Some potentially bad news out today regarding the future status of the recently drafted Marcel Noebels.
The Sports Blog Nation blog "Broad Street Hockey" has an article out this morning that is a translation of an article released by the Krefeld Pinguine, the hometown DEL team of Noebels.
Link is here, read for yourself.
I will try to summarize. In the article, Noebels states that he has a contract offer from the Krefeld Pinguine and that he would "like" to accept it.
It does NOT say that he doesn't want to return to Seattle but he makes it pretty clear that his preference would be to stay in Germany. He also basically admits that his decision is up to Philly and that he would go where they want him to go.
Seattle might be in the market for another Import player.
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18 comments :
I thought the whole point of him coming to the WHL was to get experience playing the game in N America. Seems pretty unprofessional and unproductive for him to go back to Germany. Just adds to the question on the value of the Import draft and having Europeans play in the CHL in general. Seems like teams pour a lot of time and energy into players who either never develop or who have no appreciation for the experience. Bet Russ is steaming
What would Justin Bieber do?
I'm sure that on a personnal level, Marcel appreciate the chance he got in Seattle. My thinking is that is agent is lookinng for a payday. He has this talented kid that was not drafted in the first round (so no immediate contract from his draft team), and he knows that he can make a decent amount in the DEL. What do you think the 18y/o would like more? The WHL stipen or between 5 or 12K a month? His agent migth use that to make the flyers more on signing him. Its not like the flyers are shy about not signing draft picks.
Mr Tell is dead on here I think. Any idea on who is agent actually is? It's worth a shot to try and raise the kid's value, especially considering the insanity that has taken reign in Philly this off season. Though considering Philly is suddenly as almost Euro-centric as Detroit, hell maybe they'll go for it.
Crazy how fast a once proud organization can fall.
The problem is the Thunderbird organization and not the WHL. The T-birds had some good quality draft picks but the future looks slim. I'm thinking the kid is making a good decision until T-birds start making developement a priority.
Conversely, part of why Noebels was passed on as an 18 year old in the draft was because teams were questioning his commitment to come to the states.
I agree with Jon. If I am an NHL team I am leering about signing a kid who says he was lonely and missed his friends and family. No doubt that is how all of these kids feel, but if you REALLY want to be in the NHL that is part of the deal. Saying he wants to play at home makes him sound like he is not terribly committed.
I think Mr Tell also has a point this is a big $$ game for the agents. Wonder how much the agent(s) have to do with this interview and getting it posted over on this side of the pond.
Good point, Jon. The kid may have other ideas and may not want to make money over missing his home. However, what is his chances in playing in Europe during his juniors years and making the NHL? Or could he just be settled for making the European circuit?
I will go back to what will make him succeed more. Coming to Seattle and becoming one of many draft washouts or choosing his own destiny?
In the end, Seattle needs to change their picks and organization. We have been lucky in that a few players were picked in this last draft but the rest that will be coming up....well, I don't see any being picked at all.
If Marcel is not with the team next year where is the goal scoring coming from? Is Troock healthy? Will guys like Elliot, Lund,Sandvido,Rouse,Doty step up? Little worried now that these rumors have popped up.
I absolutely disagree with the idea that Noebels' return to Seattle would get him lost among the 'wash-outs'. I am a Colorado Avalanche fan and follow them quite a bit online, and among the chatter regarding the Varlamov trade there are also a lot of fans who are anticipating Calvin Pickard's arrival to 'build the future'. The expectations are quite high for Calvin to make it in the NHL, and if he has a big season I think he will be a prospect player that gets news attention from the entire league. The eyes will be on Pickard, but if a drafted player like Noebels also has a big year it will not go unnoticed. Mason Foster certainly benefited from playing with Jake Locker and getting noticed nationally, for example. Make no mistake, the WHL is still the most direct route to the NHL and Marcel has an opportunity to make it if he comes here and gives a strong performance this season.
The T-Birds defense is in a world of hurt. Lets hope Russ can fill the void with a couple of 20 year old defensemen. Sounds like Bonsor is gone and most likely Button too.
The T-Birds defense was in a world of hurt last year. Please don't let the team rely on Sutter to be the backbone of the defense.
I thought Bonsor was returning? Isn't he going to be one of the 20 year olds?
From what I read on Caldwells site he will not be returning (per someones post). That's also where I read the info on Button.
I love it, just because anonymous says that Bonsor has decided not to return, that makes it true, for sure. As for Button, Boston would have to keep him or send him to the AHL for him not to come back. I think there is a better chance that if they dont keep him they would send him back to the tbirds. As for Nobels (in my opinion) I find it very hard to belive that the Flyers are going to tell him to go play in Europe, most if not all NHL teams want prospects playing in North America. It would surprise me to not see him here next year.
From Q&A with Marcel Noebels:
ST: What do you see your role on the T-Birds being next year?
MN: For this season, I want to be one of the best players in the league. I want to try and be a leader every game for Seattle and for the young guys on our team and lead off the ice, too. I expect a lot this season. I want to make playoffs this year and go from there, but I think we have a great team, new coaches and perfect fans to do this.
Sounds like all this talk is for nothing and Marcel is coming back!
I would argue it is not for nothing. Seems to me what has come to light is that maybe his heart is not completely here with this team. Hopefully the higher-ups in Philly explained to him the benefits to his game long term by staying in the W. I sure hope he brings all the commitment and drive he talks about with him in August.
flyers signed Marcel
http://phillysportsdaily.com/flyers/2011/07/18/flyers-sign-fourth-round-pick-marcel-noebels/
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