Official Reaction: Wolski for Rozsival
by Rob L on Jan 11, 2011 7:01 AM EST
in New York Rangers Analysis
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Welcome to Wojtek Wolski day here at Blueshirt Banter. We know what was traded away today, and if you want to help (or console - try not to laugh) Coyotes fans over at Fiveforhowling.com (SB Nation Coyotes), be my guest. But as for right now, let's focus on who Glen Sather has acquired for the biggest scapegoat defenseman since Marek Malik.
I haven't ever seen Wolski play enough to give even a semi-accurate scouting report, so I'll leave that to Fantasy Sports Services:
ASSETS: Has excellent scoring instincts and tremendous puck-handling skills. Owns plenty of size to be able to handle the physical play of the pro game. Can play both center and wing.
FLAWS: Lacks intensity at times. Doesn't use his 6-3 frame enough to score in high-traffic areas. Also needs more work without the puck, and in defensive-zone coverage.
While the assets are sure promising, one thing that may irk us Ranger fans is the first sentence of the flaw. As long as pucks are flying into the net, I personally don't care if a certain player lacks intensity, but if it's the first flaw pointed out on the report, it may be cause for concern. Adrian Dater, the Denver Post Avalanche beat man since '95, thinks said sentence will make or break Wolski in NY. While its not fun to read, it's an outside and neutral perspective. We will see how true that is soon enough, though.
Wojtek (also, use this thread for possible nicknames - I got nothin' right now) has had quite the young NHL career so far. Turning 25 in late February 2011, Wolski has never been below 0.54 PPG - which was good for 14 goals and 42 points over 78 games on an Avalanche team that finished 28th overall in the league. His NHL Equivalency numbers are beauties, averaging 1.3 PPG in 253 OHL games over 4 seasons with the Brampton Battalion. This gives us an average NHL season of 0.56 PPG, or 46 points over 82 games. What's really juicy about Wolski to me is his NHLe ceiling: his best OHL season was his last where he scored 128 points in 56 games or otherwise good for a 2.29 PPG. This puts Wolski PPG ceiling in the NHL at 0.98, or 81 points over 82 games. Yes please, where do I sign?
While his potential is high, his play at the moment is low (for him). He's only got 16 points and he's on pace for 33 - good for 0.44 PPG and career lows all around. While this is daunting, I respect Sather for buying low because as I've said before the numbers turn out more right than wrong usually, meaning Wolski should find his touch once again (maybe not immediately, but over time). Fear not, though, because according to the advanced numbers Wolski isn't playing as bad as his production might indicate.
Here's a fun fact: did any of you honestly know off the top of your head that the ‘Yotes finished fourth (4th to be clear) in the league last season? I didn't. As of yesterday, the Coyotes now sit 18th in the league while the Rangers sit 8th - which should be taken into account when we examine Wolski's play. This can be shown generally by looking at the zone start and finish percentages, as Wolski went from a player who finished of the O-zone more often in 2009-2010 to now going backwards most of the time. With a better team, he should start to shade more towards 50/50 or better.
Beyond that, there is only one more concerning stat before the good that reassures me; his shooting percentage. It has been inconsistent from year to year, hitting its peak last season (to no surprise, his best so far) at 11.13 percent. While this indicates a great year, anything over 10 percent is difficult to do and this season Wolski sits at 8.68 (as of Monday). This isn't his lowest in the past four seasons, as that would be 2008-09 with Colorado when he had his worst season as a pro so far when 7.74 percent of his shots went in. In general, the number of shots Wolski has been consistent (a small but overall insignificant bump last season); and although he is missing the net a bit more this season I think a bigger problem here has been his ice time.
As of Monday, Wolski was seeing less ice than he was in 2007-08 with the Avalanche when he scored 48 points. He led all Coyotes (min 60 GP) in Time On Ice/60 minutes and only played 18 games with them. He now sits in third line territory; something that won't help an offensively gifted player that needs to feel the game and get into a groove with his shooting. This will be something to watch with his future role with the Rangers. I honestly think he could play first line minutes, but at the minimum he should be a lock for the second line (disregarding line combos). Honestly, if given a fair shot at ice time, I think we could see Wojtek's production go back up again. His Corsi statistics (where the puck is when he's on the ice) indicate that he is still playing well against the competition and has been very consistent over the past three years in said category.
