by Sandie Gauthier on May 31, 2011 8:31 AM MDT up reply actions
I don’t think you’re talking about the same thing the rest of us are…
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
Again, Bordeleau is a “free agent,” as he was a 1-year Monster’s only deal. If he is re-signed, I am all for it…but he is free to go wherever (though from my understanding he has quite a fan club in Cleveland)
Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
Bordy's Hooligans
They love him in Cleveland, just as we’d love him here.
Only Peyton Hillis gets more love among pro athletes in Cleveland (especially those with Denver connections).
Draft Larsson + Sign Bryzgalov = Kick ass.
by niwotsblessing on May 31, 2011 12:11 PM MDT up reply actions
and Bordeleau has played for something like 9 different teams in 4 years as a pro, and none are in the NHL.
I am the most humble blogger of all time
by David Driscoll-Carignan on May 31, 2011 12:54 PM MDT up reply actions
Counterpoint. Tim Thomas.
2010-2011 Colorado Avalanche: Hugging the cap floor and waiting on their revenue share, because hey, billionaires need welfare too!
Hyperbolic, sure.
My point was that on occasion, some players take a while to break into the big show. Obviously, skaters and keepers are apples and oranges and the chances that Bordello would be anything more than a well loved 4th liner are damned low, but I’ll argue that when it comes to replacing Koci, the bar is not particularly high.
2010-2011 Colorado Avalanche: Hugging the cap floor and waiting on their revenue share, because hey, billionaires need welfare too!
Rafalski had to play in europe for three seasons right? It happens.
Available for a 3rd round pick.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on May 31, 2011 5:28 PM MDT up reply actions
It does happen. That rocket scientist wearing #69 for San Jose seemed to have a similar story, like he had bounced around in a few low-level leagues before getting to the NHL. But it doesn’t happen alot, definitely the exception.
Mr. Fuji, the devious ways that you put in my mind will come to use.
by Dan Winkler on May 31, 2011 5:48 PM MDT up reply actions
here, here.
Beware the curse of number 18...
by GeorgeInLimbo on May 31, 2011 11:40 AM MDT up reply actions
Dammit, no Dan rage yet.
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on May 31, 2011 10:49 AM MDT reply actions
I lost track of how the grades are being given, so I can’t rage about them.
I think Japers Rink is doing a pretty nice job with their grades – they let the fans grade the players using a poll, which represents a wider cross-section than just using five mods to provide the ratings. They also clearly state the criteria to be used in the rating each time they rate a player, so there’s not as much room for confusion there. I’d like to see MHH adopt this method next season. That way, everyone can have their say, the criteria will be clearly established, and the mods won’t be butthurt.
About Koci, I think people really overuse the “he’s taking up a roster spot” argument, and they also don’t have any idea whether or not having Koci in the lineup deters other teams from taking liberties. And, to answer an earlier question, yes, the Avs’ hockey people really do think Koci is necessary to have on the team, since they’ve signed him twice.
I not sure how a guy who was 29th out of 36 skaters in total ice time this season gets such a low grade. How he played had very little affect on the Avs’ record. He was among the lowest-paid players on the team, so even if you look at his performance, who could have expected much more? And, rating him for this season, he was very solid in his few games on D at the end of the year. He surpassed my expectations. So a D+, any way I like at it, is ridiculous.
You can argue about how good or bad Koci is as a fighter, but if he wasn’t on the roster, then this team would be the biggest collection of pussies in the NHL, with absolutely no hockey guts and no team toughness. As it is now, they’re now only among the biggest collection of pussies.
Mr. Fuji, the devious ways that you put in my mind will come to use.
by Dan Winkler on May 31, 2011 12:03 PM MDT up reply actions
I agree with much of this. I think it comes down to the old “are we grading against expectations?” question. I expect one hell of a lot more from Paul Stastny than I expect out of Koci. Given those relative expectations, and the absolute abortion of a season we’re coming off of, Stats probably should bare more of a burden and his grade should have reflected that.
I still enjoy reading these and the subsequent discussion. But you do make good points in your rage, Danno.
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on May 31, 2011 12:21 PM MDT up reply actions
they let the fans grade the players using a poll, which represents a wider cross-section than just using five mods to provide the ratings.
I think that’s a great idea. Less work for me.
Oh, and Detroit? You can stop believin' now.
by Cheryl Bradley on May 31, 2011 1:56 PM MDT up reply actions
hey, maybe we should just start over
I am the most humble blogger of all time
by David Driscoll-Carignan on May 31, 2011 2:37 PM MDT up reply actions
hey, maybe we should just start over
I am the most humble blogger of all time
by David Driscoll-Carignan on May 31, 2011 2:37 PM MDT up reply actions
That will take you twice as long.
"Sit tall in the saddle, hold your head up high, keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky. Live like you aint afraid to die and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride."
I’m noticing a lot of double posting all the sudden.
Mr. Fuji, the devious ways that you put in my mind will come to use.
by Dan Winkler on May 31, 2011 3:13 PM MDT up reply actions
hey, maybe we should just start over
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on May 31, 2011 3:16 PM MDT up reply actions
Where’s my A minus?
Dude was robbed, it’s not his fault the Avs signed him to a one way deal, it’s not his fault they nacho’d him half the time, it’s not his fault that despite not having highly proficient hockey skills he still did everything that was asked of him (if poorly). It’s not his fault that someone taught him how to break opposing players hands with his jaw, it’s not his fault that he looks like a eastern European teddy bear, it’s not his fault that the organizations he’s played for could have potentially been developing him in his natural position for all of these years.
Leave David Koci ALONE!
"Sit tall in the saddle, hold your head up high, keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky. Live like you aint afraid to die and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride."
Couldn’t agree more. Koci is a product of managers fucking about. He played well on D and the one thing our D is not, is big.
He is cheap and he was versatile (to a point) and did everything his coach asked of him.
I think it was Beachie who commented at practice how hard he worked and always put in a lot of effort.
If a toad is a toad, you can’t moan that he isn’t a beaver.
Would Bordello of Blood be better? Maybe, I haven’t seen him play, but as a UFA, who has had 9 teams in four years, it would raise some questions for me.
Adam Foote - Warrior
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