Murray indicated that there is a chance they could sit him a couple games rather than rush the decision.
Zibanejad has looked solid in his audition but obviously there is no need to rush him. Through eight games, he has averaged 12:41 a game and has just one assist.
The Sens also hinted that Daniel Alfredsson may not play tomorrow due to a hip flexor which explains the call up of Kaspars Daugavins. There was some thought that the call-up may have had to do with a suspension to Chris Neil but that is not the case. No further discipline coming for that linesman shove on Saturday night.
- Jason Spezza was named the NHL’s Second Star this week. Jonathan Quick was First while Tomas Vokoun claimed the third star. Spezza had seven points this past week including the tying goal against Columbus on Saturday night.
- Peter Regin will undergo further tests on his shoulder. Spoke with someone over the weekend who suggested this was going to be a long term injury and that surgery may be required. Guess we will have to wait and see.
I won't be upset if he stays as I think his development will be about equal in the SEL or NHL (i.e. he'll be in about the same spot by next season either way), but we've got time.
I think Regin's career is done. He took plenty of time to rehab it at the end of last year and all summer...should ers are not forgiving and unless they give him a titanium rotator cuff that shoulder isn't going to hold up at this level.
While I like what Zibby has done so far... he looks like he is NHL ready, but he has not been an impact player for this team. We need him to be an impact player.
If he can realize that he belongs at this level and start wanting the puck more I think he'd break out.
Turris hasn't proven capable of being a 2nd line center yet, and they would probably want Bran Lee coming back. They would probably expect a pick as well, they certainly don't want any substantial contracts coming their way.
That's precisely why I hope Zibby accepts a move to the AHL. Spend some time getting confidence playing in that role on North American ice, then come back to the Sens later this year to put it into practice at the NHL level.
30 hours to game time!! GO SENS GO!!
I feel with Regin's injury possible being long-term, Zib may be here for the long run.
Spezza
Da Costa
Winchester
Z. Smith
And Konopka to take face off's if Smith and Winchester struggle on the dot.
Really hope to see Da Costa and Winny start putting in a few... Da Costa seems snake bitten out there!
It's either SEL or NHL for him. I vote SEL but won't be upset if he's in the NHL as I think he's close to being ready.
And why in hell would we trade for someone? We've got plenty of young talent in our system - no need for more unless some insane GM is going to take some old garbage off our hands in exchange for a young prospect (which ain't happening).
Zibanejad has played well and created a lot of chances, so either way is fine with me, though I don't think it would hurt him to light up the SEL for a year.
Let's get back to .500 this week! GO SENS GO!!!
Sens vs Canes 3-1
Sens vs Panthers 4-2
Sens vs Rangers 1-2
Hmm that may be good... We can snag him with our 6-10 overall pick... LOL
I think DaCosta could do big things on the 2nd line
Filatov should also get a shot once Zib is sent back
I would also like to see Rundblad agree to go to Bingo for a few games. Hell get some confidence and get used to playing the N.A game because ofbig minutes. Meanwhile playing Lee and/orCarkner when he comes back
I also think Butler when healthy needs to get a shit alongside Spezza or DaCosta because that's the only way he will succeed
Zibby should be returned to the SEL:
- He's still only 18 so he could benefit from some more development
- The SEL is a man's league. He would only get slightly increased ice time and would still only likely get 2nd line ice time in Sweden
- The only difference I see is the pressure. He would have much less pressure on him on the SEL and that could allow him to work on the little things instead of having to defend himself on an Ottawa Senators team that may face a lot of criticism this year
not sure it was the best idea to get calls our way but I guess we do not get them anyways so it may be no harm.
http://senators.nhl.com/v2/ext/PDFs/Prospect_Update-241011.pdf
He does seem a bit cautious, but comfortable and already quite responsible /calm, isnt that a rookie concern?.
