JohhnyReb wrote (from closed thread):
'' You guys do realize that Hainsey has played closed to 700 games in the NHL, right? That only 12 players from that draft have played more games than he has, and only three defensemen (Schultz, Visnovsky and Orpik)? He's 19th for points (from that draft) and 5th for points-by-a-defenseman, 2nd if you only include first round defensemen.
At some point Hab fans are going to have to admit that Hainsey was and is a quality NHL player. Not a star by any stretch, but a good NHL player. We all want Beaulieu to be "better" but if he has a Hainsey-like career then that will be just fine too. ''
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My reply to the above!:
fair post and good info, but...I don't just want fine (Hainsey)...I want CUP #25. (unless Hainsey is here to replace Drewiskie as an expensive cheerleader!).
If Beaulieu has a similar career to Hainsey's he also might have similar results as a Hab...traded (like when Hainsey was traded away). I'm looking forward to J.Tinordi, not Beaulieu (but I'll try to like Beaulieu's potential since he's still a Hab...for now). Nathan Beaulieu should spend as much time as possible in the AHL UNTIL he gets it right. PERIOD. (and also increases his value for a possible trade 'cause right now his value is probably not at its highest).Plekanec spent lots of time in the AHL...so can Beaulieu (and without the heavy cocky ''I've earned it'' attitude...no he hasn't earned anything...he still has a lot to prove...in the AHL, since he still looks so lost/raw out there, imo).