SChan*
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http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/sport/story/0,2789,952834,00.html
In summary: Devils has no plans to release him. There goes the gold?
In summary: Devils has no plans to release him. There goes the gold?
Its Aftonbladet and over the years they have had some serious mistakes in their news. I will believe it when NJ tells it on their site.
You know swedish? The news article talks with swedish coach for WJC where he says that devils doesn't seem to be willing to release him.
I am not sure how that is a mistake? Why would NJ tell it on their site, they could care less about team Sweden.
In summary: Devils has no plans to release him. There goes the gold?
Enough with the sour grapes. Nobody gets screwed more than Canada by NHL clubs and they still manage to win gold with what they have. You don't hear Canadians complaining that Staal, Vlasic and Latendresse weren't released to Canada by their NHL teams.
Woops, I almost forgot...probably because it's so hard to believe he's still eligible, but Pittsburgh didn't release Crosby to play for Canada at last years or this years World Jrs. either.
I think they (New Jersey) are hurting themselves when it comes to his development if they do this. Those tournament games are a lot more playoff-like than a few AHL regular season games, and against more talented competition too. I think they can be a great experience for him. Maybe he means a lot to Lowell? I dunno. He won't miss more than a few games, anyways, right?
First off, the AHL is better compitition then the WJC. Second they pay Bergfors a salary to help the organization, not team sweden. Third Bergfors is second in scoring on Lowell so he is important to the team.
First off, the AHL is better compitition then the WJC. Second they pay Bergfors a salary to help the organization, not team sweden. Third Bergfors is second in scoring on Lowell so he is important to the team.
First off, the AHL is better compitition then the WJC. Second they pay Bergfors a salary to help the organization, not team sweden. Third Bergfors is second in scoring on Lowell so he is important to the team.
Sure... but when has Lou ever given a ____ about his AHL team? There is a reason they are not in Albany anymore. I'm sure that New Jersey will allow/not allow Bergfors based on what they think is best for his long term development. Although he only had 6 points in last years WJC's, he was clearly a man amongst boys and, at that point, a tad better than Backstrom IMHO. So its not like he needs to experience this tournament to know that he's good.
Since NJ bought the franchise in the offseason. He signed a number of draft picks/AHL vets to fill out the team (something he didn't do when they were in Albany).Sure... but when has Lou ever given a ____ about his AHL team? There is a reason they are not in Albany anymore.
Yup, he's a paid slave now. They own his *** and can do whatever they want with him.Why should the Devils be obligated to release Bergfors for the WJC?Bergfors gave up control over his future when he signed a pro contract and starting playing in the AHL.If Bergfors wanted to play in the WJC,he should have stayed in Sweden
New Jersey's priority should be making sure their prospects (ie Bergfors) fully develop, not making sure Lowell has a winning record, or worrying about 2 weeks AHL salary.
Bergfors would gain far more from the WJC experience than he would playing a handful of AHL games......especially in terms of intangibles. He'd be a go-to guy and team leader in what many consider the 2nd most important IIHF sanctioned event. Not to mention the pressure he'd face being on home ice this year.
If your not already in the NHL, I can't think of an event (other than maybe the world championships) that is as beneficial to a young player as the WJC is.
Don't know what NJ is thinking on this one.
Of coure that's just your opinion that him going to play against kids instead of the older and stiffer competition of the AHL is better for his development. While I would rather see Bergfors go because I think playing for your country in tournaments like this are huge - saying its better for his development is just a crock.
He's not going to gain anything extra by playing in a few mid-season AHL games.
Being a leader on a contending team while playing in front of your home country with the whole hockey world watching is a FAR BETTER development experience than playing 7 extra games in front of 2,000 fans in Lowell.
This isn't about level of play....it's about developing the intangibles (leadership, character, pressure situations) that he certainly wouldn't get playing in the AHL in early January.
Or picking up lazy habits because your level is higher than others that you can't get away with in the AHL much less NHL. Not to mention that he is one of the leading scorers in Lowell and its just as important for him to learn to be a leader through the long drudges of a full season than to get all hyped up for a short tournament. There is plenty of character to be gained by learning to keep your level of play up throughout a full season on a team fighting for a playoff spot than just a 7 game sprint with guys you won't play with again for another 4 years or so. I understand your opinion and while there are debatable points to it, it is hardly a fact at all that it will help his development. If the Devils felt that for sure there is no doubt he would be there.
Lou’s just being a punk again.