Why Didn't we go for a Proven Veteran??

[L K]

I thought Nyquist caused a cap problem, and that was why he was sent down...and I'm just making an assumption that these guys progress to that point this year, more or less.

I don't believe he did, but, either way, he only ended up earning the opportunity for a full-time spot because Datsyuk and Zetterberg got hurt in 13/14. If they thought he was really ready to be the player we know him to be now, they would have found a way to make it work under the cap (if that was actually an issue - which I'm pretty sure it wasn't). He was a PPG player in the A, and they still sent him back for more seasoning.

I think that actually created part of the rift with Babcock and Holland.  Babcock wanted Nyquist in the NHL at the start of last season and because of cap implications they couldn't recall him immediately without waiving a certain Newfoundlander.  Babcock wanted Nyquist on the team over Cleary and Holland wouldn't waive him.  It was that situation that started the "Babcock wants to be a GM and be in charge of roster decisions" stuff.

But yeah, Nyquist put up back to back PPG AHL seasons and had 21 points in 14 games before getting recalled in 13/14.  So there is certainly precedence of guys getting left in the AHL for another year after a PPG season.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

I think we have to be careful with always thinking we'll follow the "Detroit model". Part of the reason the Wings kept their younger players in the AHL was because Detroit was always competing for a playoff spot/competing for the Cup. I doubt that Babcock will follow the exact same template on a rebuilding team.