Cole Cassels | C

[Rob_Zepp]

This article seems to offer a nice balanced view of his trajectory to date and indeed how this is a key year for him else he will fall further into "suspect" in terms of Canucks.  

 

http://thehockeywriters.com/vancouver-canucks-cole-cassels/

 

 

Home >> Vancouver Canucks >> What Happened to Cole Cassels?

What Happened to Cole Cassels?

AUGUST 10TH, 2017   TREVOR BEGGS

 

 

 

Over the last three years, Jim Benning has been applauded for building up the Vancouver Canucks‘ once woeful prospect pool.

While that’s good news for the Canucks and their fans, it’s not necessarily good news for Cole Cassels.

Once considered a top-five prospect for the Canucks, the 22-year-old has seen his positioning on the Canucks’ depth chart evaporate. It’s been a tough couple of seasons for Cassels ever since he led the Oshawa Generals to the Memorial Cup. He attracted attention from all over the hockey world after he was tasked with shutting down Connor McDavid in the OHL Championship. Cassels and the Oshawa Generals eliminated McDavid and the Erie Otters in five games en route to the Memorial Cup.

 

His final OHL season took a toll on his body, as he played with an abdominal injuryfrom December 2014 onwards. It clearly affected the rookie’s play during his first season with the Utica Comets. Cassels finished the 2015-16 season with two goals and five assists in 67 games. He had the second-worst points-per-game mark among all Comets to play more than seven games.

Tough Transition

Since I don’t get the chance to watch all of Utica’s games, I chatted with Ben Birnell of the Utica Observer-Dispatch to gain some more insight on Cassels’ sophomore year.

There was modest improvement in Cassels’ second season, but not enough to put him back on the radar as one of the Canucks’ best prospects.

With six goals and five assists in 66 games, there wasn’t much offensive improvement from Cassels. Playing in a bottom-six role, he never seized a larger role offensively despite multiple injuries that decimated the Comets’ lineup.

There were some improvements on the defensive side of the puck, according to Birnell.

“Last year, he started to show that defensive side. He was working on the penalty kill and began to take key faceoffs during games. He was starting to do that kind of stuff that doesn’t always show up on the scoresheet.”

His average time-on-ice, according to Prospect Stats, was 13:05 per game, indicating that Cassels played in a bottom-six role without being completely marginalized. His time on the penalty kill likely inflated his ice time, and he tied for the team lead with two shorthanded points.

Cole Cassels was a highly-touted junior prospect, but he’s struggled at the AHL level. (Aaron Bell/OHL Images)

With the injuries and the nature of Cassels’ position on the depth chart, he never found consistent linemates. It’s a telling stat that Cassels’ four most common linemates were defensive partners, according to Prospect Stats. His most consistent linemate was Comets MVP Darren Archibald.

“He had a few different linemates throughout the season,” said Birnell. “He was in the mix to move up the lineup, but things didn’t seem to be going his way offensively.”

“I wonder how he would do with consistent linemates.”

Can Cassels Rediscover Potential?

The young forward’s trajectory hasn’t been promising lately, but there’s still a chance for Cassels to climb the depth chart.

“It will be interesting to see how he performs with a good summer. He’s still young too,” said Birnell.

So many young forwards have entered the Canucks organization since Cassels joined the Comets that it’s easy to forget he’s still only 22 years old. Regardless, this is a massive year for Cassels, with this being the last year of his entry-level contract.

 

 

The Canucks must see some sizable progression in order for Benning to re-sign the young forward. Cassels was drafted during Mike Gillis’ last draft, so it’s unclear what Benning’s feelings towards Cassels are.

He was once projected as the Canucks’ third-line centre of the future. Someone who would shut down McDavid for years to come. Now, players such as Adam Gaudette have surpassed him on the depth chart.

Climbing Cassels

There is a wild card in predicting Cassels’ season outlook. A new coaching staff is coming to Utica, led by Trent Cull. As someone who is known to excel with developing defencemen, Cull could take a liking to Cassels’ strong defensive game.

Cassels also has a connection to one of the new assistant coaches in Utica. Gary Agnew was the head coach of the Oshawa Generals during Cassels rookie season as a 16-year-old. Although Boone Jenner and Scott Laughton were the top-two centremen in Oshawa that season, perhaps Agnew already had an idea of Cassels’ potential.

