Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
to those worried about him playing on the 4th line...
He is not here to make the team (though if he wows everyone, he'll get moved up), he is here as a reward, and to get a taste of the NHL and what is required to play here. So that when he is ready to try and crack the lineup, he'll be more prepared.
Playing him on the 4th line is to shelter him.
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Yep, exactly.
Also, if he is holding his head above water or going beyond that, I would bet Hartley moves him up a line for a shift or two on top of it, just to test the kid out.
Nothing wrong with starting a kid in his first NHL game on the 4th line (with another skilled player to boot!), and see how he does. If it was a long-term move where Granlund is on the Flames, but playing day in and day out on the 4th line, then there is a problem. For a cup of coffee? Good place to start and allows him to get his ears wet first.