Before I even begin this post, I need to thank PanthersRule96 over at hfboards for making a passing comment, most likely in jest, that fueled my whole day. Here is the post in it's entirety:
Maybe Grumet-morris is the next Tim Thomas......perhaps he's our future and not Markstrom
I don't necessarily agree with anything after the extended ellipses, but he brings up, what is in my eyes, a very interesting comparison. Dov Grumet-Morris has elevated his pro status from 'journeyman minor leaguer" to fringe NHL player in the last season plus following almost exactly the same career path as future Vezina trophy winner and Stanley Cup champion Tim Thomas.
Let's compare the two a bit and see if their is any validity to his observation.
Tim Thomas:
- Drafted by the Quebec Nordiques in the 9th round of the 1994 NHL draft at the age of 20.
- Attended 4 full years at the University of Vermont.
- Spent the better part of eight seasons jumping around minor league hockey and Europe.
- In his 9th season as a professional, got his first extended stay in the NHL, splitting time between AHL Providence and Boston.
- After 1.5 above average AHL seasons, played his first full season in the NHL at the age of 31.
- Drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 5th round of the 2002 NHL draft at the age of 20.
- Attended 4 full years at Harvard University
- Currently in his eighth season jumping around the minors and Europe.
- Had an above average season last year for the Rampage and is currently the #1 goalie in the AHL after 5 games at the age of 30
Dan Weiss says there is some validity to the comparison. He points out one major difference, however.
"I believe Tim went to a few NHL camps prior to his first go in Boston, and Dov has yet to participate in an NHL camp", said Weiss.
Interestingly, Weiss later made a comparison that made my jaw drop a bit.
"Ironically, Thomas didn't really come into the spotlight until the 2004-2005 lockout, he (Thomas) had played a couple of games in Boston, but it was Andrew Raycroft's team. Then (Thomas) went to Finland and wins 30+ games (34 to be exact) and all reports were that he was just dominant. Raycroft gets dealt to Toronto and it's Thomas' team", Weiss adds.
Does this sound familiar to anyone else but me? Lockout, incumbent goalie ready to take the reigns, dominance in a talent filled league?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating that DGM get handed the reigns to the Panthers. But as Weiss later adds, Dov has an opportunity to raise some eyebrows.
"I think Dov has an opportunity here with a lot of hockey higher-ups watching more AHL games to continue to garner attention and make a name for himself", said Weiss.
Weiss mentioned that Montreal Marc Bergevin was in Rockford last night, and I know that Dallas GM Joe Neiuwendyk has attended some Stars games already this season. It wouldn't surprise me if every AHL game played during this lockout has some high profile management types or scouts in the stands.
With continued success, Grumet-Morris could be well on his way to an NHL team, whether it be in Florida or elsewhere, very soon. Who knows, there may even be a Vezina and Stanley Cup in his future. I do wonder though, do you think DGM is able to grow a viking beard?
I'd love to find out.
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