Quote:
Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan
I don't disagree that they can be NHLers, but outside of Nakladal, I'm not sure any of them are seasoned enough yet to make the jump. Kulak and Culkin are likely to be bottom pairing d-men with an outside chance at the 2nd pair, and while they are progressing, it's not really a linear progression so far. Kylington must be making huge strides, because he looked nowhere near ready for NHL competition in his own end earlier this year. Offensively, he's very talented, but he needs a LOT of tutelage still. Andersson looks good too, but he also needs at least a season or two in the AHL before you should really consider him for regular NHL duties.
I think your timeline is a little premature, that's all.
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This is the new NHL, the salary cap era. Better get your new guys seasoned. The guy being mentioned won't be playing 20 minutes a night, they will start off with 13-14 easier minutes vs bottom lines. With the Flames most of the minutes will be eaten up by Gio, Brodie, Hamilton Wideman (as long as he's here).
Look at Carolina right now. They have Justin Faulk (23 year old 2nd rounder), Jacob Slavin (21 year old 4th rounder), Ryan Murphy (22 year old 1st rounder), Noah Hanifin (18 year old 1st rounder), Brett Pesce (21 years old 3rd rounder) all playing more then 17 a night. All our doing well.
If you want to pay Gaudreau/Monahan/Bennett etc in the future. You need to get cheaper guys elsewhere.
Russell has value, they need to take advantage of that and send him out and gain other assets to upgrade the offence.