The league really needs to do something about the LTIR situation. Teams like Tampa and Toronto abuse it by having players out for so long just to conveniently come back in time for playoffs like the Blackhawks did. IMO, if a guy is on LTIR for more than half the season, he shouldn't be eligible to return for playoffs. Makes no sense that a team can make trades after the deadline but those players acquired aren't eligible for playoffs, but teams can have key players like Kucherov sit out the entire season and come back right in time for game 1 of the playoffs

I cannot see Johnson being benched to begin the playoffs. It'll be a battle between Stephens and Colton for the 4C job.
Also, Rutta is not going to be benched in favor of Foote (if Rutta is healthy).

Joseph too

Tampa is going back to back mark my words

Agreed. Chicago would not have won a cup that year if they hadn`t done that. Since then its become weaponized. I don`t like it. The point of the salary cap is to create parity. Why allow a loophole to allow for a massive advantage to a team when it matters most?

Tampa is absolutely nuts

Copper preaches meritocracy. Colton is the 4 c. Tyler lose oh stephens battle for the last spot. Foote gaming experience. Rutta rusty will be close.

Johnson should lose his spot as soon as Stephens finishes his conditioning stint in Cuse. He's been beyond awful and disingaged, has the same goal total this season that Colton has in 15 games.