Anyone else thinking Wideman might have something to prove this year? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Forbsey-123 · 09-02-2016, 12:48 PM

If I were him I would be living at the gym this summer and ready to come out firing. He's got a good amount of hate and bad karma hanging off him and hopefully he can use that as fuel to light a fire under his ass.

Not to mention, I believe its a contract year for him so that should help as well. He had a career year 2 years ago and then followed by the worst year of his life last year......my bet is that he's a top contributor on the blue line this year and we trade him away for a solid pick at the deadline.

JiriHrdina · 09-02-2016, 12:52 PM

Too slow for the modern NHL.
He may have something to prove. I don't think he has the ability to prove it though.

handgroen · 09-02-2016, 12:53 PM

can we get you your own forum?

btimbit · 09-02-2016, 12:56 PM

I didn't really want to trade him this off-season for nothing just for this reason. I think he bounces back, not near the level he was in the 2014-15 season, but much better than last year.

But still, move him at the deadline and never look back

Geeoff · 09-02-2016, 12:57 PM

I don't think effort was an issue with Wideman last season. I think he's just kinda bad now.

kyuss275 · 09-02-2016, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

Too slow for the modern NHL.
He may have something to prove. I don't think he has the ability to prove it though.

Pretty much my thoughts exactly. He has gotten slower every year since he signed the contract. I think he will be even slower this year. Don't see him getting as many points as he is used to either. He will be on 2nd PP unit to start the year. Won't be surprised if he starts seeing press box time by December subbing in and out with a player like Wootherspoon. I'm not sure he will even hit 30 points this year. IMO he will probably be a PTO candidate for next season.

Freeway · 09-02-2016, 01:00 PM

Everything went right for him in 2014-15. Everything went wrong for him in 2015-16. His "real" level is somewhere in-between.

Bandwagon In Flames · 09-02-2016, 01:01 PM

There's nowhere to go but up from last season. From on-ice performance to his current image around the NHL.

He's only 1 year removed from his most productive season so you never know.

His drop in play last year wasn't due to his speed, but his decision making. He was also terrible at getting shots on net last season, whereas he used to be one of the best in the NHL at it.

Cole436 · 09-02-2016, 01:16 PM

Please stop making threads.

jlh2640 · 09-02-2016, 01:18 PM

Big time but so do many

Karl · 09-02-2016, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bandwagon In Flames

There's nowhere to go but up from last season. From on-ice performance to his current image around the NHL.

He's only 1 year removed from his most productive season so you never know.

His drop in play last year wasn't due to his speed, but his decision making. He was also terrible at getting shots on net last season, whereas he used to be one of the best in the NHL at it.

Actually, in his case, it really was due to both.

Otto-matic · 09-02-2016, 01:19 PM

Of course he has something to prove this year, He could very well be out of the NHL next season if he posts another craptastic year.

He'll rebound and fill out our bottom parings nicely.

Bandwagon In Flames · 09-02-2016, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karl

Actually, in his case, it really was due to both.

He should of decided to skate faster.

Northendzone · 09-02-2016, 01:29 PM

to be honest I am thinking of a place where I could get some really juicy fried chicken right now.

but to answer your question, I am thinking it is a possibility

Cleveland Steam Whistle · 09-02-2016, 01:31 PM

Yes.

AcGold · 09-02-2016, 01:40 PM

Depends how seriously he takes his training. The investment varies drastically between players.

Locke · 09-02-2016, 01:41 PM

Of course he does, he can totally eliminate more than one official in a season.

Huntingwhale · 09-02-2016, 01:45 PM

I hope he can. I was a huge fan of his up until last season. When he first signed and before Gio really broke out, Wideman was playing like a solid top pairing guy for stretches. His career season when we made the playoffs was a pretty great performance. For whatever reason, like most other vets on the team, he seemed to lose his abilities.

I think he's capable of somewhat returning to form. As long as he's played appropriately and finds out how to use his slap shot again. To me that was the biggest thing he lost last season. That bomb from the point. We don't have anyone else who can rip it like he does and when he's connecting that shot, it's one of the hardest in the league . During Gaudreau's rookie season, Gaudreau was teeing them up for Wideman, similar to how Iginla used to tee it up for Phaneuf.

If Wideman can learn how to use his shot again and re-gain that chemistry he had with Gaudreau, especially on the PP, the Flames will be a whole let better.

Then hopefully he can have a bit of a resurgence ala Bouwmeester and Treliving can flip him for a decent return.

calgaryblood · 09-02-2016, 01:47 PM

Wideman might be one of the worst defensive d-men in the NHL. He has to score 65+ points to counter how awful he is in his own zone. I doubt he can do that.

Strange Brew · 09-02-2016, 01:48 PM

He has about as much to prove as anyone who just made $26 million in last 5 years.

Like most athletes I am sure he is proud but it's rare for guys to improve this late in their career. His game was never really about speed so I'm not sure that part of it worries me. I don't feel he was ever as good as his point totals indicated, but he was a rock down the stretch and in the playoffs two years ago. Probably high point of his career and he won't get near that this year. Traded for a mid round pick at deadline.