Murray even said Zibanejad will be a better player by christmas time than he is now (if he stays with the club this season)
Seeing the team fight like they did on Saturday can only help Zibanejad
Keep him, he isnt your usual rookie with major growing pains
They're secretly wanting to build chemistry between the two to play on the wings of Spezza!
Not sure which one of them it is, but One guy always says the wrong player names.
bang on about Millen. he kept being uber-confident about columbus putting it into cruise control after the bad goal by anderson while ottawa was showing no obvious sign of taking the foot off the pedal. he was probably more shocked and sad than steve mason himself when michalek potted the winner 4.7 seconds left.
Mark Stone is lookin' good!
Yeah that was brutal. I wish we could just get Dean and Gord for every game. Sure they're total homers but why do I care - so am I. Plus they're funny as heck.
Spezza
Smith
Winchester
Konopka
DaCosta/Condra/Greening
I happen to think this is the best scenario. Keep him here and let him adjust at the pro level.
also, the way people are polarized on the zibanejad issue shows how starved the sens fanbase is for a top-notch offensive prospect.
Filatov should be on the big team, even if it's 3rd/4th line. And there's a few Bingo boys who could fill the spot.
Yes Boston kept Seguin, but he got to win the Stanley Cup, that will not be the case her this year.
Give a shot to both Da Costa, and to Filatov, this why we have them here this year.
Look at Greening with Spezza, although he is not ptting up the points, he is clearly giving Spezza and Michalek plenty of room for which to work.
And NOW is the time to shop Kuba and Gonchar!
Going forward, this club will have a better idea of what shape they're in if they aren't so logjammed with players.
Don't you know that Zibby will dominate the competition over in the SEL, and those of you who say its bad for development, confidence is a huge factor in development and he's had a pretty good taste of what he needs to work on and develop.
I'm ok either way, but I think sending him back is the best for the team in the long run.
Its his brother ...THANK GOD!
Yeah I saw that and nearly had a heart attack!!!
Going back to the SEL he will play probably 2nd line minutes.. but he will still have the issue next year coming back to Ottawa getting used to the smaller ice and the different style of game. Keep him... he gets experience practicing & playing games. If he needs to sit a couple of games and watch (much like they did with Rundblad) then do that. Do you think Zibby is playing too tense as to not make a mistake as this 10 game stint is in his head a lot. It's different than 18 yr olds going back to junior hockey..this guy played in a men's league. It's a re-build.. let the young guys play.
As for Daug.. I assumed he was promised NHL games.. so this is his audition. Go Dawg.
Defenceman are dropping like flies around the league! You have to think Murray us fielding a lot of calls with our surplus on the back end. When Carkner gets back I'm sure we will see some movement.
Maybe. Wasn't Cowen ranked top 5 before he got injured for most of the season leading up to the draft? I trust our scouting and medical team will make the right decision. Isn't it a bit early to think about the draft?
Since I have been a season ticket holder down here, I think one of the worst things Ottawa has done over the years has been the since of "entitlement" to certain players. It stymies the development because these players know regardless of play they will always get the chance ahead of everyone else regardless of whether it was "earned" or not. I was very surprised and pleased Daugs got the call over Filatov. He has more than earned it.
me too!! What a great all around player though. I much rather have a team full of michaleks then a team full of heatleys.
it says right before that "penguins injuries grow"
My feeling on Zibanejad specifically is that the AHL doesn't do anything for him. He either can go back to the SEL where he's comfortable and familiar etc or he stays with the O-Sens (he'll get plenty of ice time).
If they send him anywhere ... it shouldn't be the SEL.
Djurgarden isn't doing very well this year. They are a boarderline playoff team and the biggest thing the Sens want is that, if he doesn't play with the Sens, they want him somewhere where he'll play lots of games and have success.
He'll get lots of games in the AHL (SEL has a short season) ... he can go to the WJC ... and he can play more games in the NHL later in the season.
Assuming he doesn't stay with the Sens ... which I would be fine with.
