Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
A "better proven" 5–6 defenseman? They are in the bottom pairing for a good reason, and I expect that there are likely not to be any better options through free agency to fill the same role.
Re-signing Butler is the right decision. He is serviceable, he knows the team, and is on board with the current direction. He is popular in the room, and is a viable option as a short-term emergency fill in for injuries. The Flames will re-sign him, and he will play next year. If Wotherspoon or Sieloff or Ramage takes huge strides, then he will likely be relegated to #7, and eventually traded by the deadline. It is silly to just let him walk.
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Yes, they are in the bottom pairing for a good reason, because they aren't good enough to be a top 4 guy, and I would have to say there are a lot better options for a 5/6 guy than Butler, when it come to the role Burke wants filled.
Butler does not offer a physical game, which is what Burke wants.
If your top 4 D are going to be your offensive minded guys, and your solid 2 way guys, your bottom pair better be stay at home physical guys, like Smid.
I'd take a guy like Stoner over Butler in that 5/6 role anyday of the week, at least opponents will pay attention when Stoner is on the ice.
As for the second bolded point, with that logic, re-sign everyone. They know the team, and they know the direction.... Don't bring in any UFA's, because they may not have friends here, and god forbid they'd have to listen to the coach. This is a rebuild after all, keep things the same!