Lee called up

To be fair, I'll continue my Karlsson argument with Lee.  I'm not a fan of sending Karlsson down for the same reasons I think Lee deserves a fair shot with the NHL sens.  The AHL game can teach a young junior player some things but it's still a big step between AHL and NHL- thus I don't think Karlsson's development will improve all that much in the A and Lee will need some time to adjust to the NHL speed again.

Thing is, Lee has been playing NA hockey (smaller rinks, less emphasis on skill, more hitting) for a while, now, while Karlsson has been playing Euro hockey. Before the season started you could definitely make the argument that Karlsson could use a little seasoning in Bingo. After playing 9 games, has he *really* learned all there is to learn about the smaller rink, the more aggressive forecheck, the bigger/faster players?

wprager wrote:Thing is, Lee has been playing NA hockey (smaller rinks, less emphasis on skill, more hitting) for a while, now, while Karlsson has been playing Euro hockey. Before the season started you could definitely make the argument that Karlsson could use a little seasoning in Bingo. After playing 9 games, has he *really* learned all there is to learn about the smaller rink, the more aggressive forecheck, the bigger/faster players?

No, for sure Karlsson has more to learn...I'm just not sold on the idea that him playing the year in Bingo will make him THAT much better.  What's the point in sending him down this year (a year you've stated will likely be a 1st round playoff and out year) just for him to have to go through the same learning process (maybe to a slighly lesser degree) next year?  As a professional, the learning should never stop, regardless of where you're playing.  But again, it all comes down to the numbers.I just wanted to make sure I was using the same logic across the board.  So, Lee should be given at least 3-5 games before we completely throw him to the dogs.  He looked like garbage last night, no question...but he certainly wasn't alone there.

Lee has to figure out what kind of player he is and that wont happen in The NHL. He isnt an offensive D man, he isnt a physical force, he isnt a shut down guy, what is he? We all know what Karlsson is and will be.

Lee has to figure it out and it wont happen in The NHL.

N4L wrote:Lee has to figure out what kind of player he is and that wont happen in The NHL. He isnt an offensive D man, he isnt a physical force, he isnt a shut down guy, what is he? We all know what Karlsson is and will be.

Lee has to figure it out and it wont happen in The NHL.

You're right, if he can't figure out his role in the AHL, he certainly won't get it figured out in the NHL.  A lot of players make adjustments in the NHL as they move along in their career but in Lee's case, I'm starting to question his hockey IQ...watching him last night, it just seems like his head is not in the game.  Somebody (a mentor of some sorts) needs to take him aside and lay it on the line for him because what he's doing isn't working and so far is not enough to make it as an NHLer.  I don't get to see any AHL games but I would love to see how he looks there...whether or not he just can't make the adjustment or if he's zoned out when he plays for bingo as well...