Quote:
Originally Posted by PepsiFree
There's still multiple spots open to competition.
If the young guys can't take the spot from guys like Ritchie, Froese, Pitlick, etc. then they don't deserve the spot.
Injuries happen, trades and signings still yet to come. Pitlick doesn't take anyone's spot away if they deserve a spot.
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Reasonable thoughts (as usual). I would gather Sutter is fully on board with an infusion of youth, but rushing guys into the league can hinder development, and isn't conducive to building a solid culture. My guess is Sutter is all about an attitude adjustment for next year, so obtaining guys who sacrifice on the ice are necessary to establish that foundation. They feel Pitlick fills that mold, and for at least a season he is here to help guide the younger guys in that direction. Certainly the goal every year is to win, but Darryl Sutter is a smart man, and probably has his sights set beyond next season.
This is a solid, though clearly unspectacular move. If the Flames were simply focused on next season, then maybe you need an upgrade on this player, but I would think this move is part of a bigger plan to actually build something that has a serious window beginning in 2-3 years.