As of right now, I would call this a win-win for the Rangers. While they have plenty of depth in bottom-six forwards, I believe Wojtek is a top-six forward for sure. While he could come in and be an impact player immediately, what is more exciting to me is that Wolski is headed into the prime of his career as well. This deal may bring up some minor questions regarding the Rangers Defense at the moment, but in a league where offense is the premium product; this deal brings just that.
Also, here's a text conversation between myself and my long-time friend who is an Avalanche fan:
Rob: Rangers trade Rozival for Wolski... thoughts?
Him: Looking for one way forwards?
Rob: Actually, kind of.
Him: Be ready for solid breakaway moves and no back checking.
Rob: Hahaha I'll take it at the moment.
Hopefully this is what he means...
More commentary coming up here on Wojtek Wolski (W-squared? WW?) day here at Blueshirt Banter. Thanks for reading.
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nice trade
We get rid of a 32 year old d man making 5 mil and pick up a 24 year old with size and skill. That being said hes on his third team in 2 years. Ithink its worth the risk. Lets hope torts can get wolski playing to his potential.
I dont see how he could be any worse than Frolov
Even when he was “scoring”, most of his goals were garbage or dumb luck. I’m glad we dont have to see his wraparound attempts anymore.
Rozi was actually pretty solid this season, but we didnt really seem to miss him when he was hurt. Once MDZ gets his head out of his ass we should still see some solid defense.
How do you say this dude’s name? Is it Voy-tek Vol-ski?
How do you say this dude’s name? Is it Voy-tek Vol-ski?
I believe that’s accurate. Definitely Voy-tek, not sure about the last name pronunciation.
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by George E. Ays on Jan 11, 2011 8:55 AM EST up reply actions
nickname
Can’t take credit for this one…Wotjek GOAL-ski
Nickname
All those W’s got me thinking about one person. Since the “W’s” and prounounced as “V’s”, I’m suggesting “Vubya”. Sam saying, “Mission Accomplished – Vubya scores again”. Dig Deep would be in photo shop heaven.
this is what Rozi was worth ...
For all the Rozi lovers and haters it’s interresting to note that Rozi was worth a guy like Zherdev, Frolov or Boyle (when we picked him up) and so many others NY has gambled on; guys with unlimited potential offensively but either had mental issues (Christensen) or effort issues (Kotalik/Frolov). I was hoping with all the banter that Rozi has been playing well we may have actually gotten a bit more for him. Not that I’m complaining, at least we got something for him and didn’t end up like the Giants dealing Shockey (their #1 all time receiving TE) for a second round draft pick, or letting him walk via free agency. I know there are teams out there that need a defenseman rental. I look at it this way, we got younger, cheaper (in cap space anyway), for another project guy. I’m curious to see where Torts puts him? I’d like to see him with Prust and Boyle (too bad Cally’s hurt or I might say with Dubi and Cally) so that he quickly learns our team identity – hard work and don’t give up.
Another thought on this
Phoenix is a team on a budget. They know they’re not going to hit the ceiling, so Rosi’s 5 mil cap hit isn’t a problem, but his 3 mil salary is a 800k savings over Wolski.
by BuckarooClub on Jan 11, 2011 9:15 AM EST up reply actions
I don't know
I think it’s very unfair to say that Christensen has mental issues or that Kotalik and Frolov have effort issues.
There have been several stories about Christensen’s lack of consistency stemming from a mental/confidence issue. Agree on Frolov’s effort actually being there, Kotalik had no effort, even beyond his complete uselessness at even strength.
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by George E. Ays on Jan 11, 2011 9:24 AM EST up reply actions
Can’t it be both?
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by George E. Ays on Jan 11, 2011 9:44 AM EST up reply actions
I dunno
I have many MANY memories of Kotalik giving up the puck at the point and then skating past Hank 15 seconds AFTER a goal was scored.
