Quote:
Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe
What will he be learning in the AHL? He is already beyond that league, no? It isn't about his skill-set not being at the NHL level, but rather his physical ability to play at the NHL level that may come into question. So from that standpoint, where is he best served next season to address this (potential) issue? It is the NCAA and it isn't even close.
What would be CRAZY would be to pull him out of the NCAA with his 7 figure income, and then ship him to the AHL so he can earn a 5 figure income. Again, there is ZERO chance he ever sets foot in the AHL, unless he retires and wants to start his coaching career, or perhaps as part of a conditioning stint recovering form a long-term injury (even then, very doubtful).
AHL is better for adjusting to the NHL, unquestionably. Is this the concern with McKenna? Nope. Not at all.
NCAA is better for putting on some weight, unquestionably. Is this the concern with McKenna? Yes, the one and only concern actually.
Add in the HUGE disparity of his paycheck (NHL vs AHL pay on his max rookie deal - IIRC, 85k in the AHL vs 1+ million in the NCAA), and it would be crazy to assume the Flames would do that to him.
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The money thing is McKenna issue about him signing a contract or not - so not the Flames concern.
I disagree that the NCAA is better for putting unquestionably and also disagree that putting on weight is big thing for most of these guys anyways. McKenna can put on weight all he wants and he's still going to be outmuscled in the NHL. Its about learning to adapt to the play.
Parekh doesn't get rocked as often as he did earlier in the season - its not because he put on 15 pounds of muscle in the past few months. He's adapting to the players.