THE RIDDERWALL OPTION
Sixth round pick from Sweden could be in the G mix
One possibility for the Islanders as they re-tool their goaltending depth chart in the off-season is the signing of Stefan Ridderwall.
A sixth-round draft pick in 2006, the 6-2, 195-pound Ridderwall is the best netminding prospect in the organization. The Swede is having a solid season with Djurgardens in the SEL, playing 29 games with a 2.81 GAA and .900 save percentage. He has – if you can believe it, Islanders fans – battled a recent hamstring injury. (Check out his profile on Elite Prospects here).
Although there is some debate in the NHL scouting community whether Ridderwall tops out in the NHL as a “possible No. 1″ or “strictly a high-quality backup,” there is no argument that his upside potential is greater than current backstops Joey MacDonald and Yann Danis.
Point Blank recently acquired an independent scouting report on a Djurgardens game with this view on Ridderwall: “Very impressive making the big stops…excellent rebound control…competitive…will probably need some time in the AHL as he makes transition to North American game, but has NHL potential.”
Sources report that the Islanders have extended contract offers to Ridderwall in the past and the player is very receptive to beginning his pro career in North America. While it remains to be seen if that will be next season, the case to take a long look at Ridderwall only got stronger with the uncertainty of Rick DiPietro’s status.
Q & A quickie: The question came up yesterday whether Point Blank is still in “timeout.” The answer is no. I enjoyed every second of the punishment and I appreciate the many folks who continued to talk to me.
But over the last week there were a couple of profane air-clearing conversations where we agreed to disagree and agreed to move on. Since it was a hockey ops issue, I doubt my two radio and two TV appearances promoting the Lighthouse cause had anything to do with the peace treaty.
I’ve decided that should I get in timeout again – and you know I will! – I will not make it a story. I did this time because I’ve always felt my relationship with the club and transition to this gig was one of the reasons this venture was unique. Now that I’ve gone there once, you don’t need to hear the wah-wahing again.
ETC: Nothing official from the Islanders yet, but over NHL All-Star Weekend it’s commonplace for young depth players to return to help out the AHL club. Expect players from last night’s lineup such as Kurtis McLean, Jack Hillen and Peter Mannino to re-join Bridgeport. After winning in Albany last night – great game for Jason Pitton – the Sound Tigers play in Portland on Friday and Saturday.
Your reaction to this story and your questions for me to address over All-Star Weekend in Comments.
64 Responses to THE RIDDERWALL OPTION
Sixth round pick from Sweden could be in the G mix
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SWebb62 says:
CB — Any update on Tommy Soderstrom?
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isles316 says:
Was or is there any doubt to Ridderwall wanting to come to North America? I wrote Mark Herrmann yesterday and he wrote me back saying that he doesn’t want to come here and probably isn’t the answer.
My take is that he had no idea who he was and that is why he was omitted in his goalie article from the other day.
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I remember Ridderwall participated in the prospects camps…I remember watching something on ITV last year about him at Yankee Stadium. He wouldn’t have participated if there wasn’t a shot.
I wouldn’t put a ton of stock in him, but it’s like Jesse Joensuu – bring him over here and let’s see if he has game.
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mrlbem says:
Is Ridderwall that much of a higher level prospect than Jase Weslosky of St. Cloud State? SEL compared to the NCAA, I guess the answer is yes.
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guerin13 says:
i really hope that we bring him over to NA next year. chris, what is your opinion of poulin and weslosky?
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islestherapy says:
First off, McLean should be up with the team for the rest of the season. Ya gotta like what he’s been bringing the last couple of games. As for Ridderwall … I hope he’s good …. he’s got the word WALL in his name for christssake … i mean, how cool would THAT be?
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Will says:
Hey CB, feel free to answer any, all, or none of these:
1) We know we want Tavares/Hedman, but how do each of them fit into Gordons system? We’ve seen some guys thrive and some wither away in it, so curious how they’d be in it since I haven’t seen much tape.
