Its a good waiver pick-up. I think Toronto messed up on this one as he still was a solid NHLer even though Welly even says he's probably one of the worst conditioned guys in the NHL.
If Kyle had Eric's heart and determination, he would be a scary player. However, he doesn't, boozes alot and enjoys his vacations etc.
I wonder if we have the outside chance of signing Wellwood to a two-way contract. That would be sick.
Why would that be sick? He'd still have to clear waivers again if we send him to Manitoba. The only difference is he'd be making 100k in the AHL rather than 1M, but none of it counts against the cap anyway. The only thing a two-way contract does is save Aquilini money if Wellwood plays in the AHL. Doesn't seem like something to get overly excited about.
****! I don't even care about his conditioning, attitude, etc. I just hate his face more than almost anyone on the planet, and now I have the prospect of staring at it for an entire season?!? Goddammit.
Why would that be sick? He'd still have to clear waivers again if we send him to Manitoba. The only difference is he'd be making 100k in the AHL rather than 1M, but none of it counts against the cap anyway. The only thing a two-way contract does is save Aquilini money if Wellwood plays in the AHL. Doesn't seem like something to get overly excited about.
Could be a sense of purpose, keep Wellwood on his toes so that he is working harder to avoid going to the AHL and in turn receiving a lesser paycheque.
****! I don't even care about his conditioning, attitude, etc. I just hate his face more than almost anyone on the planet, and now I have the prospect of staring at it for an entire season?!? Goddammit.
No face is worse than Mike Modano's, lets not lie.
Could be a sense of purpose, keep Wellwood on his toes so that he is working harder to avoid going to the AHL and in turn receiving a lesser paycheque.
He could just insist on a one-way contract and avoid that altogether...
Well...I was wrong about him being claimed. Maybe someone in the system will get it in his head what it takes to become an NHLer. Maybe the change of scenery will be the kick in the ass he needs. Then again maybe not.
Why would that be sick? He'd still have to clear waivers again if we send him to Manitoba. The only difference is he'd be making 100k in the AHL rather than 1M, but none of it counts against the cap anyway. The only thing a two-way contract does is save Aquilini money if Wellwood plays in the AHL. Doesn't seem like something to get overly excited about.
It serves the dual purpose of motivating the guy, and a slight justification for ownership to buy-out Cowan on the dollars and cents side via good risk management. Like you said, I doubt he would sign a two-way though.
Just wanted to wish you guys luck with Kyle. We had high hopes for him a few seasons ago but they never materialized. He's a crafty player...a bit lazy at times but his ceiling is high enough to warrant the risk. If he dedicates himself full-time to his conditioning he'll be a great player because he has the mind of a great player. That's just my personal observation. He can be very crafty with the puck at times. You guys will see that in Vancouver.
First off, in my opinion the Leafs made a mistake here. Wellwood has very very good talent and they aren't in a position to be throwing it away like that.
Secondly, this "awful skater" stuff IMO is not true. I've seen every game he's played and when healthy Wellwood is at least an average skater. He doesn't bring any physical game, but then again his nickname was Frodo after all. The conditioning issues are there, but you can teach that...you can't teach the kinds of things Welly can do with the puck.
The only other problem is that he's a big pothead, and Vancouver is the last place somebody like that should be under the current circumstances.
I think this is a great waiver pickup for Vancouver, personally. The risk is minimal and the potential payoff, again IMO, is significant.
The Canucks have one offensive centre in Henrik Sedin
They also have their defensive centre in Kesler
There's also the banger 4th line centre which can be a UFA or Rypien.
That really only leaves one spot for Wellwood (and Shannon I suppose) to take and that's the 2nd(or 1a/b) centre spot. If Gillis is going to go out and sign a skilled centre who can also fill that position what is claiming Wellwood going to accomplish?
He is a low risk high reward guy. He has the skills to be a good NHLer he just lacks the work ethic and looks scared to get hit. Maybe knowing that he can get waived that he might try harder to keep that paycheck.
The Canucks have one offensive centre in Henrik Sedin
They also have their defensive centre in Kesler
There's also the banger 4th line centre which can be a UFA or Rypien.
That really only leaves one spot for Wellwood (and Shannon I suppose) to take and that's the 2nd(or 1a/b) centre spot. If Gillis is going to go out and sign a skilled centre who can also fill that position what is claiming Wellwood going to accomplish?
I'm worried this is their current solution
I figure they plan on using him as the spare forward/PP specialist unless he impresses in camp.
The Canucks have one offensive centre in Henrik Sedin
They also have their defensive centre in Kesler
There's also the banger 4th line centre which can be a UFA or Rypien.
That really only leaves one spot for Wellwood (and Shannon I suppose) to take and that's the 2nd(or 1a/b) centre spot. If Gillis is going to go out and sign a skilled centre who can also fill that position what is claiming Wellwood going to accomplish?
I'm worried this is their current solution
It's called a contingency plan. Claiming Wellwood doesn't mean Gillis isn't going after a centre later.
