I talked to David Franke this afternoon and he said there won't be any announcements until late this week at the earliest and probably next week.
That's good for me because high school football starts Friday and I'll be tied up working on preview stuff until then.
As for Colin, I knew he was having second thoughts, but he told me he was still committed to going to Italy this season. He really likes Pat Bingham, but he'll honor the contract he signed. P.C. already left for Europe to start his season.
Comments
Blake, what is the policy if Colin were to tell the Italian team that he changed his mind? Would he be allowed to play for a team in North America? Since the season has not begun on either side of the Atlantic, would he subject to a period where he is ineligible? I'm guessing the rules are somewhat different since Colin did not leave in mid-season like Mark Smith did, but I was curious if he would be allowed to play anywhere (U.S. or Europe) if he did change his mind.
I don't think he would because of reciprical agreements.I believe the team would have to release him from the contract.
I knew from the conversation I had with Colin that he was feeling regrets. He said he wished he would have known about the coaching change because he would have liked playing for either one of them. Here's hoping he will change his mind and that he's allowed to!
Question is, how long do the Komets wait for him to change his mind. They still have to put a team together and can't wait around while Chaulk sulks around trying to figure out what he wants to do. If he indeed is going to honor is contract with the Italian team then more respect to him. if not he needs to make a decision soon so the K's can figure out what to do.
I told you guys MAN what the NEWS was on Chaulk! Good job Blakes on asking MY question to get the NEWS out of Frankes. Good work to the OHIC and Blakes!
Let's pretend that Colin comes back. Where do you play him? Isn't Richarson our starting/first line center? Can Colin take the ego hit of being a second line center? I personally think he would be great on a second line. It would open up more scoring from the second line then we have seen the last couple years.
JM, I would think that Richardson, just from what I've been able to glean, would probably play anywhere he was asked and still give that 150%. So if Chaulk did come back, I think Chaulk could be back on the first line, assuming he earns it as Bingham has said, and Richardson would do fine on the second line.
very Interesting..but I see Chaulk honoring his contract in Italty this season..and possibly coming back to ft wayne at the end of the season. I think thats allowed for the simple fact he went over and played and came back..without leaving the UHL mid-season just like Mark Smith did last year
I don't think there is a decision to make on the Komets part. Where would the money come from to pay Colin? They already have higher priced guys in richardson, St Pierre, Goodwin and I would think a couple others they're close to. To sign Chaulk would mean to probably cut ties with a good player or two they're talking with and/or to play Colin or Richardson out of position or to have a third line of nobodys that constantly rotates all year because they're getting paid the bare minimum.
It's an easy "decision". Chaulk left. They moved on and replaced him. He plays somewhere else. Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't he offered a chance to come back even when he knew Puhalski wasn't coming back?
Just like what Venny did, maybe Richardson could move to a wing. A top line of Chaulk, Richardson, and Goodwin would rival any of the top lines in the league. Plus you would have great leadership in that line also. I believe its possible to come back until Febuary correct? Isn't this what Luciuk did last year? Here's hoping that the Komets keep a vet spot open on their roster!
I really doubt the Komets have the budget left over to pay Colin what he would deserve in the UHL. They would not be able to offer him what they offered earlier in the summer.
I think this is all a moot point anyway.
Short and simple. The organization cannot move forward if they bring him back.
They brought St. Pierre back, Tony. How much of a move forward do you think that was?
No way would they have the budget. The only way to sign him would be to offer him less than they did originally. He didn't like the original offer - to take a lower one would really be crawling back.
The replacement is Bruce Richardson. After this season many may say Colin who? (I know, I know. "We'll never say Colin who. He's still a great player, I will always love him, etc, etc....")
Just saying Richardson has taken over. No way can they all play together without sacrificing the entire third line or the 5th and 6th D or a backup goalie. It doesn't make sense to even think about allowing him to come back.
why does everyone assume richardson is the number one line center? he might be a great guy a banger and a captain, but other than one season he doesnt score alot of goals. he would have to beat chaulk out for the spot, just like anybody else, but as its pointed out, theres no big money slot left for the ks to sign him.
FLASH>>>> ohic update young cub reporter named blake something or other has been named the beat writer for the komets coverage in the news sentinel!!!!!!!!!!
Is there any way KW can go to Italy with Chaulk? And not have access to a computer. KW, give it up!!!!
Richarson is the #1 center. Colin didn't score alot of goals either. He was an assist/setup guy. Richarson will be much the same with increased physical-ness.
heard it before, xcuse me if i dont get too excited until i see it! plus remember no one is #13 at anything until the coach says so!
Is it correct to read into all this business about Chaulk that we can add his name to the ever-expanding list of players who didn't want to play under the old system (or coach) any longer?
I would say yes to your assumption there Rick. If you remember at the end of the season there were some strange things going on with Chaulk and Pulcrapski with Chaulk wanting to be with the team during the playoffs and the GQ Cardboard Cutout making public statements that he wasn't invited to be with the team...I say where there is smoke...there is an idiot coach lurking about.
Hi Greg. I am sorry I didn't see your post. I have mixed feelings on the move. I am taking a "wait and see" but if they claim to want to move in a new direction, bringing back the ex captain may not be the best way to go about it. Time will tell.