There has been a lot of player moves to date (See CHN) and of course the much anticipated signing of T.J. Oshie. But I can’t believe I am going to bring this up about a player who hasn’t been drafted. But is Colin Wilson going to stay with BU or go to the tempting pros? Not a lot has been written about Colin. Is he ready? Is it possible that Colin would be lured to the pros so quickly if he's only being drafted this summer?
So why should he go? Well the money, everyone else is doing it, and what son would not want to follow his Dad into the family business, becoming an NHL player.
So why should he stay? …. Take a page from the former North Dakota star TJ Oshie’s book and stay for the jersey and pride. This is what TJ said about signing with the Blues:
"This could not have become possible without the help of my fans, coaches, and teammates. Thanks to the fans who have stood behind me through the good and bad times. You are truly the best fans in college hockey.
"A special thanks to the coaching staff for teaching and guiding me to become the best hockey player and [sic] man I can be. Most of all I would like to thank my teammates. My success is directly related to our team success. You have become my lifelong friends and I would 'go to war' with you guys any day. I have had the time of my life at UND and am very proud to have worn the Sioux sweater and added to its tradition."
I think Colin should stay with the Terriers for a few more years. The money will always be there as a pro, and being only 18 (19 in October) he'll get another shot at the World Jrs. But, most of all, he could be part of Terrier history if he's the player that leads the Terriers back to the Frozen Four after an 11 year absence. ……… While the Terriors have a lot of work to do to get back to the Frozen Four, if successful, Colin could say ………"I stayed and made Terrier history" as he signs on the dotted line.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
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2 comments:
Another freshman that left this spring, Kyle Turris from Wisconsin, might be a good comparison to Wilson. Turris, who signed with Phoenix, was drafted in 2007. He'll be 19 in August(6'1", 180 lbs.). Turris was picked 3rd overall in the draft last year. In 36 games his freshman season, he had 11 goals and 24 assists for 35 points (leading the Badgers). He had 2 GWGs, 4 PP goals, and 1 shorty. Turris also won the gold medal playing for Team Canada in the World Jrs. in 2008, and led the Canadians in scoring with 4 goals and 8 points.
BU's Wilson (6'1", 215 lbs.) is ranked 10th on the National Hockey League Central Scouting Service (CSS) list for this year's NHL Entry Draft, which is the highest rated U.S. college player this year. In 37 games his freshman year, Wilson had 12 goals and 23 assists for 35 points, so almost identical to Turris. Wilson also had 3 game-winners and 3 PP goals. He was 3rd in scoring for BU, behind MacArthur and Ewing. He was also on Team USA in the 2008 World Jrs. He tied for most goals in the tournament, with 6.
Statistically, Turris and Wilson look very close. It looks like Wilson is a little bigger which the scouts will always like. One argument that could be made is that he was helped by MacArthur and Ewing, though, but you never know what could happen come June 21st.
There was also another freshman that went pro this spring, Andrew Sweetland from Maine. However, he was eligible for the draft in 2004 (he's 21, will be 22 in October). I don't think he was ever drafted, but he signed an entry level contract with the Florida Panthers this spring. Sweetland played in 28 games for Maine, and was 4th in scoring (8 goals and 9 assists). He was the 2008 winner of Maine's rookie of the year. Doesn't look like he's really in the same category as the others, though.
I also hope that Wilson sticks around at least another year. I'm getting tired of seeing players leave so early. (DiPietro -- and Ed Belfour -- of course coming to mind very quickly, each of whom left after their freshman seasons.)
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