I am hoping Zary makes the team over Hunt. Hunt has played himself onto the team IMO, but like Conroy was quick to point out when he was discussing PTOs earlier this offseason (and yes, I know Hunt isn't a PTO), these vets almost always look better than the rookies during preseason when they are trying to fight for a spot, but they will fade and the rookies will usually improve.
I would rather the spot be given to Zary and let him improve. If he ends up looking like he is drowning, then send him back to the AHL, but I do think he looks like a prospect that is ready for a good look, and should be able to at least tread water.
Sucks for Rooney and Pelletier. Rooney I thought looked better this preseason than he looked at any time last year. Maybe he didn't fit Darryl's system (or methods), or maybe he is 'fighting for his life now' after his essentially season-long demotion, but he has looked noticeably better so far. Tough luck for him, and this may end up costing him his NHL career. Pelletier is going to be missing a key chunk of his development time, and other prospects getting those reps may end up leapfrogging over him. With his character, I am sure he will catch up, but it certainly sucks considering the opportunity on the Flames this season.
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