Quote:
Originally Posted by Hemi-Cuda
I've agreed with everything Hartley has done this season except for giving Raymond a free pass, I just don't understand it. He's the weakest Flames forward battling for the puck, he's poor on the back check and doesn't block shots, and he routinely turns the puck over when trying to enter the offensive zone. He's a useless plug right now and I'd rather have any of Colborne, Granlund, or Ferland in the lineup over him
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Not saying he's been great, but really on a team that lacks finish past the first line, who do you replace him with. He also isn't hurting the team right now, even player in his last 5 games, and likely has the best chance of anyone in the bottom 6 forwards or scratches of catching fire and actually putting up some points.
In terms of expectations or salary, he's likely underachieving much more so than some of Hartley's other options, but I actually don't see an option for Hartley that he can replace him with that makes us a better team right now down the stretch. And we are down to the last 5 games of the playoff push here trying to make it, you ice your best squad, and even though we all want more from Raymond, I don't think we have anyone to replace him that makes us better, especially if Byron is hurting.