Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Named Captain for Team Canada (WJC)
Pretty simple question.
Should the Oilers allow him to leave the Barons mid-season and play for Team Canada this year? Why or why not?
I was thinking of including a third option of "Leave the decision up to him" but I decided that one is more or less Yes since the Oilers aren't going to force him to go if he doesn't want to.
This is of course provided the NHL is still locked out.
(I accidentally posted this in the prospects board first.)
He doesn't have to prove anything, it would be good experience and can provide leadership. Building on his leadership skills is the main benefit.
That, and playing in a high pressure environment.
Canada will inevitably be in a do or die situation at some point, and Nuge being the best player on the team in that type of environment will be very good for him.
If he wants to go, let him go. That said facing the checking that he is at the AHL level is much better for him in the long run IMO.
I agree that the checking in the AHL is better but the pressure and the intensity at the WJC's is 1,000 times higher and for that reason I think he'll be better off going there.
The only silver lining in these lockout seasons is that we get to see what the wjc tourney looks like when the top 5 canadians are available. Without RNH there we don't get to see that.
I say absolutely. He is the first, 1st overall pick to have never played in a world junior tournament since (I started doing research, went as far back as Hamrlik and still haven't found any other 1st overall to never play in the tourny. lol)
Yes for sure why not
It would make for a good wjc this is a one sided poll
Ya, I really didn't expect this to become as one sided as this has turned out to be.
Based on other discussions I thought there was a fair amount of people who felt that he should stick with the Barons the whole year and that dropping back down to junior would do nothing for his development but that doesn't seem to be the case.
i actually voted no, but in fact i didn't mean no. they should absolutely let him if he wants to, but somehow i feel that he won't be too enthusiastic about it. let's say, they should let him, but i'd prefer him to reject and stay at the Barons with the boys. on the other hand, i consider going to Ufa to see some games, and it'd be great to get a glimpse of his talent... well, i'm confused.
i actually voted no, but in fact i didn't mean no. they should absolutely let him if he wants to, but somehow i feel that he won't be too enthusiastic about it. let's say, they should let him, but i'd prefer him to reject and stay at the Barons with the boys. on the other hand, i consider going to Ufa to see some games, and it'd be great to get a glimpse of his talent... well, i'm confused.
I agree with you. Maybe a better way for me to have phrased the question would have been, "Should Ryan Nugent-Hopkins participate in the WJHCs this year?"
In hindsight, the question I asked in OP kind of answers itself since the Oilers would likely leave the decision completely up to RNH.
