Honestly, I'm not sure why you guys keep sending Eric Wellwood down only to call him up again. It's been a yo-yo all year for him. I haven't been able to pay close enough attention, so please fill me in on what his strengths and deficiencies are.
He's only 21 years old, already has 2 NHL goals this year, and is one of those "borderline" roster players at his age. Certainly, he's on the cusp of making this club full-time.
He's the same size as his brother, and several years younger. I was watching one of his post-game interviews, and I certainly thought to myself that he sounds and looks like "a manly, more prototypical hockey player version of Kyle Wellwood." Kyle does not sound or look like a hockey player, whereas his brother... is an "athlete's version of Kyle" -- Stefan Urquelle, as opposed to Steve Urkel.
What type of player is Eric, and what does he bring to the table? How is his work ethic, and how does he compare to his brother, Kyle?
He's only 21 years old, already has 2 NHL goals this year, and is one of those "borderline" roster players at his age. Certainly, he's on the cusp of making this club full-time.
He's got wheels, more defensively responsible than his brother and plays has played his role well when called upon this year. He has managed to pick-up some points and stay on the plus side of things, considering his limited minutes and his appearances have largely been during our recent slump. He has even played on the penalty kill here, although the opportunities have been limited.
I am personally a fan of what he has shown thus far, and I have to think the same goes for his coach. Although the sample size is small, he averages more minutes than any of the other players we have seen in his position - likely due to his versatility.
He's small but tries to be physical where appropriate. Obviously he can't get much taller, and I wouldn't expect it given his brother's small stature - but perhaps bulking up a bit to help him create some strength and seperation ability would help, although his quickness is an asset that helps make up for lack of size as well. And given family history, not sure asking for a few more pounds would be a good idea...
I like Wellwood. He looks like an NHL player (4th liner). Issue is so do Sestito, Harry Z, Rinaldo and even Holmstrom in his few opportunities. Shelley also takes up a roster spot.
He's not really been sent up and down as a yo-yo. This is only his fourth call-up I think. There are those that pass that mark by the end of November. He's done really well though. I like him as a player, he's fast, works hard, is solid defensively and has been able to chip in offensively as well. He is on the small side, however, and even though he plays a bit bigger than his size (him winning board battles against Tyler Myers looked funny), here is his biggest drawback I think. He's not quite good enough to be a top six forward and might be a bit too weak to work as a traditional energy- or checking line player. So far Laviolette has preferred the energy and hitting that Rinaldo brings to the game. With JvR out for the next month, month-and-a-half, there's a chance for Wellwood to show that the final spot in the forward lineup (when everyone is healthy in the second round of the playoffs...) is his. It will be tough though, Rinaldo is playing really well too.
Aside from Bryzgalov, Wellwood was the most impressive Flyer last night. I was at the game, and he stood out to me every time he was on the ice. The goal was sweet, but it's the plays he was making away from the puck that really made me take notice. Smart, responsible player with keen hockey sense and legit talent, too (4 points in 6 games with the Flyers this season in limited ice time; 5 points in 9 career games). I think Wellwood could ably fill a spot on the third line, and I hope he is a regular in the lineup next season.
He seems to be a favorite of Lavi's - I believe Lavi originally wanted to call up Wellwood over Harry Z earlier in the year, but Wellwood was injured so Scrabbles got the call.
Sestito and Rinaldo will be full-time fourth liners next season, so I don't know if this club really has room for him. I think he's first in line to get a full-time spot after those two, but this is Philly we're talking about - if you can hit/fight, you get moved to the front of the line...
He seems to be a favorite of Lavi's - I believe Lavi originally wanted to call up Wellwood over Harry Z earlier in the year, but Wellwood was injured so Scrabbles got the call.
Sestito and Rinaldo will be full-time fourth liners next season, so I don't know if this club really has room for him. I think he's first in line to get a full-time spot after those two, but this is Philly we're talking about - if you can hit/fight, you get moved to the front of the line...
The other side of the coin is that Wellwood has increased his value with his games as a Flyer, and could be a legitimate piece – not the primary piece, but certainly not a throw-in – in any deal for a defenseman.
I like Wellwood, but I just don't know if the team will make room for him on the third line. He's got the skill to be a 15 to 20 goal scorer in this league. The question is, who do the Flyers move from the top nine in order to fit Wellwood in?
Personally, I'd love to see a Wellwood - Couturier - Ranford line in the future. I think that line has the potential to be very disruptive and put up good numbers. Wellwood's the speed, Couturier is the brains and Ranford's the finisher.
I know that the defense pipeline needs to be filled, but damn, the forwards in the pipeline are going to be quite alright.
I like Wellwood, but I just don't know if the team will make room for him on the third line. He's got the skill to be a 15 to 20 goal scorer in this league. The question is, who do the Flyers move from the top nine in order to fit Wellwood in?
Personally, I'd love to see a Wellwood - Couturier - Ranford line in the future. I think that line has the potential to be very disruptive and put up good numbers. Wellwood's the speed, Couturier is the brains and Ranford's the finisher.
I know that the defense pipeline needs to be filled, but damn, the forwards in the pipeline are going to be quite alright.
Aside from Bryzgalov, Wellwood was the most impressive Flyer last night. I was at the game, and he stood out to me every time he was on the ice. The goal was sweet, but it's the plays he was making away from the puck that really made me take notice. Smart, responsible player with keen hockey sense and legit talent, too (4 points in 6 games with the Flyers this season in limited ice time; 5 points in 9 career games). I think Wellwood could ably fill a spot on the third line, and I hope he is a regular in the lineup next season.
Wellwood has a bit of Justin Williams in him.....who of course flourished under Lavi and fits well with Lavi's system.
I have no doubt in my mind that sooner or later the Flyers will get a top line winger at a good age to play for a long time with Giroux. I would love to have Nash, bu the price tag to acquire him is too step right now. Giroux to Nash for the next decade would be amazing
I have no doubt in my mind that sooner or later the Flyers will get a top line winger at a good age to play for a long time with Giroux. I would love to have Nash, bu the price tag to acquire him is too step right now. Giroux to Nash for the next decade would be amazing
If you have it your way? lol you going to be the next GM for the Flyers? Are you going to clone Schenn? No way the Flyers are going to go 3 years without signing a forward/center if they dont win the cup.
I have no doubt in my mind that sooner or later the Flyers will get a top line winger at a good age to play for a long time with Giroux. I would love to have Nash, bu the price tag to acquire him is too step right now. Giroux to Nash for the next decade would be amazing
Pretty much. The Flyers must acquire a consistent 40-goal threat to play on G's wing.
