By Bryan Reynolds -
Russo points out that Gillies is a player worth taking a risk on for the Jackets because he is "physical, fast, and young." Agreed to all of that, but I would add something else: a complete bust.
More, after the jump.
Again, there are going to be fans out there that don't like this. The Wild just lost a roster player and got nothing in return. Gillies had a large number of fans here in Minnesota, myself included. However, he was missing what we like to call the "X factor." He just is not a NHLer. He is a prime grade, beast of a player in the AHL. Too good for the AHL, in fact. Yet, he doesn't have what it takes in the NHL.
Some will say, "he needed more time to develop." Maybe that is true. Maybe he can still pull his career together. Hell, the guy is only 22. Here's what I will tell you - I can't name anyone who went on to become a super star after being claimed off of waivers. His development was rushed, and likely ruined his career, but with almost five years since being drafted, it was time for him to bring his game or find the door.
It just happened to be the latter.
This move was a calculated risk for Chuck Fletcher. Either Gillies clears and he can be sent to Houston to further develop. Or, he gets claimed, and the Wild are rid of an anchor contract with another year on it, and they free up another spot in the 50 contract limit.
The best part of this?
As always, we wish Gillies the best. Hopefully he can prove the hockey world wrong and turn his career around. Nothing would make us happier.
So, Wilderness... thoughts on no more Colton Gillies?
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