I have to agree with Cleveland Steam Whistle - nobody can come in and say definitively that "Wolf is better than Bollig" right now, or that he would be an upgrade of any sort.
Wolf has had a total of zero NHL games. Even comparing them through the AHL is a little bit unfair - at least without looking at quality of team mates, role on the team, etc.
To add to that, there are players that end up blossoming in the NHL and seem to take that next big step much better than another player who has better numbers in the AHL.
With that being said, it is NOT wrong to say: "I want to see Wolf get a call-up and think he deserves it based on his performance thus far in the AHL, and I feel he has the potential to displace Bollig." There is little to argue with in that statement.
I personally feel he projects higher than Bollig does, and I am very optimistic that the Flames have found a diamond in the rough. However, until he makes the jump and actually displaces Bollig, it has to remain a projection.
For the record, I really like Wolf, and feel he projects to be a pretty decent 4th liner, or even a 3rd liner if things go really right. I am indifferent to Bollig - I acknowledge that he has had underrated moments in terms of his contribution to the team, and has long stretches of 'meh'. I neither like him nor do I feel the Flames are better off without him. I do think Engelland plays with a more noticeable 'edge' to his game. I do think the biggest question as to whether or not Wolf transitions well into the NHL will be centered around his overall skating ability - especially his agility and acceleration. McGrattan actually had impressive speed, it just took him too long to get there. On a high-tempo team that plays a very quick transition game, McGrattan stuck out. Bollig isn't really that much better of a hockey player, but his overall skating and agility allows him to keep up better to the team, and lessens him being a liability out there. If Wolf can match Bollig's overall skating ability, I am going to guess that he will eventually displace Bollig on the roster.
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