Quote:
Originally Posted by flamesfever
I think having Burke's support is helping Joe get the time he needs to develop. However, in spite of the size difference, I think Sven is probably further along, and has more potential upside in the long run.
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First, this assumes that sending Sven to the AHL is bad for his development. There is no evidence of that. Sure, if he pouts and sulks while he's down, that won't help him, but he'll have no one but himself to blame. Backlund and Byron are two guys who have shown that you can use your time in the AHL to show management that you deserve the NHL call-up.
Also, Colborne is subject to waivers. The Leafs traded him last year because they knew he wouldn't clear. The Flames are in the same boat. Even if Colborne would be better served by being sent down, he won't be because the Flames don't want to expose him to waivers. That isn't a concern for Sven. Next year, it will be. This is the season for Sven to show everyone that he belongs in the NHL fulltime.