Cherry Picker wrote: ↑Tue Mar 12, 2019 12:15 pm
The Palmu and Dahlen lack of development could be weighing on Lockwood's mind. Utica might be getting a reputation for not being the best spot for rookies. Can't really blame him for choosing college if that is his impression.
I am not buying into the "Utica can't develop players" Schtickt that is being pushed by the media. Its garbage. Start of last season, Utica had 5-6 rookies in the lineup down there as we force fed prospects into the system.
But what is the definition of success?? I would say that if your farm team fed 2-3 guys onto your roster (or could feed 2-3 guys into the roster) every year that would be an AMAZING development program. Some of those assets would obviously get turned into other assets, but I think our media has an overblown expectation of youth development. The focus seems to be on 1 or 2 guys that may or may not <ever> pan into NHL regulars ( in any position)
In the last couple years, Utica has developed:
-Virtanen
Found his game down there. #Shotgun was on his way to playing himself out of the NHL and is a prime example of needing to mature and develop the skills, ethic and character to have any kind of success in the NHL. (Not arguing his potential, or that we wanted him to be Todd 2.0, just that he made it to the NHL as a regular who contributes in the lineup in some way, and learned the basics of how to do it in Utica)
- McEwan
Got his first taste of the NHL this year, and looks to be a guy who could play an energy guy role here. He was never really on anyones "watch" list. he developed in Utica.
-Goldobin
got his 30 games down there. Learned the hypothetical direction where his own goalie played. Took Travis Green (and time) to learn what his goalies name was and if he spoke English or not.
-Joulevi
was having a monster year down there until injury hit. No doubts he would have had a great long look in the show this year if he wasn't injury. Still improved his game in Utica.
-Demko
Proved that the AHL is a good stepping stone to the NHL - even for a goalie.
-Gaudette
Up and down, played his way onto the team this year because of the Sutter injury... and made Sutter expendable July 1st. Perfect example of development and getting your shot to make the NHL
- Sautner, Brisebois, Gaunce, Boucher, etc.. all serviceable injury fill ins with some of them (not Gaunce or Boucher - they peaked in high school)still having potential to improve somewhat.
- Gadovich, Lind, Chatfield, Karlsson -- all still in development.
That's all I can think of off the top of my head. 6 guys for sure that were recently developed though our minor league system (I am sure I missed some), with a whack of guys that are serviceable call ups.
The media is feeding people Goat Shit, and they are paying for it by the pound. Fans and media need to manage their expectations, and stop finding every little thin g to grind an axe on or push a personal agenda.
Sometimes players just don't work out, for whatever reason. Could be a coach, could be a personality conflict, could be a bad teammate, usually is a lack of motivation, lack of skill, or lack or character.. but its ALWAYS WAAAAYYY easier to blame the system/team/coach than the player looking at himself in the mirror.
The 'Chain of Command' is the chain I am going to beat you with until you understand I am in charge.
