Labrie has spent the entire season so far with the Steelheads. In thirteen games, he has a goal and an assist and a plus-4 rating with 14 PIMs. Robinson is 5-0-1 for the Steelheads and did not make it into a game for Texas during his callup.
This makes the blue line pretty crowded. Texas already has seven healthy D skaters, barring injury to someone else during practice this week. Jordie Benn went full contact in morning skate last Saturday, so he's back in the lineup as well. There could also be illness involved. It is cold and flu season, after all.
Is this another callup like Austin Smith and goalie Josh Robinson? Granting the long odds that Labrie would get into a game, is this a reward for his good play in Idaho? I don't believe that it's a motivation move for the Stars defensive corps, which has been improving over the past few games.
In summary, don't expect Labrie to get into many games while here unless there are other circumstances at play. However, his play in Idaho has earned him this callup, which is a good thing long-term for the Dallas and Texas Stars prospect depth at defense.
For Robinson, he will look to continue his strong play in the net for the Steelheads. The team has not suffered while he was gone and Beskorowany was at the helm. However, it will be good to get him in game action again and continue to develop him as a strong callup choice in case of injury. The emergence of Cristopher Nilstorp over the past few games surely made this an easier assignment.
(Images credit: Idaho Steelheads)
How does getting called up affect player pay? Could these call ups to Texas serve as bonuses for a job well done even if they don't get ice time?
ReplyDeleteIt's possible. Labrie played tonight, so there might be something more there.
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