When hockey people like Bryan Murray is "still undecided
on Zibanejad", it is quite clear that he will stay with the
Senators , to further his development in the NHL.
With Regin probably out long term, he will be used as 2c
with Da Costa , and one of the 2 will stand out !
Rockin Robert
if he is coming to play more games later then he will play here....why play in a lower league for a while then come back to the nhl just to burn a year off the contract?
Same reason why they did that with Karlsson would be my guess. His development has worked out quite well id say.
but as far as I know, and maybe I'm wrong, but he cant play in the AHL this year. as he is under contract still with his SEL team.. his out clause is only for the NHL not the farm team so its with the big club or back home
And someone will have to remind me - did we actually burn a year off of Karlsson's ELC by sticking him in the AHL? I thought we kept him well past 9 games in the NHL then later sent him down to the AHL. I don't recall "deciding" to send him to the AHL after less than 9 games instead of sending him to Sweden.
Zibanejad and the Senators have two options 1. He stays with the big club and burns a year of his ELC or 2. He goes back to the SEL and if it hasn't been more than 9 games still has 3 years left with us. He cannot go to the AHL. This is not a going to the A is bad or anything but he is still under contract with Djurgarden meaning its NHL or SEL.
Personally I think he will probably be sent back. Not because he is not ready or anything but they will do it because of the contractual reasons. I am not sure if staying here this year means his SEL contract runs its course but if he goes back plays his contract will be up there and he will still have the 3 years here. I think this is win win for us. He gets his development time as a big time player for a team, he is no longer contractually obligated to play in the SEL and we can deal with guys whose contracts run out this year.
Just curious - what device are you using to post on this site? Is a smart phone or something that only allows short lines of text and where the question mark and exclamation point keys stick sometimes?
(just kidding RC)
There is nothing contractually that would prevent the Senators from assigning Zibanejad to the AHL beyond Mika's willingness to go down and do the time.
This decision on Zibby has nothing to do with money or his ELC ... it's all about what is best for his longterm development. As MacLean said today on the Team1200 ... "How do we get him to be the best player he can be as fast as we possibly can."
Whatever the decision, I'm confident the Murrays and crew will make the best choice for Mika and the Sens.
@ HAX,
You are very funny, and I simply write
out of a quirky habit, which is repetitive!!
Gotta feeling that Mika Zibanejad, will be in
lineup for Game 10, in Ottawa on Thursday night.
Rockin Robert
with that said, I think Zibanejad gains more heading back to the select. if his ceiling was that of a checker then he could simply stay but they see him as a definite top 6 wih top 3 upside. having an offensively productive season could really set the stage for him to step in next year as an impact player.
Also, when is Filatov gonna get the call. He was one of the guys i was most excited about at the beginning of the season and i didnt get to see him play. Was he really that bad in his first couple games?!?!
The thing with Zibby is that if he does not stay in Ottawa he has to go back to the SEL as he has a signed contract with them. If he stays past the 10 games... does it void his SEL contract and then can he go to Bingo?
I have to agree. That way management can control his development and he can get used to the North American game.
Also, when is Filatov gonna get the call. He was one of the guys i was most excited about at the beginning of the season and i didnt get to see him play. Was he really that bad in his first couple games?!?!
nope, Filatov was easily the most exciting player on the Sens side, he looked dangerous everytime he touched the puck....
i think when he does come back he'll return a much more effective player at both ends of the rink.
I think he sits game 10 and maybe even game 11 while Coach Paul sees if he has any one who can step up and play offensive 2nd line center.
DaCOSTA...size
Winchester...??
Smith..."maybe" but looks more confortable with Condra
Geening...needed by #19
Condra...not ready
Konopka...could take the draw and let Mika do the long work...
Up? Down? Over? Once Mika plays 10 games it's over he's ours, he counts (the contract) and he makes the "Big Money" where ever he plays...
Are u f ing serious dude ? We r really gonna rip spezza this year ? Many great players have lots of giveaways so check your stats! Spezza rocks our future captain that's why I wear his jersey so as lee Versage always says ..... C'mon man !!
