Mitch Wahl joins Hamilton Bulldogs

[hansmoleman]

Montreal Canadiens GM announced today the flames have loaned Mitch Wahl to the Hamilton Bulldogs.

http://www.oursportscentral.com/serv...es/?id=4320535

Could something be in the works?

[Beerfest]

I highly doubt this means anything is in the works.

Wahl needs more playing time to be effective, hes an offensive guy, he will likely get the chance to do this in Hamilton.

[Ozy_Flame]

I don't like that we have give him ice time on another team. I suspect if the Heat weren't doing so well, this probably wouldn't have happened.

[flamesrule14]

Anyone have an idea of the Bulldogs depth? Is Wahl going to get consistant top 6 icetime in Hamilton?

I remember Feaster saying Seabrook was loaned last season because they didn't believe he would become an NHLer. I sure hope that isn't the case here with Wahl. Would be a shame if they have given up on him already.

[getbak]

Interesting. I don't know if this bodes well for his future with the Flames. Teams don't tend to hang on to players that they've loaned to other AHL teams (Seabrook last season getting loaned to Manitoba comes to mind).

[Calgary Highlander]

Boy, hindsight is 20/20, but I wish we had taken Stepan or Harmonic (both taken with 5 picks after Wahl).

This doesn't look good for Wahl in terms of his career with the Flames.

[mrdonkey]

I may be remembering wrong, but wasn't Wahl called out earlier because of his conditioning and work ethic?

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Originally Posted by flamesrule14

Anyone have an idea of the Bulldogs depth? Is Wahl going to get consistant top 6 icetime in Hamilton?

I remember Feaster saying Seabrook was loaned last season because they didn't believe he would become an NHLer. I sure hope that isn't the case here with Wahl. Would be a shame if they have given up on him already.

They are very depleted right now on offense. From what I know, they've had alot of call ups lately.

Right now, their top 6 may look something like Willsie, DeSimone, Leblanc, Avtsin, and Fortier. And that's spreading it real real thin. Wahl should flourish in Hamilton as he'll likely be the #1C.

[Caged Great]

Wasn't a fan of either the Nemisz or Wahl picks back on that draft day. I hope that Wahl picks it up.

[Flames Fan, Ph.D.]

Originally Posted by mrdonkey

I may be remembering wrong, but wasn't Wahl called out earlier because of his conditioning and work ethic?

I'm pretty sure that was for Howse.

[bubbsy]

wow, this is disappointing. wahl, howse have really disappointed in their short stints in pro hockey thus far, of course wahl had the misfortune of injuries...

at least nemisz, and irving are showing the ability to progess at the next level.

[Beerfest]

Originally Posted by mrdonkey

I may be remembering wrong, but wasn't Wahl called out earlier because of his conditioning and work ethic?

No, I dont think so.

He had a concussion last year and missed lots of time. He's coming back from that.

He still good potential, imo.

[freakinsaprikin]

It was mentioned on the radio yesterday that the reason for the move was to give Wahl more playing time and he was better served doing this in the AHL then the ECHL. I don't believe this is any indication of his future with the flames organization.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

Wasn't a fan of either the Nemisz or Wahl picks back on that draft day. I hope that Wahl picks it up.

I liked the Wahl pick for the sole reason that some sources actually projected him going in the late 1st round and we got him in the 2nd. I knew nothing about him other than that.

[bubbsy]

Originally Posted by freakinsaprikin

It was mentioned on the radio yesterday that the reason for the move was to give Wahl more playing time and he was better served doing this in the AHL then the ECHL. I don't believe this is any indication of his future with the flames organization.

i have a hard time believing that.

having wahl gain playing time is important. However, getting him playing time in the flames system of play, playing with other flames prospects is one of the key elements to having a developmental affiliate in the AHL.

hopefully it's just a matter of getting back on track after the injuries with the kid.

[oldschoolcalgary]

not a great sign for Wahl, but didn't they do the same with Irving at some point?

maybe that's the kind of motivation he needs to become more dedicated...

[getbak]

Originally Posted by oldschoolcalgary

not a great sign for Wahl, but didn't they do the same with Irving at some point?

maybe that's the kind of motivation he needs to become more dedicated...

I don't believe that Irving was ever lent to another team's AHL affiliate. He was sent to the ECHL for a few games when he was struggling in Abbotsford a couple of seasons ago, but he never played outside the Flames' organization in the AHL.

[c.t.ner]

Originally Posted by oldschoolcalgary

not a great sign for Wahl, but didn't they do the same with Irving at some point?

maybe that's the kind of motivation he needs to become more dedicated...

I think it's far too early to say he's lost his spot with the Flames organization. I admit, it's an odd move, but from a holistic approach it makes sense. The Heat are doing really well right now and there is a good chemistry going on. If things are clicking on all cylinders it really doesn't make sense to rock the boat, just to get one guy more time. Especially when Wahl is a top six player and not a bottom 6 guy. Plus that area is kinda filled with career AHL's, players the Heat will need for a long playoff push and if more players are called up to the big club. Last thing you want to do is upset those players, just because. If someone is really struggling then you slip Wahl in, but at the current time it doesn't sound like anyone is really struggling.

So while it's a bit odd, it does make sense.

The bigger question is what happens in two-three weeks after he's played a few games. If he just seams to be abandoned out there then I say we've got a bit of an issue. But if the flames are still talking about him or even bring him back when holes in the top six appear then there really isn't anything to worry about.

[Roof-Daddy]

Hopefully this is just to get the kid some more ice time and a bigger role on an AHL team.

He's too talented to be wasting away in the ECHL.

I still have high hopes for him, the way his first camp went, and initial stint in the AHL.

[Resolute 14]

nm