Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
Butler is not a top four defenseman. That is the problem, but it is compounded by the fact that on this team with a dearth of defensive depth he is being put in a position over his head too often. It is further compounded by the fact that while the Flames have a handful of defensive prospects who currently MAY be able to do Butler's job now, they are DEVELOPING, and are likely better served staying in Abbotsford.
Butler is a marginal NHL defenseman playing on a bad defensive team. I find it ridiculous that he absorbs as much criticism as he does for these circumstances that are really beyond anyone's control. The bottom line is that there MAY BE one or two players currently in the Flames system who can do Butler's job, but in the end it WILL NOT make any perceptible difference to the Flames in the standings this season, nor in the long run.
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I also want to add that IMO I rather have the Flames' d prospects playing in the AHL and learning the defensive game at a slower pace then throwing them into the faster paced NHL. In Abby they will learn better habits and when the game becomes easy for them there, then they can come up to the NHL.
It's year 1 of the rebuild, Butler is UFA this year. I say they extend Russell and Calgary goes into next season with a top 6 of Wideman, Gio, Brodie, Smid, Russell, and SOB