…By way of Michel Oullet, formerly of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
From the Times:
The Lightning signed right wing Michel Oulette to a two-year deal worth $2.5-million. The contract will pay $1.2-million next season and $1.3-million in 2008-09. Ouellet, 25, is expected to get a chance to play on the second line with Brad Richards. He had 19 goals and 47 points last season for the Penguins.
That’s quite a hefty pay raise from the $500K he was earning last season with the Penguins. The Penguins franchise declined a qualifying offer to him — making him an UFA as of today.
View from the Igloo had little love for Michel Oulett:
I see people giving grades to players for the year and giving Ouellet one in the B range. ??? Huh? Are you kidding me?! Let’s look at the thing Ouellet can do:
Sit on the side of the net and wait for the puck
Throw one or two weak hits a game
Score while stopped
Now compare to the things he can’t do:
Get past defenders either by going around or through them
Show anything akin to agility
Skate faster than Georges Laraque
Keep up with his line mates
Take a shot that comes within a few feet of the net while moving
Do anything while moving
Take ill-timed penalties because he is standing still and watching the other players go by
Play physical (physical play is Gary Roberts, not one or two weak hits a game)
Control the puck with his stick
Be consistent
Take advantage of odd man rushes
Of course that’s one fans reaction and not an official scouting report. That’s more along the lines of “good NHL scoring potential, sense and awareness at both ends. Softy.”
Good pickup, by how well he factors in remains to be seen. Will he fit in on the 2nd line as he’s projected?
