MN_Gopher
Registered User
Chrisd said:I've seen a lot of wheeler.....
I'm a huge gopher fan and love to give them praise...
but he's just simply been underwhelming, beyond his frame, there isn't much there...not much puck awareness, touch, finishing ability, no great vision.
I know he dominated at the HS level and stuff thats all well and good....
But it would shock me more if he turns out good then if he becomes a bust.
I have to diagree with that almost 100%. Having seen hin play too. He was drafted at 185 and is now close to 230. Probally grew a full inch if not more. That in itself tells me give the guy time. Playing with Kessel to start the year seemed to hurt him. By the end of the year that line was clicking and had some great cycles going. Wheeler did not get prime PP time. He crushed some people but i would like to see him hit more. Has a deadly wrister from the circles. I hope this coming up season he bulks up even a tad more. And plays like a house in front of the net. He looked really good at times and OK at other times.
About the only thing i agree with is his work with the puck. He gets the puck lost in his feet. But i attribute that more to his growth and lack of fine motor coordination. His speed and hands in space are well above average.