PK Cronin
Bailey Fan Club Prez
- Feb 11, 2013
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I see where you're coming from but Pittsburgh thought he was good enough to keep him around for two Cup runs and for a third season after that. Would they have won those cups whether Knuckles was there or not? Undoubtedly. But, he was on the squad vs. whatever other bottom six choices they could have made. That must mean something. And now the Isles brass have decided he should be on the roster vs. the other choices that they have and who are we to substitute our judgement for theirs?
There seems to be a misconception about my feelings in relation to Kuhnhackl.
My issue is people wanting to give him more minutes and responsibility because he got hot for a few games. I do not have a problem with him being on the roster. I've historically backed almost all of our 13th forwards because they're necessary depth to have when injuries strike or when a guy needs a break. Kuhnhackl is valuable in that role. He's not a top 6 guy, probably not even a top 9 guy, who can play night in and night out. With extra forwards you're pretty much just looking for a player that isn't going to hurt the team, and anything they contribute otherwise is a nice little bonus. That's Kuhnhackl, and we just got our bonus early in the season.
If Ladd is out for an extended period of time and the coaching staff wants a regular in the lineup, someone needs to be called up or they have to play Johnston (probably not) because Kuhnhackl isn't the guy we want doing that.