Here's my problem with guys like Setoguchi. The Flames have been a team with a questionable culture for years. They turned the corner in that regard last season, playing their guts out and being fun to watch. Setoguchi has been a motivational challenge for his last two teams, not showing much consistency. He comes into camp and continues that, but is rewarded with an extended look, because he's a veteran. What message does that send to your young kids who are out their busting their ass and trying to impress? I want to see our team continue to be one where hard work is rewarded and lackluster or lazy play is punished. The optics of Setoguchi, or any other veteran for that matter, dogging it or playing at half speed because it is preseason, just isn't right, especially when you're trying to breed a work ethic in your young players. Beyond that, who cares. The Flames are going to be horrible this season and Setoguchi puts them that much closer to Connor McDavid, so there are plenty of positives of having him on the roster. I just wish our young players weren't there to witness it.
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