Quote Originally Posted by Ultra & Proud View Post
I think Bob is giving them every opportunity to show that they either belong on the team as a reliable player (McNaughton) or they don't (Nelson). At least unlike in the past with guys like Chapman & Fraser, these players are getting more than their fair shot at making a case for themselves.
My take would be less "does/doesn't belong" and more "is a capable backup" versus "is still a project."

Nelson is 19. His speed and technique aren't at issue, really, it's his intelligence and read of the game. Most forwards and wings build on that knowledge into their late 20s.

If he gets to 23, 24 and hasn't yet become a dependable second-string player then he's on the doesn't belong pile, a la Tsubasa. Until then a team needs a 30 man roster to be a competitive as possible. So that's seven or eight past the main squad where you can afford developmental patience.