So I suppose it could be both.
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by Joe Fortunato on Jan 11, 2011 9:58 AM EST up reply actions
I'll give you that
Frolov didn’t SEEM to have effort issues, but I guess I’m still digesting his response to Tort’s assessment of his game that he needed to provide more energy; he basically said that isn’t his game. Or am I misquoting? I’ll stand by the comment that he’s another project though, hopefully he’ll work out more like Boyle than the others.
by bleed'n blue on Jan 11, 2011 10:04 AM EST up reply actions
you really think...
he was a bigger scapegoat than Wade Redden?
by Master Ov Brutality on Jan 11, 2011 9:37 AM EST reply actions
No
The difference is that Redden was really bad. Other than the first 10 games or so last season, when he was worse than Redden, and the occasional very noticeable PP giveaway (particularly last season, when it always seemed to lead to a SH goal), Rozi has been a decent defenseman, just not the top pairing defenseman he is paid to be (and was briefly when Jagr was around).
The last of the Czecks has left the building
by It may HAVE to Last a Lifetime on Jan 11, 2011 9:39 AM EST reply actions
Does that mean no more stick salute after wins?
I believe that started when Jagr & the other Czechs on the team came on board.
Manning lobs it, Burress alone, touchdown New York!
For the empty net, Mark Messier... do you believe it?! Do you believe it?! He said we will win game 6 - he has just picked up the hat trick!
i doubt it matters who started that....
now its kinda expected….and mroe the Rangers’ thing than the Czechs’ thing
did you really think rozival was forcing everyone to do it this year?
by Master Ov Brutality on Jan 11, 2011 9:54 AM EST up reply actions
didn't expect it to stop
I was just going on the Czech theme and the fact that the tradition we love to see after wins started with them.
Manning lobs it, Burress alone, touchdown New York!
For the empty net, Mark Messier... do you believe it?! Do you believe it?! He said we will win game 6 - he has just picked up the hat trick!
As long as they win
they can drop their pants at center ice for all I care.
by It may HAVE to Last a Lifetime on Jan 11, 2011 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
- Vinny Prospal, born Feb 17, 1975, Ceske Budejovice, CZE
by bleed'n blue on Jan 11, 2011 11:49 AM EST up reply actions
solid trade
Rozy wasn’t as bad as people make him out to be (big contracts seem to do that). But I like the pick up. Hope Torts gets him going and doesn’t lose him ala Zherdev.
Nickname – Wow Wow Wubzy (blame it on the 2 yr old I have at home)
Manning lobs it, Burress alone, touchdown New York!
For the empty net, Mark Messier... do you believe it?! Do you believe it?! He said we will win game 6 - he has just picked up the hat trick!
well this was my comment on the prevoius thread, but since this is the OFFICIAL REACTION THREAD, heres a quick copy&paste…
jackpot !!!
For starters, his name is correctly pronounced:
"voytek volskeeee"
I’ve been following this dude since he got drafted. One of my fave players in the league who I think will thrive in NY. I mean come on now…he’s fkn polish!
Seriously though, since like nhl07 I’ve always traded wolski to the rangers. So much potential and upside. Finally a polak to follow on the rangers after all these years.
Btw, i feel like he might be able to work with AA and Gaby at some point (maybe together if they’re put on a line together).
Rozi was killer back in the Jagr days and his high point was def his game 3 OT winner that kept the Rangers alive. After the surgery he underwent 2 summers ago he hasn’t been the same. Sure he’s been fine this year, but nothing special.
Trading Rozi just shows you the depth we have on D. Who would have thought? Wolski was a guy that I felt would have to pryed away with draft picks…the fact that we got him for a 32yr old-pasthisprime-softie is an immediate W for slats.
