Recrutes

Recrutes: Hockey scouting from a professional perspective from Grant McCagg and Habs coverage from a 33 year veteran covering the NHL from Brian Wilde.

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Call of the Wilde: A Sea’s Worth Of Salt.

September 17, 2017

By Brian Wilde

Firstly, we need to take all of these evaluations with not just a grain of salt, but a Dead Sea’s worth of salt.

For some players this was just a casual stroll making sure that their number one goal of not getting injured was met. For other players it was an important day to distinguish themselves from the large pack to win a spot and impress the staff.

That gigantic dichotomy between the two solitudes colours everything about every point that follows in this article.

With that said, one can not tell a lie and any evaluation has to be based on how they looked whether it was a big day or a nothing day for them.

From there, we leave it up to your intelligence to figure out who needed to impress and who needed to get back home to NFL football.

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Those are the evaluations but please keep in mind there were no replays, and I was writing while the play was still going on. I saw everything only once and somethings not at all. Thankfully, we are among friends here.

About Brian Wilde

Brian Wilde has worked in hockey since he was 20. He was the rink side host for the Edmonton Oilers at CTV and Ottawa Senators for Sportsnet. He was also lead reporter on the Montreal Canadiens for 17 years at CTV Montreal.

View all posts by Brian Wilde

  • Eric Seligman says

    I know this is pre season, but isn’t Hudon a point a game forward for the Habsburg, counting the 7 or so games he’s played in the NHL. Can’t see how he doesn’t make it. Probably second behind Droiun with his vision on the ice.

      • Steve B. says

        I really hope that he gets his time to shine in the NHL. There could be some big things come from him; a helpful addition to this year’s team.

  • Frank Sammut says

    You are right Brian, way too early to dissect the players play.It’s time to relax and enjoy the return of the “Boys of Winter”. There will be other opportunities in the future to evaluate, criticize and praise players, coaches etc. But for now, I for one am just happy to see them play.

    • Brian Wilde says

      The entire pre season is hard to evaluate for that reason. Many a times I have heard immense criticism for a veteran and then the season starts and boom they awaken.

  • Sean Bower says

    Just got out of the pool in Windsor, ON and only you, Brian, could get me excited about hockey with a pre-season scrimmage report. Both with your words and the video. Job well done!

    Oh, and compunction is an excellent word. Another reason I enjoy your writing so much.

    • Brian Wilde says

      I think there’s a chance 6 of 7 blue liners in the AHL will have NHL experience. Only Juulsen won’t. Crazy depth.

      • Steve B. says

        It’s hard to believe how much depth this team has. The Rocket will have a solid group of players. Hopefully they will make it far this year.

  • Allan Warren says

    Brian, you are probably sick of hearing it but I love your writing. It probably doesn’t hurt that it is about the Habs and the season is just starting up!! So looking forward to every piece of info I get to have as a subscriber!