Quote:
Originally Posted by Cain
Are we judging this entirely on preseason? Because that seems like a pretty narrow view. A lot of players had terrible starts this year, including veterans.
I don't think anyone expects players in the AHL to bring their PPG seasons into the NHL and just continue on without trouble, but the success they are having does show that they a) have talent and b) could possibly bring some of that success to their parent club.
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Lot's of talk on Pelletier getting a shot in the top 6... well top 9 but nobody is advocating breaking up Mang-Backs-Coleman.
Both Zary's and Pelletier's AHL PT/GP numbers at 21 are between Mangiapane's and Dube's at the same age.
Add to that, neither Mangiapane or Dube stepped into top 6 roles, and both had to work their way up from bottom 6 roles... because that is their talent level just like Pelletier's. Then consider that Pelletier did himself no favours in camp to show he was ready for even a bottom 6 role and I guess the better question is what in people's minds has changed in the last 3+ months that shows them Pelletier is ready for top 6 ice?
I can't wait to see Pelletier in the line-up but I'm certain he'll have to work his way up. I'm definitely not advocating for giving it the ol' college try in a top 6 role at a critical point in our schedule in the thick of a playoff race that is on the razors edge of us being on the outside looking in.
I personally think the play was always to reward him with an NHL paycheck while being available for injury back-up.