CARDIFF. UK. The news this week that the Cardiff Devils had managed to secure the signature of NHL veteran Craig Weller took the EIHL fan-base by surprise. Several EIHL have managed to replace injured players or reinforce their rosters with a richer pool of talent than has been seen in the UK for many years.
Recent changes to the AHL rules have meant that there is a pool of talented players unable to secure a signing in the AHL being forced to look further afield to ply their trade. A limit on âveteranâ players and a more stringent wage cap have combined to result in a record number of highly skilled and experienced players without a professional contract, while still at the peak of their playing careers.
This only came to light when the Cardiff Devils were forced to look for a replacement for Justin Sawyer, their popular physical defenceman who returned to Toronto last month for personal reasons. The Devils were keen to sign another player who, like Sawyer, could play a regular defensive role but also be physical enough to stand up for their skill players when necessary – a role increasingly important for the Welsh side this season, with three of their offensive players in the top five scorers in the EIHL. When approaching North American agents, the Devils were surprised to find a wealth of talent still in search of a new team.
This pool of talent contained a player that made the Devils recruiting staff more happy than they thought possible. Craig Weller, NHL draft pick for St Louis Blues in 2000 and veteran of almost 100 NHL games in the last 3 years for Phoenix Coyotes and Minnesota Wild, with six years experience in the AHL was still available and was looking further afield than North America for a contract.
Devils Bench Coach Neil Francis explained that they had been looking at several players when Craigâs name came up. The decision to offer him a roster spot was immediate. âWe were aware of what a great fit Craig would be for the team, he is obviously an exceptionally talented player, equally at home on the wing or in defence and there is no doubt that he would be more than happy to take on a role that would protect the skill players on the team is necessary. We heard from Kenton Smith [who played with Craig in Charlotte in 2002] that he was a great player to have in the locker room, something which is very important to us here and that he is dedicated, hard working and focused.â
It seems strange, that a player, who signed a two year $1.2m contract for Minnesota Wild, would find himself, at just 29 years old, in a position two months into the regular season, still looking for a contract. However, he is not alone, as Francis reports: âWeller has been doing everything right, he has been skating five days a week, training hard and actively looking for a contract, but rules, which once favoured veterans, now limit their potential in an attempt to bring on younger players.â Weller has been skating with two first round draft picks, one second round pick and another fifth round player, none of whom have been able to secure the contract they desire with the AHL and all are now in the position of having to look to Europe, or the North American minor-leagues for contracts.
The Devils are aware that signing a player of Wellerâs calibre could be a risky tactic – other teams in Europe or North America could seek to offer the Canadian a more lucrative contract, but Francis is confident that the decision that he and Adams made will pay off. âWeller has shown his eagerness to come to Cardiff, he and his family will settle well into the city and into the team. He had researched the city, the arena and his teammates thoroughly when we first spoke to him and he is keen to get the process up and running as soon as possible. His visa application is going through and we are hopeful that he will be with the team in time for the Challenge Cup game against Nottingham Panthers and for a home debut on 14th November against Newcastle Vipers. We are very excited to have Craig on board and we are sure he will fit right in with what is a very talented and positive team.â
Weller joins Globke, Simon and Smyth, all ex-NHL players new to the EIHL this season, in what appears to be an increasingly skilful league. With a range of experienced, talented players over the age of 28 still to secure a professional contract in North America, this is a trend that looks set to continue.
Contact the Writer: victoria.silverwood@prohockeynews.com
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