I am not sure AV is seeing what the fans are seeing. His PP minutes in the last game topped all skaters for the Rangers. Even strength, however, was a different story as he has the least amount of ice time at even strength.
But a couple more points: it seems easy to just have a struggling vet sit and replace him with fresh legs. But what if that youngster comes in and struggles more and the Rangers lose? AV will never hear the end of it from his both, higher ups, and the rest of the professional hockey world because he didn't put out his best team. Think a guy whose team is down 2-0 in the Stanley Cup Finals wants to pin his career on that? Further, replacing him has ripple effects, unless the suggestion is to bring in someone like Miller to replace him directly and thus play on a top line. I mean, should that kid be given that much pressure? Playing on a top line in the NHL finals and he has 10 career regular season NHL points and a couple in the playoffs. That may not be putting him in a situation to succeed.
Finally, buying him out. I've expressed an opinion that isn't likely, especially with MSL here. But, with the cost of the hit, does the team find someone else to tally about 50 points and help his team to the playoffs, be instrumental in a pivotal second round playoff series and the ultimate push to the finals? I don't recall the formula, but they may not have much to spend on this person and while he may not be the most effective guy out there, the time out there, in general, helps other lines do their thing. It's not always about one line. It's about all lines for 60 minutes. I don't know. If he's run out of gas, so be it. It unfortunately happens. At the cost of a buyout, seems as though they're better off with him and AV would have to manage his time better next season. Or...let's see what happens the rest of the way...
