[wingmaker]

Originally Posted by Fan in Exile

I don't understand people saying Sven isn't ready, is not competitive, and is getting pushed around. He is good enough to be playing with the Flames as a rookie. Not sure what you expect in terms of offensive output for a (semi) rookie but a forty point pace is better than most of NHL players in their first and second years. He's a good player for his age and experience level. That doesn't mean he can't or won't get better and doesn't mean he NEEDS to go to the AHL. At the same time, I hope Sven takes it well and makes the most of it. As true as it is that many NHLers weren't as good as he is as a first/second year player, there have also been better players than him that paid more dues in the NHL.

Good enough for what? To take a regular shift? To be able to keep up with the play? Those elements are like the most basic requirements of an NHL regular. To be an effective part of a team, you have to excel at something, not just get by: goal scoring, penalty kill, playmaking, something. Sven deosn't excel at any of those things. He gets put out in the last minute and he makes mistakes that lose the team the game. He gets put with offensive players and nothing comes of it. And that is ok. But it is not good enough to continue to get the ice time he needs to get better. He is young. But he has not developed his game to the point where he can contribute in a meaningful way. That is what the AHL is for. The AHL is a quality, high level development league where players can learn, make mistakes, take on responsibility, all without the pressure or expectation of the highest level in the world. The NHL is not a development league. Yes, players can grow and learn and get better, but they have to already be effective players first. Sven isn't. This is the right move. And who knows, perhaps he just needs to go get his head on straight, get some confidence, and he will be back up soon. Maybe this is just a move to give him a break. But even if it isn't, and he is gone for the year, he can make use of this and come back with the tools to really contribute. This could be a great thing for Sven if he makes the most of it.