Is the Tootoo Train Set for Derailment?

-MJ- writes "I was just reading an article about Jordin Tootoo, about how his chances are "looking pretty good" according to Barry Trotz of the Nashville Predators, when asked of Tootoo's chances of making the big club. It is looking like the little Inuit that could, is finally going to get his long awaited shot at "the show".

Standing 5'9", and tipping the scales at a solid 195 lbs, Tootoo isn't your stereotypical power forward, by today's NHL standards, but he does have one thing going for him, and that is heart. I've never seen a kid display so much tenacity and passion for the game; there is no question that Tootoo has the desire to be an NHL superstar.

Tootoo's aggressive, in-your-face style of play allowed him to dominate in the black and gold of the Brandon Wheat Kings jersey. Scoring an abundance of goals, setting guys down with authoritative checks, and being a team leader, Tootoo captivated Wheatie fans like few before him, and he plans on doing the same in Nashville. The question is, does Tootoo's game have a place in the NHL?

My opiniion is, that Tootoo will have his 15 minutes of fame on a weaker Nashville squad, then fall back from the spotlight into the minors. Why do I think this? Basically, it's got a lot to do with his size, and skill level. You cannot question the guy's heart, that's just agreed upon by all who have seen the guy play. However, those who have seen him play, can question a few parts of his game.

First, everybody "oogled" over the HUGE hits that Tootoo made during the World Jr's last year. I enjoyed watching them as well, some of them were just great to see, but, can he pull that off in the NHL? I don't think so. Here's why: Tootoo has been known, since his days with the OCN Blizzard, for taking a good 2 or 3 stride attack at guys with his body checks. Now, you tell me...what is going to happen to Tootoo when he takes one of those shots at Alex Mogilny, or Markus Naslund? Tie Domi and Todd Bertuzzi will "rag-tag" the little guy. The first few games, Tootoo will get away with his hitting style, but after teams get annoyed with the "glare" of it all, the big goons in the NHL will simply just wipe him off on the boards, eliminating Tootoo's physical game.

Despite having the "big hits" taken away, Tootoo is still seen as having potential as a digger or checker, working the corners. Yeah, I can't see that being a great success...what happens when guys like Adam Deadmarsh, Shane Doan, Owen Nolan and Ryan Smyth meet Tootoo in the corners? Sure, Tootoo has the intensity to come out with the puck, I just seriously question his physical ability. Just think, (and this is totally something that could happen), just think what would happen if Tootoo ever crossed Zdeno Chara's blueline with his head down? I shudder to think...

I fully applaud Jordin Tootoo, for having the courage, and the heart to work towards his dream. I hope that I am wrong, and he does make himself into a success in the NHL. I just don't see it happening, strictly on the basis of the competition being, physically, too dominant. It's just one of those ironies in life. Twenty five years ago, Tootoo would have been the RAGE, today...I'm not so sure.

By no means do I hold anything against Jordin Tootoo. The first time I watched him, was with the OCN Blizzard, playing the Estevan Bruins in the Anavet Cup, I believe it was. Tootoo was a babyfaced teenager back then. I grew to be a fan of Tootoo the hockey player, watching him throw his weight around in Jr. B...and when his story became more widely spread after he broke through with the Wheat Kings, I became a fan of Jordin Tootoo, the person. He has endured a lot of things in his life, that many of us would have crumbled under such pressures. He is a role model for more than just the Inuit, but for everyone.

I say, best of luck to Jordin Tootoo. May he defy all the odds, and prove me, and thousands of other "informed" hockey fans wrong.

-MJ- "


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