Traded Christian Wolanin (D)

[Ouroboros]

Good stuff - this means that Wooly's recovery is right on track with what they originally projected. This hopefully means he can play some games in Belleville by the end of the month, maybe early February, then back up here by the deadline...

Seems optimistic.

Dorion was on the radio about a week ago and said they were hoping he'd be cleared to play by mid/late February.

 

[JD1]

I'd take Wolanin over Brannstrom even with the age difference

Wolanin might be 25 before he wears an NHL game jersey again to play in his 41st career game. You mentioned learning to play within your limitations. He's a 24 year old guy with 40 NHL games under his belt and he clearly hasn't fully figured out how to play D in the NHL. To me, he's a guy that will have a career that lands between Chris Wideman and MA Bergeron.

 

[JD1]

Seems optimistic.

Dorion was on the radio about a week ago and said they were hoping he'd be cleared to play by mid/late February.

Ya a while back i heard mid February and then Dorion just this week made that sound optimistic. Once healthy he has to get up to speed. He may be in Belleville a while

 

[Micklebot]

Wolanin might be 25 before he wears an NHL game jersey again to play in his 41st career game. You mentioned learning to play within your limitations. He's a 24 year old guy with 40 NHL games under his belt and he clearly hasn't fully figured out how to play D in the NHL. To me, he's a guy that will have a career that lands between Chris Wideman and MA Bergeron.

I think he was already ahead of Wideman when he played last season, and certainly is ahead of where Wideman was at the same age.

I'm not saying he's a surefire top 4 stud but, when you look at how Wolanin performed in his limited time up last season there were a lot of promising indicators.

Wolanin also wasn't sheltered the way Wideman had been during his tenure, instead he was getting 17+ mins a night in fairly even deployment.

It really is a shame he got hurt because he almost certainly was penciled in ahead of Brannstrom going into the year, and would have gotten a real shot to play an important role. Missing training camp will make it tough to impress, he's going to be a step behind pretty much all year the same way Pageau was last year. I really hope it doesn't derail things for him too much.

 

[JD1]

I think he was already ahead of Wideman when he played last season, and certainly is ahead of where Wideman was at the same age.

I'm not saying he's a surefire top 4 stud but, when you look at how Wolanin performed in his limited time up last season there were a lot of promising indicators.

Wolanin also wasn't sheltered the way Wideman had been during his tenure, instead he was getting 17+ mins a night in fairly even deployment.

It really is a shame he got hurt because he almost certainly was penciled in ahead of Brannstrom going into the year, and would have gotten a real shot to play an important role. Missing training camp will make it tough to impress, he's going to be a step behind pretty much all year the same way Pageau was last year. I really hope it doesn't derail things for him too much.

I think he'll have a better career than Wideman too but i said between wideman and bergeron. He's not a kid. He's going to go into camp next year at 25 looking to establish himself. Being on a one way next year actually really helps him with this cheap ass franchise.

 

[Micklebot]

I think he'll have a better career than Wideman too but i said between wideman and bergeron. He's not a kid. He's going to go into camp next year at 25 looking to establish himself. Being on a one way next year actually really helps him with this cheap ass franchise.

Fair enough. I still have high hopes for him. I look at the difference between DeMelo with SJ and with Ottawa and it's night and day. He couldn't command a qualifying contract from them at 24 and has shown he's a legit bottom 4 Dman with us that can even sub in as a partner to a high end top pair guy.

I'm less concerned about his age and more going off what I saw when he played, but obviously that's highly subjective, so no doubt there are plenty out there that don't see it as I did. He's definitely got the tool set to be successful in this league; his skating is high end, his puck skills are very good, he sees the ice really well and can read the plays (at least on the offensive side). Defensively he needs some work and he isn't the strongest despite having decent size, but I think in DJ's syetem it's a bit easier on the D than it was under Boucher or Crawford, so I'm eager to see how he progresses.

 

[Xspyrit]

Wolanin might be 25 before he wears an NHL game jersey again to play in his 41st career game. You mentioned learning to play within your limitations. He's a 24 year old guy with 40 NHL games under his belt and he clearly hasn't fully figured out how to play D in the NHL. To me, he's a guy that will have a career that lands between Chris Wideman and MA Bergeron.

Last time I saw him live, Wolanin was the guy that really impressed me the most over guys with high end skill like Batherson and Brown. You could clearly see that he had that natural ability to create scoring chances all over the place in many kind of ways.