Rundblad should stay let him play i say than we will have drinks by the bay what so u say eh?
At this point i don't know anymore. All I know is that at the draft Murray said the out clause in Z's contract is enacted if he makes the Sens out of camp and was on the roster to start the regular season. Which Z did...which would mean he doesn't currently have an SEL contract. At least that would be the situation based on Murray's comments in June. Karlsson's situation was a little different. He had a year left on his Swedish contract (same as Z), was sent back to Sweden after his first training camp (didn't play a single NHL reg season game) and played out his swedish contract. The following summer he made the team out of camp, played a few games, then was sent to the AHL and then brought back up later in the season and has been here ever since.
There's no urgent reason for Mika to stick around this year. Sending him back to the SEL to develop his game is probably the best scenario for him.
Only reason I want him to stick around is because I like watching him a hell of a lot more than scrubs like Condra, Smith, Da Costa etc.
Here is an interesting comparison :
Mika was drafted 6th in First Round by Senators.
Jeff Skinner was drafted 7th in First Round by Hurricanes.
He played his frst full season at 18 , and in 82 games
he scored 31 goals and had 32 assists for 63 points.
He was also selected to NHL All Star Team, and played very well !
If I'm Bryan Murray, I keep him in Ottawa as 2c, and see how he develops. We are rebuilding ,and he is part of the building foundation !
Rockin Robert
I think mooyootoo said it best, he should be playing whereve he's going to get the most ice time
So, what's wrong with giving him 2c ice time ??
He would improve much faster in NHL than SEL .
We have not had a bonafide 2c for a long time.
Even Fisher, whom I liked, was more of a 3c, than 2c ???
Rockin Robert
Agree 100% !!!!!
Hope he scores a dramatic goal tonite, and thus seals his deal !
Rockin Robert
Fisher was a great 2nd line C. Zibby will be better.
There wouldn't be anything wrong with giving him second line ice time. The fact is he's played 8 games thus far and what's his average ice time, like 12 minutes a night?
If they make him a permanent fixture on the second line playing with Alfie then I'm all for keeping him here.
I just dint want to see him playing on a line with grinders. We need him playing more than 11 minutes a night, and if they can't give that to him here then send him back to Sweden.
really johne??? a great 2nd line center?? that is without a doubt the funniest thing you have ever said
I think at this point (8 games in) it's a little premature to discuss ice time as they are still trying to iron our line combinations.
Seems they are slowly piecing everything together and with that, I can assure you their focus is on Zibby. They will find him the right wingmen to support him (from the remaining pool of players) and then go from there.
Also, seems like Maclean's strategy is if you don't play well, you don't get time. You earn your time, and I think that's a great building block for Zibby.
Chirp rarely do I disagree with you, but I do on keeping Zibby.
Everyone wants a 1st line center on their 2nd line, but thats just not feasible for most teams. I don't know how many times I've had to show someone this article...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2010/09/22/mendes_second_to_none/
As much as I loved mancrush Mike Fisher (he was my favourite player) even I wasn't blind to the fact that he didn't produce enough points to be an elite 2C. We loved him for what he gave on the ice and for being a nice guy, but don't let that blind you to what he actually was.
Malkin is a great 2nd line centre, Carter in Philly was a great 2nd line centre.
Fisher was a classic tweener, too good to waste as a 3C but just not good enough to be a genuine 2C.
Not sure I understand why heading back to Sweden would be best for him at this point in his career.
Both examples of 1st line centers playing on the 2nd line. Not everyone gets to tank for 5 years to do that.
He was drafted this high for his offensive capabilities. and he has struggled offensively and is starting to feel the pressure, and playing out of his comfort range.
