Why Carlson’s Cut Isn’t Surprising
John Carlson found himself among the six players on their way to Hershey’s training camp today – and his inclusion on that list of six was a surprise to many. Some had even been prematurely penciling him into their Opening Night lineup. But count me as one of the few people not shocked by this demotion.
Carlson has jumped to the head of the prospect pack over the last year, putting together great performances at development camp, rookie camp and the early days of training camp this year. He’s shown an ability to stand out among players his age and perform admirably against NHL and AHL pros.
So why is the fact that he was cut not all that surprising?
First of all, we have to look at the down and dirty facts of the league. Carlson, like Alzner, is on an entry level deal and can move between Hershey and Washington without clearing waivers – a luxury not afforded to fellow bubble players like Sloan and Collins. All other things being equal, management is just simply going to take longer when deciding the fate of a player they could potentially lose on the waiver wire.
And then there’s the fact that the Caps know exactly what they’re getting with Carlson. They’ve seen what he can do, know where he needs to improve and have made the decision that, for now, he’s not quite ready. So why not send him to Hershey sooner rather than later, where he can get used to a new coach and team right at the beginning of the Bears’ training camp?
But most importantly is the fact that he’s only 19. He’s a young defensemen who has yet to play a full season as a professional, and it can’t hurt him to get in some time in Hershey. If anything it’ll help his development, because he’s certainly not done developing yet.
The Caps are in a rare position these days of not having to rush guys into the league – we’ve seen it in net and we’re seeing it on the blue line. To let these guys grow and develop in the AHL, which is designed for just that, is a great luxury to have and one that hasn’t always been present here in DC. Steve Eminger, anyone?
All that being said…I don’t think last night’s Sabres game is the last time we’ll see Carlson in a Caps sweater this year.
I’ll be looking forward to seeing Carlson with the Caps some time. To look at it in perspective, Carlson played in the junior league last year and had a taste of Hershey. Even Hershey is a big step for a guy of his age and experience level. Looking good at Hershey will help his confidence, at the very least.
Carlson is only a year older than my younger child.
Comment by CapsFan1975 — September 22, 2009 @ 10:46 pm
a very well-thought out analysis…thanks
Comment by Steve — September 23, 2009 @ 8:03 am
Everything you said makes a lot of sense, but I’m still very disappointed – especially given the fact that it’s not like the Caps D is currently comprised with the likes of Lidstrom, Leetch, Gonchar, Pronger or Konstantinov, to say the least.
Comment by Junior — September 23, 2009 @ 12:19 pm
So much of athletic performance depends on confidence, and I fail to see how being an early cut – and an unjustifiable one at that, from all I’ve seen and heard – helps the kid’s confidence.
I have implicit faith in Boudreau – but count me pretty bummed out nevertheless, at least for awhile. This stings.
Comment by Junior — September 23, 2009 @ 12:23 pm
Junior: You make some good points.
At the same time, though, I’d rather Carlson get some experience with Hershey where I think he’ll fluorish than have him play minimal minutes or at a level for which he’s not ready.
As for the confidence thing, I don’t think that’ll be a concern. Boudreau made sure to pull him aside and talk to him, which isn’t exactly required, and becoming “The Man” for the Bears will help in that area as well. From everything I’ve seen of the kid so far, on and off the ice, he’s very composed and mature for his age – he gets it.
Comment by CapsChick — September 23, 2009 @ 12:28 pm