Should Liljegren and Sandin start in the SHL?

[TheGoldenJet]

The NHL season doesn’t start until December. The SHL start date is two and a half months before this. Given that neither has played a game since the second week of March, would there be some benefit to having them start playing earlier rather than having a 9 month break?

Click to read more...

 

[Stephen]

Probably couldn’t hurt to have them play as much hockey as possible anywhere they can play.

 

[A1LeafNation]

What lol

 

[SHANNYPLAN]

Yeah, f**k it why not

 

[justashadowof]

We'll have to first see how many games the 2020-21 schedule is. 80 AHL/NHL games plus 25 SHL games could be a bit much. Otherwise it's a great opportunity to keep them on the ice in competitive games.

 

[LeafParade]

It would give them a leg up going into training camp.
But if they come back for training camp, I guess they can't go back if they get cut from the starting roster I guess?

 

[Tarmore]

We'll have to first see how many games the 2020-21 schedule is. 80 AHL/NHL games plus 25 SHL games could be a bit much. Otherwise it's a great opportunity to keep them on the ice in competitive games.

The season will start much later than normal. Chances of it being more than 60 games is pretty remote.

 

[7even]

Really not sure on the contractual minutiae of how this all works

I'm sure they'll consider whatever what sense to do

 

[LaPlante94]

I don't see why not. They haven't played hockey since when? March? and if they wait for the NHL it won't be until December. Almost an entire year without playing any games wouldn't be good for them.

 

[Toronto makebeleifs]

Depends on how it can be done. If they're on loan to the shl, can they be called back at the start of the season? Can they only be called back at the conclusion of their shl team's season? If that's the case, the leafs would burn another year of their elc's for limited usage. Would playing overseas affect their ability to play in the show (similar playing styles, but there is always the potential they play down to the shl level), what happens if they get injured? There's alot more factors to consider than "yeah, they'd get playing time while we wait for our season". I vote no, the leafs training staff and facilities are one of- if not THE- best in the world. If these guys can't be ready for the season with the opportunities and facilities we have, playing in the shl won't change that. That's on the player.

 

[ACC1224]

Sure, why not?

 

[Dreakmur]

I want them to go play top pair in the SHL... but I can see teams not wanting to bring in guys just to have them leave mid season.

 

[mikemar1]

Not a bad idea

 

[Nineteen67]

That’s better than having them hang out with Willy Ny

 

[TheGoldenJet]

Looks like most people thought this was a good idea with a Dec 4 AHL start date on the table.

Now that the AHL start date is almost certainly being pushed back to January 2021, what are people’s thoughts?

 

[Wafflewhipper]

Absolutely should yes. They will be with the Marlies likely anyway if the Ahl even goes

 

[Wafflewhipper]

Looks like most people thought this was a good idea with a Dec 4 AHL start date on the table.

Now that the AHL start date is almost certainly being pushed back to January 2021, what are people’s thoughts?

I’m not sure teams are going to be receptive To taking players much longer over there. I mean how many roster spots are they gojng to take away from locals before it gets everyone mad

 

[kb]

The NHL season doesn’t start until December. The SHL start date is two and a half months before this. Given that neither has played a game since the second week of March, would there be some benefit to having them start playing earlier rather than having a 9 month break?

The SHL is not a development league for the NHL.

 

[Tak7]

Yes, because it gets them playing.

I had a suspicion that neither of them were ready for the NHL before the draft / free agency.

Dubas' actions have suggested to me that this is the case - they don't believe either of them are ready.

 

[kb]

Yes, because it gets them playing.

I had a suspicion that neither of them were ready for the NHL before the draft / free agency.

Dubas' actions have suggested to me that this is the case - they don't believe either of them are ready.

No, but they aren't being gifted a spot either. If they play, it's because they beat someone out - which is the way it should be.

 

[Subway Schenn]

Off topic, but Auston is in Sweden visiting Sandman at the moment!

 

[namttebih]

I really don't understand why they aren't playing in Sweden right now. Neither has played in months and are pretty far down the depth pool right now.

 

[Budz22]

That’s better than having them hang out with Willy Ny

Oh man imagine the debacle.

 

[kb]

I really don't understand why they aren't playing in Sweden right now. Neither has played in months and are pretty far down the depth pool right now.

Because the SHL isn't a developmental league for the NHL?

 

[Captain Crunch]

The NHL season doesn’t start until December. The SHL start date is two and a half months before this. Given that neither has played a game since the second week of March, would there be some benefit to having them start playing earlier rather than having a 9 month break?

I believe both should definitely start in the shl. The NHL will be lucky if it starts by the middle of January. It probably won’t start until February 1st, probably 50-60 games max (playoffs need to be done because NBC will be broadcasting the Olympics when/if they start).
Sandin and Liljegren would greatly benefit from playing.