Kris Russell is a player who draws a lot of criticism from people steeped in hockey analytics. Even an analytics-based approach to the game, though, recognizes that he does some things well. Edmonton Oilers head coach Todd McLellan seems to have identified what those things are.
The problem is that the things Russell does well are generally not appreciated. At the same time, many of the arguments raised in his defence are specious.
Take, for example, Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli. Chiarelli has repeatedly argued that Russell is an exceptional transition defenceman, even telling Sportsnet’s Mark Spector that he makes more passes leading to zone entries than almost anyone else.