Should Alexis Lafreniere Go to WJC?

[Thirty One]

The WJC is more of a mental test than anything. Of a player, it asks and hopefully answers how he performs on a big stage, how he performs under pressure, if he’s clutch or a choker, how he handles adversity, etc. It’s far less a test of skill. If you’re talking about a yiung kid playing in the adult WCs, that’s a bit different. That asks and answers if he can physically handle playing against grown men. We already know Laf is skilled, we’ve already seen the “It” factor. If you’re talking about reps, I’d much rather see pre-season games. The WJC isn’t going to teach us anything new.

One thing I was looking forward to was him taking more of a leadership role on this year's team.

 

[Thirty One]

John Davidson's message for Rangers amid NHL uncertainty (nypost.com)

“It was pretty simple,” said JD. “We hope to be playing in January and we just cannot take the chance of an injury. There is no more to it than that."

“I love the World Juniors. It is a fantastic tournament. They’ve both played in it before. But we talked it through and the timing isn’t right. These two young men are very important to the growth of our team. There was no conspiracy.”

I didn't think there was a conspiracy before, but I definitely do now.

 

[FIRE DRURY]

 

[patnyrnyg]

In terms of prestige, I'd probably rank the Olympics no 1, with the NHL close behind at 2. IIHF WC at 3, ahead of the WJC.

The WJC is exciting to watch but for players it will never be a priority over the other 3.

For Americans and Canadians, I do not think the WC's are ahead of World Jrs. The IIHF WC's are an after-thought in NA.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

For Americans and Canadians, I do not think the WC's are ahead of World Jrs. The IIHF WC's are an after-thought in NA.

For fans, sure. Not for players

 

[Harbour Dog]

For fans, sure. Not for players

Probably true, but I do think that North American players care much less about the WCs than European players.

Would they take WJC gold over WC gold on their resume? I honestly think it would be pretty split in a poll.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Probably true, but I do think that North American players care much less about the WCs than European players.

Would they take WJC gold over WC gold on their resume? I honestly think it would be pretty split in a poll.

The reason the WJC is the highlight for a lot of players is because they never play at a level high enough to represent their country at the men's level.

It would be nice to have the possibility to ask players one day to see what they say

 

[Hunter Gathers]

The reason the WJC is the highlight for a lot of players is because they never play at a level high enough to represent their country at the men's level.

It would be nice to have the possibility to ask players one day to see what they say

One would also think that the spread would be highly dependent on ages with younger players much more aligned with the WJC and older players more aligned with the WC.

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

Probably true, but I do think that North American players care much less about the WCs than European players.

Would they take WJC gold over WC gold on their resume? I honestly think it would be pretty split in a poll.

It feels like the NA players that actually choose to go to the WC (let's also not forget that a lot of the bigger talents often choose not to go) are just using it as a little vacation where they also get to play some hockey and wind down from the season they just played

 

[patnyrnyg]

It feels like the NA players that actually choose to go to the WC (let's also not forget that a lot of the bigger talents often choose not to go) are just using it as a little vacation where they also get to play some hockey and wind down from the season they just played

I agree. It is more like a consolation tourney after you have been eliminated. A great experience, a chance for a lot of guys who would never make the Olympic/World Cup team to play for their country. But, if you ask a NA player who has won both which he would give back if he had to give up one, think they would give up the WC.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

With the season looking more and more likely to start mid Jan, this made for a very easily decision to not have him go.

 

[BudBundy]

Dear Rangers,
Get stuffed.

sincerely,

Canada

 

[Thirty One]

Dear Rangers,
Get stuffed.

sincerely,

Canada

Go back to your igloo you whale-eating moron.

 

[Thirty One]

Sounds like Toronto may be pulling back Robertson too

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

Dear Rangers,
Get stuffed.

sincerely,

Canada

Boo-hoo, Canada will just have to make due with a roster that's still comparatively stacked while Lafreniere takes part in an NHL training camp

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Dear Rangers,
Get stuffed.

sincerely,

Canada

Canadians are the most obnoxious people in the hockey community. On par with New Zealanders in rugby

 

[Filthy Dangles]

Dear Rangers,
Get stuffed.

sincerely,

Canada

 

[EEL]

Lafreniere is a different level than KK!
I need to say that out loud!
I love KK but Lafreniere will come out of the shoot like a Calder winner - no grace period, well period!!!
That is all!
LGR!!

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Lafreniere is a different level than KK!
I need to say that out loud!
I love KK but Lafreniere will come out of the shoot like a Calder winner - no grace period, well period!!!
That is all!
LGR!!

Yeah, this is like the difference between Landeskog and MacKinnon. Landeskog was a super exciting prospect for the Avs but when they drafted MacKinnon, they knew he was on another level

 

[Levitate]

Yeah, this is like the difference between Landeskog and MacKinnon. Landeskog was a super exciting prospect for the Avs but when they drafted MacKinnon, they knew he was on another level

it's crazy (and annoying) that Hughes and Kakko set records and stuff in their draft years and then both clearly weren't ready for the NHL. They are super good prospects, they should be good players, but they are getting written off now.

But Laff should be better. Not gonna expect him to be Crosby or McDavid good in his first year but he should be a legit top six scorer this season hopefully

 

[Taluss]

Would’ve loved to see Laf and esp Kakko in WJC but it’s understandable that they aren’t.

Really interested in the season Kakko will have, would’ve had a little hint of how it may go from WJC but oh well. Season starts soon enough.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

it's crazy (and annoying) that Hughes and Kakko set records and stuff in their draft years and then both clearly weren't ready for the NHL. They are super good prospects, they should be good players, but they are getting written off now.

But Laff should be better. Not gonna expect him to be Crosby or McDavid good in his first year but he should be a legit top six scorer this season hopefully

Kakko is still a better prospect at the same age than anyone we ever drafted before. Kakko will be fine

 

[romba]

Would’ve loved to see Laf and esp Kakko in WJC but it’s understandable that they aren’t.

Really interested in the season Kakko will have, would’ve had a little hint of how it may go from WJC but oh well. Season starts soon enough.

Kakko looked good as we got railroaded by the Canes in the play-in round last season after the prolonged break. He should struggle less this year, hopefully that translates into solid production.