Jonathon Toews is staying in school

[RadioGaGa 162]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=173116&hubname=

...Toews turned down a $935,000 US offer from Chicago.

I thought the Max for a rookie was $850,000.

Does the Rookie max go up with the Cap?

[Meathead 0]

It would take me about 2.3 seconds to decide that I would go pro rather than stay in school.

[troy 12]

The rookie max last year was $984,000.

[kosydar 0]

I almost never say this, but in this case I don't get why he would stay. He'll only be a sophomore, so he'll have three more years before graduating. Can anyone actually see him turning the NHL down twice more after this? If he does decide to go to the NHL in the 07-08 season, what was the point of staying this year? It isnt' like he is staying to graduate.

[supahdon 0]

And apparently rookies can still earn bonuses up to a certain amount. A guy with the actual CBA cap figures had Crosby as a 3.7 million dollar cap hit.

As for Toews, it's probably not a big deal to rush him. If I were Chicago, I probably would have preferred him going back to college for another year.

One funny story was when the Hawks drafted Jeremy Roenick. Roenick's agent was negotiating the deal, but couldn't quite come to an agreement. Meanwhile, Roenick started his freshman year of college. JR looked at the reading list for one of his classes, calls his agent and has the following conversation:

"Hey, what the Blackhawks offering?"

"Same as last week."

"Great, I'll take it."

[ecjp11 0]

I almost never say this, but in this case I don't get why he would stay. He'll only be a sophomore, so he'll have three more years before graduating. Can anyone actually see him turning the NHL down twice more after this? If he does decide to go to the NHL in the 07-08 season, what was the point of staying this year? It isnt' like he is staying to graduate.

Can't agree more. What will he gain in school? There's nothing but distractions in college. One year in the AHL would be way more beneficial.

[supahdon 0]

I almost never say this, but in this case I don't get why he would stay. He'll only be a sophomore, so he'll have three more years before graduating. Can anyone actually see him turning the NHL down twice more after this? If he does decide to go to the NHL in the 07-08 season, what was the point of staying this year? It isnt' like he is staying to graduate.

Not sure if you're in college now or not.........but the college years are a unique experience. You can have another year of being a big man on campus while continuing your development.

On the other hand, you could go to a struggling Blackhawks team and probably end up playing 10-12 minutes a night with the strong possibility of being demoted to the AHL at some point. Realistically, how many 18 year olds do well in the NHL? Crosby is an exception. High picks like Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Vinny Lecavalier, Patrik Stefan, and Eric Staal didn't exactly have the best years when rushed into the NHL. Most of those guys turned out fine, but they didn't really blossom until 2-3 years down the road.

And unlike CHL draftees, Toews can't sign a contract and get sent back after 10 games.

And it's not like going back for his sophomore year at Wisconsin hurt a guy like Dany Heatley. It's basically a development year. To me, it's not a big difference if a guy like Toews does it in college or in the AHL/NHL. Plus, if you sign the guy, you're throwing away a year of service when he's probably not going to produce this year.

[trucks 0]

"A huge part of my future," Toews said Wednesday of his decision to go back to school. "It's definitely going to be a blast and something I don't want to miss out on."

He said it himself. University is a great experience and a time he should enjoy. Sure theres always the chance of injury and him never playing a game but its not that likely. And if he feels like he needs another year of development why not do it at a level with his friends and try and win a national championship instead of playing in the AHL where he can't go out with the guys from drinks after the game and will be living a lonely life as an 18 year old on the road. Hell have plenty of years to play in the NHL so why rush it, enjoy college while you can.

[kosydar 0]

I'm actually going to be a sophomore as well in college, so I guess I'm in the same boat academically as he is. To me it seems like there is a whole lot of college left before I graduate. Its debatable whether he'll develop better in college or in the NHL. For a guy like that, who didn't play in the CHL, I think the AHL is a perfect option. It acclimates them to 80 games a season, roadtrips, and just playing hockey. I don't know how many games he'll get at ND (30-40?), but he can get twice that in the AHL against better competition, while not having to pretend he is going to school.

