Quote:
Originally Posted by Muta
I think Hartley is perfect for this team right now and I'm not sure why we would switch him out.
The dude is a hard-nosed, team-focused father figure to this young group. He cares deeply about this team and is extracting maximum value from a group of players that are far from the most talented in the league.
If anything, Hartley should be extended another 2-3 years.
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I agree and don't underestimate your bolded point above. As the leader of the group he really does seem to care about the guys, not just as pro athletes on his team, but as people. He always emphasizes what a good person so and so is (ie. 'he's great at such and such play on the ice, but more importantly, he's a great person') and it doesn't sound like he's just spouting off a cliche. IMO this goes leaps and bounds to continuing to create a culture where the guys are working hard not just to win, and not just for their next contract, but for each other.