We will not have a great year, the pressure will be high on the "expected to produce" players, and keeping him here will only force him into bad habits, and learn how to lose, and live with it. Zibby will be part of our future and that is a given, give him a chance to play top 6 minutes in a less stressful envirorment
We have other projects that we need to look at who are a little more mature and not sure if they will be a part of our long term future
Filatov
Da Costa
Winchester
Condra
Greening,
they need to be here to handle the adversity and show that they can be a part of our future
Seguin stayed, but was part of a championship team,
this is not the case in Ottawa
Last year's Stanley Cup Bruins, Patrice Bergeron = 57 points in 80 games = 0.7 pts/game
Not far off if I say....
Now you're coming around, to see that on a line with say Foligno - Alfredsson, he will get more minutes and develop much quicker !
Time of course will tell if he is a 2c !
Rockin Robert
We got a great return for him and I couldn't be happier with Mika being the future 2nd line center of this franchise.
Philly didn't tank for 5 years to get that. Carter was picked 11th overall. Pittsburgh are different, they have 3 great centres all picked in the top 5 of the draft.
Luckily we don't need to tank for 5 years to get a good 2C, I think we've already drafted one.
I take your point that they are 1st line centres playing on the 2nd line. Every so often you can have a 3rd liner playing on your second. That's what we had with Fisher. I admit i was surprised by the article, but I still believe Fisher's style of play was more suited to being the best 3C in the league (possible exception of Staal).
It's not Fisher's fault we were asking him to play 2C and he did a great job for us. Maybe Mendes is right and we were guilty of wanting a myth.
Fisher got 24 points with the sens last year. 0.43 ppg. Year before was virtually 0.7. year before that was 0.4.
I strongly believe, that his first goal, will be a classic one, and not an empty net one !
Rockin Robert
His last season in SEL he was young and did not get the chance to develope with only a few points, we should not force him again through a tough year, let him go there and prove he can dominate as he should. We save a year on his contract, which is more valuable at the end, when we are contending vs. today, where we are underdogs to even compete for the playoffs IMO
All your points are strong and valid, but he himself said he would like to make the club .
He might light it up in SEL, but he would develop much better in NHL The rebuild is in Ottawa, not Sweden .
Rockin Robert
I always thought of Fisher as an ideal 3rd ctr as well but when you look around the league at how many points 2nd line players put up, somewhere between 40-60 points seems to be the average. In the cap world, it's pretty uncommon to have a guy playing on the second line putting up over 60 points.
so, Fisher may not have been the second line center we wanted but I dont' think he was terribly below average.
agreed - not terribly below average, but certainly not what we wanted from our 2C. That of course is more our fault than Fisher's.
I think our way of thinking was, if we just had that great 2C, Fisher would be part of the best 3rd line in the league and wouldn't that be great!
As I've said before he was my favourite player but it was the right thing to do to move him. In a rebuild you have to move some good players, Fisher, Kelly and to a lesser extent Campoli were the sacrifice.
This year, if we think the draft is deep enough, we might have to sacrifice others, Michalek for example.
Like I said, I loved Mike Fisher, and he was at times a 1c,
dressed as 2c, but was more a 3c.
By 1c, I of course refer to games where he played and scored way above his capacity !
Rockin Robert
my worry is he needs to have some success, he was not productive last year in SEL as a 17 year old (understadably) and will certainly stuggle this year from a productivity standpoint in Ottawa. We did not draft him to become another Mike Fisher, we have enough 3rd line centre's. We need a productive centre, and I do see him filling this role. But to keep him in the best league in the world under all the scrutiny of the media not just in Ottawa, but TSN, Sportsnet, Senschirp :) constantly asking when will he score his first goal, why is he so far behind Landeskog, would he have been better to go to the SEL etc.
He does not need that now, and waste a year on his contract.
Let him go back, play well in the SEL, go to the world juniors, and have some success with people his own age.
Not much to be gained here, but plenty to be lost. again IMO
I don't think the media phases Mika one bit, I've been impressed with his interviews.
I do see Chirp's point in him learning the NHL game and raising his level to be the NHL level. Winning 60% of faceoffs in the SEL probably translates to 30% of faceoffs won at the NHL level.
