Quote:
Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm
The World Juniors is a massive step down in play compared to the NHL. If Monahan is playing important minutes with the Flames I see no reason whatsoever for him to play in the World Juniors. I know kids want to play in the World Juniors, and Monahan is probably a captain for the upcoming 2014 team but it the positives of staying and playing in the NHL far outweight going down in competition to play against teenagers again.
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Though I really agree with it being a step down, part of player development is putting players in different situations.
Going to represent Team Canada is still a huge honor at any stage. It will give him a tournament in which he will be looked upon as one of the leaders on the team (I don't think he becomes team captain - usually a returnee is selected for that, but you never know in Monahan's case). It is also a short tourney, so he won't be missing too much time.
Just a short re-adjustment period. I think the only downside with having him suit up for Canada would be if he is in the thick of the Calder race.
I guess it all depends on how you view that time. If it was longer than a month, I would definitely say no. With it being a short tournament, a chance to win something highly regarded in a career, and just the added experience from all the pressure and leadership responsibilities he would be exposed to - I think it would be good for his development on a whole, even if it is a step down in competition.