Paul Tutka is a multi-time winning NLL writer of the year award winner, and one of the smartest experts in lacrosse. However, after leaving NLL Insider a few years ago (pre IL Indoor era) he hasn’t been writing anywhere. Yet, his Twitter analysis of the league has taken the lacrosse world by storm, and I was lucky to speak with him about a few matters in the league in this four part interview series.
Marisa: Who will end up winning the Sorensen-O’Connor trade?
Paul: I think right now, today, the Rock win, but five years from now, it might be a different story. Ethan O’Connor impressed last year in his rookie run, led them in LB, chipped in at the circle, put some big goals up, and was one of their top forced turnover guys too. Add in the 2017 first rounder they gave up in the deal, and in five years, the trade could easily be a Minnesota win.
Marisa: Will it have been worth it for Buffalo to trade Rory Smith to get Goodwin?
Paul: I think that trade is a very complex one and involves a lot of pieces that makes figuring out this deal difficult. I think at his best, Rory Smith is one of the top and toughest defensive defenders in the NLL, and a change of scenery will probably do his game a lot of good. I think Goodwin gives Buffalo some needed size up front, and should develop into a full-time player in this league. Both sides flipped the switch to fill some missing qualities in their lineup. I’m still kinda undecided on this one, but so far, the Stealth easily own the best player in the swap in Smith.
Marisa: Is Johnny Powless going to take enough touches for Vancouver to cut one of their veterans?
Paul: Well they do have some quality names on his side—Lewis Ratcliff, Cliff Smith, Cody Bremner—but I definitely think the plan in Vancouver is to have Powless have the ball in his stick a lot. My guess is only Rhys Duch will fire more shots on goal. He’ll have a much bigger role, responsibility, and pressure than what he experienced in Rochester.
Marisa: Will Tyler Carlson last the season in Edmonton?
Paul: I would think he’ll last, but it’ll obviously be in a backup role behind Aaron Bold, who was one of last year’s best goalies. For those that know his story, Carlson’s the type of keeper that has worked for everything he’s achieved. No handouts here. I’d have him on my roster.
Marisa: Do you think MacDonald will take over for Higgins at some point?
Paul: Well, I’m a big Brodie MacDonald fan and have thought for a while that he has the chops to be a legit NLL starter. Was tough to do playing behind Bold, but I think this is his chance, his opportunity to turn heads at the highest level.
