Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
This assumes everyone is treated equally, or at least reasonably equally.
I don't think I have ever been on a team where everyone was treated pretty much equally. It is normal human behavior to have favorites, and non-favorites from a group. Biases are pretty normal.
Toffoli and Lewis are by far, the most experienced at dealing with Sutter. Huberdeau and Kadri are among the least.
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This is a fair point.
I haven't played (competitive) team sports in years. It doesn't always apply, but in many cases, yes. Thinking back to one team, the mom coach who let her kids get the most opportunity while being particularly inflexible for no apparent reason about playing me at a position that I vocally protested against did feel unfair.
I think when you're a pro and it's your job, and you've become an investment that your franchise's brand depends upon, it is kind of a different deal. More rides on you "following orders" and bringing the skills you possess to the table. It's your responsibility and a lot actually rides on you showing up.
Kadri's reduced ice time and demotion you can't say was unwarranted. So this isn't Darryl just doing #### for no reason (which has felt like the case here and there)
He showed earlier this year that he can play at a level that earns him the 2C spot over Backlund. It can be argued he hasn't been at that level in some time.
He was given some leeway and the job was his to lose and he mailed it in since the ASB.
Obviously it's more complicated than that behind closed doors. But Kadri has brought a certain standard of play on every team he's been on, and even THAT has been lacking here. A tough environment doesn't stop Nazem from doing what he knows how to do. He can still protest the lack of communication while being a responsible teammate who pulls his weight.
It's not all about the coach at this level of the game.