[Cali Panthers Fan]

I really think if you are looking at potential and skill the top 3 are Gaudreau, Bennett, and Baertschi…whatever order you want.

As good as Granlund, Reinhart, Poirier etc. have been, in my mind they are just a cut below those 3. Granlund will probably be a more complete player, but he's been playing against men for longer (as was Ortio) which means he was a little bit more prepared for the AHL and NHL than Sven was.

Here's the thing though, Sven always had, and still does have, more skill and high end NHL talent. The key for him at this point is to be able to handle the physicality of the NHL, learn his responsibilities and work harder at them, and find a way to put it all together with his natural abilities to become a top line player. This takes time and maturity, something that requires patience and proper coaching and development. This is speculation on my part, but I felt like Hartley didn't have the time or energy to teach the basic responsibilities of the game over and over to Sven (and Ward didn't seem to care for him at any point for whatever reason). Hartley liked Monahan because he was a "sponge" and took input and made the necessary changes to constantly improve. Sven needed time in the AHL because he wasn't improving at a fast enough rate to justify his spot on the club. So be it. It doesn't mean he can't improve, won't improve, doesn't have the desire to improve; and should be summarily dismissed in the minds of fans simply because some guys look more NHL ready.

I'm looking forward to watching him in camp this year. He's undoubtedly had his struggles at times, but has still shown why he was a 1st round pick. He may still play another full year in the AHL, but it will be worth it when he puts it all together.