2) Considering the three second round picks, are there any sleepers in this draft, or guys to take a flier on like we did Petrov, that we should keep an eye out for?
3) I’ve loved McLean these last two games, especially the dive to try to get SOMETHING on that chance in the 3rd and crashing into the net last night, does he have any chance of sticking around this season or next?
4) Saw your mentioning of Blake loving LI, is there any chance he comes back after his deal ends?
Thanks
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Dmarie says:
Wow..that would be a Sweet addition to our team if we could grab a dude like that in Net.
Cb,..I didn’t realize you were in a timeout, glad to hear you’re punishment is over, at least as you put it, for now..
I don’t know about anyone else but I’m looking forward to this ASG weekend! I love the ASG. -
Jim says:
Ridderwall is yet another future Hall of Famer we have, according to this Blog. Great!!
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cgs878 says:
If the regulars weren’t “injured all the time,” would we be getting looks at the young depth players, or would they remain at Bridgeport in relative obscurity? I hope that McLean, Smith, and Hillen have proven to Coach Gordon that they deserve return visits to the NHL.
CB- do the Islanders ever organize a roadtrip to Bridgeport for the fans? I’d be all for a charter bus & tickets package that leaves from NVMC early on a Saturday & returns after the game. I’m sure that many others would be on-board for this too.
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Hi Chris, I would like to know if there’s going to be a specific game chosen, for NY Islander’s Fan’s to show their support for the Lighthouse Project to go through, and the Islander’s to stay. By the way, the last couple of days Boomer and Craig on the Fan continue to speak highly about the NY Islander’s, the importance of the Lighthouse Project going through, and the importance of the NY Islander’s in the area. Boomer also went on to speak about how unappreciated he feels Charles Wang is. He went on to admit, he is a fan of the Ranger’s but likes the NY Islander’s. Thanks Chris, Mark/NJ
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mm30 says:
Hey Jim (10) I don’t recall ever reading anyone say he was a future hall of famer here…
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CB,
Great post, as always. Here’s a question(s):
With the current state of the Lighthouse, will Snow be (or try to be) an active participant in the FA Market this offseason or are we going to see a true to life rebuild where we have to wait for each prospect to develop? I think KOMO goes without saying, but will Snow look to add a guy like Scuderi or Leopold or even try for a guy like Higgins, not to mention the big cats in the 2010 UFA market(Kovalchuk/Nash). -
Rich says:
CB Can you tell me why the Isles need to dress to Thomas Pock? He is an absolute disaster. He is not an NHL player. He certainly is not a top AHL player either. For any Islander fan here watching Pock causes indigestion. Every time without exaggeration, Pock touches the puck and turns it over. He cannot pass, cannot shoot..is small and he isn’t a physical d-man. He looks almost scared to be out there. Why in the middle of a 10-29 run can we not find a young prospect to give Pock’s spot to. This is what this year and next year is for. Is this the Islanders being cheap? They don’t want players losing their rookie status or what. The guy is plain filler for a terrible hockey team. These are the decisions that ruin this franchise. They make no sense. Pock must go.
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HilbertSnipe says:
Oh Boomer! My dad lived on his block in EI and my father and uncles used to suit him up and rip slap shots on him in the street!
Ridderwall is most definitely a developing prospect. I agree, from what I read, I think he has more upside than Joey Mac. & that is a very positive thing. Love the name and would like to see him in camp this off-season and possibly start by the end of the regular season in BPORT next year.
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John in London says:
If the Isles want to quicken the rebuild process then being players in the FA market ala Philadelphia and Boston with some wise signings of players in their late 20′s would help the process. But enough of the end of career guys… they’re great stop gaps but I’d rather see a guy trying to make it than a guy trying to prove he still has something in the tank.
CB, thanks for the update on Ridderwall.
