Comments on: Prospect Pulse: Akim Aliu

By: Luke Miguez

Luke Miguez — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:55:00 +0000

He has the potential to play NHL roles in the future, but Kyle’s referring to forcing the issue with a high AHL spot this year.

By: Tim Bonnar

Tim Bonnar — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:56:00 +0000

Ahhh… That makes more sense.

Logically, I thought it had to be, but the article seems to be talking about him playing for the Jets. I was confused.

By: Luke Miguez

Luke Miguez — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 01:12:00 +0000

I believe Kyle’s referring to a top 6 AHL spot.

By: Tim Bonnar

Tim Bonnar — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 21:40:00 +0000

Who would he displace to take a top six spot? Fehr, Wheeler or Antropov? Would one of them fall to the 4th line? Would they force Antropov back to center?

By: Kyle Kosior

Kyle Kosior — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:10:00 +0000

Good points all. Its always tough to find minutes played information for the AHL, so I can’t say what was happening there. Since he is signed for one more year, I would advocate putting him in a top-6 role and forcing the issue to see what exactly they have in Aliu. If he scores, great. If not, find another role or cut bait.

By: Tim Bonnar

Tim Bonnar — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:45:00 +0000

While it would be nice to see him turn into a solid or dominant power forward, it seems lots of people have all but given up on him. There are legitimate questions about whether or not he will ever even play in the NHL.

If he can become a 4th line energy guy with some scoring ability I will be happy. Anything more, I will be ecstatic.

By: Luke Miguez

Luke Miguez — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 03:58:00 +0000

Well he seems to have produced good numbers in his stints in the ECHL, but hasn’t been able to produce at the AHL level thus far. There’s potentially a number of potential reasons for that including a lack of on-ice minutes, which may have been a factor in the “veteran-first” Chicago Wolves organization.

What may have happened last season is that Aliu was stuck with 3rd or 4th line checking minutes where he lacked offensive opportunities. Later on during the season around January/February he was demoted down to Gwinnett where he proceeded to score 20 points in 16 games, and then was loaned out to Peoria where he produced 9 points in 16 games (equal to the first 43 games he spent with the Wolves that season).

So it’s possible Aliu has offensive potential that’s being strangled by a lack of minutes at the AHL level right now. It certainly suggests that he has the potential, but also that his recent production at this level is misleading.

By: Zak Katz

Zak Katz — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 03:13:00 +0000

I got to see a lot of Aliu when I worked with the London Knights. Back in Junior the guy was a man amongst boys and was capable of completely dominating anytime he stepped on the ice.

It’s too bad he hasn’t been able to put it together at any of the pro levels, he was certainly gifted.

By: Kyle Kosior

Kyle Kosior — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 03:07:00 +0000

I am with Luke on this one. I cant begrudge a guy for defending himself.

That said, his minor league numbers aren’t promising. Lets hope the light goes on for him this season.

By: Richard Pollock

Richard Pollock — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 01:26:00 +0000

From what I’ve heard his stock has dropped quite a bit recently. Let’s hope the physical tools turn his career around. Based on the organization’s emphasis on character, I bet he is a one-strike and you are out candidate.

By: Luke Miguez

Luke Miguez — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:54:00 +0000

From what I’ve read, Aliu refused to participate in a hazing ritual and then Downie attacked him during a practice. Aliu then defended himself again.

He’s got a clean slate in Winnipeg at this point and I have no questions as to whether the Jets/IceCaps will give him a solid shot at making his name in this organization. He certainly has the potential to be a talented power forward for us.