Vlad The Impaler said:
How do you know all that? Have you seen him play? What's his upside and what does he excel at?
No, I have not seen him play first hand, but I have heard/read numerous first hand accounts, all of which seem promising. He doesn't really excel in any specific area, but by the same token, has no glaring weaknesses. Big players with respectable speed are not all that common. This is where the comparison to Gratton came from. Chris is a player who is not really exemplary in any category, but has no real holes in his game, either. He continues to play in the NHL and draw interest from teams (traded for Briere, and with Vaananen for Morris and Ballard more recently) almost solely because, as a good skater with even better size, he always has potential. I don't agree with it necessarily, but it's true.
As far as upside, Wheeler has the tools to be a 1st line player. He has size, and can get bigger (at least as far as weight). He has very good wheels (no pun intended) for a lanky kid. He has good hands, but as said before, has trouble skating and handling at the same time (something that can be taught, I'm sure). He is equally adept as a finisher and as a playmaker. He hasn't shied away from contact, but he hasn't been Scott Stevens. I honestly cannot think of an adequate comparison for his upside. The best I can come up with is a poor man's Mats Sundin, but I'm afraid that's not accurate and has its drawbacks.