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John, the problem is that players in their 20′s do not want to come to Long Island. Management and coaches alike have made that abundantly clear. UFA’s will not come to the Islanders until we have a state of the art facility ala the Lighthouse Project. Or we can blow the market up by offering 3X what the player is actually worth. So until that changes we are in a hopeless rebuild.
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CB- I hope this question doesn’t get lost because I would really like to hear your take. What prospects, which include overage juniors, NCAA graduates and players from Europe will the Islanders take a good look at this offseason and attempt to sign and added to the # of contracted players for the organization?
Im not sure which college players are in this boat, but guys like Gratchev and Dibenedetto most likely won’t be playing juniors next season. Who gets signed, [aka Marcinko, Joenssuu] and who becomes a free agent? [Wes Oneil, Masi Majamaki]
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Smokey says:
#15: So spot on. Pock is terrible. I think Andrew MacDonald should be playing instead.
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SIR WILLIAM says:
chris, If you would, Iwould appreciate a candid answer to this rather than the standard party line.
Is the condition of the Coliseum that important to the players, or is it the fact thet the Islanders are regarded as a hopelessly inept organization that keeps big name plyers from signing here?
It seems to me the Yashin, Peca, Osgood, Sillinger, Witt among others didn’t mind playing at the NVMC. Even Smyth went out of his way to praise his time here and comment on how well he was treated.
Blake continuously speaks about his love for the Island.So what’s the real deal here? Are the Isles using the old barn as an excuse to cover up for gross ineptitude over the last 25 years. It appears to me that it’s an easy excuse to promote the Lighthouse while masking the real reason….SW
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Rich I hear you… but the Isles are well below the cap if not just at the minimum… so target two UFA’s that may have a history together whether it was the pros, junior, or some international tourney where they clicked, and overpay a little… make it a package type deal that would make it hard for both to resist, and have both of them know that you want both of them. The Sedin’s in Vancouver come to mind… or how about targeting Franzen and Hossa in Detroit… Higgins and Mike K in Montreal?
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Paul* says:
That is Great to hear!They Realize the Voice of power created here with this site and the LightHouse support, which was well recieved I heard through the GrapeVine. You are Stand Up CB! Your Stock value is rising!……..Thanks
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UIF says:
“John, the problem is that players in their 20’s do not want to come to Long Island.”
There were a few to be had via other avenues besides free agency. I’m sure I’ve mentioned it before, but both Tuomo Ruutu and Kyle Wellwood were available on waivers during the time when it was clear the Isles were going to rebuild with youth. Both at the time were 25…close to other “young kids” in our system like Tambs and Nielson. Both, of course, were hit-or-miss having injury issues and such, and I don’t think either is a surefire solution here…but taking a chance on at least one of them wouldn’t have been horrible imo. If it worked out well, it’s someone who could have been part of the rebuild, and if it didn’t work, it wouldn’t have cost any players or picks, etc.
Just a thought there, but maybe they’ll get another chance at a mid-20s player with potential upside on waivers again in the near future.
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Darren says:
I’ve preaching to bring up Kurtis all year. Now they need to bring Igg’s up!
With the points these guys have been putting up this year their time is due. -
UIF, I completely agree with you. That is exactly what I was thinking. Could it be that the Isles are playing ‘possum. Maybe that didn’t take Sabourin because they are waiting to see if they can get a hidden gem on the waiver wire. If they would have claimed Sabourin they would have lost their waiver priority for a potential player been placed waivers as we approach the trade deadline. It would seem to me that some “good players” may be exposed as teams try and retool their roster for a playoff run. UIF do you think this is wishful thinking or Does Snow have a plan?
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bossy4president says:
CB, any truth to the rumor (as per ESPN) that Gerber is going to be released by Ottawa today and the Isles are interested, hense the reason why they past on Dany Sabourin? Why can’t we just put Witty in net and get this 10 win season over so we can finally get our franchise player in June?
