Pre-Game Talk: Edmonton vs Montreal, Monday 7pm

[WeThreeKings]

NHL is not a developing league it’s a result league. The development is for the AHL

This is fundamentally false.. you have to develop your players at all stages of their career.

But even if it were true.. then don't put players in the NHL who require development.

 

[malton]

Evans has played well lately. Would be a shame for him to sit more than a game.

 

[Mrb1p]

Well, you were right...they did find a way to bump KK to the 4th line after all.

Man, who couldve predicted that, amirite ?

MRB1P youre so negative... Chill out dude, everythings going to be fine. In three years he will get better linemates, in three years he will get playing time.

2021: Hold my beer.

 

[Big Empty]

NHL is not a developing league it’s a result league. The development is for the AHL

How about this

The Montreal Canadiens treatment of young players, as an organization, is a joke.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

I don’t care what he calls the line, you are giving KK two guys who can’t finish his passes. This is the problem.

Yeah, not a fan of this move.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

I get this argument, but there's also the argument to be made that not every single player needs to be a Selke candidate. If Kotkaniemi can set up people in the offensive zone and give the team a chance to score, then playing him with wingers who can take advantage of that seems like a much smarter thing to do than playing him with guys who have a combined six goals this season. You don't have to give him defensive zone faceoffs or put him out there with a minute left to defend the lead if you think he may be a liability, but you should lean in on a player's strengths rather than try to hide their weaknesses, which also all but eliminates the reason the player has been good lately.

The optimist in me thinks that maybe this is a challenge for him and they want to see what he can do. Moreover, DD doesn't seem afraid to blend the lines occasionally.

I don't like this move but he may want to get Staal going in his first game... not too concerned but I don't like it long term.