I'd also be open to moving him to Spezza's wing for the rest of this year. More minutes and who better to learn from than Spezza?
I agree, we want Zbad to be better than Fisher, not another Mike Fisher. Comparisons are dangerous though, they are very different players, they just happen to play the same position. maybe a better statement is that we need Zbad toi produce more points than Fisher did.
Fisher did a whole bunch of stuff that Zbad will probably be unable to replicate, but Zbad has skills with the puck that we would never see from Fisher.
Trying to compare Zbad to Landeskog is fruitless. People develop physicaly and mentally at different rates. Z-bad will get there eventually.
I'm in the send him back to the SEL camp but I'm not planning on getting uptight if they keep him round.
I agree whole heartedly with this.
whats the latest on Butler? I'm looking forward to that chemistry he had with Spezza at the end of last season.
Did you just speak with Bryan Murray and SensChirp ??
Your arguments are rock solid, and I would not be too disappointed, if he was sent to SEL and away from NHL
scrutinies by all you mentioned.
Guess he and Murray will have a serious discussion after tonite's game.
Rockin Robert
agreed we NEED him to be better than Fisher. Zibby 7th overall selection, he must develop as a scoring centre.
Has he had plenty of scoring success lately?
Will he have plenty of scoring this year in NHL? I say not really.
He needs confidence, playing in a lower level league where he had some success, should allow him the time to develop this.
Also allowing to go to the WJC, where he should dominate, will also help to develop his skills and confidence.
Whether we like it or agree with it or not, I will guarentee you that if he stays here, the expectations, not necessarily from Sens fans, but from the media and NHL brass across the country, will continue to compare him to other 1st rounders either playing or previous, and if he struggles, that pressure to perform on a weak team, can have long term effects,
His year, on the ELC will be worth more at the end when we challenge rather than now!
That is idiotic, the player will always believe they are ready before they are.
Murray is paid to make these decisions and he will make it. he will do this by speaking to the coaches, the senior players, the scouting staff who know the SEL very well and of course he will speak to Mika about it but do you think id Mika is the only person who believes he is ready for the NHL that Murray will say "well everybody else think you should go back to Sweden, but if you think you're ready, then I'll go with what you think".
Murray has to do what is best for the organisation, not the player. That is not always the same thing.
Filip Kuba will finally put his $3.7 m contract to good use and will flip a coin.
Heads - Back to Sweden
Tails - Stays in the NHL.
It sounds that when you say this sentence you're quoting some one but no one says that. Weird eh?
if you are actually going to remove every idiotic thing you say on these boards you are going to have your work cut out for you.
I wish you the best of luck.
Keep Zibby:
where he will most likeley struggle, on a bad team, and get asked contantly
when will he score his first goal?
would he have been better off in SEL?
Should he go to the WJC?
why is he so far behind Landeskog or Skinner?
will he ever be able to replace Alfie?
was it worth losing a yr on his contract
Or Option 2:
Send him to SEL where he can get away from the mess of a rough year, and simply develope in an easier league, and try out other maturing players
Filatov
Butler
Daugavins
Hoffman
Grant
Cowick etc.
bottom line he cannot help the Sens this year, and without a strong cast to help him, it may hurt his development.
dont waste a year on his contract, instead save it for 3 years down the road when he can/will help us for contention
IMO too much to lose, and little to gain
that' it from me on this...I promise :)
Amen!
I actually did remove it before you said the comment in fact
I tried to remove the whole thing but that didn't work. Should think twice before doing it.
Hmmm, anyone else notice that the time stamp for your posts being listed as an hour behind. I posted this at 130pm, but it shows 1230pm.
Am I going crazy, or is it like this for everyone?
It fits with those who think we will make the playoffs this year - they are living in the past too.
Better times are ahead haha
On another note, nobody woried for Alfie, took only 8 games for his issues to come knocking...
