Former Panthers first-rounder Anthony Stewart signs with Atlanta
by Donny Rivette on Jul 13, 2009 4:14 PM EDT
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And so ends completely the frenetic roller-coaster ride which was Stewart's tumultuous seven-year "try out" with the Cats.
Few first-round (25th overall in 2003) talents have been given so many chances to make good on the initial scouting reports. New Thrashers GM Rick Dudley has seen fit to lend a hand to the big forward in a depth move - which says a lot about Atlanta's forwards. Dudley, coincidentally, was Florida's general manager when Stewart was picked.
Less than a year later, Mike Keenan had usurped him.
All that size, and an above average skill set, should have paved the way to a promising second-line NHL career. Alas, it was fourth or Rochester.
Eerily, Dudley also saw fit this afternoon to sign free agent defenseman Noah Welch, otherwise known as "What we got for Gary Roberts". No matter now...we'll get to see these two six times next season.
Personally, I'm half-tempted to believe Jacques Martin may have drugged Habs GM Bob Gainey into taking a run at Stewie. JM has been Stewart's biggest defender for three long years.
Can we expect Cory Murphy to be next?
What are your thoughts on Anthony Stewart and what went wrong with his development? The wrist injury four years ago? The personal issues? His Commitment? And was it time to call it quits?
Related blog: Bird Watchers Anonymous (ATL)
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Best of Luck
Might be the only one that will say this, but he was never really given a chance. He consistently was put on the 4th line for 5 minutes a nite.
I am sure he was always afraid that if he made a mistake he’d be on the first plane back to Rochester.
I think that if he’s given the chance to play with some better quality players, he can score 20 goals.
Just my opinion, but he needed the change of scenery.
Yep. You’d be the only one.
His consistency was always a concern – granted, that could be chalked up to his few minutes per game on the lower lines. After the wrist injury in 2005 he was never the same.
Even after working through that his (for lack of a better term) effort was never in full effect. In plain English: he appeared to be dogging it. Think of Nathan Horton with less innate ability.
I’d love to see him hit 20 goals…heck, 10 would be huge. Only way he’s going to do that is on a line with Kovy…and that ain’t happ’nin.
Change in scenery can work wonders, but he’s been through two AHL clubs, three general mangers, and three coaches at the NHL level…all with the same organization. That’s tough on anyone.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 13, 2009 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Definitely the only one…..then again….5 people did vote yes for him…..hmmmmmmm.
Everytime I saw him play, I saw no enthusiasm or energy. Even when he went to check someone, it was blah. I couldn’t stand it when he played. I’m sorry, but he can’t be worrying about making a mistake. If he really wanted to be higher in the line up, then he should have played with all his heart to prove he deserves it. And if he did play with all his heart, then he deserved the 4th line….if that.
Roller coaster? more like flat track
Hell he didn’t fool anybody up here in Rochester. I think the only person who rooted for him was his slightly-puffy girlfriend who got all attitude with us after he had a callup. Best of it is I don’t think we play Chicago (AHL) this season, so we won’t have to see him when he gets sent down.
And therein lies the most honest assessment. Figured there wouldn’t be a lotta love lost from the Rochester Faithful.
Leave it to the girlfriends/wives to make the ultimate impact.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 13, 2009 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions
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Florida
|
51 | 24 | 16 | 11 | 59 |
|
Washington
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Winnipeg
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New York Rangers
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Boston Bruins
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Florida Panthers
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Philadelphia Flyers
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Washington Capitals
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