Jake Virtanen and a number of other young forwards will create tough competition in Utica this year. (Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports)

Regardless of the coaches, there could be a wealth of talent in Utica this season. There’s a chance that Nikolay Goldobin, Jake Virtanen, Anton Rodin and Reid Boucher will be down in Utica. At centre, all eyes will be on Jonathan Dahlen if he doesn’t return to Sweden or make the Canucks. The Comets could also have Michael Chaput, Jayson Megna and Griffin Molino at centre.

“It’s tough for him considering the influx of forwards they’ve brought in,” said Birnell. “They’ve got a lot of forwards in the system now.”

There is an uphill battle for Cassels to climb, but a clean bill of health and a larger opportunity could allow him to recapture his glory as a bonafide NHL prospect.

“I could see him having a bigger offensive role while still contributing on the defensive side of the puck,” said Birnell. “Hopefully, if he’s completely healthy, he can perform.”

[Rob_Zepp]

I am very happy for Cole in how he is playing tonight.   He is moving his feet.   He looks good on the penalty kill.   He is showing good flashes of a real prospect and far from a "write off".   If he played like this every night for another season in Utica he may be a very legitimate NHL player sooner than later.   

 

Good for him not giving up the dream.   He clearly put in the hours over the summer.

[aliboy]

I also liked his game tonight Rob.

[VegasCanuck]

Really looked good out there tonight, putting himself back on the radar!

[Warhippy]

McDavid saw tonights game.

 

He wasn't happy.  He remembers

[Horvats_Big_Head]

I think we've given Cassels enough of a chance with our organization. People like to hang his reputation on one performance in the memorial cup where he 'Shutdown' McDavid. So what has McDavid done since? Only lead the NHL in scoring and get the Hart trophy. Cassels? He has been buried in the minors with mediocre play.

 

Those hoping that Cole turns into something like his dad are delusional. With the amount of forwards we have, there is simply no room for him moving forward. Similar to Jordan Subban, we throw him in to any trade because he is, to put it frankly, a BUST!

[GB5]

19 minutes ago, Horvats_Big_Head said:

I think we've given Cassels enough of a chance with our organization. People like to hang his reputation on one performance in the memorial cup where he 'Shutdown' McDavid. So what has McDavid done since? Only lead the NHL in scoring and get the Hart trophy. Cassels? He has been buried in the minors with mediocre play.

 

Those hoping that Cole turns into something like his dad are delusional. With the amount of forwards we have, there is simply no room for him moving forward. Similar to Jordan Subban, we throw him in to any trade because he is, to put it frankly, a BUST!

 I wouldn't call him a bust.

 

He is a mid round draft pick who earned a professional contract and by some accounts, has played well in the AHL. He may not ever make it as an NHL player, very few ever do,  but he could still carve out a good professional career.

 

Maybe my definition is different from yours but to me a bust is a high pick that fizzles out and is never seen from again, i.e. Patrick White. Cassels is battling and hanging in there and may not get another contract from the Canucks but he has managed to hang around a lot longer than most third round picks ever do.

[ohmy]

1 hour ago, Horvats_Big_Head said:

I think we've given Cassels enough of a chance with our organization. People like to hang his reputation on one performance in the memorial cup where he 'Shutdown' McDavid. So what has McDavid done since? Only lead the NHL in scoring and get the Hart trophy. Cassels? He has been buried in the minors with mediocre play.

 

Those hoping that Cole turns into something like his dad are delusional. With the amount of forwards we have, there is simply no room for him moving forward. Similar to Jordan Subban, we throw him in to any trade because he is, to put it frankly, a BUST!

Since you've proclaimed them both to be busts then the delusional one is you thinking they would have value in a trade. Thank you for your thought provoking opinion though. 

[higgyfan]

2 hours ago, Horvats_Big_Head said:

I think we've given Cassels enough of a chance with our organization. People like to hang his reputation on one performance in the memorial cup where he 'Shutdown' McDavid. So what has McDavid done since? Only lead the NHL in scoring and get the Hart trophy. Cassels? He has been buried in the minors with mediocre play.

 

Those hoping that Cole turns into something like his dad are delusional. With the amount of forwards we have, there is simply no room for him moving forward. Similar to Jordan Subban, we throw him in to any trade because he is, to put it frankly, a BUST!

It's not every day that you see a 3rd round pick being compared to a generational player.

 

That's fascinating, son.

[canuckledraggin]

3 hours ago, Horvats_Big_Head said:

I think we've given Cassels enough of a chance with our organization. People like to hang his reputation on one performance in the memorial cup where he 'Shutdown' McDavid. So what has McDavid done since? Only lead the NHL in scoring and get the Hart trophy. Cassels? He has been buried in the minors with mediocre play.

