From a team philosophy perspective I wasn't happy with them immediately slotting Colborne into the line-up after the trade. That's not his fault, but it does make one take notice and scrutinize a bit more than usual. I thought he should have had to earn a role in direct competition with the others on the team. Hartley does have favourites, and seems like Colborne's made the list.
What is interesting is that although different players have (understandably) different expectations, Hartley also has different ways of delivering the consequences. Most recently Colborne was an outright passenger in the Minnesota game, but it doesn't appear that sitting is his consequence whereas Baertschi and Backlund do sit. Up to Hartley how he wants to play it, but I'm not a fan of giving players at similar stages (which those 3 are) different consequences for not meeting your expectations.
After the dozen or so games, I can't say I'm a big fan of his play or progress. But he seems to have a lock for a spot, so here's hoping he starts lighting it up.
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