Pens, Nailers to keep Wheeling and dealing
December 2, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
Transactions, transactions, transactions...
If you've been paying close attention so far this season, you have probably noticed that a few members of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have been going up and down from the team's ECHL affiliate, the Wheeling Nailers.
These yo-yo-like roster moves have kept the transaction wire busy throughout the first two months of the season, and there's no sign of things slowing down any time soon.
But there is a method to the madness. In fact, the reason for assigning and recalling players from the ECHL is rather simple - to maximize playing time and generate some depth within the organization.
Pens rookie Cam Paddock has made two separate trips to Wheeling this season.
With the NHL lockout still in a deep frost, the Penguins are overloaded with talented prospects at both the AHL and ECHL levels. Traditionally, the three-tiered system made up of Pittsburgh, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Wheeling has had players going up and down for closer looks, injury rehabs and increased playing time.
But with the NHL still on ice, there are fewer slots available and more players to fill them. So, what's a team to do?
"You must understand what we are here for," Penguins CEO Jeff Barrett said. "Our objectives are to develop players for the future and to be totally prepared in the event the lockout ends. We have more depth than ever before in our organization, and we want all of our prospects to see ice time. We have compared the schedules between Wilkes-Barre and Wheeling, and we are going to maximize playing time for all of our players. In the long run, it will be better for all of them to spend time on the ice."
A perfect example of this can be found in the Penguins' recent decision to assign goaltender Andy Chiodo to the ECHL.
The second-year netminder has already proven he has the necessary tools to one day succeed at hockey's highest level, but, right now, those tools could use a little sharpening. And Chiodo needs to see ice time in order for that to happen.
Meanwhile, Marc-Andre Fleury is currently having little trouble at the AHL level, so it makes perfect sense for Chiodo to find a few of those minutes with the Nailers.
Granted, no player wants to receive a demotion of any kind, but this difficult time period for Chiodo will quickly pass, and the benefits of having the Nailers as an ECHL affiliate will come shining through.
But there are other reasons why the Penguins keep such a close relationship with the Nailers. After all, the ECHL supplies stiff competition and a place in which many of the organization's prospects can hopefully blossom. And, right now, the Penguins have a few players who have more than benefited from their time in the ECHL.
David Koci, who has emerged as a solid defenseman and one of the AHL's premier tough guys, played his first two professional seasons with the Nailers. Meanwhile, Michel Ouellet, a young sniper who is quickly becoming too good for even the AHL level, opened his career by playing a full season in Wheeling, as well.
So make no mistake about it. Players truly benefit from their time in the ECHL. And when the next crop of players make their AHL transition, the Penguins want to be ready.
"You always want to get to know all of the players in your system," Barrett said. "There may be times we call up players from Wheeling and they sit in the stands. This will be done so they can practice with our team, learn our systems and get to know the players in the locker room and the atmosphere in our building. If the lockout ends, we want our players to be prepared to play without missing a beat.
"This is the advantage of having a strong relationship with our ECHL affiliate. Coach Therrien and Coach (Pat) Bingham talk on a daily basis, and our players know they are not lost in the system."
And as long as those two coaches continue their discussions and both the Penguins and the Nailers continue their close relationship, fans can expect to see the yo-yo transactions continue. It's not always the easiest thing for the players involved, but it benefits everyone in the end.
"The ownership and the coaching staff in Wheeling have been a tremendous asset in helping develop players for the Penguins organization," Barrett said. "Without their support, we would not be as strong of an organization."
That being said, expect the unexpected as the season goes on, and keep an eye on the transaction wire. Players are going to play, and the Penguins will be well prepared for all future events.
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