At a $4,000,000 cap hit, it may seem a bit expensive, but I think Stafford's well documented struggles in Buffalo could bode well for a team that is desperate to add a RW that can score, and perhaps Stafford to NJ could offer a fresh start to the struggling winger and maybe even help boost Zajac's confidence a bit.
Even a healthy Marty / Moose would not typically start 13 games in a row at this stage of their careers, especially after some of the dismal performances Hedberg had in those 13 starts.
With that being said, I'm guessing the option of NOT starting either Frazee or Kinkaid in those 13 games was simply a political move to AVOID a goaltending controversy in the event either of the rookies played well enough to put doubt in the mind of the fans and management with regards to Hedberg's future with the club.
After all, if either Frazee/Kinkaid played well enough, it would force Lou to either A) carry 3 goalies B) put Moose in a bad spot questioning the team's loyalty to him or C) force Lou demote one of the rookies and create negative vibes even after a positive stretch with the "big club"
How the potential controversy has been resolved is simply knowing that Hedberg needs to be replaced next season. The stretch of 13 games showed his ineffectiveness in long stretches.
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