GROwl 5 Report post Posted July 23, 2009 I would say that Oulahen has a huge advantage over McGrath, namely that he is a very good penalty killer. According to a report I read on him, he has also 'improved' his hitting, but it is an area which needs work. In the twenty or so games that I've attended each year in GR, I can't remember a single hit by McGrath or Oulahen. Either they didn't hit, or it wasn't significant enough to be memorable. Then again, Helm didn't have a whole lot of hits either in GR - it was only when he started playing with the Wings that he became a hitting machine. Maybe we'll see the same thing with McGrath and/or Oulahen. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FromAway 0 Report post Posted July 23, 2009 I would say that Oulahen has a huge advantage over McGrath, namely that he is a very good penalty killer. According to a report I read on him, he has also 'improved' his hitting, but it is an area which needs work. I think the only real advantage Ryan has right now is 'fit'. If a 4th liner is really what they need Ryan is probably better suited if they are looking for a 3rd line winger McGrath is much better suited. Both are solid in their own end, Ryan kills penalty's but Evan can score. McGrath has more upside than Ryan does in my opinion. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mors 201 Report post Posted July 23, 2009 Ryan Oulahen: WEAKNESSES Limited offensive-upside ... Below-average size that might limit potential as a checker ... Doesn't make a physical impact ... Doesn't have a mean streak or a nasty side. Evan McGrath: WEAKNESSES Doesn't always compete at a high level, and is inconsistent as a result ... Needs to create more space for himself ... Not physical or aggressive ... Production has typically dropped in post-season ... Doesn't pay much attention to the defensive side of the game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FromAway 0 Report post Posted July 23, 2009 Ryan Oulahen: WEAKNESSES Limited offensive-upside ... Below-average size that might limit potential as a checker ... Doesn't make a physical impact ... Doesn't have a mean streak or a nasty side. Evan McGrath: WEAKNESSES Doesn't always compete at a high level, and is inconsistent as a result ... Needs to create more space for himself ... Not physical or aggressive ... Production has typically dropped in post-season ... Doesn't pay much attention to the defensive side of the game. Clearly these comments have not been updated for a while....I think if you had seen these guys play you would agree but let's look at stats: McGrath -top 5 in Griff scoring last two years (with very limited PP time) -top 5 in Griff +/- the last two years (actually Evan is actually very solid in the defensive end) -Griffs weren't in the playoffs two years ago and this year Evan missed due to injury so post season production comment is at least three years old and there is no statistical evidence to support it -Compete level is way up as the above stats illustrate -NOT the most physical player on the ice (but neither was Helm in GR) Ryan -increased scoring contribution each year with Griffs -become a leader and would probably be the 'C' this year -much more gritty and physical this past year -great (not good) on the PK Stats are just stats but if (by the parts you bolded) you are just looking for a banger or for Darren Helm part 2 these guys are not it. Ryan has limited upside but is a quality character guy who works his but off, gets his nose dirty (in an undersized way) and contributes while being a first unit PK guy. Evan has much upside (in my opinion). He has rebuilt (or built) a defensive game and is steadily building offensive numbers around his top 3 +/-. In my opinion Evan should get a real look this camp with Ryan looked at specifically for a limited minute specialty player. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aussie_Wing 354 Report post Posted July 23, 2009 Is McGrath unable to be sent back to Grand Rapids without having to risk clearing waivers? I don't see him making the Wings roster next season but I doubt he'll clear waivers, someone will pick him up. As for Oulahen, I'm hoping he's one of our 4th line forwards this season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FromAway 0 Report post Posted July 23, 2009 Is McGrath unable to be sent back to Grand Rapids without having to risk clearing waivers? I don't see him making the Wings roster next season but I doubt he'll clear waivers, someone will pick him up. As for Oulahen, I'm hoping he's one of our 4th line forwards this season. Both guys would have to clear waivers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aussie_Wing 354 Report post Posted July 23, 2009 Both guys would have to clear waivers. Ouch, that's not good. I like McGrath's potential, would hate to see him leave for nothing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dimaline312000 51 Report post Posted July 23, 2009 I'm glad to have them both back in the mix for at least one more year. They are a couple of good young kids and I think in time if they are given a chance they will do well in the NHL. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eva unit zero 271 Report post Posted July 23, 2009 I've always liked both of these guys. The thing is, I expect arbitration to rule in the Wings' favor at $3m next week regarding Hudler, and the Wings to take a 2-year deal. That would only leave room for one of these guys, and that is assuming Lilja is traded or spends the entire season on LTIR. McGrath is probably the better player right now, but Oulahen fits the team's needs more...so it's a hard decision. I think I would have to say take McGrath because he's capable of PKing on a lesser level than Oulahen, while Oulahen is really a defensive specialist who is not capable of scoring the same way. If Hudler ends up gone, take both. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
