Wiercioch seems likely to be on the outs, but his situation is more complicated than it seems
When it comes to Patrick Wiercioch, nothing is ever simple. After a run of strong play to conclude last season culminated in his being named to Team Canada for the World Championships, the much-maligned rearguard has had an underwhelming season. He has yet to find the back of the net and has only 4 measly assists. The long-time darling of the analytics community has even seen his on-ice shot metrics crater this year from their previously lofty peaks; unless something radical changes over the last part of the season, Wiercioch will finish with a CF% below 50 for the first time in his career.