Quote:
Originally Posted by Bandwagon In Flames
I see your point, but it's easy to argue that he did take a step back. 14 NHL games in 13/14 and his defensive game looked NHL ready. Than he spends another full season in the AHL because he wasn't able to steal a spot from a Smid or Diaz. They go down and we pick up Schlemko instead of giving Wotherspoon ice time. Good AHL season or not, that's a step back in my eyes.
|
The 14/15 playoff race adds important context to the difference in NHL GP between the two season.
Easy to run with the prospect when you're well out of the playoff race, as was the case in 13/14 when he got his 14 games.
Last season was completely different as every night felt like a must-win game and Hartley rightfully went with more proven veterans like Smid and Schlemko (who had 200+ games in the NHL prior to joining Calgary).
I think it's a bit unfair to judge his progress based on NHL games played only.
I did not really watch any of the Adirondack Flames games but I did follow the game threads and did keep up with the season discussion thread and it seemed to me that Wotherspoon took on a lot more responsibility this past season (more ice time, tougher match-ups, etc) and that he played these roles pretty effectively for most of the season. At the same time he also increased his point production considerably.
To me it seems like he took a decent step, but as I said, I'm making that conclusion without having seen much of his play. But whether he did or he didn't, I really don't think NHL games played should necessarily be the measuring stick.