Good luck to Rozi and WITAJ W NOWYM JORKU WOJTEK!!…OR welcome to new york vojtek hehe
I like the trade
last night I was bored so I made the move last night in NHL11
I called up Newbury too
so I put Wolfman on the 2nd line with AA and MZA
Wolfman had 2 goals vs the Habs (was playing tonights game), and has a wicked wrist shot in NHL 11 by the way. MZA had 2 assists, both to the Wolfman
by Archie Barberio on Jan 11, 2011 9:50 AM EST reply actions
Imagine if they had Hollweg still on the team, Hollywood and Wolfman. Good nickname combo, actual play may differ from coolness of 80’s movie reference.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jan 11, 2011 9:57 AM EST up reply actions
wow...
i havent played NHL much lately…but now I really want to go home and play it.
anyhow, getting out of work early today to pregame for the game tonight.
haha haven’t been back to MSG since last year against the Habs….where they played like crap….this year it will be way more awesome.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jan 11, 2011 9:58 AM EST up reply actions
Nice, have fun. If it starts to snow throw a snowball at Carey Price.
No Cammalleri, no Markov, No Georges, No Habs No?
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jan 11, 2011 9:59 AM EST up reply actions
yeah id love to...
price is a little bitch….
sure he played pretty solid the first half…but i just dont see him keeping it up for the rest of the season…
also, im going with my friend who is a Habs fan….would be glorious to beat them really bad tonight.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jan 11, 2011 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
That’s because they don’t have the plug in for “reveal picture of other GM involving farm animals”.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jan 11, 2011 11:15 AM EST up reply actions
also the guy is money in shootouts
Wolfman EC Hobbitt in shootouts? give us the point already
by Archie Barberio on Jan 11, 2011 9:56 AM EST reply actions
Interesting stat from puck daddy yesterday was that EC and MZA are 100% in the SO, the rest of the team is 0%.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jan 11, 2011 9:58 AM EST up reply actions
yeah...
i did read that….
and now wolski is supposed to be sick in the SO…
once EC gets back we’ll be unstoppable in the SO
EC – MZA – WW
and Hank stoning everyone on the other team.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jan 11, 2011 9:59 AM EST up reply actions
I prefer regulation wins though. Remember SO wins don’t count as much in the standings for tie breakers. And I think the preferred spot in the East right now if you’re not getting home ice is the 6 seed to most likely face the NE winner which IMO is the weakest of the Eastern divisions. 5 seed is going to probably play whichever team doesn’t win the Atlantic and 7 seed will play Caps or Bolts.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jan 11, 2011 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah but if we win 90% of shootouts
Tie breakers become less important.
by Lunkwill Fook on Jan 11, 2011 10:30 AM EST up reply actions
Does any team win 90% of the SO’s?
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jan 11, 2011 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
Yes.
I have no idea but I’m going to answer affirmitively.
Regardless, the way you have to do it is to get the 2 points and worry about the tie breakers later. At least, that’s my opinion.
by Lunkwill Fook on Jan 11, 2011 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
The NHL shootout is a crapshoot
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by George E. Ays on Jan 11, 2011 10:40 AM EST up reply actions
No..but look at the team statistics over the course of 5 years:
No team is worse than 34.8% (Ottawa), and no team is better than 63.1% (New Jersey).
Team have the ability to win 90% in a short sample (Dallas won 11 in a row in 05-06, and 92.3% total that year), but it is not something that has any type of repeatability.
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by George E. Ays on Jan 11, 2011 10:58 AM EST up reply actions
Obviously 90% was a dramatic over-representation. But the type of players you bring to the shootout does matter to a large percentage point degree and considering we missed the playoffs by one point last season, it’s enough to affect a season.
by Lunkwill Fook on Jan 11, 2011 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
Certainly…what that link describe though is the difference between the top shooters is infinitiesimal
Thus his conclusion:
What it means is that for the shooters that are selected-the best on each team-and the goalies in the NHL there is not enough evidence after five years of performance data that among these players any one is better than another at the shootout. This is not to say that there is not skill involved in the shootout. Rather the skill is vastly overwhelmed by the noise and, so, the shootout is a crapshoot.
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by George E. Ays on Jan 11, 2011 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
The link, to me, doesn’t say anything about the top shooters but more of the average shootout skill of a team (ie. it’s rare that any one team has a significantly large amount of people good at the shootout than others).
