Quote:
Originally Posted by ridinryan44
I'm right there with ya, Comish. I just don't see how missing 3 weeks of pro hockey to play against the top competition in the world (at his age level) would hurt his development. If he had to sacrifice a year or pro-hockey to do so, yea, I get it. To me he's missing out on "big game" atmosphere and learning to calm the nerves and such. That's what gets recognized - showing up in the playoffs. Yea, he's played before but never hurts to get more! It's only 3 weeks....
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It's not about
hurting his development per-say, it's about
delaying his development. He'll get actual playoff experience this season as Binghamton is almost the best team in the AHL right now.
The same thing happened last year having to travel across the ocean for the WJC, then the season went to shit when he returned. The Sens are not very happy with how his Swedish team fared last year and how they treated Z and all their players. They went through 3 head coaches and didn't give Z or their other young players consistent ice time. They didn't get control over him last year, so they are using their control to their full advantage this year.
I'm just not sure some people realize the difference between a WJC in Russia and a WJC in Canada or the US. It's just going to be way less physical and slower. That is not something a guy learning an intense, quick, pro game really needs. Wouldn't hurt, but the pros outweigh the cons to stay.
Like I said though, you can make good argument for both sides. I'm sure they debated it for a while.
