From: NYI Point BlankRhett Rakhshani has a big decision to make sometime in the next few weeks, but it’s an enviable one.
He can return to the University of Denver for his final season, when he would likely be named captain and have the opportunity to complete his college degree.
Or he can begin his professional hockey career with the New York Islanders, all but assured of a place on a top line in the AHL with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers but with a chance to make the big club. [read rest of article]
12 comments:
Islanders probably concerned that Rakhshani could be a free agent next summer and want to get him in house ASAP.
Rakhshani probably has to weigh the odds of an injury vs. having a "breakout season" for DU and entering the Tyler Bozak Sweepstakes.
I hope he stays... I don't think he'd make the NHL nor would he be a 1st line player in the AHL on the spot. Ya he's been great here in college but not to the point where he can take a few passes in line.
I said earlier in another post that I really do think we'll see Rocky and Russ. for their last season.
Sounds like the Islanders have "guaranteed" Rakhshani a spot on the top line in the AHL & probably PP unit as well.
Seems like a generous offer by the Islanders to showcase his skills. Obviously the implication is that the "top line" offer wouldn't be there next year.
This is a tough decision so I'd put the odds of him leaving to DU at maybe 50-50. However if he holds out until the summer, someone could get hurt or traded and a spot could open up in the NHL a la Stastny.
Would not put much faith in "guarantees" by the parent club based on their previous dealings. He will play on the 1st line if he is one of the top three forwards. Period.
Would agree that the Isles want him to sign so that he doesn't pull a "Wheeler" but perhaps Rak does not really want to play for the Isles. One of the most disfunctional organizations in the NHL.
He needs to beef up a bit and another season at DU would give him this opportunity, as well as the opportunity to put up some monster stats with all of the firepower that is coming in next season. Then he can decide if he still wants to sign with NYI or go where he wants (the rookie salaries are capped anyways).
RAKH!! STAY AT DU!
Agree totally on "guarantees" and the Wheeler analogy is a great one.
The Wheeler & Bozak situations are showing us, that being a free agent and getting inserted into a perfect situation is the way to go.
Also I'm sure the Canucks made a lot of fancy promises to Brent Skinner
Don't go RAK! You have unfinished business here. Get that C on your chest and take this team to the 2010 National Championship! Plus you have to beat NoDak & CC a couple more times!
ECHL he's not that good
Rakhshani needs to stay in college.
Yes, I would like to see Rakh come back and co-captain the team with Ruegs. And ideally go to the Frozen Four and bring back DU's 8th title. (one more than Nodak, makes i even sweeter.)
The Isles seem to want him to commit NOW. Offering "guarantees." Of all the teams are the Isles the most disfunctional? Not sure I would trust such a guarantee. Do they think given a choice, it wouldn't be them?
I think Rocky should also consider where the Islanders are right now... Right now the they are playing worst hockey then the Avs... and that says a lot.
C'mon guy, stay in Denver. Tap some more of that hot DU ass. The real world sucks -- why rush things?
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