Quote:
Originally Posted by boogerz
The only thing wrong here is your claim that playing low-potential fodder like Zadorov in the NHL or Poolman in the AHL isn't blocking opportunities from guys that have the potential to being more than replacement-level defensemen.
Development is gained by playing and Valimaki isn't learning anything or getting to apply new knowledge by sitting on the bench right now. The Flames are going to feel stupid when Zadorov isn't on the team next year, but Valimaki didn't develop as much as he could have (or at all) because he was sitting on the bench getting "tough love".
Same for the kids down in Stockton like Solovyov who went from averaging 20 minutes a game in the KHL playoffs as a #4 dman to barely playing as the Heat's #7 dman behind Poolman and bunch of veteran AHL/NHL tweeners.
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I get that you think Valimaki should be playing. And I don't disagree - he should be in Stockton, getting lots of ice-time.
But in an attempt to make your point, or to point blame, you developed a narrative that the Flames have a bunch of mediocre vets blocking the path of young guys. It isn't true. The Flames are deep defensively, and they are trying to win hockey games. You have not shown that they have more mediocre vets than other teams, and I very much doubt that you can.