Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
The NHL is not a development league.
And besides, both Dube and Mangiapane have already shown an ability to be highly effective in a checking role, and they have both already moved up the lineup through their really strong play. I am not remotely concerned about their development moving forward.
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Agree to disagree. Players clearly develop in the NHL (especially at the top end). And development matters even more than winning (and drafting) because it can benefit the team for a number of years and it's something the team has control over.
One you get to a top 6 role, the best way to improve is to play with other quality players. If you want to learn to think quickly, or to improve playmaking, I'd argue you actually need the right line mates to do so.
If you're playing with Tim Jackman, you can't expect a pass to come from nowhere. If you're playing with Adam Oates, you can.
I'm generally against UFA rentals under any circumstances. In generally, the future is always what matters - even if your team is a contender. Because to win a cup, you need several quality kicks at the can (see Washington and St. Louis). Not one extremely good kick at the can.