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Originally Posted by Mean Mr. Mustard
Fair enough - I think you also have to remember that there was the lockout in 2004-05 which prevented him from playing a full season in the NHL.
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No disagreement there. It's more that he's a perfect example of how starting on a lower line doesn't really hurt development like some people seem to think. It will reduce a players point totals for the season without a doubt, but IMO, it makes them better players in the long run.
I'd expect Ryan Howse for example to start in a simlar spot if the makes the NHL. It a place a player can prove they are not a liablity on the ice, play about 10 minutes a game against lower end opposition, which means they play enough to develop thier game, are less likely to have thier mistakes bite them, and if they can contribute at a resonable pace/60, they will eventually be given more responsibiilty and as a result, more opportunity to make a difference.