Yes I know that, not sure what your point is
Ikonen would go to Hamilton, your complaining that he'd get coached by Sly....that's the point
Yes I know that, not sure what your point is
Ikonen would go to Hamilton, your complaining that he'd get coached by Sly....that's the point
Fair enough. It is a pretty interesting and unsettled question where Ikonen will end up playing this year.
Lekhonen played his post-draft year in Finland. He started playing for Frolunda in the SHL only in his second year post-draft.
With Lefebvre still employed it is better for him and his future as NHLer to stay in europe for as long as possible.Maybe someone who knows better than me can answer this. But with Ikonen not being a North American draft pick, could he play in the AHL from now? I would still prefer him in Frolunda because he has a better chance at development. However, can a draft pick out of Europe join the AHL at 18?
With Lefebvre still employed it is better for him to stay in europe for as long as possible.
Yes, I know. But that wasn't what I was asking, though.
Maybe someone who knows better than me can answer this. But with Ikonen not being a North American draft pick, could he play in the AHL from now? I would still prefer him in Frolunda because he has a better chance at development. However, can a draft pick out of Europe join the AHL at 18?
Yes, I know. But that wasn't what I was asking, though.
That's a good question. Some Frölunda fans were talking about a ''right'' to have Grundström play in Sweden if he didn't make the Maple Leafs because he's ''not a first rounder.'' That's the first I've heard of any such rule. They seemed to phrase it in a way that would refer to the club having the right, and not the player having an option.
Ikonen was a late 2nd round pick, he does not get there unless there is a concern or two.
Quite frankly that he needs to hit the gym and get bigger and stronger fall, for me, at the near bottom of the things to be concerned about list. Not that they are not important, because they are and if not worked on we get a guy who looks like Louis Leblanc , who had the physique of an average grade 12 when he was trying to break into the NHL.
What is more important to me is this guy has a high skill set in pretty much everything and he showed it at development camp. Also a 2 way player which bodes well , especially with CJ here for a while.
Finns are a good target for us because they really do play a more North American type game , two way, which appears to be a thing for the Habs.
This was a terrific pick, just need more of them. Again, I would have taken Lipanov and Elvenes was my darkhorse pick. But have to say I like the reports about the D we took, I have would have added another high skill forward, center to boot.
I hope I am not repeating something that was said but I was just listening to Ikonen's comments on the camp (last video on Habs website) and when they asked him if he was going back to play for Frolunda next year, he said he had a lot to think about this summer. While it may look like a classic answer, ALL the other interviews during the week he was adamant that he was going back to Sweden and that he had a contract with Frolunda and all.
Now I may (and probably am) be reading too much into his answers as he may well be just tired of repeating himself as being in Montreal for the first time with media is a lot, but I wonder if the Habs management talked to him about the possibility of playing in the AHL if the Rookie camp goes as well as the development camp did. Again, would not be that excited about that as I like prospects developing in the SHL, they come in NA less predictable with a different style of play (plus Lefebvre), and the fact that our Top 6 for the Rockets seems pretty much settle but still I wonder.
What do you guys think ?
Ikonen has three options:
- Stay in Sweden and play for Frolunda in the SHL.
- Come to North America and play for the Laval Rocket and Lefebvre (ugh).
- Come to North America and play for the Hamilton Bulldogs in the OHL (with Bitten) as he was drafted by them in the import draft.
I believe his best option is staying with Frolunda. They are a development machine.
If he makes the team though, could be back in the J20 or loaned to the 2nd league.
Ikonen has three options:
- Stay in Sweden and play for Frolunda in the SHL.
- Come to North America and play for the Laval Rocket and Lefebvre (ugh).
- Come to North America and play for the Hamilton Bulldogs in the OHL (with Bitten) as he was drafted by them in the import draft.
I believe his best option is staying with Frolunda. They are a development machine.
You're right. I forgot that him making the Frolunda senior team isn't a guarantee for him.
Do you think his best option is the OHL (to familiarize himself with the North American game while simultaneously staying away from Lefebvre)?
It is such a shame that we want Habs prospects to stay away from the AHL if they can because of the coach. Had it been a Ducharme or a Bouchard (as I had prayed for), we'd all be singing a different tune. We'd be begging for this kid to come to Laval.
Agreed. Frolunda is a fantastic organization and I rather he play there than for Sly. The OHL would b OK too but I think staying in his home country would allow him to focus more on hockey.
Sweden is not his home country, but it is closer to home than Laval/Hamilton.
I hope he doesn't become another Collberg. Not saying he will, but from now on it's on him to develop like a pro and not think he can get to the NHL with skill alone.