Quote:
Originally Posted by JiriHrdina
Why?
Berglund's development kicked into an abnormally high gear in the 2 years following his draft, but that doesn't mean it should be expected to happen for every player. Dion Phaneuf did the same thing - he just ramped things up incredibly after he was drafted.
Players have to be allowed to develop at their own pace - its simply far too easy to get caught up with comparing two players and where they were at certain points in their career. Development is a marathon not a sprint.
Is this good news? No.
But we have no idea what the circumstances are surrounding this report and what it really means.
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Jiri...come on.....you see my point. No kidding development is a marathon and not a sprint. Backlund and Berglund are similar enough to warrant using Berglund as a comparison in terms of a level of expected contribution (same team, similar draft ratings, grew up playing with/against eachother, both highly touted, and similar point in their careers). From the first glance at this news, it seems that Backlund's performance on that team isn't in the same hemisphere as Berglund's was at that same age.
Sutter has set high expectations for Backlund....."he would lead the dub in scoring if he came over". Of his play at the WJC, Sutter says "he was as good as any 18 year old at the tournament" and "he was their best player against Canada" on a lineup that included Berglund....who as you say developed abnormally. There is no reason to expect more from Backlund at this point particularly when Berglund exists as a decent benchmark. So there must be something else going on. No way I am saying we need to rush his development or the like. After seeing how he performed in camp, he needs time to get some muscle and confidence first.
To be clear on my original point, when I say "what is wrong with this kid" I am saying what did he do that has mngt thinking along these lines. Something serious? Something innocuous or misconstrued? He is a kid playing with men....albeit a kid that has VERY high expectations of himself. Maybe there is a falling out. Who knows at this point. But my point is what has gone on that would lead team mngt to be at odds with a player like Backlund who should be an important player if given the right opportunity. Maybe a tempest in a tea cup......
By the way, you do know it is ok to question and be critical of the flames and their prospects once in a while. In all of the efforts around here by "regulars" to present an even keel point of view, sometimes it seems the only contrarian thoughts are those against other posters rather than having the odd critcal comment of the team/players. It doesn't lead you down the path of becoming one of the bipolar elements on this board if you cast a critical eye over the team once in a while.