And, of course, over time, you get more mean performance. But when you’re talking about an individual season, I think you CAN eek out a few more shootout wins with the right group of players.
by Lunkwill Fook on Jan 11, 2011 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
I’d like to see some sort of normalized stat, where even though it looks good that a team wins 63% of their shootouts, on average how many points do teams tend to get from the SO? Do good teams get points from both SO and regulation wins? Is going to the SO a sign of a good team, bad team or it makes no difference.
In the context of the Rangers, I think a lot of fans would say that they went to a lot of SO in the years they weren’t that good and maybe been “playing for the SO” because of their overall lack of skill and their perceived advantage in goal.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jan 11, 2011 11:12 AM EST up reply actions
Are the Rangers playing less OT and SO games than in years past?
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jan 11, 2011 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
4 in 43 games this year, 9.3%. SO are down around the league though, with only 10.8% going to shootout this year, after a peak last year of 15.0%.
Lifetime of the shootout the average is about 13% of games go to shootout.
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by George E. Ays on Jan 11, 2011 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
Rangers SO by year
05-06: 7-4
06-07: 9-5
07-08: 8-9
08-09:10-6
09-10: 3-4
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jan 11, 2011 11:04 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah but if they get the 2 points in 60 minutes, particularly in the last 1/4 to 1/3 of the season when they schedule is predominantly intra-conference, not giving up the SO/OT loser points creates more separation in the standings.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jan 11, 2011 10:44 AM EST up reply actions
But who's saying they're not trying for 60 minute wins?
The point is, sometimes you don’t get the 60 minute wins and I’d rather have a team that has an edge in the shootout as opposed to one that doesn’t.
by Lunkwill Fook on Jan 11, 2011 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
I’m just expressing my disdain for the SO and my preference that they win in regulation. It’s nice to have a good SO lineup but hopefully Wolski’s impact helps them with winning in regulation.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jan 11, 2011 10:50 AM EST up reply actions
I agree
I’d rather a regulation win than a shootout win and I’m hoping Wolski can help in both (unlike EC). But my point still stands that Wolski helps us in both departments.
by Lunkwill Fook on Jan 11, 2011 10:52 AM EST up reply actions
crap – stung by bill gates…
What I meant was … Posted this a while ago:
All games should be worth 5 points.
Regulation win = 5 points
OT win = 4 points
shoutout win = 3 points
shoutout loss = 2 points
OT loss = 1 point
regulation loss = 0 points
by bleed'n blue on Jan 11, 2011 11:52 AM EST up reply actions
an excellent line at the end of this article i just read...
Of course, Rangers fans by and large don’t care about this. Rozsival is gone, and Wolski isn’t named “a bag of pucks.”bq.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jan 11, 2011 10:31 AM EST reply actions
I’d be happy with a bag of pucks
"If I had the Rangers payroll, I'd make the playoffs every year" Glen Sather
It took them 30 years to implement the forward pass and 70 to mandate helmets thus making all hockey players who wear helmets and visors as well as goalies who wear masks and pads all wimpy cry babies
In Prust We Trust
Nickname
Double-double-u? Or the Polish Power? He’s 6’3" so he’s gotta be at least a little powerful.
My prediction is that you guys will love him this year, but see signs that he likes to take the occasional night (week) off. His act will wear thin by next year. Remember he got a ‘fresh start’ only last year in the desert and already wore it out. There is speculation that he has some off ice issues. He’s good enough to get a ppg he just doesn’t ever apply himself. He did have a year where he was unstoppable in the shootout but he only has one move and goalies got wise to it. But considering what you gave up (way to keep Phoenix off the cap floor guys), you should be happy with him the rest of the year.
Each of my replies is a work of art, each more brilliant than the last.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 11, 2011 10:44 AM EST reply actions
Hey, as long as he’s the greatest player ever in the history of everything, I’m happy.
by Lunkwill Fook on Jan 11, 2011 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
Thanks for the report.
Hopefully his shootout prowess works in the East for a little bit longer since most goalies he’d face in the East probably aren’t familiar with him.