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Chris,
You mentioned that the blog may not last the season? You are kidding? Or are the Isles going to hire you to run thier website? -
Thanks for the update, CB. It is hard to look at July 1st already, considering the uncertainty of movement for the trade deadline. Players such as Bouwmeester are on fringe playoff teams who might deal him or not depending on their status. I really do feel that there will be several available good players come July 1st, but Snow is going to have to sell the Island to these players. Two things that would really help these players choice in coming to Long Island: John Tavares and the passing of the LightHouse Plan! Just saying…
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Rich, Snow definitely has a plan, but I’ve been wrong every time I’ve tried to predict what he’s going to do, haha. I wouldn’t be surprised if he adds a player through waivers though…or even an NHL-ready prospect via trade who is maybe buried on the depth chart of a team that is deep at a given position.
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Steve-O says:
Nice to have the prospects developing, but there will always be free agent goalies so we should not panic or change the drafting “strategy”!?
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Isles1972 says:
UIF, I wish Snow could grab some young players from other organizations that are NHL-ready, and can fit Gordon’s system instead of just getting draft picks at the deadline.
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Priest says:
Hey Chris, just something that came to mind last night…
You mentioned in the past that the Islanders first pick and Okposo should get a chance to play in the young star game (or whatever it is called) next year. But is their an All-Star game/Young Stars game next year? I thought they didn’t have them in Olympic years.
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The Kings have a lot of defensive prospects. Some are clean cut good NHL quality. They have Daughty, Jack Johnson but below that level are about 5 or 6 more. I wonder if the Kings stay in the playoff race (currently 6 points behind Ana with 3 games in hand) if the Isles can acquire a B level D prospect.
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chickendirt says:
I think it’s important the Isles don’t just look at the draft to build. They also need to stock up on prospects as well.
If some of these vets don’t land at least a 2nd rounder go for prospects instead.
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isles72 says:
chris -how is kevin poulin looking this year ?
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JPinVA says:
I don’t doubt that Ridderwall may have more upside than JMAC or Danis, but please don’t discount the fact that these two guys may be the only reason the Colley hasn’t been completely empty after 40 minutes every night.
What’s up with Bergenhiem? I don’t know if injury has played a part in this, but hasn’t he shown he’s worked for a spot on this team? Meanwhile Sim and Tambellini are out there every night.
Weight may be their best option on the point when healthy, but I’d much rather see Hillen back there replacing Okposo. Okposo needs to be getting those tape to tape passes from Hillen… not dishing them.
I can understand wanting Striet out there for 26mins… but Bruno? 40 shots says alot about the state of the NYI “D”. Some of that may be because Danis gives up too many rebounds, and he’s not the best puckhandler… but they really need to improve their “D” (especially size) in this draft.
Is Comeau becoming “first base” Blake. I think he was down with the flu yesterday and Hilbert wore his uniform. At least two wide open nets missed and a few other good opportunities that didn’t even require a save. The plus side is he’s making opportunities, so at least he’s more valuable than Tambellini… but I hope he wakes up. Play like that is what routinely turns hilbert’s 25 goal potential into an 8 goal reality.
Trevor Smith and Kurtis McLean have given the Isles some options up front and maybe some options come the deadline. It’s too bad the groin flu is going around. I’d like to see them use some of that to maybe get some help for next year on the thinnest “D” in the NHL.
PS:(from other thread) The booing was most likely when the crowd found out that CB had moved on monday… all those folks wasted hours looking for him in 221 on Monday. -
I think Bergenheim takes a lot of silly penalties still and yes he is injured. I really think that until he stops getting himself in poor positions at times and tries to recover by taking a penalty that he will find himself with less ice time.
Gordon wouldn’t let him kill penalties if he didn’t like his attitude or work ethic though.
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Mike Olivo says:
I think we are starting to see the fruits of Go-Go’s system being played at the Bridge. Problem is, the organiztion is weak depth-wize at D and Goal…Seems like we have a fair amount of “nice” players up front. I dont think any one of them (save for Okposo, Figren, and Bailey) will ever score 30 goals. The D and G situation is a little embarrassing. Need to acquire some depth…
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I thought Marty quietly had a decent game last night on D. He broke up some plays that I didn’t even realize were materializing.
