Hi this is Fred Wallace with ” Off the Wire “, brought to you by Auto Logic, the Logical Choice.
I was both happy and perplexed last week when Attack goaltender Michael McNiven signed a 3 year entry level contract with the Montreal Canadiens.
Happy, because Michael has always upfront and upbeat around me through his Attack days- and keep in mind it’s not always easy for a teenager to speak with ease to someone almost 40 years their elder.
And I was perplexed on a number of fronts.
For example, I’m still puzzled that McNiven played just 24 games last year. The goaltending rotation is never my call, but I thought he should have played significantly more than he did.
Next, I found it curious that McNiven, along Damir Sharipzyanov, were not drafted by NHL teams in June, yet both signed in very short order before Fall.
Did they dazzle at rookie camp ?
Did they perform above their projected abilities ?
Did NHL scouts simply miss these two ?…. And how many others league wide ?
Finally as it pertains to Michael McNiven, I find it strange that Hockey Canada seems to view him as an afterthought in their goaltending stream.
To the credit of Michael McNiven, he’s overcome these peculiar obstacles, has signed an NHL contract, promptly won 2 overtime games- 1 by shutout and now goes about the tricky business of becoming a professional goaltender.
I’m Fred Wallace