AJ Thelen

He's re-entering the draft........why do I get the feeling he's a guy Lou just might be interested in 6-3 d-man......? Dunno.

Can you give us some information on him? I know absolutely nothing about him.

Considering his stock has fallen enough for Minnesota to let their former first round pick and hopeful top pairing d-man re-enter the draft, I'd say he's gonna freefall in this draft. I wouldn't be against seeing Lou take him with our 3rd round pick. At the very least, he'd help Lowell's defense corps.

Never heard of this guy.

Played for Michigan State for a year, then went to juniors I believe. I'd have no problem with taking him with a late round selection. Could be a steal, although he was picked in the top 10 in his draft year a la Mike Rupp.

Sure why not.

Got kicked off his NCAA squad after a few incidents and poor academic achievement. If he's available in the third or fourth round it might be worth a shot. He's got talent, but there seems to be some other issues at hand. Put him in a room with Stevens and Dano for an hour and see what happens.

Got kicked off his NCAA squad after a few incidents and poor academic achievement. If he's available in the third or fourth round it might be worth a shot. He's got talent, but there seems to be some other issues at hand. Put him in a room with Stevens and Dano for an hour and see what happens.
I know he was kicked off for underage drinking, and not to say that is ok, but its not that big of a deal considering how much underage drinking happens at schools and how many people get kicked off sports teams for it. I wouldn't worry about it too much, it happens all the time, my roommate first semester was kicked off the baseball team for drinking with some friends and public safety found out and they got busted despite not doing anything that bad. I am not trying to excuse him for what he did, I would say it would be good to have someone like Stevens talk to him, but I am sure he learned his lesson and has moved on.

I know he was kicked off for underage drinking, and not to say that is ok, but its not that big of a deal considering how much underage drinking happens at schools and how many people get kicked off sports teams for it. I wouldn't worry about it too much, it happens all the time, my roommate first semester was kicked off the baseball team for drinking with some friends and public safety found out and they got busted despite not doing anything that bad. I am not trying to excuse him for what he did, I would say it would be good to have someone like Stevens talk to him, but I am sure he learned his lesson and has moved on.

I've heard that it was a bit more than underage drinking. That that incident was the one that pushed the organization over the edge. If every kid who drank underage was kicked off their squad there would be about five players in Division I.

http://www.statenews.com/article.phtml?pk=28970

this is is an article about his dismissal

[Michigan State University head coach Rick] Comley said it was in the program's best interest to dismiss the sophomore defenseman from the team immediately, but wouldn't specify under what conditions.

Thelen was scratched March 4 for failing to attend a team function, and was dismissed by the program after learning Thelen, 19, was drinking underage after the game that night.

Comley said the dismissal was based on not one event but many instances throughout the year.
"But if you're going to be a member of this program, or any team on campus, you have responsibilities - academically and socially - and if you don't meet them, there's going to be a consequence."

The dismissal came at an untimely part of the season with the Spartans heading into the first-round CCHA playoffs, playing host to Miami (Ohio) that upcoming weekend.

In games where Thelen has not played so far this season, the Spartans have compiled a 5-0 record.

http://www.uscho.com/news/id,10219/ThelenDismissedFromSpartans

Thelen told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, "I feel the coach has double standards for certain players. I definitely was confident in my schooling and academics was not a problem. I've been eligible all season and would have been next season. He's set in his ways. I tried to work with him and he tried to work with me and it didn't work out."

Comley called out Thelen before the season started, saying he was out of shape and didn't have his head in it.

Still, this was two years ago. Kids grow up. I haven't heard anything about him since he went to the WHL. Not sure how much Conte and co. are watching the WHL. They've only selected two WHL skaters (Sean Zimmerman 170 in '05, Erick Johansson 187 in '02) in the past five years. Seems like they might be watching the BCHL more than the WHL.

I watched him play a couple times back when he was with Prince Albert, but didn't get to see him play any games as a member of the Vancouver Giants. From what I can remember, he's kind of a lanky-wiry guy at 6'3, but he moves pretty well for a big guy. Not the most physical defender, more of a puck moving, offensive type. Still kind of raw too. If he's around in round 3, I wouldn't be opposed to picking him up.

I watched him play a couple times back when he was with Prince Albert, but didn't get to see him play any games as a member of the Vancouver Giants. From what I can remember, he's kind of a lanky-wiry guy at 6'3, but he moves pretty well for a big guy. Not the most physical defender, more of a puck moving, offensive type. Still kind of raw too. If he's around in round 3, I wouldn't be opposed to picking him up.

Sounds like a Paul Martin type.

According to TSN (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=209570&hubname=nhl) he becomes a free agent and they mention the Oilers, Canucks, and Flames being interested, but nothing about the Devils.

He is not re-entering draft... (Are you allowed do that?)

He is a free agent and can be signed by any team now.

The Minnesota Wild relinquished their rights to 2004 first-round pick (12th overall) A.J. Thelen on Friday after failing to sign him. He would be our 1st round pick for this year (since we don't have any) if Lou can find a way to lock this kid up with a contract.

He's 6'3 and 212 pounds

Here's the link... http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=209570&hubname=nhl

What do you guys think ???

According to TSN (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=209570&hubname=nhl) he becomes a free agent and they mention the Oilers, Canucks, and Flames being interested, but nothing about the Devils.

You gotta admit, it is interesting that the three teams according to TSN that are interested in him are Canadian.

You gotta admit, it is interesting that the three teams according to TSN that are interested in him are Canadian.

It's just that darned "Canadian media".....right Chris?

You gotta admit, it is interesting that the three teams according to TSN that are interested in him are Canadian.
Haha, I found that very interesting. All the western teams too, not the eastern.

Haha, I found that very interesting. All the western teams too, not the eastern.

Maybe they've scouted him more being that he was geographically closer playing in the WHL. Or it could be complete Larry Brooks stuff.