Agreed -- if he goes back to the SEL the Sens lose all control of his development. Djurgarden (sp) can say all they want about the ice time he would be getting.. but it is no guarantee.
This team is re-building. Let the young guys play and grow together. Make good use of the Hotel Alfie.
Don't think Condra & Greening are centres -- are they?
Sandy why lose a year in ELC in a difficult year for him to succeed
save it for 3 years down the road for when we can challenge.
Was the issue with Karlsson more his size when they sent him back? That's not the issue with Zibby.
Zibby is 18 -- in a strange land and playing in a game that is completely different than what he is used to. Could he be playing nervous knowing that the 1st nine games are key to him staying. IF they keep him... I think we see a different player going forward.
Why does he have to go back? To get stronger? He can do that in Ottawa. To develop? Why -- the SEL is a completely different game... how will that help him?
Djursgarden (sp) has 5 wins in 14 games.. so they are doing no better than Ottawa.
I'm for keeping him. But I guess I'm in the minority.
Why would we worry. This season is a write off anyway, right tooks? We don't need to worry about our captain falling to injury after only 8 games...hell, doesn't this contribute to your path to Yakupov? Same way you wrote off Regin as a "waste of a roster spot" when he got injured again.
So Tooks...why worry? Unless...wait a second...are you actually expressing genuine concern for the health of hockey player? ..With no strings attached to what they do or do not contribute to this "failure" and waste of a season for us? Wow...if thats the case, then I ask you "who are you, and what have you done with the real Tookie!"
Sorry, was that harsh....did it sound a little conceited?
Did it sound familiar...?
keep him here at what cost?
The pressures here will be much worse, and he too will question himself
filatov, butler, stone, silfverberg, petersson, puempel, noesen, prince and so on. As far as i'm concerned, make as much room for these fringe players to see what they are capable of at the nhl level this year. So that next year, we can have a team set in place already with little experimentation left. Then bring Zibby back to grow with them. Sell off regin, gonchar, kuba, and maybe even foligno for as many 1st or 2nd round picks as possible. IE regin and a 2nd, for a 1st, or those types of deals
I said I was done on the subject but you pulled me back whether we like it or not, he will have undue pressure playing in Ottawa on a bad team.
Already before our last two wins, questions were being raised, not by me, but by media brass
-was Anderson a bad decision
-was McLean the right decision
-should we have taken Coutourier or Sceifille(Sp) instead
-when will Zibby score his first goal
-is he really a second line C
This will only get worse as the season goes on.
Ideally I would like to send him to the OHL or AHL, but that is not an option. Players like these, especially this young, feed of success, and we will not have much of that this year
A simple example is what happenned with the Leafs
undue pressure on Kadri, this has hurt his development and still hurts his progress
I do not want the same thing to happen to Zibby
IMO - really thats it on this subject from me...I think
Im not worried one bit, no where did I say I was worried, haha, just pointing out the fact that Alfie is hurt and it only took 8 games, I predicted 20...It was a jab at people who thought Alfie would be back to his old self after serious surgery...lol
There should be no pressure. This season is about developing the prospects ... not making the playoffs. If by some miracle they do -- well great. But for the young guys... it's just about playing and getting as coach McLean said... 'a little better every day'.
If he goes back to the SEL that team's not doing very well either - 5 wins in 14 starts.
It's hard to compare him to Couturier & Schielffe (sp?) as those 2 have played on small ice their whole hockey life. They have been playing with & against their peers.
Zibby has to still adjust to the NA game & he has been playing in a men's league at the age of 17.
It's different scenarios. I think it would be best to compare these 3 after about 2 or 3 seasons in the NHL. Remember 7 teams passed on Couturier not just the Sens.
He will still face the issue of adapting to the NHL game next season as 9 games is not enough for him to learn & be comfortable playing the NA style game.
There are pros & cons for him staying and leaving. Let's say we all agree to disagree.
It appears McLean wants to keep him.. and Murray is unsure.
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