It would be odd if winning was being put ahead of development since everybody making on-ice decisions is drawing a paycheck from the Blue Jackets.
Not saying it isn't happening, only that it would not make sense.
Also, why is "winning" seen as essentially the opposite of "development", now? Even though we did have more younger guys in more important roles just a few years ago, winning (championship or not) in the AHL was seen as a very good thing for the organization and the young players on the team, essentially regardless of role. Now, its a mistake? You also cant just ignore the QUALITY of these young guys in comparison to some of the young guys in 15/16 and also in comparison to the "vets" in the AHL right now.
All this "development" talk in the AHL mirrors the Milano(mainly)/Bjorkstrand talk in regards to Torts and the NHL. Its really hard to justify giving players minutes they don't deserve/haven't earned and most importantly cant handle. Especially when you have other players who have earned it and have handled the minutes. It wouldn't do any good for some of these younger guys to continuously get thrown out in TOO tough of situations, get massively outplayed for 45 minutes and lose every other game 5-2. Even if a couple "blue (or green) chippers" pot a couple points each game.
Then we should really look at the term or concept of "development" itself. Its takes an EXTREMELY high level of hockey player to become an "everyday" or "impact" player in the NHL. The #1 goal of an organizations AHL team should be to improve (or "develop") whatever young players they have in their organization in whatever way they see fit, while at the same time still having a group of 4 or so players (regardless of age or supposed potential) that are competent to be called up to the NHL team at any time depending on what type of "role" that's possibly been opened up. I don't know what to say about Bittner, good or bad, could be our unexpected/forgotten wildcard. but all these other guys (to me anyway) at the top of CLE's 'team stats' were almost always going to be the 1st call ups. Broadhurst and Gerbe are probably still better NHL options than Stenlund and Abramov.
But, the 2 guys I think should be in the NHL now, and really since training camp are Robinson and Dalpe. I know he's had a couple big games recently, but I'm not sure what more Dalpe needs to do before he gets a look in the NHL. The team hasn't had issues scoring but Dalpe in for Wennberg for a game or 2 could possibly open some eyes or at the least wake somebody up and give Dalpe a deserved paycheck. Robinson should have been here since day 1, over anybody else they've had on the 4th line including Milano. While Hannikainen hasn't looked bad recently, he still has severe limitation with his offensive game. I believe Sedlak brings more than him with his stronger physical game, center/faceoff ability, and imo he's better offensively. I believe Robinson is better than Sedlak in every way other than faceoffs. And I really think Bjorkstrand should be in no matter what. Even if its 'Milano minutes' with PP time.
With Dubinsky being back to a certain level, Sedlak showing the same as he has the last 2 or so years, and Dalpe providing some "eye opening" AHL numbers with Stenlund in the wings, the Nash contract (especially 3 years) seems a bit unnecessary. However, an injury or 2 at the C position would change things.
Also, why is "winning" seen as essentially the opposite of "development", now? Even though we did have more younger guys in more important roles just a few years ago, winning (championship or not) in the AHL was seen as a very good thing for the organization and the young players on the team, essentially regardless of role. Now, its a mistake? You also cant just ignore the QUALITY of these young guys in comparison to some of the young guys in 15/16 and also in comparison to the "vets" in the AHL right now.
All this "development" talk in the AHL mirrors the Milano(mainly)/Bjorkstrand talk in regards to Torts and the NHL. Its really hard to justify giving players minutes they don't deserve/haven't earned and most importantly cant handle. Especially when you have other players who have earned it and have handled the minutes. It wouldn't do any good for some of these younger guys to continuously get thrown out in TOO tough of situations, get massively outplayed for 45 minutes and lose every other game 5-2. Even if a couple "blue (or green) chippers" pot a couple points each game.
Then we should really look at the term or concept of "development" itself. Its takes an EXTREMELY high level of hockey player to become an "everyday" or "impact" player in the NHL. The #1 goal of an organizations AHL team should be to improve (or "develop") whatever young players they have in their organization in whatever way they see fit, while at the same time still having a group of 4 or so players (regardless of age or supposed potential) that are competent to be called up to the NHL team at any time depending on what type of "role" that's possibly been opened up. I don't know what to say about Bittner, good or bad, could be our unexpected/forgotten wildcard. but all these other guys (to me anyway) at the top of CLE's 'team stats' were almost always going to be the 1st call ups. Broadhurst and Gerbe are probably still better NHL options than Stenlund and Abramov.
But, the 2 guys I think should be in the NHL now, and really since training camp are Robinson and Dalpe. I know he's had a couple big games recently, but I'm not sure what more Dalpe needs to do before he gets a look in the NHL. The team hasn't had issues scoring but Dalpe in for Wennberg for a game or 2 could possibly open some eyes or at the least wake somebody up and give Dalpe a deserved paycheck. Robinson should have been here since day 1, over anybody else they've had on the 4th line including Milano. While Hannikainen hasn't looked bad recently, he still has severe limitation with his offensive game. I believe Sedlak brings more than him with his stronger physical game, center/faceoff ability, and imo he's better offensively. I believe Robinson is better than Sedlak in every way other than faceoffs. And I really think Bjorkstrand should be in no matter what. Even if its 'Milano minutes' with PP time.
With Dubinsky being back to a certain level, Sedlak showing the same as he has the last 2 or so years, and Dalpe providing some "eye opening" AHL numbers with Stenlund in the wings, the Nash contract (especially 3 years) seems a bit unnecessary. However, an injury or 2 at the C position would change things.
Eric Robinson after tonight’s game:
7 goals.
6 assists.
13 points.
+7.
In 15 AHL games.
I would love to see Stenlund too honestly he just has that magic behind him but Robinson seem like a more hard working guy that would be ok playing 10 min on a 4thl ine. probably better than milano was.Haven't watched any games but the statline is impressive. Obviously should be first call up in case of injury, and should be here full time potentially when Panarin gets traded. Hopefully he keeps it going, because he's showing a lot more offensive potential than I thought he had.
Haven't watched any games but the statline is impressive. Obviously should be first call up in case of injury, and should be here full time potentially when Panarin gets traded. Hopefully he keeps it going, because he's showing a lot more offensive potential than I thought he had.
McInnis get a lot of icetime and madden seem to hate stenlund,Stenlund has been pretty mediocre so far. McInnis is playing a little better right now, at least he is more noticeable on the ice. I think McInnis even gets a little more ice time.
It's hard to say because the AHL considers TOI a trade secret.When we're talking about Stenlund not getting ice time, what amount roughly do we mean? I'm not going to get worked up about a rookie playing 12 minutes a night, but under 10 is a problem.