When Anze Kopitar went down with an injury a few weeks ago, Kings fans everywhere went into full blown doom and gloom mode.
Over the last few days though, the news just keeps getting better for the Kings. First came word that Scott Parse is near returning. Earlier today, Justin Williams proclaimed himself ready to go and he'll be in the line-up tomorrow night when the Kings open the playoffs vs. the San Jose Sharks.
Now comes the most unlikely of news - Brayden Schenn's junior team, the Saskatoon Blades...the team with the best regular season record in the Western Hockey League...have been eliminated from the WHL Playoffs, swept by the Kootenay Ice 4-0.
What's next?
First off, keep in mind that Schenn has played games tonight and last night. So, he won't be in San Jose for game one between the Kings and Sharks. Youngster or not, he doesn't need to be playing for the third night in a row.
However, should the Kings even call him up to the NHL for the remainder of the playoffs? If so, after he plays his second game, they'll burn a full year off of his entry level contract (he played eight games earlier this season, at ten the contract kicks in). Is it worth it?
Should he go to Manchester (AHL) instead?
If you were GM Dean Lombardi, what would you do?
[update 4/14/11 10:55am: poll closed, Kings expected to announce Schenn to Manchester soon]
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
The Complete Story on Brayden Schenn
Interview with Hockey's #1 Prospect - Brayden Schenn
Official - Brayden Schenn Traded by His Junior Team
Lombardi should call him up. If he chooses not to, it sends the message to the rest of the team that he doesn't think they have the juice to compete deep in the playoffs. Otherwise, its a no brainer to add a talent like that, to a team that has some gaping holes right now.
ReplyDeleteDon't bring him up! How much of a difference is he gonna make? He had one goal in the 2nd round in the WHL and one goal in 8 games in the NHL this year. Why burn a year of his contract? We're not Cup contenders this year, use that year when we have an actual shot.
ReplyDeleteLet's see how the first few games go. If the Kings go down two or even three games, then bring him up and let him play one game. If he amazes everyone then let him keep playing.
ReplyDeleteIt would probably be a good idea to have him around the Kings though, so he can get a feeling of what REAL playoffs are like, and the pressure the big boys are facing. That alone might be a good experience for him.
@nolan. He only played 11mins a game in the NHL That pretty good 1 goal and 2 assists in 88 mins of play think about it.
ReplyDeleteKings need firepower. Now. Worst case, get him in a game, then send him down if he doesn't perform (I know, hard to tell after one game). Bottom line, Kings are in dire need of someone who can get pucks into the net. And he looked great in LA at the start of the season, so let's go.
ReplyDelete