Ya know what? I will play a little.
It is known by every player that isn't part of our "core group" that we are considering all of our options at this point. Tanner has the same message as Vey and everyone else. You have to step up your play or we may have to make a move. This is where we are at.
I know that there are a few teams that are looking for solid young forward prospects and if anyone thinks that Futa's draft record and Morris's ability to develop our kids has gone unnoticed then you only have to look at Buffalo's GM search to and MCH current record to know that you are missing out.
Tanner didn't perform up to expectations during his first call up and that happens more often than not for kids (not counting his first playoff call up) so that typically wouldn't mean much by most teams but we aren't most teams.
We are a legit contender for the cup again this year and we simply have to be ready for the playoffs and must have our roster exactly where we want it to be before we get there.
The Olympics help us out this year because it gives us additional time to try and perfect who our best targets will be and out of them what the best possible deals can be made. Of course that will be based on how we continue to do.
So if TP comes up and has improved (which I think he will) then easy, we have another tool for the box and TP will have earned his spot (or be on his way). If not then one of the moves that have been rumored could happen.
So, in a small way you could say that TP is being showcased but then so is everyone else who isn't playing up to the level that is expected from our legit cup contending team and I think that is how it should be.
DL being a loyalist to his team will be loathe to make a move but if we are talking about players who are underperforming or are kids who haven't established themselves and they can be moved to make us more solid then DL has proven he will make those moves when he has to as well.