Ari Ahonen - What a disapointment

[Craig Ludwig]

Several years ago, it seemed like Ari Ahonen was a "can't miss" goaltending prospect that would possibly even compete with Brodeur for the starting job in New Jersey. Now I just noticed that he is an unrestricted Free Agent that no one will even sign for the league minimum. What in the world happened to this guy?

Click to read more...

 

[Feed Me A Stray Cat]

He signed in Finland.

 

[Hunter Gathers]

He was just never that good at the AHL level to even gain the confidence of management.

 

[Slats432]

And to think he made it as high as 12th on the HF top 50 lists....boy this one was a dog....

http://hockeysfuture.com/2001top50.php

 

[J17 Vs Proclamation]

And to think he made it as high as 12th on the HF top 50 lists....boy this one was a dog....

http://hockeysfuture.com/2001top50.php

Wow, that is basically a list giving the top 50 busts. Alot of those guys didn't pan out.

 

[Brodeur]

And to think he made it as high as 12th on the HF top 50 lists....boy this one was a dog....

http://hockeysfuture.com/2001top50.php

In this year's Future Watch, THN listed it's top 50 for 2001 and Ahonen clocked in at #5, while Christian Berglund was at #20. Pains me to know that all we ended up getting out of those two was 80 games of Viktor Kozlov.

So yeah, just another reminder not to count your chickens before they hatch!

 

[Hunter Gathers]

I always wonder if the lack of faith in management coupled by his knowing that he'd never be a starter for NJ most likely just made his play collapse. It's got to suck knowing you're stuck down there for a LONG time.

 

[Brodeur]

I always wonder if the lack of faith in management coupled by his knowing that he'd never be a starter for NJ most likely just made his play collapse. It's got to suck knowing you're stuck down there for a LONG time.

That and being stuck on some absolutely putrid Albany teams. If Ahonen had kept it up, some other teams might have been interested in acquiring him. Probably would have been best if the Devils had traded him a couple years ago and let him get a fresh start with another organization. Who knows, maybe he finds his game in Europe and comes back as a viable NHL goalie a la Tim Thomas.

 

[The Viking Fury]

Ouch, seeing Kolanos, Oullet, and Blackburn in that article made me shudder

 

[mooseOAK*]

Ouch, seeing Kolanos, Oullet, and Blackburn in that article made me shudder

Jeff Jillson at #7 made me laugh.

 

[Cloned]

Jeff Jillson at #7 made me laugh.

For me, it was Alexei Semenov at #3 on the d-man list.

Oh, and Jani Rita.

 

[JackBauer]

at least heater and spezza didn't bust.

 

[Seph]

I always wonder if the lack of faith in management coupled by his knowing that he'd never be a starter for NJ most likely just made his play collapse. It's got to suck knowing you're stuck down there for a LONG time.

For those reasons, I can't help but wonder if he'd be worth taking a chance on. See if maybe playing in a system where he doesn't have to beat out the best goalie in the world to get a job doesn't help motivate him a little. He still has time, and goalies often develop late.

 

[Teemu]

And to think he made it as high as 12th on the HF top 50 lists....boy this one was a dog....

http://hockeysfuture.com/2001top50.php

"The Blackhawks selected a gem when they drafted Vorobiev 11th in the 2001 NHL entry draft."

yeaaaa...... a gem. (Meanwhile, Ruutu is #23)

 

[barfy2000]

Haha this is my favourite parT:

"In 2-3 years when Chelios and Duchesne likely will be retired"

 

[Russian_fanatic]

People mocked me, and said I was stupid when I said Auld>>Ahonen.

 

[Levitate]

I always felt Ahonen was overrated a bit because he was a Devils prospect...but at any rate, it was painfully obvious he'd never go anywhere with the Devils and in retrospect, they would have been better off trading him awhile back. Might have even helped his career.

edit: ouch, this scouting report is just painful to read:

The Rangers, with the 9th selection of the 1999 Draft, took center Jamie Lundmark from the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL. A two-way player with excellent speed and offensive skills, Lundmark is the type of player who will give you something every night. He thrives under pressure and loves to be the go-to-guy. He's a fierce competitor and an excellent leader. Compared to the likes of Steve Yzerman and Joe Sakic, Lundmark is one of the top prospects in the Rangers' organization. He could win a spot on the roster this season with a good showing in camp, but if he needs more time, he'll be sent to the minors to develop his game with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL.

yeah...

 

[Archijerej]

Wow, that is basically a list giving the top 50 busts. Alot of those guys didn't pan out.

"Hainsey is a fierce competitor and a gritty performer"

 

[BronxBruin]

I think my favoriate is:

7. Jeff Jillson (15), D, San Jose
Just call Jillson a poor man's version of Chris Pronger. When the Sharks selected Jeff with the 14th pick of the 1999 NHL entry draft, they might have hit the jackpot.

 

[KaptainKourage*]

WOW
So that means that player on top 50 are not all FRANCHISE PLAYER ??

But i thought top 50 HF prospect >> all-star player in the NHL

 

[X-SHARKIE]

I think my favoriate is:

7. Jeff Jillson (15), D, San Jose
Just call Jillson a poor man's version of Chris Pronger. When the Sharks selected Jeff with the 14th pick of the 1999 NHL entry draft, they might have hit the jackpot.

lol, I know..but after his days with Michigan and his rookie year in the NHL, he looked legit. In the end he allowed us to get Kyle McLaren so I cannot complain with the pick.

 

[Beatnik]

Very few goalies impressed me like Ahonen did at the WJC, he was simply amazing.

I always hoped he'd break out someday.

 

[Habsfan18]

"The Blackhawks selected a gem when they drafted Vorobiev 11th in the 2001 NHL entry draft."

yeaaaa...... a gem. (Meanwhile, Ruutu is #23)

They also said "the future captain"

 

[futurcorerock]

"Hainsey is a fierce competitor and a gritty performer"

We in Columbus agree

 

[nuckfan insk]

playing on horrible albany teams didnt help him either