The reason why he is so "old" is that he was picked in the 4th round as an overager in 2015, so he was a "late bloomer" as he transitioned from forward to defense in 2014 (IIRC). He also stayed in college until he was 23, then played 10 games with the Sens as he was already close to NHL ready. The following year, he spent almost 50/50 in the AHL and NHL (looked really good in the AHL and was better and better every game in the NHL). He was going to be a full time NHL player this season and would have been one of the best players on the team.

Wideman was a decent player (albeit a bit undersized and weak defensively) but was really not the same after his injury, that's why he had such a short NHL career. MA Bergeron was a pure offensive weapon, one of the best shots in the league and a PP specialist but he couldn't play defense so he had a hard time staying in the line-up all the time (injuries too) and had to be sheltered. Still 490 NHL games and 235 pts, which is very good for a D-man.

All that being said, I believe Wolanin is in a completely different tier than those players. If his injury didn't affect his mobility, I see him being a NHL regular for at least 7-8 years. He's quality

 

[bert]

Last time I saw him live, Wolanin was the guy that really impressed me the most over guys with high end skill like Batherson and Brown. You could clearly see that he had that natural ability to create scoring chances all over the place in many kind of ways.

The reason why he is so "old" is that he was picked in the 4th round as an overager in 2015, so he was a "late bloomer" as he transitioned from forward to defense in 2014 (IIRC). He also stayed in college until he was 23, then played 10 games with the Sens as he was already close to NHL ready. The following year, he spent almost 50/50 in the AHL and NHL (looked really good in the AHL and was better and better every game in the NHL). He was going to be a full time NHL player this season and would have been one of the best players on the team.

Wideman was a decent player (albeit a bit undersized and weak defensively) but was really not the same after his injury, that's why he had such a short NHL career. MA Bergeron was a pure offensive weapon, one of the best shots in the league and a PP specialist but he couldn't play defense so he had a hard time staying in the line-up all the time (injuries too) and had to be sheltered. Still 490 NHL games and 235 pts, which is very good for a D-man.

All that being said, I believe Wolanin is in a completely different tier than those players. If his injury didn't affect his mobility, I see him being a NHL regular for at least 7-8 years. He's quality

Hard to imagine someone that has watched Wolanin consistently thinks he will be barely more than Wideman. He shows elite skill and creativity all the time. Not every player develops at the same rate many breakout at his age. Some posters simply believe if they dont dominate at 21 years old they wont turn out for some reason.

 

[HSF]

Wolanin is going to be good. He has been developed really well

 

[Sweatred]

Hard to imagine someone that has watched Wolanin consistently thinks he will be barely more than Wideman. He shows elite skill and creativity all the time. Not every player develops at the same rate many breakout at his age. Some posters simply believe if they dont dominate at 21 years old they wont turn out for some reason.

He has a long way to go before is he a NHL regular dman. Lots of players have late breakouts but more players fizzle away and never cement themselves as NHL regulars. Lets hope he can put together a few solid years. He has shown some creativity and skill but calling Wolanin's skill and creativity elite is a gross exaggeration. He has 15 career pts in 40 NHL games.

 

[JD1]

Hard to imagine someone that has watched Wolanin consistently thinks he will be barely more than Wideman. He shows elite skill and creativity all the time. Not every player develops at the same rate many breakout at his age. Some posters simply believe if they dont dominate at 21 years old they wont turn out for some reason.

I don't believe that at all Bert and i probably saw as many games in which he played last year as you did. There's no doubt he sees the ice well and can make plays offensively. There's also no doubt in my mind that he still struggles with reads and when to jump up.

Every site i see lists him at 6 foot 2, 185 pounds. Thats thin. Really thin. And he's turning 25 shortly. Guys on here talk about Brannstrom's lack of size yet he's 5 foot 10 and 180. And 20. I don't know if Wolanin's body will withstand the rigours of playing top 4 minutes. At the height / weight it is a legit concern.

His injury sucks for him. Terrible timing. We've already got Chabot. Brannstrom already has more games under his belt as a pro and is the shiny new toy possession. I think they'll sign one of DeMelo or Boro and they have Zaitsev. And Reilly. Wolanin may well get looks ahead of Reilly next year but he'd imo have to be leaps and bounds ahead of Brannstrom to cause the team to play Brannstrom in the A next year.

I think the odds of Wolanin loosing out on a numbers game are pretty real.

