Blake Wheeling Away
I just love it when a player, who is unproven in the NHL, thinks that he can do better someplace else. One of the more curious problems with the current CBA, is that when a drafted player, who does not remain a collegiate player and decides to declare himself a professional, the club that drafted him has 30 days to sign the prospect or lose that player to free agency.
It seems that at 22, Mr. Wheeler thinks he can set the hockey world alight with his hockey prowess.
It’s very true that he was an outstanding player in college as there are videos available for all to see (I won’t post them here any longer), but nothing is decided here in the NHL.
He must think he’s Sidney Crosby.
I do believe that he has gotten misplaced advice. Remember ladies and gentlemen, agents are paid based on commission. However, the player must make those decisions so he shares the responsibility.
Coyotes Corner blogger Richard Nickerson had him pegged three weeks ago when the saga began. I came to Wheeler’s defense. Right now, I can see Tracy’s position from True Coyote Love on it.
The competition is fierce here with Turris, Mueller, Carcillo, Hanzal, Weller, and so on. So, Wheeler would have to work for his shot. In addition, the Coyotes will get another pick in a very deep draft. There will be a quality player to be had in the second round to take Wheeler’s place.
I wish Wheeler the best of luck. He’s going to need it.
Thanks for the shout-out. The more I dwell on this the more I think we are going to be better off without Mr. Wheeler in the organization. It reminds me of Eli Manning’s heavy-handed tactics to get the Chargers to trade him on draft day to the Giants. And Eli was a heckuva lot better football player than Wheels is a hockey player. I can’t wait to see Ballard’s first hip-check on him should the kid make it to the NHL.
Hi Richard -
I completely agree with you – I feel like an idiot though writing earlier that he would end up here. You had him pegged right away (I thought it would go the same way as did with Ballard when it took a long while to sign him – boy was I off!)…
Like you, I will be cheering loudly if Ballard (or Jovo) makes contact. The Coyotes are solid and will just get better without him.