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Originally Posted by Latgale_fan
Well, I have no problem with Jevpalovs or Lipsbergs staying in MHL next year as they can still grow in MHL very well and as it was already said, better play 15 minutes in MHL than 7 in Liepāja on the 4th line. And even if they're not on 4th line, MHL is better for young players as it's a league where they can play faster hockey and more skill based game while in adult leagues like VHL and BOL they will demand for guys more tactical things and better physical condition. Young Canadians at that age play in CHL, not in AHL already even if they are very good.
But if they stay I'd like to see Lipsbergs or Jevpalovs already tried in Dinamo Rīga for some games like Bičevskis and Upītis this year.
They still can get drafted too, even if their position was low in NHL Midterm draft rankings from Europe, there's still U18 ahead and they've played much better duing the second half of MHL than during the first half of season so at least one of them might impress (or maybe Jevpalovs already impressed somebody at U20) scouts.
Rihards Bukarts seems really promising. Especially considering the fact that Yakupov at the same averaged about the same amount of points as Bukarts  Of course Yakupov didn't get to play many games and was on the 3rd line I guess while Bukarts now regularly plays 2nd or 1st line but all in all his stats are impressive for 2014 draft guy. Even Russia's biggest hope for 2014 draft Barbashev Jr. in MVD doesn't make such numbers. I have a feeling that Bukarts might move to CHL during off-season. On the other hand his brother chose the Russia route and Bukarts has said he'd love to play in Dinamo Riga together with Roberts... |
The best CHL'ers aren't playing in AHL because it's forbidden. CHL is business, if their star players would leave, the league would go bust. It's NHL or CHL for Canadians kids.
Bukarts would love a lot things, but if he will get drafted by Vityaz or Avtomobilist, he'll probably have to make a do in CHL.