data.3news-bydate.test.rec.sport.hockey.54222 Maven / Gradle / Ivy
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From: [email protected] (Nelson Lu)
Subject: SHARKS REVIEW Part 3: Defensemen (21-45)
Organization: Computer Science Department, Stanford University.
Lines: 85
#21 PETER AHOLA Season: 2nd
Acquired: '92-93, trade with Pittsburgh for future considerations
Grade: I (B)
It is way too early to tell about Ahola, who was acquired probably because the
Penguins figured that they would lose him in the expansion draft. Ahola had
only played 50 games this season (I think it's actually less; the San Jose
Mercury News may be in err here), 20 of them with the Sharks. In the games he
has played, he appeared quite solid defensively, although he hasn't been
spectacular, and his offense isn't anything to write home about (8 points);
it's even possible that the trade may be for future considerations which turn
out to be ... Peter Ahola.
#24 DOUG WILSON Season: 16th
Acquired: '91-92, trade with Chicago for RW Kerry Toporowski and
2nd round pick in '92 entry draft
Grade: I (B)
I have often been accused of overly down on Wilson; I may have had too high
expectations for him, but his legs, knees, et al., are giving out.
Nevertheless, when he was playing, he exhibited a strong shooting and
playmaking abilities, even if he has lost a step on defense, which,
unfortunately, he demonstrated this year as well, as at times he was slow to
catch the opponent forwards, and his offensive output was only good enough for
2nd place on the team (20 points in 42 games). But next year, which may be
Wilson's last, if he can stay healthy, he can still be a contributor.
#29 DEAN KOLSTAD Season: 2nd
Acquired: '91-92, from Minnesota in dispersal draft
Grade: I (C-/D+)
It's probably somewhat unfair for me to judge Kolstad on just a handful of
games (forgetting exact number, but no more than 15), but at age 25 he's
quickly running out of time if he wants to make it to the NHL. In those games,
he did not impress anyone; after generating 7 shots in the first period of
the first game he played, he scored just 2 points in his tenure up here with
the Sharks, and was even less impressive defensively, as he appeared awkward
with his movement and was prone to giveaways. He needs to make a leap in
his level of performance to have any chance of making the team.
#38 PAT MACLEOD Season: 2nd
Acquired: '91-92, from Minnesota in dispersal draft
Grade: I (?)
MacLeod was on the roster a lot longer than Kolstad, but it appears to my
memory that he played less than Kolstad, because the Sharks were reluctant to
use him, but were even more reluctant to send him to the minors, figuring that
he wouldn't clear waivers; in fact, he has played the past 4-5 weeks with
Kansas City, but is still technically there on a rehabilitation assignment,
a "rehab assignment" that will include him playing in the Turner Cup playoffs.
Since he has played so little, I can't even give a tentative grade on him, but
he demonstrated last year excellent offensive skills but terrible defensive
skills.
#41 TOM PEDERSON Season: 1st
Acquired: '91-92, from Minnesota in dispersal draft
Grade: I (B+)
Called up in the middle of the season when the defensive corps was decimated
by injuries, Pederson impressed many Sharks fan here on net, including yours
truly. He demonstrated very good offensive skills, scoring 20 points in
43 games. However, his size (5' 9", 165 lbs.) is of concern, and soon after
he began to shine offensive did teams begin to push him around physically,
on both sides of the ice, although he had appeared fearless in his approach.
But to be successful, he probably needs to bulk up to have a fighting chance
on surviving against some of the bigger players in the league.
#45 CLAUDIO SCREMIN Season: 1st
Acquired: '91-92, from Minnesota in dispersal draft
Grade: I (D+/D)
He played all of ~5 games in the league this year, but was thoroughly
umimpressive, just as he was at the end of last season; again, it may be a
small sample, but just as in the case of Kolstad, Scremin, at age 25, is
quickly running out of time. He was not a contributor on either offense or
defense in the games he played with the Sharks. The only notable thing that
will go down in Scremin's entry of league stats is probably the fact that he
was once traded for now Capitals goaltender Don Beaupre.
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GO CALGARY FLAMES! Al MacInnis for Norris! Gary Roberts for Hart and Smythe!
GO EDMONTON OILERS! Go for playoffs next year! Stay in Edmonton!
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Nelson Lu ([email protected])
rec.sport.hockey contact for the San Jose Sharks
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