The Avalanche player reviews moves on the #44 Ryan Wilson



season stats: 61 Games played, three goals, 18 assists
postseason stats: Four GP, one assist
Nicknames: RyWill, Willie
Contract status: One year left on his entry level deal

Once thought to be a "throw-in" to the Jordan Leopold trade, Ryan Wilson has showed that he can play the game at the NHL level.

Even as a rookie, Wilson came in and made an impact, leveling big hits and bringing some stability to the Avalanche defense.

Unofficially, Wilson is an understudy to Adam Foote, learning how to play positionally well while also being physical like Foote.

Just like Foote, Wilson will never be an offensive superstar but his passing and his physical nature keep him in the lineup.

Wilson will have to know more about where and when he needs to be on the ice but, just like all young defensemen, that is something that will just come with time.

Highlight of the year

Early in the season, Wilson announced his arrival to the NHL with a huge hit on Ethan Moreau. There was some talk that it was a dirty hit but the NHL later ruled it was not.



I also liked his first goal...



2010-11 outlook

There will be a great roster battle in camp between Ryan Wilson and Cameron Gaunce. Both have the same size and play the same game. With The Avs already having five defensemen that have established themselves in the NHL, Wilson is one of the only candidates to be challenged.

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