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Chris S says:
CB – A couple of years ago the Islanders honored former center Bob Bourne at the first Hall of Fame Night. I have not heard of anyone else being honored since. I thought this was going to be a yearly thing. Am I wrong?
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Jeff K. says:
Like mrlbem, would like to hear more about Weslosky…at one time, HF had him in the top prospects lists (Ridderwall wasn’t listed) – but has since dropped off. HF has Weslosky topping out higher than Ridderwall – but with less potential to actually reach that level. I think the only other G prospect worth discussing is Poulin – but doesn’t sound like he has much chance of ever making the NHL.
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The Isles need to acquire ready made prospect Rob Schremp from Edmonton…. hasn’t had more than a cup of coffee with the Oil, is fast and can shoot. He’d be a natural for go-go’s system. Garth are you listening!?
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Ryan says:
So we passed on Sanford and Sabourin, does that mean we pass on Marty Gerber who has been placed on waivers today, I’m going to go with yes
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Dan says:
Why would the Isles even want to touch Gerber????
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CB, maybe over the Allstar break you can give us an update on the SoundTigers and how they are Developing? And also our ECHL affiliate if possiable.
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geezette says:
Isn’t this fun?
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IslesHockey21 says:
A bunch of people are mentioning Jase Weslosky.. Although I’m not 100% sure, I believe his hockey season ended very prematurely due to academic troubles at St. Cloud St. Doesn’t exactly spell bright future.
To the person who asked about Blake coming over when his contract is over… do you real want a 40 year old Jason Blake?
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Saw Jase W. on the tube not too long ago. One game does not a season make, but he was not at all impressive.
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NVM.. I looked it up, Jase Weslosky was suspended for academic problems in December:
http://www.sctimes.com/article/20081228/SPORTS0401/112280011/1002/SPORTSBut the team has since reinstated him. My bad.
CB, when you have a lot of free time (likely in the summer), I would love a “Where Are They Now?” story. Preferably of mid-90s Isles like D. King, Randy Wood, Felix Potvin, etc. Just some random guys whose names we haven’t heard in quite some time.
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PAtrick says:
Why is Mike Mole so low on the team’s depth charts?
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Chris: Can the Islanders lease at the Nassau Coliseum be terminated prior to 2015 without penalty?
Also, were you scheduled to be on the Mike Francessa WFAN show last Friday (1/16) or did you call in after receiving prompting here in the comments section? And how annoying is it to talk to Mike Francessa when he doesn’t allow you to finish your sentences? Thank you.
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Moose says:
CB is there any word on rookies pulling out of the young stars game?
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joey303 says:
CB – Could the Islanders trade their 3 #2′s + Comrie and/or Gervais for a guy like Spezza? Is that doable? AND -is it possible we could even get a Spezza type to the island?
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Why get Spezza when you can have Tavares + Comrie + 3 #2′s AND Gervais?
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David says:
CB, Wang is involved with the draft, player aquisitions, trades, and contracts. Understanding that he has to be involved in some capacity because he signs the checks, has anyone ever talked to him about a VP in charge of all team matters? Kind of like Scotty Bowman in Atlanta or (in football)Bill Parcells in Miami. It is plainly obvious that he has made some mistakes but also that he just doesn’t have a good hockey mind. I mean c’mon now lets call it what it is. I appreciate him as an owner but as a guy who needs to make decisions regarding the building of a winning team he’s the wrong man for the job. Is there any way he will ever see this and hire someone else who has last say on player related matters or does he have too many yes men around him?Snow should be answering to someone else who will be the bad guy. Seems like Wang doesn’t like being in that role and in turn it hurts the team. Am I wrong or would it be better for the team to AND Wang to realize this and change his strategy?
