Which low talent players is he playing? Are you talking about the 12th forward spot playing Howden over Gauthier...OH NO THE WORLD WILL END...LOL.
I would play Gauthier, but a case can be made to play Howden for the PK over Gauthier, who is much more suited for a top 9 role than a 4th line role. And I write that while stating I would play Gauthier. I just don't think our 12th forward is really a big deal.
Blackwell is tied for 4th on the team in goals scored with 12. And considering Zib has 6 of his 14 goals in two games, and Kreider has 9 of his 17 goals in 6 games, you can make a case he has been one of our most consistent goal scorers.
Rooney is a solid 4th line guy. Can kill penalties and is versatile. Only thing he lacks is a little sandpaper and grit.
As far as I can tell we have a pretty darn talented top 9.
And I am sure Gorton could have gotten a 4th, 5th, 6th round pick for some of the excess forwards. I think he just decided given where we are, and given we have a ton of picks/prospects, let it ride this season and see where we end up. Not crazy IMO.