Re: MSU Spartan off-season - the grand flame-out
Comley lost this team two weeks ago.
are you referring to the Johnston thing? Things tend to build up over a course of a season, he may have lost them long before 2 weeks ago.
I think Petry is the most likely to leave early but i feel like neither him nor Tropp actually will unless either of them are unhappy here. I could always be wrong but i don't think either of them are ready despite what popular opinion may be.
So i guess i am saying that all seniors will return? I mean, I have no idea what Petry or Tropp may do but it is MY opinion that they would benefit from another year for development.
It just depends on what Edmonton has in their plans for Petry and Buffalo for Tropp. Not every team is ready to take their college based players. By waiting and letting them develope in college, the free agent clock does not start for these players.
I compare Petry situation to 2 juniors who left last year. Defensemen Brian Strait left BU and Jamie McBain left Wisconsin after their junior years. Both have played all year in the AHL without a call up. I have to wonder if either regrets their decision - sure it is great to make money but if you are 1 year from finishing school (or something close) then why not be the big banana? I realize all 3 of these players were basically the premier player on their respective teams as juniors but why not for another year?
The problem I see with Tropp is that he is drafted and not a free agent. But should he wait a year, be a productive as he was this season, he could be a free agent and command similar money to forward Casey Wellman of UMass. It is reported on the Minnesota Wild beat writer's blog that Wellman will sign a $900K per year free agent contract tomorrow. His stats are not much different than Tropp's 20-22-42 (compared to 23-22-45 for Wellman). Problem is Tropp is drafted and not a free agent. But should he wait a year, be a productive as he was this season, he could be a free agent and command similar money. Unless of course Buffalo offers similar money, then maybe he has to go...
"If people are leaving, I hope they leave early o be honest with you,'' Comley said. "We've had some kids turn us down recruitingwise because I can't guarantee them that people are leaving. So the pickings are a little bit slim right now.''
If they respect the coach and the program, they will state their intentions and live with them. If they respect only themselves, then they won't. Should the temptation be too great during the pro team's prospect camp in June or July, well then the coach has a personnel problem.
I would love to hear more on this. Someone has to have answers, curious who that will be. I am NOT trying to "start something", but this statement makes me curiouser and curiouser...
I was told by some parents of the players on that national championship team that the players basically checked out on the coach and played for themselves...and won the title. If so, then the Johnston issue really does not surprise me.
