I would think it’s a fairly legit rumour... he’s too good for Jr at this point and doesn’t stand to benefit a lot from another year there. He however isn’t good enough for the NHL over the course of an 82 game season IMO. If he can get out of the transfer agreement and have the chance to play against men, I think it would be best for his development in the long run.
That is true thou...sort of. I think he is capable of playing in the NHL right now, but you might be correct, not a full 82 game season
I don't think its because he isn't good enough thou...It would help tons if he'd get full 60 game + play-offs + international games
under his belt before NHL.
If he chooses Ilves and gets to play there (and not in the AHL) he will get himself under awesome coaching,
2nd best coach what Finland haves to offer; Karri Kivi, he will be playing with great young talents
and with few talented veterans, Ilves has been on the verge of breaking back to the better half of
the league for few years now, Kivi has worked his magics there and signing someone like
Heponiemi would help them significantly, would make them much better.