But Fleury likes to play a lot. The Golden Knights' next seven games are at home and spaced out well. Subban will play when coach Gerard Gallant decides to put him in. And McPhee is thinking years ahead.
"You have a five-year plan, you have a one-year plan, you have a month-to-month plan, but it changes every day," McPhee said. "We thought that was the one area where we were set, but this opportunity presented itself. We evaluated it. We were nimble enough, I guess, as an organization to do something about it.
"We made our move hoping that Subban one day down the road can be a very good No. 1 goaltender. If it works out, good for us. If it doesn't work out, it was a good try. But that's how the business works. You're watching the waiver wire and talking to teams every day to try to make the club better."
McPhee said Shipachyov and his agent were upset and didn't understand initially, but they understand now that "this is a roster move and it's not about performance." Shipachyov reported to the AHL and then flew back to Las Vegas to be with his wife because neither of them speak English and it was hard for her. He's working out on his own in Las Vegas and not expected to play in Chicago's upcoming games.
Tuch and Theodore are playing in the AHL. Playing well, in fact. Theodore is tied for the AHL lead with five points (three goals, two assists) in two games. Tuch has four points (three goals, one assists).
This is expected to be temporary for the three of them, though McPhee would not give a timetable.
"The three guys we sent down have all earned the right to be here and we'll get them here at the right time, or as soon as we can," McPhee said.
