He wasn't just a dominant rookie last year in the NCAA, he was dominant, period.
If he is dominant in the WJC and owns the NCAA this year, I don't see any reason to hold him back at all.
He certainly has the physical attributes for the next step. And while goalies typically take longer, it is not all that unusual for younger guys to break through.
If he's ready to jump to the A next year, I am all for it. And Weisbrod was pretty clear that he is only interested in that IF Gillies continues to progress on his current trajectory.
I have felt from day 1 that this kid was a cut above and was on the fast-track to the NHL. Absolutely nothing he has done has ever made me re-think that.
There is a side benefit as well, if it happens. Watching Gillies jump to pro would likely intensify the fire under Jankowski's butt.
|