Sam Steel: Worth all the hype?
Saying Sam Steel has Ducks fans hyped up is an understatement. The 20-year-old Center tore up the WHL, totaling 338 points (123G, 215A) in four seasons with the Regina Pats.
As excited as I am to see “The Man of Steel” play in a Ducks sweater, I’m hoping he gets at least one year with San Diego. I may be in the minority here but I don’t think a year in the AHL would hurt a young up-and-comer like himself. I’d rather him get time to develop and play consistently under Dallas Eakins for a season, rather than sit in the press box like Troy Terry did at the end of this past season.
It’s hard to really say he’s going to make an impact right away if he makes the team out of camp. You never know how a young guy is going to translate his game from junior to the NHL where you’re going up against developed systems. Regardless of that, it’s going to be nice seeing Sam at camp, and we don’t have to worry about him heading back to juniors this season.