Now that I have second to put together some info on the guy, here are some basics on Andrew Ebbett, newest member of your Minnesota Wild. Let me start by saying, I love the pick-up, love the idea of letting the players know that they are replaceable should they decide they don't want to play.
From the press release:
MINNESOTA WILD CLAIMS CENTER ANDREW EBBETT OFF WAIVERS FROM CHICAGO BLACKHAWKSSAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Minnesota Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has claimed center Andrew Ebbett off waivers from the Chicago Blackhawks.Ebbett, 26 (1/2/83), has notched one goal in 12 NHL games this season. He scored a goal in 10 games with the Chicago Blackhawks after he was claimed off waivers from the Anaheim Ducks on Oct. 17, 2009. The 5-foot-9, 174-pound native of Calgary, Alberta also appeared in two games with Anaheim this season.He skated in 48 regular season games with the Ducks in 2008-09 registering 32 points (8-24=32) including six power play goals and 24 penalty minutes and added three points (1-2=3) in 13 playoff contests. Ebbett also skated in 29 games with the Iowa Chops (AHL) totaling 29 points (10-19=29) in 28 games. He has recorded 33 points (9-24=33) and is a plus-11 in 63 career NHL contests with Anaheim and Chicago. Ebbett collected 144 points (38-106=144) in 167 games in four seasons at the University of Michigan (2002-06).
Looking at the numbers throughout his hockey career, he averages just under a point per game, which would be more than welcome here in Minnesota. Due to his size, he is obviously unlikely to be going to a checking line role, so look for him to center either the second or third line. His goals / assists ratio suggests he is another play making type (read pass first), so hopefully someone on the team decides to shoot the puck.
My guess is he fits best on the second line. Possibly with Sheppard staying at wing? A line of Sheppard - Ebbett - Nolan could be interesting, but the Irish God of War likely is comfortable with his current line mates. Maybe on with Clutterbuck? That would make Clutterbuck more of a threat, maybe. (Just thinking out loud here folks.)
We just had a discussion of what happens when / if Bouchard returns to the line-up. A new player in the mix just adds to that question. The Wild now have too many players if everyone returns to health.
So. Let's throw some questions out there, see if we can't get some answers from the readers.
1. Where does Ebbett fit in the line-up?
2. Who are his wings?
3. What happens to him when the Wild get healthy, and if he stays, who goes?
Good luck.