What makes the item WHL noteworthy is that one of the players picked by the writer is current Lethbridge Hurricanes defenceman Luca Sbisa. Not a far-fetched choice either, since it is entirely possible that even at just 19 years old, Sbisa is one of the 6 or 7 best Swiss defencemen in the world. Couple thoughts about this though....
First, does Lethbridge (or whoever owns his WHL rights post-deadline) have to release him for the Olympic tournament? I can't think of any precedence for this because I can't remember the last time a major junior player was invited to play in the Olympics, if it has ever happened before.
Second, if you were Lethbridge, and assuming you had the choice, would you release Sbisa for the Olympics? It would mean you'd lose him for a big chunk of the month of February, which could have serious consequences for your team if they're fighting for a playoff spot down the stretch at that time. You're already going to lose him for a chunk of time after Christmas as he is a lock to play for the Swiss at the World Juniors as well.
And if Lethbridge were so inclined to trade Sbisa before the trade deadline, does his potential departure for the Olympics affect what they can expect to get in return from possible suitors? Playing in the Olympics - which is about the only chance we get in the hockey world to see the true creme de la creme of every country playing against each other - can only make a player like Sbisa a better player. But that's small consolation if his absence from your lineup in February means you miss the WHL playoffs by two points.
Just some things to think about....
4 comments:
Id say try to make it one or the other. World Jrs or Olympics. If he is pencilled in on the Swiss olympic roster, its a cant miss opportunity and the canes shouldnt have the right keep him from that, since this is a developmental league first and foremost, and the olympics should have precedence above all leagues of hockey, even the NHL.
If not, which is most likely, then just the world juniors. Regardless of what happens, if the olympics comes calling, even as a last second change due to injury or whatever, then he should go.
As far as I'm concerned, there is no way the Hurricanes, or any WHL team should have the right to take away a kids Olympic experience. He should be allowed to go to the world juniors and olympics I think
Just to clarify my own position, since I think the blog post might have left it somewhat ambiguous:
I think if Sbisa has the chance to play in the Olympics, he should. Regardless of the situation of whoever he plays for in the WHL at that time.
The intention of the post was mostly to point out the possible effects on a WHL club of losing a player like this for a few weeks, especially if that WHL club (such as Lethbridge) is in a fight for a playoff spot at the time.
It's great for Sbisa's development if he gets to play in the Olympics. It's not so great for the development of the other 20-some players on the Lethbridge roster if they miss the playoffs because of it.
as a canes fan i say move him to a contending team before the olympics even start..most likey right after the new year, tri, van sask, brandon will not miss the post season and more than likely will need sbisa's talents when the playoffs start rolling..this way he can do both event and help his new team when it really count...i cant see this droping his value considering he is one of the best dmen in the chl and as i said these team do not need him the get to playoffs......
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