[trucks 0]

Yeah Im a sophmore next year too, I think if he was drafted by a better team hed be in a better situation because as soon as the schools season is done he can join the big club for the end of regular season/playoffs. Not sure how Chicagos farm team is but Im sure if theyre making a run hell sign after the ND season ends.

[Juice_Slowjamz 0]

Why are people surprised?

He has a very good chance to win a National Championship at ND. I would take a shot at being immortalized then a rookie and 900K any day.

[Meathead 0]

Why are people surprised?

He has a very good chance to win a National Championship at ND. I would take a shot at being immortalized then a rookie and 900K any day.

With the expectations the football team has this year I guarntee nobody is paying attention to the hockey team.

[Oberon 0]

Why are people surprised?

He has a very good chance to win a National Championship at ND. I would take a shot at being immortalized then a rookie and 900K any day.

With the expectations the football team has this year I guarntee nobody is paying attention to the hockey team.

Yeah, that North Dakota football team really kicks ass.

[Meathead 0]

Why are people surprised?

He has a very good chance to win a National Championship at ND. I would take a shot at being immortalized then a rookie and 900K any day.

With the expectations the football team has this year I guarntee nobody is paying attention to the hockey team.

Yeah, that North Dakota football team really kicks ass.

My bad. I have to admit I really don't follow college hockey as much as I do pro and jr.

[Juice_Slowjamz 0]

Why are people surprised?

He has a very good chance to win a National Championship at ND. I would take a shot at being immortalized then a rookie and 900K any day.

With the expectations the football team has this year I guarntee nobody is paying attention to the hockey team.

You fcukin homo.

[Duder84 0]

why are folks so hard on a guy wanted to experience life a little instead of taking the big(relatively to his age) contract?

[kosydar 0]

Nobody is being hard on him. I hadn't realized ND had a shot at a national championship. That makes me understand his decision a little more.

[trucks 0]

ND always has a shot at a national championship, they are one of the powerhouse college hockey schools consistently. They have by far the best hockey training facility in the country where many NHLers train in the offseason. They are like the equivalent of the other ND but in hockey not football.

[supahdon 0]

Nobody is being hard on him. I hadn't realized ND had a shot at a national championship. That makes me understand his decision a little more.

Toews apparently was one of the few top picks in WHL history to spurn the league and go play in college. He said something to the effect that he preferred the college atmosphere over playing 70+ games in junior.

And I think with Crosby/Ovechkin that there's an utter misconception of what a newly drafted player can bring to an NHL team.

Like another poster pointed out, there is the factor of being 18 in a man's world that can be easily overlooked. And really, there aren't that many 18 year olds in the AHL (I think Nicklas Bergfors might have been the only one last year).

[jjtt99 0]

School is cool.

[eagan09 0]

Does anyone know what Phil Kessel will be doing?

[troy 12]

His agent said if Boston's offer is right, and he'd get solid PT, he'd most likely sign, I believe.

[RadioGaGa 162]

...there aren't that many 18 year olds in the AHL.

Gotta be 19 for the "A". Not sure when the birthday cut off is. Speaking as a Habs fan....that's why Latendresse, Chipchura and Price weren't in Hamilton. Although Chipper came after his WHL playoffs ended.

[Chadd 916]

I'm actually going to be a sophomore as well in college, so I guess I'm in the same boat academically as he is.  To me it seems like there is a whole lot of college left before I graduate.  Its debatable whether he'll develop better in college or in the NHL.  For a guy like that, who didn't play in the CHL, I think the AHL is a perfect option.  It acclimates them to 80 games a season, roadtrips, and just playing hockey.  I don't know how many games he'll get at ND (30-40?), but he can get twice that in the AHL against better competition, while not having to pretend he is going to school.

As a Canadian kid I don't think he can play in the AHL until his junior eligibility has expired. The rule is there to protect the junior leagues but it really hurts some of the top younger players.

Other than cashing a check there is ZERO benefit to playing in Chicago this year. It's year 10 of the rebuilding process and they still don't have much to show for it.

[Eazy_b97 1]

It's got to be dependant upon nationality because Tlusty (the Leafs first rounder this year) may end up on the Marlies.