by Kevin SchultzFiled under: Bruins, Ducks, Hurricanes, Islanders, Oilers, Thrashers, NHL Draft
Every week two of our hockey writers will discuss one topic: it's the 2-on-1. This week, Kevin Schultz and Chris Botta discuss which 2010 picks may be returned to their junior teams.Over the next few weeks, six teams will have big decisions to make regarding the future of their 2010 draft picks. Six teenagers, Taylor Hall (EDM), Tyler Seguin (BOS), Nino Niederreiter (NYI), Jeff Skinner (CAR), Alex Burmistrov (ATL) and Cam Fowler (ANA) all went through a grueling training camp with their respective teams and made the opening night roster. All six are still with their current teams as the deadline for returning them to their junior team approaches.
In the NHL, teenagers can be returned to their junior team at any time but there's a catch -- if they play more than nine NHL games, their service counts toward a year on their entry-level contract. If they are returned prior to the 10th game, their contract won't officially kick in until the following season. It's a big decision for an organization as well as their 18-year old prospect. Keeping a kid in the NHL too long, too soon can stunt their development. On the other hand, if they look like 'a man amongst boys' in junior hockey, spending another year with the boys won't allow them to learn and implement the skills necessary to play in the Big Leagues. Making the right call for each prospect is where NHL general managers and scouts really earn their keep.
In this week's 2-on-1 NHL Insider Chris Botta and myself will make our own calls as to who should stay in the NHL and who needs another year in Juniors.
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