Its a loss, not a monumental loss, but its a loss. Engqvist pretty much was the ideal call-up for 4th line center and had some offensive upside we didnt get to see in the NHL yet.
I wish I had seen some of his later season games in Hamilton when it finally seemed like he was turning the corner into being a consistent top player there. But I didn't. Instead, I've only ever seen him being about as invisible as a player can be. He never made plays, never hit, and even defensively it was kind of in a passive I'll-just-make-sure-I'm-being-careful kind of way.
If it hadn't been for the mini-breakout in Hamilton I'd have been _completely_ indifferent to his departure.
Good to know that prospects need to be NHL quality stars within two years.
No wonder our team sucks. Our GM's patience is the same as the fan base.
The guy isn't 20, he's 24!
It was my opinion from the start, I just never saw anything in him that would make him an NHLer. Like ...most scouts in the NHL who didn't want to draft him, then didn't manage to have their GM to sign him for 2 years, I guess that makes my opinion ridiculous.
It's the name of the game, prospect get 4-5 years when they are drafted at 18, when signed at 22 most get only 2-3 years. (Ds and Gs may get more time)
For the record, I was happy with the QO, he's good depth in case of emergency. Who knows, maybe when he's 28-29. I could see the KHL-NHL exchanging more and more players in the future.
Its a loss, not a monumental loss, but its a loss. Engqvist pretty much was the ideal call-up for 4th line center and had some offensive upside we didnt get to see in the NHL yet.
Agreed. I was hoping he would give the NHL one more shot (benefiting Hamilton mostly).
Its a loss, not a monumental loss, but its a loss. Engqvist pretty much was the ideal call-up for 4th line center and had some offensive upside we didnt get to see in the NHL yet.
And he has already been Hamilton's top goal scorer. But in any event, if management sees Engqvist as direct competition for White, then I won't mind terribly if they just sit back and watch him cross back over the pond. Would be too bad, though. Hate to see a late blooming, big, polished forward with rounded skills who can play centre and the wing leave so unceremoniously.
Well, more ice time for Nattinen to develop. I heard they were similar players with Nats being a better skater and good at face-offs. Plus, he really seemed to come on in the second half, so he could end up being a good call up.
Enquist seems easily replaceable .Someone who bolts for the KHL either does it for money or they saw the writing on the wall that they are not NHL material.
Good to know that prospects need to be NHL quality stars within two years.
No wonder our team sucks. Our GM's patience is the same as the fan base.
Your last line is quite the baseless comment, Nate.
Because the user you quoted doesn't care much for Engqvist, you tie it in with Bergevin having no patience? Did he not extend a QO to Engqvist to retain his rights? Engqvist signing with the KHL is in no way relevant to the patience of Marc Bergevin. It just means he wants a bigger window of opportunity to grow and feels that AHL time will do nothing for him at this point.
Do I think he'll rip it up in the KHL? Probably not.
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Well, more ice time for Nattinen to develop. I heard they were similar players with Nats being a better skater and good at face-offs. Plus, he really seemed to come on in the second half, so he could end up being a good call up.
Enquist seems easily replaceable .Someone who bolts for the KHL either does it for money or they saw the writing on the wall that they are not NHL material.
Or, as is perhaps more applicable in this situation, saw the writing on the wall that a spot simply isn't going to open up for them at the top level, or that competition for a few spots is too great to assume/guarantee anything longer term. Or, you know, the separation from family/friends plays a part. Happens every year to plenty of players who are almost certainly good enough to find a regular role on some NHL team.
