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If that was the case that there is a systemic issue of promoting young talent, we wouldn't have seen the likes of Gaudreau, Monahan, Tkachuk, Andersson, Mangiapanne, Dube, and Ruzicka in the lineups in previous and current season. The veterans have proved themselves and some of the ones that were in lineups the previous seasons with other teams that came for tryouts this past training camp also had shots at cracking the Flames lineup but didn't. So, the guys that didn't crack the lineup wasn't better than what we have now. I can't see any organization giving minor leaguers a chance if they haven't proven themselves at training camp. It's just a process of elimination of who wants to be up in the big league and who's not ready or isn't quite there yet.

For Valamaki, when he was draft, I think all of us had the highs for him to make the team. However, when he got injured seriously, it really set him back quite a bit. But hey, I think 3 coaches gave him a chance and he didn't show up when given that opportunity. You can't expect a team open up a spot when they're not on a rebuild mission. Players can pout all they want. The best thing for any young guys trying to crack any opportunities, they better show up and show what they have. This is the same for all young kids out there looking for their dream jobs. It's not given, you have to earn it.

A good player to look up to is Backlund. He's was drafted by Sutter, put into the lineup after a short stint in AHL, and remained up with the Flames all these year. And during the Sutter's earlier years, it wasn't like the team is on a rebuild mission anymore. He earned his way up to 2nd line center!