Clague is playing mostly good minutes and, at least as I see it, doing the job Walker was doing, albeit without the shots on net. Yes he has an occasional gaffe out of exuberance, but playing defence in the NHL is the hardest jump to make from the minors nd thats simply because a d'man's mistake often lead directly to outmanned attacks, shots or goals. Given the uncertainty as to whether Walker's surgery is successful and his rehab progresses to the point that he is the same as he was pre-injury, so as to be ready at the beginning of next season, I believe Clague is strongly playing himself on to a roster spot next year. Generally ACL's take a two year period till the player gets back to his pre-injury baseline, (notable exception: Adrian Peterson Minnesota Vikings, just one year post ACL repair he almost broke the single season rushing yards record)
(DIEHARD recalls losing his bet with DL (the Shill no more) about Michael Handzus in his second season post reconstructive ACL repair. Handzus did come back strong second season although his first season back his overall play was lacking, sorely lacking at points. But as with most things, DL knew well what he said and did and for that DIEHARD happily paid off his bet. Likewise, DIEHARD remains grateful, to the tune of Two Stanley Cup banners, to the man he previously mocked with the moniker of "the Shill." DL is a Shill no more!
