https://www.tsn.ca/insider-trading-a...list-1.1544500
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Frank Seravalli: What we’ve learned is that this was not a secret among NHL scouting circles. I’m told that at least one third of the NHL’s teams, if not more, had scratched Miller off of their draft lists heading into the draft, saying at no point were they willing to draft Miller in any of the NHL’s rounds. In recent days we’ve seen the Arizona Coyotes and the University of North Dakota show their support for Miller but what does that mean in terms of his chances to represent Team USA at the World Junior Championship? Miller was part of their most recent evaluation camp, and I’m told he remains a candidate to represent Team USA in Edmonton over the holidays. A USA Hockey official told me today that they had been well aware of Miller’s past conduct and his behavior is indeed reprehensible. They feel that no kid should go through what Isaiah Meyer-Crothers has gone through, but at the same time, USA Hockey feels that there should be a path for all kids to make their way back.
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I must admit I haven't read through all of the hate in this thread, but I agree with the stance from USA Hockey in bold. Something that is lost on much of society today is that there is and should be a way back for all, especially kids and adolescents. It's easy to point the finger, but we all screw up, and we are all a product of our upbringing and environment. And we are all stubborn in some ways and take too long to learn from some of our mistakes. Sometimes it takes time for one to even realize their wrongs, not to mention finally making amends, but that doesn't mean they should be crucified today. If I didn't know better I would think that many people here believe in capital punishment for much less than murder. Actually - what is the point of jails if people can't change, overcome their issues, and become better? We might as well put to death all murderers, rapists, thieves, robbers, liars, embezzlers, frauds, and anyone else that is unsavory towards society, right?
Of note - I think a "path for all kids to make their way back" does not simply mean ignoring mistakes. The process of an individual changing their character, and making amends for past wrongs, does take time and is a process.
Also noteworthy is that at least 1/3 of teams wrote the kid off. I'm not here to say that's a wrong choice, especially considering today's social-political environment. A team has to be concerned about public image and how each action will affect how the brand is perceived, whether or not they believe the kid can put his past behind him with some teaching and influence. But a large portion of the teams seemed to have the confidence that he could be worked with, improved upon, and guided, considering they didn't write him off of their draft board. Otherwise, he would be a risk to re-offend in a similar manner, and that would be catastrophic for a team's image.