Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
This is such a weird argument - ALL good players play with other good players. Every one of the guys at the top of that list referenced above, would be playing with other productive players. I would argue that, other than last year, Lindholm's line-mates have probably been pretty pedestrian, relative to most on that list.
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You don't think playing with Tkachuk and Gaudreau might have inflated his numbers relative to Huberdeau and Lucic?
Great players elevate those around them, and put up points regardless of how scrubby their linemates are - like McNuggets and Crysaddle put up 100+ points no matter how many AHL plebs they see within their 30+ minutes of ice time. Tkachuk put up a season for the ages with Samwise ****ing Bennett as his centre.
Lindholm was clearly the 3rd best player on that line, and his numbers reflect it. I don't think that much can really be argued. While I don't ncecessarily think he will be a 55-60 point player for his entire contract (nor will Huberdeau) with a good coach, I also don't think the Flames currently have a good coach, and they may not before age inevitably takes its toll on their ability. Therefore, he will be overpaid for the duration of any 8 year extension, his presence or absence makes no material difference to the Flames' chances of winning anything of repute, and should be traded.
Management feels differently. I don't care anymore, but management is dead-ass wrong.