Quote:
Originally Posted by AlbertaNucksFan
You know. I think he was a pretty good player for us. Wellwood didn't crush anyone with his hits but when he did hit a guy it was always to knock the puck loose - and most of the time into his possession. His physicality was very well used and more effective then some big center that just loved to hit would have been. Its like the difference between Phaneuf and Niedermayer. Phaneuf just crushes guys and it is exciting for that 1 second before you realize it had nothing to do with the puck and he put himself way out of position to make the hit causing a 2 on 1 against his goalie. Niedermayer would just bump a guy and take the puck causing a break out for his forwards.
Also I think that third line was very effective with him as a center. Wellwood gave them the puck possession, break out, and puck clearing aspects. Bernier and to some degree Raymond gave them the physicality. And Raymond gave the back check and speed. Plus Wellwood had some pretty good defensive awareness and action as well.
I just can’t believe I am not seeing the same things as the rest of the fan base on here. I really want Wellwood back and I think he absolutely makes this team better and more exciting to watch. I really think that his previous conditioning should be attributed to him being on a terribly managed team before us.
hmmmm I don't know.
|
I totally agree with you. Wellwood had an inconsistant season but many young players do the same. When he was good he was really good and in the playoffs he was a warrior. I like the team better with him in the lineup although with Hodgson coming in and perhaps being the 3rd line centre, I'm not sure where Wellwood fits. Maybe Hodgson is the second line centre ? Anyway, Wellwood has more upside than most fans give him credit for and I think that anything around $ 1.5 would be a good deal for the Canucks.
He's an exciting player and I hope he's in the Canucks lineup this coming season.