F Alexis Lafreniere - Rimouski Oceanic, QMJHL (2020 Draft) Part 2

[Dominance]

This would be crazy. When was the last time a top Canadian talent hyped up for years left the CHL to play in Europe?

It would be interesting. I don’t think the Q has nothing left to offer him. He’s having an incredible year but there is definitely room remaining for increased dominance. That being said, he’s physically ready for a bigger challenge and playing in Switzerland could provide him a better launchpad for jumping to the NHL. I’d only be concerned that there may be unrealistic expectations; Matthews slotted into a pretty ideal situation.

 

[justafan22]

This would be crazy. When was the last time a top Canadian talent hyped up for years left the CHL to play in Europe?

It would be interesting. I don’t think the Q has nothing left to offer him. He’s having an incredible year but there is definitely room remaining for increased dominance. That being said, he’s physically ready for a bigger challenge and playing in Switzerland could provide him a better launchpad for jumping to the NHL. I’d only be concerned that there may be unrealistic expectations; Matthews slotted into a pretty ideal situation.

I mean I'd like a year abroad, making money before the NHLPA comes calling

 

[Fixed to Ruin]

I hope he goes to Europe. I think it would be great for his development.

 

[Hokinaittii]

Playing against men in Europe is probably the best development path for kid this skilled. I'm sure kids at that point have learned everything they can from the junior level.

 

[TheDoldrums]

I visited Switzerland for a week and it was incredible. To live in a country like that for a year while being paid, you can see why it's appealing. Also probably better for his development since he already has a lot of CHL experience.

 

[member 157595]

Can he even do this? Wouldn't Rimouski have to agree to let him out of his contract or something?

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

Heck why not... Worked great for Matthews so why not do it too

Obviously id prefer he stays in Canada but you gotta do whats best for yourself and career

 

[Gold Standard]

Can he even do this? Wouldn't Rimouski have to agree to let him out of his contract or something?

Rimouski would have to agree with it and Hockey Canada would would need to sign off on the transfer.

99% this doesn't happen.

 

[Jacob]

Does anyone know how much Matthews made in Zurich?

If I was an elite player like Matthews of Lafreniere I'd probably do it. It'd be fun as hell to travel around Switzerland and with a somewhat lighter schedule you could continue to build strength in the gym. All while making a nice chunk of change.

 

[member 157595]

Rimouski would have to agree with it and Hockey Canada would would need to sign off on the transfer.

99% this doesn't happen.

Yeah that's what I figured.

Does anyone know how much Matthews made in Zurich?

If I was an elite player like Matthews of Lafreniere I'd probably do it. It'd be fun as hell to travel around Switzerland and with a somewhat lighter schedule you could continue to build strength in the gym. All while making a nice chunk of change.

"Not enough"
- Kyle Dubas

 

[HockeyDBspecialist]

IT's crazy to say, but the european development has been better than the Canadian development.

 

[ookhaab]

Does anyone know how much Matthews made in Zurich?

$400,000 apparently.

Zurich Lions announce signing of top-rated NHL prospect Auston Matthews

 

[Star Ocean]

Does anyone know how much Matthews made in Zurich?

If I was an elite player like Matthews of Lafreniere I'd probably do it. It'd be fun as hell to travel around Switzerland and with a somewhat lighter schedule you could continue to build strength in the gym. All while making a nice chunk of change.

Sweden would be more competitive

 

[seafoam]

 

[Smirnov2Chistov]

Wouldn't mind seeing him in Europe. He can develop faster there.

 

[Jacob]

Sweden would be more competitive

I'd rather spend a year in Switzerland, though.

 

[Bonin21]

So did HC basically not let him?

 

[Prntscrn]

I'd rather spend a year in Switzerland, though.

Some going to be so confused to see Sweden and Switzerland mentioned as two different countries like that

 

[Star Ocean]

I'd rather spend a year in Switzerland, though.

Yeah because sweden is a dumpster fire

 

[Scandale du Jour]

So did HC basically not let him?

Of course not.

They are okay with a bad coach trashing him in the media during the WJC though...

 

[Bubbles]

Can he even do this? Wouldn't Rimouski have to agree to let him out of his contract or something?

Well, no CHL player gets paid...just a small living stipend.

Too bad Lafreniere decided to stay. If a Canadian left to play in Europe, it would put a focus on young players not getting paid in Canada.

 

[Bonin21]

We all know how the world works. It's possible something was figured out between player, family, agent, league, and HC that makes sense financially for everyone...

 

[wetcoast]

Some going to be so confused to see Sweden and Switzerland mentioned as two different countries like that

Some fans probably still think Europe is a country.

 

[Emerz]

So is this transfer from the CHL to a European league allowed? Like I mean is there any rules preventing it if Lafreniere did just decide he'd rather be in Europe?

The CHL/NHL agreement is for drafted players which obviously Lafreniere isn't.

 

[96]

He should, the Q sucks and it would be nice to see how he does against men. However, if he doesn’t play up to expectations, how much would it hurt his #1 ranking? Honestly, I don’t even think a subpar season in the NLA would hurt his spot because we’ll see him go against his own age group at the WJC.

Matthews was bigger and stronger, and it suited him well. Hope he takes the chance as well, don’t CHL players make something ridiculous like $40 a week? $400,000 for Matthews, Lafrienere should get 300+.