Othmann's got a lot to like as a prospect. A lot. But you are more than correct. Not only does he belong in the OHL again this year (AHL would be better but not possible), but Othmann still has a lot of work to do off the puck. He still floats a bunch out there. And beyond that, there are little things in his game that just won't fly in the pros. Dangerous passes, not getting the puck out of the zone, straying in the d zone. I would be shocked if Othmann is able to throw a switch and clean up his game in a way that Gallant is comfortable with. Gallant and Dave Cameron (Team Canada coach at WJCs) are buddies. Beyond that, similar mentality when it comes to players cleaning up their game away from the puck. And Cameron didn't fully trust Othmann out there. In fact, from the interviews I've heard with Cameron. while he seems to like a bunch of Othmann's skills and attributes, I get the sense he doesn't love him as a player.
Cameron, on the other hand, was effusive about Cuylle, who is a far more dependable player at this stage, but offensively doesn't have some of the things Othmann has. Point being, Othmann's gotta focus on getting stronger, quicker and becoming a 200 ft player this year. It's a must. He needs to start doing all the little things right or his transition to the pro game may take longer than all of us expect. Regardless, he's gotta go back to Juniors this season.
