There is a real lesson here for all of us on player development that we will mostly ignore. I think if we are honest most of us had given up on Durzi, myself included and he’s making us look like fools. Not because of our assessment of his play but the conclusions we drew from it.
What I like is his decision making, not that it’s brilliant but that it’s decisive. It therefore makes him easy to play with, he plays with intent and isn’t afraid of mistakes. As such he’s looked great offensively and suddenly gives us an unexpected bit of something at the back. He’s basically everything we wanted Clague to be and a bit more. Both have their deficiencies but Durzi properly backs himself and I think that’s essentially the difference. I think Clague can be a serviceable #6 guy but Durzi took his spot on the Kings and I’m ok with that.
It also makes the trade look great for us and in fairness I think it was a win-win for both teams. Toronto have gotten what they will have wanted out of Muzz, their issues since the deal have been elsewhere.
Björnfot looks like he will develop into at least a good #3, Grunström has elevated his game and Durzi has suddenly become an NHL player. Happy with that.