Quote:
Originally Posted by JiriHrdina
OK so assuming they bring Wideman back right now Wotherspoon is the #7 on the depth chart - which is probably about right. One can't just say that a guy with a dozen games of NHL experience can replace Butler. Moreover, if Wotherspoon is #6 - then what happens when you run into injuries. There is no one in the organization right now capable of playing consistent NHL minutes.
Plus/minus and vague criticisms of Butler's play aren't really indicative of how he's done this season, and more indicative of what were likely long-held opinions you had about the player.
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Those are good points if this team was on the cusp of turning the corner. However, being one who subscribes to the theory of 1/3 turnover per year during a rebuild, I think he's a strong candidate for 1/3 out.
The point of rebuilding is to bring youth into the line up. They know what butler is. He's not horrible, but not difficult to replace from within the organization at some point.
Even if he's playing his best hockey as a flame right now, he's still not a top 4 defenseman.