This is why the performance of Andersson, Valimaki and Kylington have been so important this season. They've all received respectful minutes considering they are rookies and it's allowing the coaching staff and Treliving to really evaluate their readiness to prepare (very unfortunate that Valimaki has been out for so long, but it has given a chance for the Flames to evaluate Kylington in his absence). Losing Brodie and / or Hamonic will no doubt hurt, but if the three rookies continue to develop (along with Hanifin), the Flames will be more likely to move one of them when the time comes.
I'd agree that you can't move either guy out at the trade deadline next year though, assuming the Flames will be gunning for the playoffs again. The only way that happens is if Andersson moves up the lineup for more than a period or two and not as a result of injury, and he holds his own.
|