Thought he had a strong training camp, and has apparently been one of the better forwards in Bingo when considering the role he's likely to play.
Not sure why this call-up would be surprising. Also, technically, Dido was the first call-up, though McCormick's suspension made the choice easy.
Having read enough Belleville game summaries and recaps, the conclusion that I have come to is that Randy Lee and the org really wants this guy to succeed. McCormick is getting first PP time and a TON of ice time, even though his skill set is that of a bottom 6 forward. So, this is definitely expected. Randy Lee and PD LOVE their "old-school" hockey pluggers.
Boucher said today that he doesn't pay attention to what happens on the farm, its up to management to decide on the call up, and management thinks he deserves it the most. Funny, after his boneheaded play that resulted in him being suspended, he gets rewarded.
He is here to sit in the pressbox, so its fine that he is the callup, but this team does not need anymore of what he brings, we already have too many guys who are supposed to fill that role.
Here is part of a game recap by someone who watches every baby Sens game and has a good handle on the prospects in Belleville:
Max McCormick: the org sensation scored–shorthanded naturally, as he still looks like a fish out of water on the powerplay; technically he
did score on the PP, but it was banged in with a high stick; defensively there were some issues–surrendering a 2-on-1, passing to the wrong team in his own zone (Syracuse missed the net), and taking a dumb penalty while already shorthanded. He is what he is–a grinder who can chip in–but he gets far more ice time than is warranted