I think a lot of Rangers believe any production they got from Wolski is the proverbial cherry on top of the delightful “Rozsival is gone sundae”. The Rangers were just getting awfully thin on NHL caliber players at this point of the season. I’m sure there’s a very good chance he’s stashed on the bottom 6 after some of the walking wounded come back.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jan 11, 2011 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
Or they could trade him for this year’s Brandon Prust?
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jan 11, 2011 10:50 AM EST up reply actions
Fine
If he’s not the best ever then we can at least trade him later for the BEST EVER.
by Lunkwill Fook on Jan 11, 2011 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
I dunno, is there a copy of Glitter in your DVD player?
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jan 11, 2011 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
No, just a DVD of Kentucky’s greatest plays.
by Lunkwill Fook on Jan 11, 2011 11:11 AM EST up reply actions
Somehow that early 90’s tournament game vs Duke isn’t included
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jan 11, 2011 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
Hadn’t thought much about his potential impact on the PP unit. Just about any help we can get there will be welcome.
I think Torts might be a good coach for him or an awful coach for him. He isn’t afraid to bench a player and give him a kick in the ass, but at the same time he is very encouraging because he knows what his players can give him and he demands that out of them. I hope Wolski is a fit here, I liked him early in his career because of his hands and what he can do with a little bit of space. He is an exciting player.
"I like a man who grins when he fights." -Sir Winston Churchill
"In Prust we Trust."
great acquisition
You can’t teach the kind of puck-handling skills he’s got and given Frolov’s season-ending injury, its a nice pickup. Backchecking and hustle CAN be taught — especially by Tortorella. If he doesn’t straighten up and fly right, he’ll have a front row seat in “Chateau Bow-Wow” (to quote J.D. — man do I miss J.D.’s commentating skills).
Who can ever forget
The game when Rozi scored the shootout winner between his legs against Kolzig
by The Last Shall Become First on Jan 11, 2011 11:42 AM EST reply actions
I know
But their pretty much the same person
by The Last Shall Become First on Jan 11, 2011 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
Perspective from a Rangers fan in Phoenix...and a new nickname for the Rangers
I’ve watched Wolski for a little while, and I think he’ll fit in very well with Gabby and Arty. Wolski is extremely talented, but the yotes play a defensive style more like the Rangers played under Renney, and they lack skill players. Playing with a couple of other skill players like Gabby and Arty I think will allow Wolski the time and space to create. I think he will wind up being an outstanding addition.
Also, given the Rangers proficiency in blocking shots and hitting this season, along with their success in surviving so many injuries, I think it’s time we gave this Rangers team a nickname reflctive of their personality. Any thoughts on the Black and Blueshirts?
on a different note
While I understand there are prorated cap hits (or breaks) for teams with players on extended IR, but is it possible to waive a player on LTIR? Since Frolov was signed to a 1 year deal, can we waive him now to free up the cap space? Seems logical that no team would claim a player off waivers that is hurt for the season, especially noting that he’ll be an UFA next year. Would this completely eiminate his contract from our books now, before the trade deadline? If there is interest in Frolov for next season, we’d be bidding on an UFA anyway so there doesn’t appear to be a downside to this.
Coming up
There’s a post on the cap impacts of the deal coming up this afternoon.
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As a friend of mine put it...
NHL 11 wouldn’t have even accepted that trade.
by broadwayblueshirts on Jan 11, 2011 12:39 PM EST reply actions
Someone up above tried it I believe and it said Phoenix was insulted with the offer lol
by teknics on Jan 11, 2011 2:01 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Another Project for Torts
Project #1:
A year ago, Torts got a player with good size and potential but one who avoided most body contact, was a below-average skater, and essentially was a fringe (i.e. lazy) player coming into camp this year. Boyle is now one of our most important players.
Project #2
Woljek is a big body with skills. Think about the possibilities!!!
Good point to raise.
Very different players, and you could argue that a lot of Boyle’s ‘turnaround’ was brought about by the improvements he made to his skating in the offseason. I am not sure if Torts had a hand in all of that or not.
