[Fighting Banana Slug]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

I agree in general, but I do think the fans need to brace themselves for the potential of a little hanky panky let's call it at the start of the season. Hypothetical example, lets say Mason Raymond just doesn't "really" make the team. Might see him start a for the first bit while a younger guy plays in Stockton as the Flames figure out if Raymond can generate anything in a trade. Then they manage to trade him, or if there are no takers send him down and call up the young guy.

I'm sure they won't do something like that should be replacing Raymond is so much better that the team is much worse playing him, they'll just bite the bullet, but in scenarios where it's kind of close play wise in the short term, they'll manage their assets appropriately and try to get some value for the veteran player before fully doing the "always earned" bit, which to me is smart asset management.

Totally agree. Similar to the Seto situation last year, sometimes you need to give the vets a chance to play themselves out of the line up. Waiver eligibility, salary cap and other issues will come into play to muddy the waters a bit. As much as Jooris may have deserved to start with the big club out of camp, I do think that was managed properly.