One Fan's Perspective

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.

Tags: Blake Wheeler, Hockey, NHL, Phoenix Coyotes by pbcoyotes
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Blake Wheeler chose not to return to the University of Minnesota for his senior year on May 10th, and decided to pursue a professional hockey career with the Phoenix Coyotes’ franchise. However, the Coyotes have 30 days to sign the young prospect otherwise he will be an unrestricted free agent.

A few days have passed and it was quiet until the Jim Gintonio piece in the Arizona Republic that gave us some information about the process singing Wheeler from General Manager Don Maloney’s perspective.

I didn’t expect Wheeler to sign right away and no one else should either. The contract will go through Wheeler’s agent and the process will work. What I learned about Maloney’s performance last summer with Keith Ballard, and how careful he is with the health of the franchise, I have no doubt the deal will be acceptable to everyone and that Maloney wants the young winger on his team.

Many might think that playing in the NHL, or professional hockey for that matter, is a privilege and he should sign immediately. I would say take your time – you have 30 days to figure it out.

As I would agree that playing professional sports is only a dream that has long since left me, and I would just jump at the chance to play for one of the greatest players in the game, there are other considerations. The Coyotes have a talented squad with players that emerged from nowhere to take hold of open positions. I know that last summer none of us expected Dan Winnik, Dan Carcillo, or Craig Weller to step up and make the NHL team.

The roster is crowded and the competition will be fierce. And that is a good thing.

These decisions, while easily made by you or me, shouldn’t be easily made by him. Blake Wheeler is 21 and will be 22 this August. I remember when I was 22…I wasn’t capable of making these types of decisions because…well, I was 22. Let’s just say I enjoyed my time in college…I bet you did too.

I have no doubt that Wheeler will be here in rookie camp and I will join the many of you watching him skate. I also have no doubt that Wheeler will be part of the Phoenix Coyotes for a long time to come and if anyone is paying attention to the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings right now, you can see what the future might hold for us in the Valley of the Sun.

In addition, this club will have depth that it has never seen before. That is also a good thing.

So, don’t get stressed if Wheeler takes his time to sign the contract. The process will go as fast as it needs to because if everyone is happy, he’ll stay awhile. Everyone should be careful and rightly know what they are getting into.

Because we want to see stuff like this:

for a long time to come…

Tags: Blake Wheeler, Hockey, NHL, Phoenix Coyotes by pbcoyotes
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