Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperMatt18
The other thing to consider is that even though guys like Baertschi, Gaudreau, Granlund, and Ferland look NHL ready they could always use more time in the AHL.
Look at some standout rookies from last year:
Palat: 117 AHL Games (2 seasons)
T. Johnson: 137 AHL Games (2 seasons)
Chiasson: 67 AHL Games (1 season)
Toffoli: 76 AHL Games (1 Seasons)
Pearson: 105 AHL Games (2 Seasons)
Jurco: 106 AHL Games (2 Seasons)
Nyquist: 137 AHL Games (3 Seasons)
Compare that to our young guys:
Gaudreau: 0 AHL Games
Ferland: 32 AHL Games
Granlund: 52 AHL Games
Baertschi: 73 AHL Games
Reinhart: 134 AHL Games
Really you could argue the most successful guys (Palat, Johnson, Nyquist) all spend lots of time in the AHL. Personally I don't think more time AHL will hurt them (Tampa Bay seems to be taking the Detroit method of things and it is working well), but selfishly would like them in the NHL since it will provide more entertainment.
The other thing is that starting in the AHL doesn't mean they will be there all year. Toffoli, Pearson, Jurco, Nyquist, etc all started the season in the AHL but forced their way up to the big club in short order. If they are NHL ready it won't take long for them to show it and make their way up.
Really the guys that should be getting the chance this year are Baertschi and Reinhart, with Ferland, Johnny, and Granlund all using another AHL season to get ready.
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You shouldn't selectively pick players to fit your argument. You should have a long list of rookies and see how much time they spent in the AHL. Most star players don't need AHL time because their talent allows them to participate at the NHL level. I could also choose examples such as Mackinnon who has 0 AHL games and won the Calder as an example against sending players to the minors.
If the player is ready for the NHL, they should play in the NHL. If not, the AHL is a great place for development.