Besides being young has Nieves brought much to the table though? He's been really inconsistent especially in the defensive zone. He's been responsible for 3 or 4 goals on his own off the top of my head from dumb turnovers or losing his man. DD is more equipped as a 3rd line center than Boo right now. I think Boo will make it back and am happy Letteri is here to stay for now instead of Boo. Just wish Buch was in Letteri spot on tonight's line up. Sure Buch is struggling but I'm sure a worthy line mate would help
He's a young player, inconsistency is to be expected. The guy replacing him, Holland, is also inconsistent, which is why he found himself traded for a plug and then playing in the AHL at 27. Holland is hardly a defensive dynamo and if he was recalled to help stabilize that aspect of the fourth line, I think the team will be disappointed.
I have no problem with DD. I don't even have a problem with the idea of Peter Holland on this team. It just seems to me that unless the front office is planning on making some Hail Mary-type moves, this isn't our year and we should be giving opportunities to some of the younger guys rather than retreads. Particularly when the younger guy in question has done all right, all things considered.
JMO, though. I'm beginning to not care, LOL.