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Originally Posted by puckluck2
Maybe the Flames should have signed him last year for character and work ethic because last year's team was lacking both and he didn't seem to make a difference especially in the work ethic department.
Honestly what did Begin do last year? Other than Howard giving him a few gifts late in the season to screw us over?
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Well, last year's team was full of veteran leadership with the 'core' still being intact. Would be tough for anyone to enter that room and change it. However, after some of the core got moved out, the Flames had much more effort (Tanguay aside) and more full-game efforts. Maybe he was part of the solution that was noticed by coaching/management? Not sure.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fire
Doesn't say much about the rest of the team if the Flames feel they need to sign Begin to a contract because he has good character.
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Well, in fairness to the team, there just aren't very many leaders left really. I think Giordano, Cammy (who is going to be traded), McGrattan - these are the only guys that pop in as being 'leadership material'. You can argue Glencross as well, but he just seems too emotional and inconsistent.
I am not saying this is a 'great move' by any measure, but I don't see it as a bad one either. He can be the healthy scratch. He can pop in those nights when the team needs a bit more grit. He can also go back down to Abby and provide leadership there if needs be. Don't think he would be a 'sulker'. Heck, Kotalik wasn't a sulker when he got demoted, and got praised for how he was a leader on the Heat.
This team is lacking in quality leadership, and I think management is trying to make sure they not only beef up the lines to take care of the kids, but also have some character on the team that they want to instill in those kids moving forward. Makes sense to me.