Originally Posted by The Comish

It's kind of sad really. Sad for Mika and sad for Sweden. He can put on a brave face and say that it was his and his agent's decision, but who is he really kidding? No way ANY 19 year old hockey player DOESN'T want to suit up for a short tournament representing his country with his buddies that he won gold at the year before. Russia (location) be damned, tournaments reek of awesomeness!

Nothing to prove at this level? What about leading Sweden to ANOTHER gold medal? That might show the Sens that this kid has leadership abilities and you know, just might give him even more confidence in himself as an offensive player.

I guess he'll somehow get some confidence playing less minutes in the SECOND best league in the world right now after the KHL. He's got 7 points in 16 games for heaven's sake! Wouldn't it be better if he were to go away, dominate for the Swedes and then come back to the AHL to finish on a high note...or if we're lucky, try to make the NHL when the players eventually come crawling back in January?

Boo to the Sens management who made this decision. Will it retard Zibanejad's development? Likely not, but hey it's not like we'll ever know!