Quote:
Originally Posted by FAN
The guy IS an NHL defenseman and has been for some years. Just because he is not good enough to be a top 4 defenseman and too inconsistent to stay in the lineup on a regular basis doesn't mean he's not an NHL defenseman. As disappointing as he has been, he pretty much came as advertised. He's a PP specialist simply because he has a good shot. He's a big defenseman with good offensive skills and a booming shot. That's pretty much it. He can be an offensive producer but he's a defensive liability, streaky, and inconsistent in his efforts so he is going to sit from time to time. He needs to play sheltered minutes and be on the PP, but the Flames don't have the luxury. I still think he can be a 5th defenseman in the NHL and definitely a 6th/7th defenseman who can come into the lineup and play on the 2nd PP and offer an offensive element, but Babchuk won't be happy with that because he thinks he's better than that. Babchuk should be used like Marc-Andre Bergeron. It's a mistake for Feaster to think that Babchuk would suddenly mature into a top 4 defenseman.
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MAB is small but can skate. Defenseman that can skate will always have a place but if you can't skate your aren't going to be a regular in the league. He's not an NHL defenseman and I find is funny that some actually defend this guy. I will say I commend him for never raising a stink over the past couple of years but this isn't a story of two coaches that didn't like the guy it's the story of two NHL coaches that probably can't believe this guy is even on the roster and gave him a permanent seat in the press box.