Quote:
Originally Posted by Manhattan Blue
Sounds kinda like Anisimov, no? Both had 44 points this year. Blake's two years older. But Artem's been a pro for a year more.
Why so down on a guy so similar not on your team? Why is Artem's value a 7-10 pick and Blake's value is no more than a 2nd rounder?
Sounds like Blake's performing well in the WJC's and he was producing at a 60 pt clip with Atlanta.
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True, Wheeler and Anisimov have similar issues. Difference is Anisimov has improved every opportunity he's gotten. Wheeler's been struggling. Anisimov has solid defensive play. Wheeler doesn't. Anisimov has had playtime with mostly 2nd line players and grinders, with Marian Gaborik occasionally on with him. Wheeler has had play time with the likes of elite playmaker Marc Savard, Patric Bergeron, and David Krejc.
Wheeler's had little reason to not succeed more than he has. He's had 3 incredibly talented playmaking centers to cycle through. Failed with all of them. I'm not saying he won't eventually put it together, but he's been a bouncing ball. Anisimov's got his consistency issues, but Wheeler... whole 'nother story.
EDIT: Missed Ani's first year in Hartford, didn't see it.