The value of these free agents isn't ONLY in their ability to make the NHL. Of course you hope that they continue to develop and make the NHL.
I have always thought that it is helpful to develop your prospects in the AHL if you have a solid AHL team with a healthy dose of competition, and other talented players to help one another make and finish plays. If your AHL team is rather barren, it is tough for a skilled guy to continue developing his skills, in a way.
Duehr doesn't sound like a flashy type of skilled player, but he sure sounds like a guy with some jam and a strong north-south game. Maybe he makes the NHL, maybe he doesn't, but he will help other prospects develop as well, so there is some value there too.
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