Just a possibility on maybe why Sweatt wasn't qualified... Gillis's nephew Matt Pelech wasn't qualified by Calgary and maybe thats where he rather use that contract. Big upgrade on size.
Defence, 6' 3" 220 shoots right. 59 games with the Heat this season with 3 goals (hello Bouwmeester) and 2 assists. 198 penalty minutes and a -9. 26th overall pick in 2005. 5 games in the NHL with 3 assists... turns 25 before the season begins.
Just a theory. Gillis doesn't strike me as a hiring family kind of guy though.
The Wolves currently have Connauton, Ellington, Erixon, Matheson, Polasek, Sauve and Tanev. Even assuming that Ellington goes to the ECHL and Tanev to the NHL, that's already 5 guys and on top of that they will either want to add Henrik Tommernes or an AHL-level veteran signing. Sweatt just doesn't fit in this organization anymore and would take away development time from more important prospects.
The Wolves currently have Connauton, Ellington, Erixon, Matheson, Polasek, Sauve and Tanev. Even assuming that Ellington goes to the ECHL and Tanev to the NHL, that's already 5 guys and on top of that they will either want to add Henrik Tommernes or an AHL-level veteran signing. Sweatt just doesn't fit in this organization anymore and would take away development time from more important prospects.
Can probably add Parent to that list too.
But I'm hoping Tanev makes the team from the start.
The Wolves currently have Connauton, Ellington, Erixon, Matheson, Polasek, Sauve and Tanev. Even assuming that Ellington goes to the ECHL and Tanev to the NHL, that's already 5 guys and on top of that they will either want to add Henrik Tommernes or an AHL-level veteran signing. Sweatt just doesn't fit in this organization anymore and would take away development time from more important prospects.
(at least his pro contract runs out after next season)
Not sure why he still has a "7.0 C" Hockeysfuture rating.
Lee Sweatt might want to head back to Europe where he has more value. He gave it a shot this year but I have trouble thinking he'll ever stick with a decent NHL team. It might be better for him to go back to Europe.
To be fair, Subban was ranked 102nd by the CSS and Ellington 39th.
True, but from a hindsight perspective it hurts.
Looking back to 07 I wanted us to draft Perron and then Oscar Moller or Michal Repik with the two picks. And if we had to take a defenseman the guy I liked was Josh Godfrey who hasn't done anything either.
How many of our forwards in the minors are "NHL ready" to the point of being a possible callup? List is pretty short once you get past Shirokov. We ain't exactly full in NHL wingers as it is with Raymond out several months.
Sure we need some depth forwards, it's June. But I don't see what the big deal with losing Shirokov is personally... Not an integeral part of our future in anyway. He's 25 now and not really what this team is looking for. I can see why the Canucks are moving on...
The Wolves currently have Connauton, Ellington, Erixon, Matheson, Polasek, Sauve and Tanev. Even assuming that Ellington goes to the ECHL and Tanev to the NHL, that's already 5 guys and on top of that they will either want to add Henrik Tommernes or an AHL-level veteran signing. Sweatt just doesn't fit in this organization anymore and would take away development time from more important prospects.
You think Polasek will be with the Wolves? I'm curious as to where he is in his development.
You think Polasek will be with the Wolves? I'm curious as to where he is in his development.
Absolutely. If he's not good enough then he will be sent down to the ECHL but IMO he will be fine at the AHL level. He won't go back to the Q because his team would have to use up both an overage and an import spot on him.
Sure we need some depth forwards, it's June. But I don't see what the big deal with losing Shirokov is personally... Not an integeral part of our future in anyway. He's 25 now and not really what this team is looking for. I can see why the Canucks are moving on...
Near future he is. Again, who are you going to callup for an forward replacement? How do you get such players without giving up assets (picks and/or prospects)? My concern is for this upcoming season.
Mahiban's tweet comes off of a Mike Gillis conference call where he was asked if the Canucks had lost Shirokov and Gillis said "We have not relinquished his rights" which might very well mean that they qualified him but could also mean 'We haven't lost his rights...yet, and will keep negotiating up until July 1st when we do lose his rights.' I'd love to know the answer for sure, though.
According to Gillis, shifty Russian forward Sergei Shirkov did receive a qualifying offer from the club while former Vancouver Giants centre Mario Bliznak did not. Bliznak is expected to play in Europe next season
According to Gillis, shifty Russian forward Sergei Shirkov did receive a qualifying offer from the club while former Vancouver Giants centre Mario Bliznak did not. Bliznak is expected to play in Europe next season
Bliznak signed in the Czech republic earlier this month.