 

Those hoping that Cole turns into something like his dad are delusional. With the amount of forwards we have, there is simply no room for him moving forward. Similar to Jordan Subban, we throw him in to any trade because he is, to put it frankly, a BUST!

What a great post. And by great I mean dumb af.

[tas]

57 minutes ago, higgyfan said:

It's not every day that you see a 3rd round pick being compared to a generational player.

 

That's fascinating, son.

it happened at least twice today. someone earlier complained that they were misled when edler didn't become the next lidstrom. 

[Horvats_Big_Head]

Such a waste of hockey talent. He could have been something if he had any work ethic...

[Chronic.Canuck]

1 minute ago, Horvats_Big_Head said:

Such a waste of hockey talent. He could have been something if he had any work ethic...

Uhh... You know he's injured right?

[VegasCanuck]

On 10/13/2017 at 4:13 PM, Horvats_Big_Head said:

I think we've given Cassels enough of a chance with our organization. People like to hang his reputation on one performance in the memorial cup where he 'Shutdown' McDavid. So what has McDavid done since? Only lead the NHL in scoring and get the Hart trophy. Cassels? He has been buried in the minors with mediocre play.

 

Those hoping that Cole turns into something like his dad are delusional. With the amount of forwards we have, there is simply no room for him moving forward. Similar to Jordan Subban, we throw him in to any trade because he is, to put it frankly, a BUST!

I think a lot of fans set completely unrealistic expectations and have very narrow views of what makes a player successful. Most equate point production as the only variable for a successful player. I think Canucks see Cassels as a 3rd or 4th line shutdown center who will piss McDavid off, as he has in past. Based on that, he’s not that far away.

 

I think this is similar situation where people assume that Hansen had limited value because he didn’t put up Sedin like numbers, but he was an integral part of this team who could really play anywhere through the lineup and not look out of place.

 

Don’t be in a hurry to toss away a player, just because he’s not going to be 1st line, it take a lot of different talents to be successful in the NHL.

[Gollumpus]

On 10/19/2017 at 11:48 PM, Horvats_Big_Head said:

Such a waste of hockey talent. He could have been something if he had any work ethic...

 

                                                         regards,  G.

[Horvats_Big_Head]

On 10/22/2017 at 10:56 AM, VegasCanuck said:

I think a lot of fans set completely unrealistic expectations and have very narrow views of what makes a player successful. Most equate point production as the only variable for a successful player. I think Canucks see Cassels as a 3rd or 4th line shutdown center who will piss McDavid off, as he has in past. Based on that, he’s not that far away.

 

I think this is similar situation where people assume that Hansen had limited value because he didn’t put up Sedin like numbers, but he was an integral part of this team who could really play anywhere through the lineup and not look out of place.

 

Don’t be in a hurry to toss away a player, just because he’s not going to be 1st line, it take a lot of different talents to be successful in the NHL.

I always loved Hansen on the 3rd line. He actually showed that he could play at the speed of the NHL game. Cassels is so far behind in this development. If he cannot figure it out this year, he is destined to be a career AHLer. 

 

I never referenced point production in my assessment of Cassels. But now that you mentioned it, he doesn't score, he seldom has clean hits, and he is always chasing the play. McDavid has skyrocketed to the Moon while Cassels has been stationary, in terms of development. I am in a hurry to get rid of him and Subban. 

[VegasCanuck]

8 hours ago, Horvats_Big_Head said:

I always loved Hansen on the 3rd line. He actually showed that he could play at the speed of the NHL game. Cassels is so far behind in this development. If he cannot figure it out this year, he is destined to be a career AHLer. 

 

I never referenced point production in my assessment of Cassels. But now that you mentioned it, he doesn't score, he seldom has clean hits, and he is always chasing the play. McDavid has skyrocketed to the Moon while Cassels has been stationary, in terms of development. I am in a hurry to get rid of him and Subban. 

Well, you're not running the team, and I'm pretty sure that the guy who is, is a better judge of hockey talent than both of us.

 

Let's let him make the decisions on who we keep, and he seems to like Cassels. I think you've been watching a different player than most of the other people here!

[Stierlitz]

 

[messier's_elbow]

Cassels looked good in pre season before he got injured. I wouldn't count him out yet. (Not saying anyone was) 

[Horvats_Big_Head]

Is he back from injury yet?

 

We honestly need to the cut the cord of this guy. Trim the fat of our prospect pool.