Quote:
Originally Posted by Dx54
Honestly, I think I'd be happy with a 7th for him. The guy is mistake prone and would really be doing us no good if he sticks around for another season. We have guys like Wotherspoon, Sieloff, Cundari or Ramage that could easily challenge Butler for his roster spot.
|
Butler is, despite his reputation, our 5th best defenceman.
Smith is significantly worse, and O'Brien is a step or two behind. If a kid is going to come in and challenge for a spot on the 3rd pairing, then let him do it, but he should prove he can do it by being better than Butler and O'Brien, not simply jumping into a vacant spot.
I say resign Butler for one year if you don't nab anything for him, unless a better defenceman is traded for or signed of course. None of the kids are even close to being even as good as Butler yet, let alone as good as a career fringe guy like Smith. They need to work into the call-up/7th defenceman role before we pencil them in on the 3rd pair.