This situation feels more Baertschi than any of the others brought up to me. They aren't entirely the same, injuries being the main catalyst that likely has Valimaki in this spot, nor am I saying the end result (player progress, or even with the team) will be the same.
Based on nothing to go on but the handful of things we've heard written (so saying this is an uneducated opinion) it feels a little bit like a frustrated to player who doesn't want to still have to prove themselves or earn their place. And if the organization gives up on Valimaki, my guess is it will be because Valimaki doesn't want to put anymore work in to earning a his NHL keep, and therefore wants out - like Baertschi.
Might be off base, but that's what it feels like, and this time with Sutter at the helm I trust the view point on ready / not ready more than I did back with Baertschi. Must be tough though for Valimaki, going through such an impactful injury, to derail progress, and not be where you expected to be yet. Might be easy to point fingers to your surroundings in that type of situation. And understandable.
That said, if his mindset has migrated that way already, it's likely that it won't correct back until a change of scenery is provided. Meaning, it probably won't happen for him unless he gets moved, because he's convinced himself outside factors are the issue.
Again, pure speculation / non fact based post.
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