Snot Rocket
HF anti-tank squad
That's pretty ignorant. I'm not arguing that certain prospects need
more time in juniors, because some of them do...others do not. If the circumstances were different...I could very well agree with you. I don't believe the mantra that every single prospect needs excess seasoning time.
Some do, others don't. You seem to believe that all do, and that is mistaken.
In this case...Scheifele should not have been sent back down based on what the organization had to say about him. Every other aspect of his game was ready, they just didnt think he was strong enough...something can be done on Winnipeg. Playing in a tougher league would do loads for this level of development. It's human nature to try elevate your game when your facing tougher odds.
Every reason you have stated to me about how Scheifele is not ready does not apply. He needed work on his strength...that's it.
The fact also remains that he has to be given a real opportunity to show this club that he has what it takes. You don't give a projected top six fwd energy minutes. It makes no sense. They should have been giving him some top six time, some time on the third line, some pp time and some PK time.
I would guess the reasoning for sending him back down was multifold.
1. To learn how to finish - Polishing his game if you will
2. To have him on a deep run into the playoffs - Again, polishing his game and learning to win.
3. To get the Jets squared away - as in attitude change, mental game and personnel change. New players will be abound this fall, perhaps some UFA's and get our younger team to be a little more seasoned themselves.
I agree that playing to tougher opponents elevates ones game, but learning to do all the little things right first and have that become second nature will be the catalyst for success in the bigs.
You need to learn how to dominate, and then you just need to learn to bring the speed up.
Strength: I assume that he will be working his rear end off with the Jets in the offseason and I would not be surprised to see him check in @ about the 205-210lbs range. He is currently sitting @ 192lbs and 6'3.
I figure with his broad shoulders he should top out @ 225 lbs for effective weight, though I would like to see him @ 230'ish as he is fast, but not the fastest and if he can maintain his speed the weight will be a boon to his game.
I too wish he would have gotten a little more of a chance on the ice this year, and I am sure he would have had it not been a bad case of seasonus interuptus. A proper training camp with exhibition games would have gone a long way to properly showcase his talent.
Though I am not sure that he would have been the difference maker this year, but I am guessing he will be this next year if his development continues.
My 2 cents anyway.