Thu 13 Mar 2008
I knew this was going to happen…
The Isles are not going to make the playoffs, so many people are now begging and pleading to see the kids up now. While in most instances, I might agree with that assessment, this time, I do NOT feel that way.
Write this down on a rock…
DO NOT BRING KYLE OKPOSO UP THIS SEASON!
Garth, are you listening?
I can understand wanting to see Kyle get a taste of the NHL, but now - is not it. You want to get Okposo as much exposure to the professional game as possible, and since the Isles are out of the playoffs (in all reality), the AHL team is on the cusp of the post season. The Tigers are 3 points out of a spot with a game in hand. Once some players get healthy on the big club, it is Garth’s job to send the kids BACK to the “A” to get the team to the playoffs. There is a good shot, and that should be the focus of the hockey organization at this time. I would rather see Kyle, Franz, Jeff, Blake, and the other kids, keep playing in the playoffs and getting more experience, than going home early and working on their short games.
As fans, we need to stop being selfish and resign to the fact that players need to develop and grow, as opposed to having the player be brought up too soon. We all know of Kyle’s abilities and how well he has done at the Port, but folks, be realistic, he has been a professional for about 30 games… He is not the next Wayne Gretzky? He will be good, but he is not a guaranteed Hall of Famer now!
Get real!
Get the kids back, get into the playoffs, and play your butts off to get a chance for the Calder Cup!
The Isles will survive, and let’s find a better opportunity to celebrate the NHL Debut of our former first round draft pick!
Sheesh!
March 13th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
1) Firstly, its admirable that the organization has reststed bringing the kid up at some point already.
2) While we agree that its probably in his best interest to stay in the AHL, it probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring him up for a very brief stint(1-2 games). Preferably on the road, so he can get a feel of what NHL hockey is all about, with less pressure than in front of the home fans.
March 13th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Faux,
But why ?? The Tigers have NOT clinched a playoff spot. And honestly, getting him MORE games would be better for his career development than getting 6 minutes at a road game, that means absolutely NOTHING!
We have to talk DEVELOPMENT. That means MINUTES ON ICE, not hanging on a bench…
Leave him in CT. It will be so much better in the long run… How many guys has this organization brought up before they were really ready…. Let’s not do it again!
March 14th, 2008 at 8:36 am
1) Looks like our points are all mute anyway, as the papers are saying that Okposo will be playing for the isles at their next home game
2) We agree that having him up in a very limited role/ice time would be a waste. If he’s up, he needs to play as a top 6 forward/get some PP time, else he would be better served to stay on the farm
3) The other aspect is that IF he were to play > 10 NHL ames his contrcat kicks in. Under 10 and next season would be considered his first of the 3 year rookie entry level(cheap) contract
March 14th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Yea - and if it would be tuesday - it would be 9 games left - so that makes sense for the team.
But if you have the opportunity to get more games in (even if AHL) - no brainer. He has done well there, and has gelled with his teammates there - then just do it.
Garth - please dont get brainwashed by the fans’ pleas. I want Okposo up here, but start it at the beginning of the year (TRAINING CAMP!).
Does anyone have the same opinion????
Thanks Faux, btw - appreciate the support..
March 14th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Gary, question for ya. If he does get called up, does that disqualify him from being able to play in the playoffs should the Sound Tigers make it. I also see the point that keeping him there does increase their chances of making the playoffs. Considering playoff experience at any level is valuable; and him being on the team is instrumental to them getting there, your argument flipped me to the side that he should remain w/ the Sound Tigers.
March 14th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
No.
Tambellini, Comeau, Nielsen, Walter, Jackman, Spiller, can ALL GO BACK….
March 14th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
I would argue that Comeau should still stay up as he’s become a main player on this team for the better part of what, 3 months now? He’s also arguably been one of their top 5 offensive players since hes gotten significant playing time. But, I cant argue with the other players being sent back down. I think that if Tamby was gonna receive this limited amount playing they would have been better off just keeping him down. 6-8 minutes of ice time is no way to evaluate a potential goal scorer.
March 16th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
For what it’s worth, G, I firmly agree with you. I have seen the Isles bring Too Many guys up before their time. This kid has enough pressure and expectations weighing on him. Let him spend the remainder of the season helping his current club make the playoffs. It will serve no purpose at all to give him a look see now, and, in fact, could do more harm than good. Get real, folks. Kyle will make the team and be a part of the big club. Let nature and development take its course to get him there and not let the hype and expectations foolishly stunt his growth. It’s a risk I’d rather not see us take.