Quote:
Originally Posted by keenan87
So, we are just taking Ryan back out to the shed? Where is he supposed to play after he has ACTUALLY made his linemates better and has contributed offensively. Are you suggesting we lock up 3+ mil on the fourth line center spot?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by keenan87
But maybe he really isn't playing better than Bennett. This past season, Lucic-Ryan-Dube was a legitimate line.
Who is to say that isn't a more effective line than Bennett at centre. If it is as effective, then Bennett shouldn't be paid 2.55 MM because he will be back on the fourth line and won't contribute anything with bad linemates..
Or the Flames can give some young AHL forwards a shot in the NHL instead of guys like Rieder and Rinaldo.. maybe that will help the fourth line avoid becoming a dark hole.
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Lucic-Bennett-Dubé = good
Lucic-Ryan-Dubé = good
Your conclusion is that Ryan makes his linemates better, but the inverse must be true with Bennett? And that it's unfair to put Ryan's extra 575k of salary on the 4th line? Or that Bennett is overpaid because he produces similarly to a guy who makes more than him?
Many things can be true at the same time. I understand why coaches prefer to deploy the journeyman instead of the overzealous apprentice. That decision makes sense every time in the heat of battle. But it's not the best thing for the organization's long-term development.
Of course you can't extrapolate this line of thinking too much, but if the difference between your team making/missing the playoffs is the delta between Bennett vs. Ryan at 3C, then you're simply a pretender anyways. Put your young players in the best positions to succeed until you are a legitimate contender.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DoubleK
Both Stajan and Ryan are proven centers. Something Bennett is not aside from 5 games every spring (or summer in the case of 2020).
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Were either of them proven C's by age 24? Ryan = obviously not. Stajan's first 4 seasons were statistically similar to Bennett...his 25 yo season Stajan broke out a bit to 55 pts. Similar story with Backlund.