Wings probably aren't letting Rasmussen go eitherHate it how teams have double standards about letting American and Canadian kids go but won't always let European kids go.
Wings probably aren't letting Rasmussen go either
Would the WJC be a bigger challenge for him than remaining with his current team during that stretch? If so, then send him. For all the risk of hurting his confidence by him having a poor tournament, there's also the chance of hurting his confidence in saying you don't think he's ready for the WJC.
Zadina seems like a kid with plenty of self worth (in a good way). Let him push the envelope in whatever (reasonable) challenge he can.
I think a variety of situations and different coaches and teammates will benefit him more than playing with the same team has played for since the start of the season. I also think that playing for a medal in such a short tournament where every game means so much is also beneficial.WJC is only a big deal for Canadian fans. To the rest of the world it's just a amateur tournament. He's much better off learning to be a pro in Grand Rapids than being a kid again in some minor hockey tournament. WJC is good for CHL prospects and their equivalent around the world because it beings all the top talent together and you see them against their peers rather than the watered down leagues they play in otherwise. AHL is better competition than the WJC. Grand Rapids Griffins smoke any WJC team.
Wings probably aren't letting Rasmussen go either
I'm really not sure which is more valuable. I agree with the notion that the AHL is definitely a tougher league than the WJC and he's just getting some momentum so letting him get back to junior tendencies wouldn't be the best. The other side is that I think exposure to other top prospects in these best-on-best tournaments can be really informative and motivating. He's had all year in GR and he'll have more time after the WJC. Being thrown into a new environment against the best of his peers could be really valuable. I'd say let Zadina do whatever he prefers. If he wants to try to dominate the WJC, let him. If he thinks he'll make more progress in GR, let him.
Not sure it’s a lock he gets picked?
They seem pretty set at center, at least.