This year he has? I completely disagree, as the majority of those players you've mentioned were not signed this year and those that were are bottom 6 players.
- neem55

So signing bottom 6 players isn't signing UFA's? Were they RFA's? Have they been name checked as guys who were going to help the team win? Who were going to provide something special - "they're fast", "tough to play against", "will play the tough minutes".

I'm not saying one way is better than another, I've never met any of these kids. But different people develop under a variety of conditions. Some players will benefit more by playing 8 minutes per night against the best players in the world while others need 20 minutes per night against their age group peers.

Basically what I'm saying is "playing more" does not equal "better development"
- 1970vintage

I believe different players develop at differing rates with differing needs. It’s not one big lump of prospects that fall into one way of developing nor are they on the same course of how they get deployed etc.

Cool. What I'm saying is: I completely disagree.
- neem55

Yeah, I know, you're wrong.

Gagner, Del Zotto, Beagle, Schaller, Rousel, Neilsson, Vanek

Which "good replacements" are in Utica exactly?

Traded young players/picks for more experienced, NHL ready players.

Benning has basically done the exact opposite of everything you have said here.
- 1970vintage

Or maybe Benning doesn't know how to do it.

So signing bottom 6 players isn't signing UFA's? Were they RFA's? Have they been name checked as guys who were going to help the team win? Who were going to provide something special - "they're fast", "tough to play against", "will play the tough minutes".
- 1970vintage

No signing bottom 6 players was not an attempt to make this a winning team. It's obviously signing UFA's, but it's not trying to fix all of your problems so that you can make a push for the playoffs either. I'm glad they had a hot surprising start, EP, Bo,JV and BB are looking great, but if you think this roster was put together to make the playoffs, given that they have the same awful d and goaltending, than IMO you're wrong.

Yeah, I know, you're wrong.
- 1970vintage

Good one. I'm so glad to have someone who understands the nuances of development and also how to back up their opinions with facts on this message board. You're an inspiration

No signing bottom 6 players was not an attempt to make this a winning team. It's obviously signing UFA's, but it's not trying to fix all of your problems so that you can make a push for the playoffs either. I'm glad they had a hot surprising start, EP, Bo,JV and BB are looking great, but if you think this roster was put together to make the playoffs, given that they have the same awful d and goaltending, than IMO you're wrong.
- neem55

Lol, everything that Benning has said since he took over has been about being competitive, and making the playoffs. Why would you pay Jay freaking Beafle $12m if you didn't believe he would help you win games. Because they have cap space?

No signing bottom 6 players was not an attempt to make this a winning team. It's obviously signing UFA's, but it's not trying to fix all of your problems so that you can make a push for the playoffs either. I'm glad they had a hot surprising start, EP, Bo,JV and BB are looking great, but if you think this roster was put together to make the playoffs, given that they have the same awful d and goaltending, than IMO you're wrong.
- neem55

You should read Vintsys posts. Your imagination is out of control 😂😂

Lol, everything that Benning has said since he took over has been about being competitive, and making the playoffs. Why would you pay Jay freaking Beafle $12m if you didn't believe he would help you win games. Because they have cap space?
- 1970vintage

No, because not all of your players are ready for the rigours of the NHL and because it's important to have professionals in order to have kids learn how to be professionals. I'm not the biggest Beagle fan, but he is definitely a solid pro with a good work ethic IMO.

Good one. I'm so glad to have someone who understands the nuances of development and also how to back up their opinions with facts on this message board. You're an inspiration
- neem55

Even Nighthawk understands that player development isn't linear. You want examples?

Mark Scheifele and Ryan Kesler.

You should read Vintsys posts. Your imagination is out of control 😂😂
- Nighthawk

Yes, because me responding to his posts directly is not an indication that I'm reading them. You're powers of observation are second to none.

No, because not all of YOUR players are ready for the rigours of the NHL and because it's important to have professionals in order to have kids learn how to be professionals. I'm not the biggest Beagle fan, but he is definitely a solid pro with a good work ethic IMO.
- neem55

Curious as to who YOUR team is? 😜

Even Nighthawk understands that player development isn't linear. You want examples?

Mark Scheifele and Ryan Kesler.
- 1970vintage

Different players need different things, that's why you have professionals deciding who needs what. I've never, at any point, said I think player development is linear. That's your own inference and it isn't based on any opinions I hold, rather your imagination.

one win and people get crazy

Curious as to who YOUR team is? 😜
- Nighthawk

I'm curious as whether you think your comments are actually intelligible given your ability to articulate.

Player development starts with the GM & is passed on down to Utica. Pros teach on & off ice habits by example. In the end coaches are responsible for every player whether prospect or pro to play within the system & to improve on everything they can.

Different players need different things, that's why you have professionals deciding who needs what. I've never, at any point, said I think player development is linear. That's your own inference and it isn't based on any opinions I hold, rather your imagination.
- neem55

No, it's based entirely on your statement that playing more minutes in the AHL is 100% better for every player than playing fewer minutes in the NHL.

No, it's based entirely on your statement that playing more minutes in the AHL is 100% better for every player than playing fewer minutes in the NHL.
- 1970vintage

As I said, not every player needs the same thing. That's why you have management and coaches to sort out who needs what. IMO playing more minutes and a more diverse set of in-game situations is better experience than riding the pine in the NHL, in general, but some young guys are good enough to play meaningful minutes at the NHL level and so it can be good experience to be in the show. Depends on the player, but generally more minutes, more opportunities is better than less.

I'm curious as whether you think your comments are actually intelligible given your ability to articulate.
- neem55

I suggest you ask a poster a question if uncertain. That is better than your poorly veiled & condescending attempt at claiming ‘curious’. Intelligibe enough to your liking?

Even Nighthawk understands that player development isn't linear. You want examples?

Mark Scheifele and Ryan Kesler.
- 1970vintage

I have my moments don’t expect it often 😂

one win and people get crazy
- A_SteamingLombardi

People are always crazy, wins have nothing to do with it

People are always crazy, wins have nothing to do with it
- 1970vintage

I agree & it’s all about the process.

I suggest you ask a poster a question if uncertain. That is better than your poorly veiled & condescending attempt at claiming ‘curious’. Intelligibe enough to your liking?
- Nighthawk

Arguably the most intelligible thing you've written, there was no veiling I was pretty directly saying you spurt incoherent posts in response to you attempting to insult me with, you guessed it, an incoherent comment.

Cory
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@CoryHergott
8m8 minutes ago
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A healthy scratch for Boucher is interesting especially when it comes to the team’s leading scorer. Has he been called up? Has he been traded? Is it just his turn to sit? Is the coach sending him a message?

MacEwen and Dahlen with goals 2-2