HockeyNightInAsia
Registered User
- Mar 22, 2020
- 277
- 187
It seems as though everybody forgot that Rafferty becomes a UFA after next season ( based on lack of NHL games). With no NHL track record, not performing well in the pre bubble camp, and never being mentioned by the GM, I think his chances are extremely low. Especially since he isn’t really a defensman. He plays the position but he’s essentially a 4th forward in attack and I don’t think that skill set would follow him to the nhl.
I don’t think it makes sense to try him out when he’s free to leave in the offseason. They’ve got Juolevi who I imagine is pencilled in already. If there is no AHL I could see the extras being guys with longer team control like Rathbone (even though I don’t think he’s close to ready) and even Woo. Just to get practice ice.
Guys like Brisebois, Sautner, and Chatfield (even with all the love Jim gives him) are just not ever going to be able to contribute meaningfully imo.
Exactly on Rafferty. I believe he could have remained an RFA if Nucks had played him a number of games (somewhere near 20?) plus a 82-game 2020-2021 season, but they didn’t. If the Nucks thought Rafferty could handle NHL time, they would have played him.