The Curious Case of Casey Wellman

What is the story here? Where is Wellman headed? What exactly is his role?

Make the jump for discussion on what is in store for Casey Wellman.

The Backstory

After singing a short-term deal two years ago to get him on the roster, a new deal with an $850,500 cap hit in the NHL, and a two way contract got Wellman on board "long term." He came to camp, and was assigned to the Houston Aeros. With the dearth of talent at the center position at the time, it seemed to just be a temporary thing while he developed a bit and waited for this season to arrive.

He was called up late last year after injuries ravaged the Wild, and played well... in a checking role. He then returned to Houston after the Wild season to help with the Calder Cup run. From all reports, he wasn't the end all be all of the run, but he was there.

This season, Wellman was once again sent to Houston and told to "dominate." His 19 points (11G, 8A) in 20 games suggest he is doing just that. For argument's sake, if you put those numbers on the Wild, he would be near the top of the team. If you further translate that over the same number games, he would lead the team. Granted, the NHL is not the AHL, and there is absolutely zero guarantee he would score at that rate with the big club.

The Current Story

He certainly isn't going to score 11 goals and add 8 helpers skating on the fourth line in a shut down role with six minutes a game.

With the team in first place in the league, it is certainly not a good time to criticize decisions made by the organization. At the same time, this one doesn't make much sense. What good does a player with top six skills (even if not fully developed) skating in a fourth line role do?

The Future Plan

That said, Wellman's game is top six or nothing. He isn't a grinder nor a checker. He is skilled labor being used to bag groceries. A job? Sure, but not the right job. He skates on the top line wing in Houston, developing into a top six forward with big minutes and power play time. When he is called up, he should be serving a similar purpose, or he should be left in Houston to play the minutes and situations he needs to play.

Of course, it is, once again, tough to argue with the results right now. Sure would be nice to see what the kid has, though.

Your turn, Wilderness. What is the role of Casey Wellman in this organization? Is he a top six forward still under development? Is he an over-hyped signing that needs to know his role and be a grinder (ala Gillies)? Is he something else?

Most importantly, will he ever find his spot on the Wild long term?