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Dadi says:
islestherapy(#7), there’s no way McLean will be up with the team for the rest of the season.Hunter,Bergenheim,Hilbert & Weight are coming back…
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Dooks94 says:
We need something better than what we have in goal already. Joey Mac is ok but he is just another Dubie. Career backup with little upside. He can’t handle playing every night. Danis has been playing very well since he was given a chance but had Joey not gone down we’d never have seen him play at all. Now seeing him play every night the flaws are there- gives up WAY too many rebounds and is downright awfulk at handling the puck-he should be bannned from doing it altogether. Let us pray that they draft a stud or they’re doomed. This Ridderwall kid is probably 3-4 years away from coming over from Sweden-so don’t count on him. Weslosky isn’t that great from what I’ve heard…Ricky D has become way too big a risk to rely on for now. Until he proved he can come back, play at the level he did before, and STAY healthy we simply cannot rely on him any longer.
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An let’s say they do sign Ridderwall. He needs time at B-Port before he even cracks the NHL. Same goes for Weslosky
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david (56),
That has been discussed here (in the ether) many times. A lot of us think that should have been the way to go. When Wang admitted his committee wasn’t going to work, he should have started a search for a VP in charge of Hockey Ops (or whatever you call it). But he, once again, has laid all of his trust in somebody who [may be] ill equipped to handle the full scope of his responsibilities.
He’s not going to change GM’s. His GM is not going to change coaches. The GM, once granted autonomy, gave himself the best self imposed extension he could… REBUILD. I never said Garth was STUPID. Expectations management is THE BEST way to make sure you look good under any scrutiny.
There are many factors as to why this team has had little to no success this year. But Garth has divorced himself from any responsibility until at least 2010 by saying that we are going to have to go through some pain before we can grow. He just didn’t mention that it would be a pain in the groin.
Now that the decisions have been made, NO SANE hockey person would put themselves in a position to be guy that Garth answers to. Because that person would have to either restart the rebuild, or basically adhere to Garth’s plan anyway. A NO WIN SITUATION.
Blame it on Wang. He hired Nolan, then a GM. Then fired(?) the GM, so Nolan wasn’t anybody’s “guy”. As soon as Garth got his say he got his “guy”… and gave himself enough rope to [hopefully not] hang himself.
We’re all just going to have to wait and see.
The moves at the deadline, the draft and the UFA period will go a long way to determine where we will stand two years from now. If this team does not see any results by 12/2009 the “GARTH MUST GO” chants have got to start… but not now.
I disagree with some people that think we’re starting to see the fruits of Gordon’s system… but that’s just my opinon. We are, however, starting to see the maturation of a few players that are starting to make the future look a little brighter. NO SHOTS in 25 minutes has been the “fruit” of Gordon’s system. The defense chasing the puck for 45 seconds at a time… Gordon’s system. -
BR says:
Dooks – Where do you get the idea that Ridderwall is 3 to 4 years away from coming over?
Also, where have you heard that Weslosky is not very good? So far in his college career he has played 59 games with a 2.43 average, a .921 save percentage and 6 shutouts. Doesn’t sound too bad to me… -
I hope I’m wrong. Just that Weslosky is not highly rated. They need a solid goaltending prospect-hopefully its Ridderwall maybe a draft pick from this year. Great young goaltenders go high in the drafts nowadays. So we’d be starting from scratch to do that and we all on here know damn well they ain’t taking a goaltender high for at least 5 years maybe longer with the Ricky D situation
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We just have to hope all these picks Garth acquired last year and this year-with more to come after trading a couple vets at the deadline pan out. Time will tell.
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"Dissillusioned Brian" in VA says:
I agree with ya JP! I’d start the “Garth Must Go” chants now! Only problem is I am no longer going to drive 6+ hrs. with traffic to see this “garbage on ice.” We have 1 prospect worth anything and Neil Smith drafted him!
We will never have a 1A goalie because the “Chinadoll” goalie we have now won’t stand for it. Afterall he runs the organization.
Ridderwall, great name for a goalie. Lets sign him now.