I think it's a hockey fan phenomenon to like youth and dislike veterans that aren't top 6 guys. Not just a Calgarypuck issues.
Stajan is important to the room, and as others have pointed out, turned the fourth line from a hemmed in their own zone 6 minute fire drill to a trio that can actually help sustain momentum and do their share of the wear and tear required on opposing defenders to let the Gaudreau's and Hudler's do their thing in the latter half of games.
Add in face offs, and penalty killing (a bad unit I agree) and you have a key player for the Flames and the reason they extended him.
Glad the Oilers are run by hockey fans and not hockey experts!
|