Quote:
Originally Posted by dobbles
the grantham thread kinda morphed into this topic, but i wanted to ask it here anyways.
what are the advantages of backlund playing in the whl instead of the ahl? is it not better for him to be playing against better competition, playing with more talented teammates, and playing with possible future calgary teammates?
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Considering that I am one that is advocating that he goes to the WHL I will respond with my thoughts.
Much better for him to play against his peers when he is still 19. He is not fully physically ready to compete and still has areas of his game that will be much easier to work on at the WHL level.
His opportunity to develop would be much greater at the WHL level where he would be placed in a top 6 role and able to be a force in every aspect of the game as one of the better players, not only on his team but in the league.
In the AHL he would really struggle to compete on the ice and would likely be unable to fill a top 6 role right away, if at all during this season.
The WHL is much better suited for him to adapt to the NA game and to NA life in general. As much as many teams use the AHL to develop players that is only part of the goal of the league and for players that are 19 and for the most part 20, the WHL is a much better league for development.
Basically no reason to send him to the AHL to struggle both on and off the ice when he can go to Kelowna and have a much better transition to the NA game.
Also, how many "future" teammates is he really playing with in QC? 2-5 max? and it isn't like the WHL is full of bums as teammates and opponents either.