There exists a fine line between NHL teams and their affiliates: the parent club wants to develop young talent for its next wave, while still building a winning team in the AHL.



Sometimes, those two ideas runs counter to each other.



Young, drafted prospects, need a place where they can play and develop with significant ice-time. But sometimes they’re not ready and playing young talent can result in losses. Quickly, the environment can spiral and accomplish the opposite of its intended purpose. Sometimes, those AHL teams compensate by signing veterans to stay afloat.



Ideally, the right balance is struck with a small number of very good, accomplished veterans who can insulate rookies and be comfortable sliding down the lineup when they’re ready.



But sometimes, again, those two notions run counter to one another. The best AHL veterans want to make the NHL jump, too. They’re often not comfortable as placeholders.



But what if a...