Wild give up on Thelen

[blny]

tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=209570&hubname=nhl

Had a little trouble after being drafted, but has been a big part of the Vancouver Giants of the WHL. Considering we need upgrades, and cheaper ones, on the blueline, and some of our best defensive prospects are Russian, I think he's someone we should take a look at.

[PTH]

I dislike players who've had issues..... but given our lack of young D and the fact that he's a championship winner, I think he'd be a useful asset.

Still, I doubt that Gainey will want any kind of a troublemaker around the team.

[Disgruntled70sHab]

Depends guys. This guy has the talent but is that "caught drinking under age" tag only a one-time thing or is it a pattern?

Interesting that near the end of the article it cites that the Wild failed to sign a two other prospects. That might be a pattern developing in itself.

Wonder how much of a gamble it would be then? Some may ask is he a Brian Fogarty or is he a Ron Hainsey? Or, is he simply a kid who made a youthful mistake and at the same time doesn't want to play for the Wild?

I'd look into it if I were Gainey. They might determine whether he's a case or not. The kid has talent though.

Cheers.

[BadCompany]

IF the only reason people are concerned about Thelen is because of the "underage" drinking thing, then I would sign him in a heartbeat. He was what, 19, 20, when he was caught drinking? It was after he was drafted, so he was at least 18, and he was in college... A college kid drinking alcohol?? What horror!

Yes, I realize that the drinking age in many places is 21, but its 18 here in Quebec, so really, is it THAT huge an issue??

I'd be more concerned that his development has stalled and/or he wants max money when he doesn't really deserve it. Otherwise, for sure I'd take a chance on him.

[blny]

I'm with you BC. I think he's someone worth pursuing. He's got size, game, and experience.

[clear observer]

blny said:

I'm with you BC. I think he's someone worth pursuing. He's got size, game, and experience.

Precisely...and in fact, the Habs can't afford NOT to look into this.

[seventeen]

Didn't notice him much in the MC. Not good. And if he really was a good prospect, wouldn't the Wild try harder to sign him?

[habmeister]

i've seen him play about 30 games lives this season from center ice. the wild are stupid, he's worth a draft pick for sure if you can sign him first, not sure if that is allowed. although going so high in the first round means he probably wants $750-75 type numbers.

let's put it this way, i've seen blum, franson, mikkelson and thelen play this season at least 30 games each. this is my synopsis:

franson: has all the tools to be a big time player in the nhl, 3-4 kind guy that can play on the pp possibly even a #2 guy if he is a good learner and focuses on his own end a lot more. he needs to work harder, and this season is the first in which he's started realizing that he needs to use his size and be more aggressive. probably 2 years away from the show.

mikkelson: anaheim pick, has amazing stick handling and is a good skater, but can't make decisions or passes at high speeds. seems to be thinking a bit slower than some of the other star playersin the whl. has a heavy wrist shot, but has no control over where it's headed. all the tools, but between the ears is a big question mark.

thelen: consumate pro, you can see why the wild and lemaire drafted him mid first round, has a good shot, hits hard, always in good position, and teams avoid his corner on the dump ins. you expect players his age to dominate though against 16-19 year olds, but his 6'3", 220 lb build doesn't hurt him in any league.

blum: looks like he's 15 when in fact he's draft eligible in a couple of weeks. skates on silk, doesn't have explosive speed, but next season he could become a star player and maybe vie for a team canada jr spot. or he may not grow enough physically in the off season and only improve gradually. good passer, isn't big enough to use his body effectively, but makes smart decisions most times, and for a kid his age that is promising.

[habmeister]

seventeen said:

Didn't notice him much in the MC. Not good. And if he really was a good prospect, wouldn't the Wild try harder to sign him?

with his style of game you don't notice him, he's almost mistake free so teams avoid him if they can.

[Deleted]

badcompany said:

Yes, I realize that the drinking age in many places is 21, but its 18 here in Quebec, so really, is it THAT huge an issue??

I think it's 19 in most parts of Canada, and 18 in Manitoba. Don't know where else. Unless it's substance abuse, then, yes, I agree, it's not a big deal.