I think that this 9 game stint has served its purpose - we know that he is a very smart hockey player and is going to be a tremendous NHLer.
But he is not going to be that this year.
And he and the Flames also know what he needs to work on.
I would like to see him have a more pressure-free development year in junior where he can develop his offensive game, a well as the things he needs to work on. Where he can play in all situations and grow his confidence.
Another benefit of sending him down is that it allows for more opportunities for the other centres in the organization to get NHL experience and for the organization to see what they've got with some of these guys.
Colborne, Horak, Knight, Reinhart and Granlund would all benefit from getting ice-time with the big club.
Backlund is looking solid. Monahan is good to go for next year.
Let's focus this year on finding out what else we've got
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