Mitch Wahl

[MrMastodonFarm]

Can't really speak towards his recent play, but having seen Wahl various times on the TV, training camp, world juniors, prospects camp etc, I am not a big fan of his at all. Don't see much NHL upside. I like the fact the Flames took him, because if he could ever have any sort of shot whatsoever he could be a decent player, but his shot has the oomph of a potato gun. Could be wrong of course, certainly been wrong before, but when I watch Mitch Wahl I don't see a future NHL player.

[Caged Great]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

Can't really speak towards his recent play, but having seen Wahl various times on the TV, training camp, world juniors, prospects camp etc, I am not a big fan of his at all. Don't see much NHL upside. I like the fact the Flames took him, because if he could ever have any sort of shot whatsoever he could be a decent player, but his shot has the oomph of a potato gun. Could be wrong of course, certainly been wrong before, but when I watch Mitch Wahl I don't see a future NHL player.

I unfortunately agree. The player he reminds me the most of is a slower Shean Donovan. He does the rest of things alright, but his shot is awful.

Hopefully he turns it around.

[boogerz]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

I unfortunately agree. The player he reminds me the most of is a slower Shean Donovan. He does the rest of things alright, but his shot is awful.

Hopefully he turns it around.

Even if he does turn out to be Shean Donovan 2.0 he'll still be one of the more successful forward prospects for the Flames

Unfortunate, but true

[looooob]

Originally Posted by boogerz

Even if he does turn out to be Shean Donovan 2.0 he'll still be one of the more successful forward prospects for the Flames

Unfortunate, but true

while that is true, its actually true in a way for most clubs

Donovan is a former 28th overall pick who has played nearly 1000 NHL games. chances are half or more of the prospects most teams fans are drooling about right now won't be Shean Donovan

[Azure]

I still think its too early to say anything for sure.

He has a lot of work to do and it could go either way.

[Weiser Wonder]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

Can't really speak towards his recent play, but having seen Wahl various times on the TV, training camp, world juniors, prospects camp etc, I am not a big fan of his at all. Don't see much NHL upside. I like the fact the Flames took him, because if he could ever have any sort of shot whatsoever he could be a decent player, but his shot has the oomph of a potato gun. Could be wrong of course, certainly been wrong before, but when I watch Mitch Wahl I don't see a future NHL player.

I very much disagree. I saw him play 3 or 4 times during Spokane's Memorial Cup Championship and he has the legs, decision-making, and two way play to make it in the NHL. Also a good finisher. He reminds me of Conroy or Boyd. He was the most talented player on the ice on either side every time I saw him play. Can't speak for his shot though. Although you'd think you could improve that with strength training.

[JiriHrdina]

In terms of young players on the NHL team I would ask which rookies earned spots in training camp? Who impressed enough to actually win a spot?

In my opinion - none of them.

You don't give rooks spots, they earn them.

[Caged Great]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

In terms of young players on the NHL team I would ask which rookies earned spots in training camp? Who impressed enough to actually win a spot?

In my opinion - none of them.

You don't give rooks spots, they earn them.

The only time rookies are given spots is if your team blows and you're trying to fast track returning to being good. (Like the Oilers with Gagner and Cogliano or St. Louis with half their forwards)

[Swayze11]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

In terms of young players on the NHL team I would ask which rookies earned spots in training camp? Who impressed enough to actually win a spot?

In my opinion - none of them.

You don't give rooks spots, they earn them.

I am not saying you throw them in the lineup just because, but instead of having a spare D-man travel with the team or 2 spare forwards, why not give a rookie a chance when there is an injury.

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by Swayze11

I am not saying you throw them in the lineup just because, but instead of having a spare D-man travel with the team or 2 spare forwards, why not give a rookie a chance when there is an injury.

Isn't that what they've done this season with Backlund?

[Swayze11]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

Isn't that what they've done this season with Backlund?

Not really at all... we had forwards that could step in... it wasnt because of injury.

[PIMking]

Don't forget Bobby Ryan got some AHL time with Daniel Brier and Chris Drury CuJo

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by Swayze11

Not really at all... we had forwards that could step in... it wasnt because of injury.

I guess I don't understand when you feel there was an opportunity to bring up a rookie who has shown they can play at this level. Pelech has been injured and he's the most nhl-ready.

[jeremywilhelm]

I think Brett Sutter and Baldwin are ready to step up as well, if we are talking about just guys that are only prospects, not Jaffray or Kronwall (who also could step into the lineup with no problems)