It is exciting to think about what Torts can do to help Wolski’s game, at the very least we can expect a more complete game with little or no ‘quit’ in it from Wolski. Hopefully he won’t pull a disappearing act as he is known to do.
"I like a man who grins when he fights." -Sir Winston Churchill
"In Prust we Trust."
Boyle was not lazy his first year here
by CrazyRangerFan on Jan 11, 2011 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
Honestly hopefully Wolski realizes that being traded twice in two years is not good for his career and he realizes that he needs to turn it up a notch. Personally I think Torts is either gonna make this kid an all-star or he is going to bench him til his NHL career is done. If Wojtek responds well to Torts and starts playing a two-way game while putting up points and does it consistently this kids going to be around for a while, but if he just floats around and looks for the long break pass and plays no defense he is gonna find the press box real soon and be gone by the end of the season. I personally feel this is the most pivotal point in his career and its going to make or break his NHL future.
Nickname
I don’t know about anyone else but I like it when a hockey players nickname ends in an “E”…
Dubi, Cally, Stallzy, Rozi, Prusty, etc…
For that I’m going with Woogie.
Anyone? Anyone???
Bludgeon mentioned it above, the most common nickname for someone named Wojtek is V-tek. It’s like Bill for William. On its own, it’s a badass nickname. I think it is something worth thinking about after some performance. Friggins is one of the better “ranger-fied” nicknames, though I’d like to see him get a nickname that incorporates something proof positive about his game. Tek-9? idk whatevs.
How about
just ‘Tek’. Short and sweet.
Personally, I think nicknames like “Billy,” “Cally,” etc. are more appropriate for kids. I remember when my friends Billy and Willie outgrew those monikers and from then on it was Bill, Will or William.
Dont get me wrong, this is a great deal. But its not because of the actual player coming in. I know the kid’s got skills but it is pretty easy to see the pattern with him and figure out what you are going to get.
Can that change? Sure, but I would not bet my kids on it (ok, maybe one but he is a real pain). I love it when people say, ‘oh with our coach he will get it out of him’…like every other NHL coach sucks and didn’t try that’ Tippet is not easy to play for either and can be demanding, why would you think Toterella has been sent by god himself to save this child?
Can he have an effect? Sure, you don’t know how things will work out, that’s why we actually play the games.
Is this a great deal because of the actual player that left? Hey, I got no man love for Rozi….he was paid to much, coughed the puck up too much, avoided getting hit too much….but lets be honest, he IS an above average dman in this league. Do we have anyone that can step in to those minutes and produce better? Maybe, we sure as hell hope so. But thats the thing with kids, you just dont know. Do I feel better going into the playoffs with 4 kids on the backend? Hell no!
Ill tell you why this is a good deal….and its not just because of the $1.2m saved in cap space…its that if this kid does not work out, and there is a good chance he wont to be honest, it’s because of this…
Buyout Cap Hit
2011-2012 = $466,667
2012-2013 = $666,667
by Blueshirt in Paris on Jan 11, 2011 6:05 PM EST reply actions
and there is a good chance he wont to be honest,
I’m not sure that’s true. In Colorado, he was at .63 PPG. In PHX, he was at .63PPG. Yes, he was having an awful year with less ice time, but even if he stays on current pace of 16 in 36 games, he’s basically Frolov. Not that Frolov is a gold standard but it’s not unproductive. As long as he gets his 16pts without trying 350 wraparounds per minute, I think he’ll fit fine, or at least won’t be hated that much..
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by George E. Ays on Jan 11, 2011 6:43 PM EST up reply actions
I think those stats are skewed a bit since he seems to have great starts then tapers down…cant keep giving him new starts on the same team.
That being said even at that scoring rate, that’s not acceptable for a purely offensive person making $4m.
Hey I hope he tears it up and finally find that drive he seem to lack. But if not, it didn’t cost anything. Unless we trade youth to fill the gap of Rozi gone.
by Blueshirt in Paris on Jan 11, 2011 7:39 PM EST up reply actions
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