It wasn't supposed to be like this for Robbie Schremp. Spending more time in the AHL than the NHL. How could someone with all the skill he has shown not be playing with the Edmonton Oilers? It's a question that's been raised every time he hasn't made the team.
Schremp hasn't made it since he was drafted 25th overall by Edmonton in 2004. He was close, but whether it was first cut or last cut or anywhere in between the US-born forward had only played four games in three NHL seasons.
Now another chance has come his way. He's been recalled by the Oilers and he could get a great chance to play alongside Sam Gagner and Andrew Cogliano. This is what he needs. It's what he has to have once and for all to prove that not only can he play for the Oilers but also put up numbers.
That's Robbie Schremp's game but there's a little thing called defence that also has to be on the radar. He's learned that. He's grown up and is more mature. He understands what it takes to be a professional and it's not just a good set of hands.
This is a real likeable kid. I liked him when he was considered brash and cocky because underneath I think lies someone whose has been hurt badly by his inability to make it. That is until now. He's in the NHL and I get the feeling he'll do anything to stay here, including showing Craig MacTavish he belongs.
This time Schremp will swim, not sink.