 

[ATdaisuki]

Posting in thread because I'm one of wolanin's biggest fans. Glad he's getting closer to returning. Looking forward to see what he looks like next season, as I've written this one off for him.

Based on what I've seen from him since he left college, I believe he'll be our second or third best defenseman next season if he bounces back completely and there are no major additions or subtractions. He's just so smooth with the puck and smart.

 

[bert]

I don't believe that at all Bert and i probably saw as many games in which he played last year as you did. There's no doubt he sees the ice well and can make plays offensively. There's also no doubt in my mind that he still struggles with reads and when to jump up.

Every site i see lists him at 6 foot 2, 185 pounds. Thats thin. Really thin. And he's turning 25 shortly. Guys on here talk about Brannstrom's lack of size yet he's 5 foot 10 and 180. And 20. I don't know if Wolanin's body will withstand the rigours of playing top 4 minutes. At the height / weight it is a legit concern.

His injury sucks for him. Terrible timing. We've already got Chabot. Brannstrom already has more games under his belt as a pro and is the shiny new toy possession. I think they'll sign one of DeMelo or Boro and they have Zaitsev. And Reilly. Wolanin may well get looks ahead of Reilly next year but he'd imo have to be leaps and bounds ahead of Brannstrom to cause the team to play Brannstrom in the A next year.

I think the odds of Wolanin loosing out on a numbers game are pretty real.

Wolanin has shown far more skill than Brannstrom has at any point. Yes he is older but from a development standpoint I dont think he is 4 years ahead probably close to 1 or 2.

Offensively Wolanin is leaps and bounds ahead of Brannstrom at this point.

Wolanin's last 20 games last year he showed great strides for picking his spots. I cant speak to his build or strength he could be wiry and strong, he is very agile so I dont know if adding any weight will help or hurt him. He will need a strong defensive minded partner though I will agree with that. He might be a really good fit with Zaitsev.

I am really looking forward him coming back in the lineup he is one of the few players on this roster that is exciting and fun to watch.

 

[JD1]

Wolanin has shown far more skill than Brannstrom has at any point. Yes he is older but from a development standpoint I dont think he is 4 years ahead probably close to 1 or 2.

Offensively Wolanin is leaps and bounds ahead of Brannstrom at this point.

Wolanin's last 20 games last year he showed great strides for picking his spots. I cant speak to his build or strength he could be wiry and strong, he is very agile so I dont know if adding any weight will help or hurt him. He will need a strong defensive minded partner though I will agree with that. He might be a really good fit with Zaitsev.

I am really looking forward him coming back in the lineup he is one of the few players on this roster that is exciting and fun to watch.

I'll disagree on the skill flashes. He's shown more polish, I'll give you that but skill, no, i don't think so. Next September i think we'll see a physically stonger far more polished Brannstrom.

Tie goes to the runner Bert. Brannstrom is the runner. This organization is going to give him more opportunity to be successful. He's 20. A 1st rounder. Far higher profile. And he was acquired for Stone.

I like Wolanin. I hope he succeeds. The team is better off if he does. But the timing of his injury frankly couldn't have been worse for him.

 

[bert]

I'll disagree on the skill flashes. He's shown more polish, I'll give you that but skill, no, i don't think so. Next September i think we'll see a physically stonger far more polished Brannstrom.

Tie goes to the runner Bert. Brannstrom is the runner. This organization is going to give him more opportunity to be successful. He's 20. A 1st rounder. Far higher profile. And he was acquired for Stone.

I like Wolanin. I hope he succeeds. The team is better off if he does. But the timing of his injury frankly couldn't have been worse for him.

We rarely agree on much when it comes to projecting players and what we see so I am not suprised.

Again we dissagree entirely on what we have seen from both players so sorry wont agree with your assesment whatsoever.

Opportunity to be successful will be readily available for both players. If the player is good enough they will show it, opportunity like you said wont make one player better than the other its a flawed way of thinking.

DJ also had him pencilled into the top 4 he openly said it so I dont really understand how you came to this conclusion.

 

[Micklebot]

I don't believe that at all Bert and i probably saw as many games in which he played last year as you did. There's no doubt he sees the ice well and can make plays offensively. There's also no doubt in my mind that he still struggles with reads and when to jump up.

Every site i see lists him at 6 foot 2, 185 pounds. Thats thin. Really thin. And he's turning 25 shortly. Guys on here talk about Brannstrom's lack of size yet he's 5 foot 10 and 180. And 20. I don't know if Wolanin's body will withstand the rigours of playing top 4 minutes. At the height / weight it is a legit concern.

