With news of Golod heading back to Canada, the Sheffield Steelers are left to regroup and figure out how to fill the void left in their forward lines. Golod, known for his silky skating, quick hands, and elite playmaking, brought a dynamic skillset to the team that won't be easy to replace. But with only one import slot left and the club having used the recent games to experiment with a different lineup configuration, questions loom about how this shift will impact the team moving forward.
The Impact of Golod’s Departure
Golod’s departure certainly stings for the Steelers. His speed and creativity were crucial elements on the power play and in creating scoring opportunities. It’s not easy to replace a player who brings such a unique combination of finesse and hockey IQ to the ice, especially in a team that’s gearing up for a crucial part of the season.
When you lose a player with that skillset, there’s an obvious question: Who fills the gap? The Steelers will need someone who can contribute not only on the scoring sheet but also in creating space for other players. The balance of their forward lines, which has leaned on Golod’s ability to distribute and maintain possession at speed, now looks a little more uncertain.
The Temporary Answer: Tansey’s Forward Experiment
Interestingly, the Steelers have already been experimenting with Tansey on the 3rd line as a stand-in forward. Over the last three games, Tansey has been skating alongside Leavens and Simpson, filling in when needed. His physical, downhill style has brought a different energy to the line, one that contrasts sharply with Golod’s smooth skating and quick hands. While Tansey isn’t the kind of player who’s going to weave through defenders with the same finesse Golod did, his strong, physical presence brings a fresh dimension to the forward group.
This experimentation reached its peak during the 5-0 win over Coventry in January, where Tansey even found the back of the net as a forward. His ability to get to the net and finish plays, combined with his strong physical presence, could be enough to give the Steelers a new wrinkle in their game plan. His style provides a change of pace, offering something a little more rugged compared to the finesse that Golod provided.
That said, Tansey’s success as a forward doesn’t mean that he can entirely replace the playmaking ability and speed that Golod brought to the table. While Tansey is a strong contributor on the physical side of the game, his lack of elite puck skills could become more of an issue as the team moves into higher-stakes matchups.
The Dilemma: Fill the Import Slot or Ride with Tansey?
With just one remaining import slot available, the Steelers are now at a crossroads. Do they use that final spot to bring in a forward who can replicate Golod’s skillset and playmaking abilities, or do they stick with Tansey’s physical play and use the roster depth they already have? It’s a tricky decision, and one that will ultimately come down to how confident the coaching staff is in Tansey’s ability to consistently perform at the forward position.
On one hand, using the final import slot on a forward could quickly restore some of the offensive creativity the team has lost. A high-skill player who can generate chances and maintain possession could complement the other lines and help sustain the team’s offensive output.
On the other hand, the Steelers have a strong defensive core, with six solid defensemen on the roster, which offers some flexibility. If the team can stay healthy on the back end, Aaron Fox could opt to keep Tansey up front for the time being. This would allow the team to hold off on making an immediate move in the transfer market and perhaps assess the situation further before committing to a permanent solution.
Buying Time: Tansey as a Short-Term Solution
If Tansey is able to continue to bring his physicality and work ethic to the role, it could buy the Steelers some much-needed time to evaluate their options. He’s been able to hold his own on the 3rd line so far, and if he continues to contribute in the way he did in the win over Coventry, he could give the Steelers some breathing room.
This would allow the team to focus on getting their defensive unit in top shape, ensuring that their defensemen stay healthy and that the team can maintain a solid, balanced game. In doing so, the Steelers might be able to afford a little more time in the market, keeping an eye out for the right player who can offer the right combination of skill and versatility to fill Golod’s shoes.
The Final Verdict
With Golod now back in Canada, the Steelers face a pivotal decision on how to shape their forward lines for the remainder of the season. Tansey’s physical playstyle is an intriguing option, but there’s no denying that his style is a departure from Golod’s finesse and quick playmaking. While Tansey can provide some short-term answers and flexibility, the Steelers might still need to fill that final import slot with a forward who brings that much-needed skill and creativity to the lineup.
Aaron Fox and the Steelers coaching staff will need to carefully balance the roster’s needs, not only to replace Golod’s individual contributions but also to ensure that the team remains competitive as they head into the more critical part of the season. Whether they keep riding with Tansey or make a move to fill the gap, one thing is clear: The next few weeks could be crucial in determining how far the Steelers can go this season.
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