'08-'09 Season Review: Kris Versteeg

by SamFels on Jun 17, 2009 8:01 PM CDT

Kris Versteeg

#32 / Right Wing / Chicago Blackhawks

Height: 5-10

Weight: 180

Born: May 13, 1986

Contract Status: RFA

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2008 - Kris Versteeg	78	22	31	53	15	55	6	4	3	0	139	15.8

The Good: Clearly, a lot. No one saw Versteeg coming. In previous cups of chai here in the Chi (ooh, fancy wordplay!), Kris had shown to be nothing more than a 4th, possibly a 3rd liner, who was too small to play the game he was putting on display. Yeah, well, we didn't get that one right, either. Kris exploded on the scene, Steeger was a point-per-game player through the first 20 games, and showed hands and vision that were maybe second only to Havlat and Kane's on the team. He even was useful on the PK,. There was THAT goal against Dallas, and some other wow moments, including the wrister he buried over Luongo in Game 6. He also had a knack for scoring big goals, like the OT winner against Columbus, or against Carolina late in the season. Oh, and he totally won my friend Ashely's heart.

The Bad: There was some of that as well. The first thing that comes to mind is Kris's turnover tendencies (illiteration too!) Too many times, especially in the postseason, Kris would get caught in possession, waiting to make a play that wasn't there. We love the bravado, but sometimes it isn't there. Kris also never got the memo to chip it in deep against Vancouver or Detroit when the blue line was stacked. A midseason move to center was in the same neighborhood of a disaster. Kris also showed to be streaky, disappearing for games at a time. He faded in the 2nd half when opposing teams were actually watching for him.

Playoff Beard Strength: Solid, you can't go wrong with the strawberry-blonde beard.

Nicknames: Steeger, VerStud, and of course, VERSTEEG!

Photoshops:

(we may make shirts of this, depending on his re-signing)

The Grade: Though there were more hiccups than some would like to admit, and I don't think he's an automatic renewal depending on his contract demands and what other teams might offer, considering where he came from and our expectations, Versteeg can't receive anything less than an A from me. But it's up to you, now.

Poll

How Would You Grade VERSTEEG!'s season?

A

127 votes

B

123 votes

C

10 votes

D

0 votes

F

0 votes

260 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 12 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

A

Kris exceeded all expectations. I can’t give him anything less than an A. Plus that goal looks like every goal that is scored on NHL 09 online so bonus points for making video games more realistic.

You and I are gonna live forever

by Original Six on Jun 18, 2009 1:09 AM CDT reply actions

I know its early into the off season...

but i already find myself loving every single one of these player reviews…just because I can hold onto this season for a little bit longer. Versteeg was one of the most exciting players to watch this year, and i really feel like he symbolizes what this year was all about…surprise. I know its redundant but I will say it again: No one expected the Hawks be be playing in the Western Conference Finals. Along those same lines, no one expected Kris Versteeg to be a finalist for the Calder. As these player reviews continue I am delighted to re-live some of the best moments from this season…but at the same time sad to see another player come up which will ultimately lead to no more players left to grade. Maybe its just because I am a Cubs fan, and am depressed with the way their season is going (not to mention todays game.) But honestly, I feel like Versteeg represents this team as a whole this year, and would be sad to see him go (blue line tunrovers and all)
Sorry if I was rambling, I am just trying to make sense of all of this “no more hockey” business…

by jeff021690 on Jun 18, 2009 1:15 AM CDT reply actions

Exceeding expectations.

that means an A.

SHOOOOOOOT IT!!!! Anon

by burpchelischili on Jun 18, 2009 4:51 AM CDT reply actions

Giving him a B

Yes he exceeded expectations and definitely provided a spark many times.I just think his bravado at times outweighed the smar thing to do, Not just talking about chipping in deep in the playoffs either. To many times he wants the fancy play. To give him an “a” would mean he’s up there with the likes of Seabrook and Keith and i can’t give him that grade.

That being said i love the guy, i hope the Hawks sign him to an extended contract as he has the potential to a point per game player

by Roos-34 on Jun 18, 2009 7:30 AM CDT reply actions

Only 4 comments on Versteeg?

Is everyone still mad at him for Game 4? I love that there’s a good back and forth between an A or B. What’s the deciding factor?

Also, what will it take for him to earn his exclamation mark back? Beating JR in the poker tournament?

Second City Hockey

by Killion on Jun 18, 2009 12:13 PM CDT reply actions

Returning for one thing,

for another, maybe if he plays for the team instead of him. Everybody loves to see a Hawk with highlight moves, but sometimes just dumping the fucking puck is sexier than turning it over at the blue line.
I did give him an A, and I feel he deserves it, but if he plays the exact same way next year, it will be a C.
Fickle little bastard, ain’t I?

SHOOOOOOOT IT!!!! Anon

by burpchelischili on Jun 18, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Snap judgement

B in the regular season
C in the playoffs

Got more soul than a sock with a hole.

by chrome on Jun 18, 2009 3:40 PM CDT reply actions

I gave him a B simply because I have a great fear that he’s the Hawk equivalent of former Cub Matt Murton…ie great skill-set but sub-par instincts that I feel may go beyond the age argument.

by Crease Monkey on Jun 18, 2009 6:22 PM CDT reply actions

also

that piece he did with Sarah Spain isn’t helping his case either…the fact that he knew all the lyrics to a Fergie song leads me to believe his IQ isn’t where it needs to be.

by Crease Monkey on Jun 18, 2009 6:24 PM CDT up reply actions

A work in progress

I like Versteeg but am conflicted by Versteeg at the same time. I think his potential major value to the Blackhawks will be to perform well in 2008-10, thereby upping his trade value so Tallon (or his successor when McDonough whacks his kneecaps which I think is poised to happen) can spin him for something of greater need.

You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little messed up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?

by BLou on Jun 18, 2009 9:39 PM CDT reply actions

He gets a B

because the teacher in me does not let someone with that kind of talent get a C, but to not listen to advice I am sure he was getting from his coaches and his teammates, about dumping the puck isn’t always the pussy way out, keeps him out of A territory. I look forward to watching him develop here and hope that he and Kaner can show that size can be overrated in hockey.

P.S. VERSTEEG! is an idiot. A friend of mine works for U of C’s PR office and met a lot of the ’Hawks for those Medical Minute thingies on during intermissions and commercial breaks; she says that Sarah Spain caught him on a lightbulb day.

P.P.S. It’s alliteration, not “illiteration.” What?! I said I was a teacher…

by russellguldin on Jun 18, 2009 10:23 PM CDT reply actions