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Because for him to even have a chance to succeed at the NHL level, he would need to play top line minutes
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This just strikes me as such outdated reasoning. Why can't Phillips play on the Flames' third line? Seriously, why not? Are there any reasons beyond his size?
That line can't score as is and it's not driving play particularly well. Ritchie certainly isn't helping in either of those regards. Why not bring up your leading AHL scorer and see what he can do in that spot? At least give him the opportunity to show whether he can be a Paul Byron or a Nathan Gerbe type.
Also ... Phillips was on track to be a point/GP guy last year before the Heat were decimated by injuries and recalls down the stretch and all of his help practically evaporated. He still finished as the team scoring leader despite the Heat going 3–15–2 down the stretch.
