Ever since I figured it out playing hockey myself, playing defense is not rocket science. It's alot of about sacrifice and hard work, busting your ass to get back.
Ovi can play defense and you know it. I think he got into bad habits because in becoming the best player in the world, he didn't have to. Ironic, isn't it? It easy to see why he doesn't want to do it.
42. Nathan Walker, Left Wing, Vitkovice- Czech Extraliga
Nathan Walker is quite a unique player, having a British and Australian background while suiting up for Australia in international competition. He is the first Australian to play in a top Europeans men's league. He's an above-average puck-handler who certainly has the skills to make things happen with the puck. Walker is also a pretty advanced thinker for his age, a big factor to the ice time he's gotten playing in the Czech Extraliga, as he's a responsible two-way thinker who knows where he needs to be in his own end and makes good, quick decisions with the puck. Walker has impressive vision and can certainly move the puck around well. He is an above-average skater who ideally would have an extra gear as a 5'9" player but can move around the ice just fine and is quick on his first few steps. He has a somewhat forward lean that gets him a little lower than you'd like a 5'9" player to be though. Despite his smaller stature, Walker is pretty strong and is very aggressive and physical. He takes his assignments with the body in the defensive end, and shows no fear from driving the high percentage areas. He lines up at left wing at even strength, but on the power play I have seen him play right wing to take advantage of his shot that can score from a distance.
A player there was a lot of chatter about expecting a team to take a risk on him with a late round pick heading into the draft.
Inviting an undrafted kid to camp, no harm and I'm hoping to get out there to see all of these prospects; however, he’s a ‘94 and he falls under the same rules Hyka did last summer, so my understanding is that the Caps couldn’t sign him this summer; he’ll be back in the draft next summer.
“Plymouth Whalers general manager and head coach Mike Vellucci announced the acquisition of 18-year-old defenseman Connor Carrick from the Guelph Storm in exchange for a sixth round draft choice in the 2013 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.” link
So Plymouth/OHL acquiring the rights to Carrick who is supposed to be heading to Michigan/NCAA; one to watch this summer to see what happens, although IIRC, he was the one commenting about getting his education during the draft interview. Also, note Tom Wilson plays for Plymouth Whalers.
“Plymouth Whalers general manager and head coach Mike Vellucci announced the acquisition of 18-year-old defenseman Connor Carrick from the Guelph Storm in exchange for a sixth round draft choice in the 2013 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.” link
So Plymouth/OHL acquiring the rights to Carrick who is supposed to be heading to Michigan/NCAA; one to watch this summer to see what happens, although IIRC, he was the one commenting about getting his education during the draft interview. Also, note Tom Wilson plays for Plymouth Whalers.
Is he the one who said his mom would kill him if he didn't get a college degree?
Is he the one who said his mom would kill him if he didn't get a college degree?
Pretty sure, yes; this could be as simple as a gamble for Plymouth combined with protected list numbers, etc., for teams, who knows. Just his rights being traded for now. Was looking at Michigan's blueliners last night, including Trouba entering his freshman year, so maybe Plymouth is gambling on playing time, etc?
additional, went back to look at the notes I made about Michigan's D roster: Trouba, incoming freshman; Merrill (NJD prospect) is returning, plus Mac Bennett (MTL prospect) and others returning. Looks like could have 5 or 6 D slotted in so maybe Plymouth knows something, maybe not? Just saw that this is being discussed in the American Prospect thread, too, as of now, no additional info. there, just similar speculation. Only other thing I'd throw out there is what I said earlier, perhaps it's an issue between the two OHL teams in terms of rosters and protected lists or something related to a different deal, but Plymouth's release is pretty much all about acquiring Carrick.
Last edited by sk84fun_dc: 06-28-2012 at 08:58 AM.
That ends the four year control of rights thing, correct?
As far as AHL eligibility at some point, it's the same as it was for John Carlson.
As far as term that Caps hold his rights, I have to read the details. I was wondering about this because of the wording in the CBA about this issue. The bona fide college student as of June 1 wording.
Considered drafted out of the USHL, but maybe it will hinge on if he was enrolled in Michigan already for summer school like some of these guys do?
update: reading the CBA, yup, I think it may hinge on the issue of whether he enrolled, but still reading; or maybe if he graduated hs early and was taking college classes last season?
Last edited by sk84fun_dc: 06-29-2012 at 08:18 AM.
