KIRK
Registered User
- Aug 2, 2005
- 109,700
- 51,216
Do you honestly believe that? When, under Bylsma, has a young player ever kicked a vet out of a roster spot?
Bennett did everything you could possibly ask of him in camp and he's still starting the season on the third line.
Maatta got lucky with Letang's injury, so he's getting a reward for a good camp. Honestly, I don't think it matters how he plays, he will be getting sent back down.
And you know what, for all we know he might not even play a single game. Maybe they wanted that extra 54K that Maatta has on his contract compared to Despres to get closer to the 2M mark.
You very well may be right that the reason to keep Maatta up was purely about cap manipulation, which is why I added the 'if he plays' provision.
Now, as for what would happen if he thoroughly outplayed Nisky, Engo, and Borts. It very well may not make a difference, but I will grant this:
If Maatta plays, then just THAT is completely uncharted territory for Bylsma. When reasons were more compelling to keep Morrow (due to more personnel issues and comparable camp), he didn't get a cup of coffee.