missthenet
Registered User
There was no short-term upside to playing Allen over either rookie. He's just not as good, fast, talented, etc. The long-term benefits will depend on how Bergevin and Therrien juggle their defense core, which is now bursting with vets and good prospects. If they can keep everyone rotating so that 1) Rookies gain experience and confidence; 2) New vets learn the system; 3) Older guys don't burn out, then we should have a strong D for the playoffs. Can Therrien be trusted to take the long view with his variety-pack of dmen and keep his eye on April? We'll see.
I agree they need to give Allen time to learn the system, but they absolutely have to give priority to the much higher upsides currently cooling their jets in Hamilton.
But man, the cupboard's pretty full:
The core: Subban, Markov, Emelin, Weaver, Gilbert
The rented vets: Gonchar, Allen
The heir apparents: Beaulieu, Tinordi
The bridesmaid: Drewiske
You are forgetting Nygren and Pateryn also in Hamilton
