Ian White's Future in the NHL

wasting time · 12-14-2003, 12:14 PM

Everyone knows he is undersized, what do you think is Ian's realistic future in the NHL?

sluggo* · 12-14-2003, 12:37 PM

He could make the NHL, but if he does it will be as a role player - #5, #6, #7 PP specilist D-man. I can't see him turning into a two-way player or anything like that, if he makes it to the NHL it will be because of his offense, not defense.

wasting time · 12-14-2003, 03:51 PM

specialist D men are not really around any more with the level of talent of today's player. Can he hold his onw defensively in the WHL? Will he get tossed around in the AHL?

leafaholix* · 12-14-2003, 04:02 PM

The guy's solid defensively.

I remember watching him in a CHL all-star game last year and he made a rush with the puck... the goalie made the save and threw the puck up the middle... it was a 2 on 1 (on the WHL defenseman) and White went from the opponents net to catch up with the 2nd player on the 2 on 1 and made a diving stab at the puck.

He saved the goal.

Kugel · 12-14-2003, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by go pierre hedin

The guy's solid defensively.

I remember watching him in a CHL all-star game last year and he made a rush with the puck... the goalie made the save and threw the puck up the middle... it was a 2 on 1 (on the WHL defenseman) and White went from the opponents net to catch up with the 2nd player on the 2 on 1 and made a diving stab at the puck.

He saved the goal.

i think he will make the NHL at frist because of his offense but i think will become a solid 2 waay d-man..maybe a top 4 D....i see him simliar to al MAc because mac came in with the shot and has become a great d-man....im not saying that white will be that good but good....also i dont know if he will stay with the leafs because they have alot fo good d prospects and some younger guys in the NHL right now......in 2-3 years their d could be

mccaabe-kabrele
pilar- carlo
brendan bell- berg
then u have white, kondtative and hedin....not a bad d unit.

ULF_55 · 12-15-2003, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kugel

mccaabe-kabrele
pilar- carlo
brendan bell- berg
then u have white, kondtative and hedin....not a bad d unit.

Isn't Kronwall about 6'4" or bigger? He looked taller than Mats when they were on the ice together. Smaller ice might even suit Staffan better than the International surface.

Don't forget Seikola.

Jimmie Dorey · 12-15-2003, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ULF_55

Isn't Kronwall about 6'4" or bigger? He looked taller than Mats when they were on the ice together. Smaller ice might even suit Staffan better than the International surface.

Don't forget Seikola.

Or D'Amour or Turon or Doherty

Leaf Army · 12-15-2003, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wasting time

Everyone knows he is undersized, what do you think is Ian's realistic future in the NHL?

I think a good comparison for White's upside is Dan Boyle in Tampa. Although we'll be extremely lucky if he turns out as well as Boyle.

Their playing styles are similar, they are the same size and both would be in the NHL because of their offence. However both are more than passable on defence.

Watching White in the WJC last year, his offensive instincts from the point (especially on PP) were awesome. Wicked shot.

He's small, but seems to have kind of a stocky build. He'll always have trouble with the real big players, but I think he's the kind of guy who for the most part won't let his lack of size affect the way he plays the game.

I think he'll get a shot in the NHL at some point. His skills are just too good for him not to. Hopefully he's good enough to be an NHL regular.

TrueBlue · 12-15-2003, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wasting time

Everyone knows he is undersized, what do you think is Ian's realistic future in the NHL?

This kid is a lot like Brian Rafalski with the Devils...lots of people said that he wouldn't last either and 3 cups later he is still with them.
White will play in the NHL.

wasting time · 12-15-2003, 11:07 AM

judging by the responses he might be the kind of guy who will need 2-3 solid years in the AHL before making the permanent trip.

Kugel · 12-15-2003, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueBlue

This kid is a lot like Brian Rafalski with the Devils...lots of people said that he wouldn't last either and 3 cups later he is still with them.
White will play in the NHL.

i dont think ralfaski was on that 1995 team...he only has 2 but u r right white will play in the NHL

DJyellow · 12-15-2003, 06:14 PM

I'm thinking Francis Bouillon (currently Habs 6th D) with better offensive instinct...

maybe a 6th/7th defenseman on a bad team... 4th D for the Leafs in 2005?

NV · 12-16-2003, 09:42 PM

Ian White reminds me a lot of Brian Campbell http://www.sabres.com/thesabres/bio....40&bG=&nPage=2

Campbell is slightly bigger and had the benefit of playing for Brian Kilrea but he was a late draft pick who was thought to be a bit small, despite leading all OHL defencemen in points. Campbell spent a couple years in the AHL and is now a decent depth defenceman in Buffalo.

Leaf Lander · 12-16-2003, 10:27 PM

iam white has hockey sense

if he tries hard he will prove them wrong like sulliva fleury fallon and some other smaller players

Raimo Sillanpää · 12-16-2003, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kugel

i dont think ralfaski was on that 1995 team...he only has 2 but u r right white will play in the NHL

That's right, Rafalski was in Sweden (earlier) and then Finland where he won the SM-Liiga trophy with HIFK in the 97-98 season with teammates Karalahti and Olli Jokinen amongst others.

Rafalski is the player most wanted by HIFK fans in the event of an NHL lockout.

Mess · 12-16-2003, 11:57 PM

He can sure score goals as proof by his 56 goals by a dman his past 2 years...

Red Horner* · 12-17-2003, 09:01 AM

I'm sure he'll be fine he's short but he's stocky is gifted but for some reason since he signed with the Leafs doesn't seem as hungry, apparently he didn't have a good camp in Kitchener in Sept and wasn't exactly lighting it up in SC before he was injured perhaps he needs an attitude adjustment.