I do think when that lineup comes, if a guy like Texier is the scratch I wouldn’t consider it a punishment. But otherwise yeah good point. I don’t wanna pick on Texier or anybody, but in general, if you’re paid to score and you haven’t scored much it’s your own job security that is at risk. If you’re scoring then your job is safe. Not much changes that. There’s a lot of times bad things happen to good people because of this mechanic, and a lot of it is luck. From some perspectives it is unfair.
I think I’d absolutely set the expectation of Byfield’s career with Dvorsky. Show him that Byfield spent parts of 3 seasons in the ahl. Same high pick, same position, same hype, same conference.
I’d let him know he can beat Byfield for sure, but if you set the expectations with valid evidence people sometimes adapt better to their circumstances.
I’d have him listen to Byfield’s interview with 32 thoughts that occurred right before the season; the dude is pumped and positive, none of his long path has hurt him, and now his icetime is up, his team is winning with him in a key role. No way Byfield loved multiple returns to the ahl but he’s gonna bag a hundred mil career earnings if he keeps it up.
I’d prefer Dvorsky transition 1 time, but I don’t think it would break him to go thru a few. If it ends up he’s playing like 10-12 nhl min a game and scratched on and off I’d rather him 1C down there.
