[browna]

The easiest fall back excuse used by fans for players is poor linemates or not enough ice time, which are propogated by the big bad mean coach who has a vendetta (Brent Sutter and Dustin Boyd, from a decade back, as an example).

Sam has had three coaches, all different styles, who have all come in with a clean slate, and come to the same conclusion as to where he fits on the roster and on the line chart.

He shows, in small pockets, such as a few playoff games, why he got drafted where he was. People though are clinging to that hope because of where he was drafted and his thus untapped potential. But those number of games where he looks like a top 10 picks are out numbed by the ones where he is out worked and outplayed by 4th liners and free agents picked up in Europe.

He took longer then the Flames liked to re sign last time 2 summers ago, and now arbitration this year. I don't think he was happy with his role then, but then he got some Jagr time which gave him a bump, but thst seems to have been a phase, and I don't think he is happy with his role now by any means.

But he hasn't proven that he can unseat anyone higher on the chart yet, consistently, to backup his unhappiness. Whatever it is, it's not clicking, and I don't know if the Flames can wait for him fumbling through another couple of seasons without taking a significant step up and I don't think he will want to be here anymore if that was the case either. Be very interesting to see where arbitration settles.