BankStreetParade
Registered User
Meh, I don't think there's a massive difference between Neil and a guy like Chiasson, at least as far as their effectiveness on the 4th line is concerned. Maybe you get a bit more from Chiasson, but the difference between the two will never be the difference between a win and a loss.
I'm not saying I'm advocating for Neil over Chiasson, just saying that it's really inconsequential, and not worth worrying about.
As for Phillips, again, I think Boro is better, but the difference between Boro's 14 managed mins and Phillips's 14 managed mins isn't a massive deal. The problem with Phillips is that you need to worry that hell not be taking Boro's 14 minutes, but instead be taking 18-20+ on the 2nd pair.
I'd be intereated in seeing what each player's hockey VORP would be, if such a stat existed... and if it were at all reliable.
Maybe not right now. But giving Chiasson the development time, even if his current effect on the outcome is identical to Neil's, is more valuable to this team. Because as it stands right now and going in to the future, Chiasson will be a member of this team while Neil's time is running out.