His injury sucks for him. Terrible timing. We've already got Chabot. Brannstrom already has more games under his belt as a pro and is the shiny new toy possession. I think they'll sign one of DeMelo or Boro and they have Zaitsev. And Reilly. Wolanin may well get looks ahead of Reilly next year but he'd imo have to be leaps and bounds ahead of Brannstrom to cause the team to play Brannstrom in the A next year.

I think the odds of Wolanin loosing out on a numbers game are pretty real.

Just fyi, last year Wolanin weighed in at 194 for training camp, this year he was 190.

Chabot is 6'2 and listed at 190 this year, and 196 last. Shea Theodore is 195, Schultz 192, Zaitsev is listed at 193, Mathesson is 188 these guys are on the smaller side for that hight for sure, but I wouldn't say so much that it's concerning, mostly because they are all very good skaters that can avoid taking many of the hits.

 

[Mingus Dew]

I find it weird that people think 185 is “thin” at six foot. Like if the player is in shape and has low BF % (which he almost certainly does, given he’s a professional athlete) then that’s still a pretty big dude.

 

[JD1]

Just fyi, last year Wolanin weighed in at 194 for training camp, this year he was 190.

Chabot is 6'2 and listed at 190 this year, and 196 last. Shea Theodore is 195, Schultz 192, Zaitsev is listed at 193, Mathesson is 188 these guys are on the smaller side for that hight for sure, but I wouldn't say so much that it's concerning, mostly because they are all very good skaters that can avoid taking many of the hits.

The 4 sites i checked all listed him at 6 foot 2 and 185.

We'll see how it pans out for him. I don't think he'll amount to more than a bottom pair 2nd PP guy. Hopefully I'm wrong

 

[Micklebot]

The 4 sites i checked all listed him at 6 foot 2 and 185.

We'll see how it pans out for him. I don't think he'll amount to more than a bottom pair 2nd PP guy. Hopefully I'm wrong

Not disputing that there are sites listing him at less, just trying to provide what I consider likely a more reliable source to assuage your concerns.

Heck, NHL.com has Englund listed at 189... same with hockey reference. These sites aren't always kept up to date for weights... I can assure you that man is either not 189 or he is really big boned I guess (training camp rosters had him at 210 last year and 205 this year).

 

[NyQuil]

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of Wolanin as I think he's a bit redundant.

He is further along in his development than some of our guys.

It's a shame that he's missed so much of this season because it was a big opportunity to see what he could do.

 

[bert]

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of Wolanin as I think he's a bit redundant.

He is further along in his development than some of our guys.

It's a shame that he's missed so much of this season because it was a big opportunity to see what he could do.

How do you find him redundant on this D core? They have no one to run the second PP and are about to lose 3 of their top 6 d men as UFA's.

 

[NyQuil]

How do you find him redundant on this D core? They have no one to run the second PP and are about to lose 3 of their top 6 d men as UFA's.

I guess I see him as more of an interim option given the defencemen we have drafted recently.

 

[bert]

I guess I see him as more of an interim option given the defencemen we have drafted recently.

Having lots of good players is a good thing, the sens might actually have some depth on D if some of the other guys work out. I feel like people are forgetting how well he played last year down the stretch. All he has done is produce, I find it very strange how few people like him as a player. He has great pedigree, its good to have players different ages for contract purposes.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

Having lots of good players is a good thing, the sens might actually have some depth on D if some of the other guys work out. I feel like people are forgetting how well he played last year down the stretch. All he has done is produce, I find it very strange how few people like him as a player. He has great pedigree, its good to have players different ages for contract purposes.

That and his play in the AHL was exceptional in his 1st full season as a pro. He was Belleville's best player often.
Its fine to be a good prospect with upside but you have to do what Wolanin has proven he can do first and then you might consider who is redundant.. Everybody should improve. The one's in the AHL, junior, college, Finland etc .. all have to reach Wolanin before they can pass him. Project away but ,, its just that

 

[stempniaksen]

I'm not sure what he's done to even be considered better than Wideman at the same age.

I'm not trying to come across as a hater, cause I actually like the player, but rarely have I seen someone get this much hype/leeway based on 1 season of "pretty good" play. I think this guy has just as much of a chance at being a bottom pairing guy moving forward as he does to play higher in the lineup. He's still a no-doubt NHLer unless the injury REALLY set him back, but I don't see the upside that a lot of you do.