I have no problem with young players in the system practicing with the big club, training with the big club, getting the best skills coaching money can buy, and mentorship from top-tier players.
As long as they’re getting regular reps on NHL ice, I don’t think it matters much if they’re playing 10 mins vs 15 mins per game.
I think the “pay your dues on the bottom 6” system mainly went away because the cap incentivizes teams to squeeze as much productivity as possible out of kids on their ELC and RFA years. Not because there’s anything wrong with patiently developing kids by giving them ice time on the depth lines or in a checking role.
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I am a lunatic whose world revolves around hockey and Oilers hate.
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