Tim Wallach
Registered User
This isn’t all accurate context though. He didn’t really start like gangbusters so much as had two productive games off the hop. And the gripe wasn’t so much points from those who watched him as being physically overmatched, a turnover machine and weak on the back check and boards. But as one who watched him all year, I also was not a Mesar “denier” as anyone who points out flaws tends to be labelled.Lot of context needed. Kitchener was a dumpster fire.
But even then he was playing great in the playoffs and helped a big upset. He was looking very involved and doing lots of the little things right. People’s gripe was that he wasn’t producing high end points there but it’s clear he has the skill for that.
He needs to prove more. Absolutely but from what I’m seeing I think that last season wasn’t entirely his fault. He’s way too skilled and the effort is there. He started out like gangbusters in the OHL which is worth noting too. Something clearly happened there.
Expecting more from Mesar is 100% reasonable. Saying he was only picked because Slaf is moronic
He is what he is - a very skilled prospect with a lot of work to do who needs time.
Except Kitchener has a new coach with an excellent resume and early returns show a MUCH better development environment. So the Kitchener of last year is irrelevant to this decision.The problem isn't even so much the OHL, it's that for him OHL = Kitchener.
We can't get a good read from him on a shitty team with a shitty coach.
I want him in the AHL so the team can control who he plays with and what situations he's put in. I'd love to see what he can do with guys like Heineman, Farrell, Ylonen, etc.