Jas0nMacIsaac Posted August 6, 2003 Share Posted August 6, 2003 http://minnesota.theinsiders.com/2/165263.html MARTIN LEAVING? Gopher hockey star Paul Martin could be close to bolting for the NHL, according to Pioneer Press columnist Charley Walters. In a published report, Walters said Martin could announce this week that he's going to accept an $800,000 bonus from the New Jersey Devils to forego his senior season at the U and begin his professional career. "Shooter" had a number of Gopher notes in his latest roundup: hockey player Thomas Vanek is likely to return to the U, the men's basketball team is close to scheduling Princeton on Jan. 10 at Williams Arena, and former Gopher Rick Rickert is close to deciding where in Europe he'll begin his pro career. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'7' Posted August 6, 2003 Share Posted August 6, 2003 well that's great news, he's already 22 so it's about time he got here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeVFaN Posted August 6, 2003 Share Posted August 6, 2003 Wouldnt a little AHL time be helpful? Well if this is true its great news ! 800k damn Lou opening up the bank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SC Devs Fan Posted August 6, 2003 Share Posted August 6, 2003 I guess the question is if he would develop more on the Rats or staying for his senior season. Lou obviously feels its with the team, even if not in the NHL. Regardless, I trust Lou. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbdf Posted August 6, 2003 Share Posted August 6, 2003 a lot of these guys play a couple years of juniors before starting their college time, so it's not unusual to have a 23 or 24 year old in his junior or senior year. At 22 and entering his senior year at the college level, playing what, 40 games, vs. the AHL level and 70 to 80 games, as much as Lou preaches the collegiate route, getting the education, etc., I'm sure he's looking at the development of this kid too and figuring 40 college games this year does nothing but stunt his development, 70 or 80 ahl games, with a little nhl time sprinkled in there, may be the better route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beck27 Posted August 6, 2003 Share Posted August 6, 2003 Martin may very well make the team over Hale and DeMarchi, as he plays a better overall game. The only thing that would keep him down is his weight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
insanity_gallops Posted August 6, 2003 Share Posted August 6, 2003 Plus, with the upcoming CBA and lock-out possibility, if Martin plays in his senior year at college, he may have to wait an entire year before getting back to playing competitive hockey... which could mean he loses some of his skills or his development is hampered. If he leaves college now to play for the Rats, he'll have a great learning experience and, if a lock-out does happen, he'll at least have an idea of what it's going to take for him to crack the NHL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
insanity_gallops Posted August 6, 2003 Share Posted August 6, 2003 Martin's also different from Hale & DeMarchi. If Hale is our next Stevens, Martin is our next Scott Niedermayer. And Lou's already got a "promising" rookie he expects to fill the offensive 3rd line pairing in Giroux. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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