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transplant99 · 10-29-2016, 02:07 PM

I would think the only way BT comes to a decision either way on this guy is by asking himself a simple question.

Does he help the Flames win games right now.

If the answer is yes, then he stays and plays regularly while sitting a game here and there if things go off the rails a bit. It's not a bad thing for a young guy to watch the game from high up once in a while to help them realize the time and space available vs what they may feel on the ice during play.

If the answer is no, then you send him back without burning a year of his ELC and although it would be preferable in this instance to see him in Stockton, hoping he leads London to a deep run in the playoffs yet again.

With Matthew its a bit of a different situation than most 18 year olds for a few reasons.

First is his physical development. No question he will still add some muscle in the next few years, but even with that he has that area covered already. He is already big and strong enough for the grind of an NHL season playing the style he plays.

Second, last year he played in 75 regular/playoff games on a number 1 line. He already has a bit of an idea what the lengthy season requires to stay fresh and be able to contribute.

Lastly is his upbringing. This is a kid that literally grew up in and around NHL dressing rooms as well as having a father that was an elite guy in his day. He already knows what it takes to be a player both on and off the ice. This is an invaluable experience that the vast majority of young guys dont get to rely on.

The NHL is not a developmental league. If you are on an NHL roster you have to be able to contribute on a fairly regular basis or someone else will unseat you at some point. In Tkachuks case he already understands what it takes. He also has the added benefit of playing a role on this club that no one else really does. This is also a huge plus in the decision to keep him or not.

IMO, there are more reasons to keep him up rather than to send him back to junior and i think he has also earned the chance to stay. Keep him somewhat sheltered for a month or two and see if he can find a spot that makes the team deeper and harder to play against.

10-29-2016, 02:07 PM	#84
transplant99 Fearmongerer Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Wondering when # became hashtag and not a number sign. Exp:	I would think the only way BT comes to a decision either way on this guy is by asking himself a simple question. Does he help the Flames win games right now. If the answer is yes, then he stays and plays regularly while sitting a game here and there if things go off the rails a bit. It's not a bad thing for a young guy to watch the game from high up once in a while to help them realize the time and space available vs what they may feel on the ice during play. If the answer is no, then you send him back without burning a year of his ELC and although it would be preferable in this instance to see him in Stockton, hoping he leads London to a deep run in the playoffs yet again. With Matthew its a bit of a different situation than most 18 year olds for a few reasons. First is his physical development. No question he will still add some muscle in the next few years, but even with that he has that area covered already. He is already big and strong enough for the grind of an NHL season playing the style he plays. Second, last year he played in 75 regular/playoff games on a number 1 line. He already has a bit of an idea what the lengthy season requires to stay fresh and be able to contribute. Lastly is his upbringing. This is a kid that literally grew up in and around NHL dressing rooms as well as having a father that was an elite guy in his day. He already knows what it takes to be a player both on and off the ice. This is an invaluable experience that the vast majority of young guys dont get to rely on. The NHL is not a developmental league. If you are on an NHL roster you have to be able to contribute on a fairly regular basis or someone else will unseat you at some point. In Tkachuks case he already understands what it takes. He also has the added benefit of playing a role on this club that no one else really does. This is also a huge plus in the decision to keep him or not. IMO, there are more reasons to keep him up rather than to send him back to junior and i think he has also earned the chance to stay. Keep him somewhat sheltered for a month or two and see if he can find a spot that makes the team deeper and harder to play against.