How's Hainsey doing ?
I miss the guy.
He's ok, but at this point in his career he shouldn't have the 4th highest TOI/GP among D-men on his team, he should be somewhat sheltered on the 3rd pairing. However the context this year in Ottawa allows it, it's the 2nd year of the rebuild so it's a better idea to have a veteran like Hainsey eating those minutes and facing those responsibilities rather than throw a young guy into the wolves. Having Zaitsev, DeMelo and Hainsey as your #2, #3 and #4 won't make you a serious contender to even make the playoffs but in the context of a rebuild where the upcoming draft is insanely good, it is actually a good thing
He has slowed down over the years but can still compensate with experience/smarts/position. Can make a pass, read a play, angle off shooters but like I said, shouldn't be anywhere near your top-4
He's going to be 39 y/o at the end of this season, pretty impressive when nowadays you're able to play in the NHL until that age. He could maybe get a last contract as a depth contract next year but will he want a marginal role?
Note : advice : avoid the extreme opinions, not reliable/credible. For example, there's people that still can't understand that a #4 playing as a #2 won't make him look good or have him have good/decent underlying stats. There's plenty of guys in the NHL playing in the "wrong chair" (due to a lack of depth) which is something that has been talked about by "experts" for several years now, but looks like some still didn't get the memo.
He’s been fine. I suspect his greater value to this fledgling squad is off the ice.
The coach has mentioned several times how important he has been to the kids in a player/coach role.
For a team that is not expecting/or trying to compete for a playoff spot, and that has made player development a priority, the type of player that teaches/models the kids how to be young pros on and off the ice, while being able to answer a million questions is valuable.
I’m not getting need to hate on guys that are doing exactly what they’re supposed to be doing.
That's because you're not a "hater". Some just can't do anything about it, it's in their nature.