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Prospect Discussion Thread #3

Sep. 21, 2022 at 11:47 a.m.
#526
EklundCelebriniSmith
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Edited Sep. 21, 2022 at 11:55 a.m.




Im really hopeful for both these guys this year. It's arguably a final shot, their both under 22 so realistically its not even close to their actual final shot, but to be stars its almost now or never.

I actually like both these guys odds a lot. I think Smith is going to do really well under PIT/ Sullivan and I think they he's going to be getting some quality investment from the team to see him perform. I love Merkley but bias aside, he still has it in him. I like Smith to be a more reliable bet to be a top 4 guy, not a star. But Merkley still has it - when he's in the OZone he looks like the only guy who can do what EK65 can/ could on the ice. He is still full of the growing pains associated with a young, small - OFD, and at time he shows minor D improvement. But he needs the production to start hitting if he is to actually play in the NHL full time. The best chance he has is earning 2RD this year. It's his best and only chance. Ferraro - Karlsson, followed by Megna, Merkley, Vlasic, Benning, Simek, Nutivaara, Hatakka, Kniazev. It's going to be an intense battle September - November for jobs in teal. Merkleys skating and hands paired with his offensive prowess are almost 2nd to none, but he has to improve his decision making and IQ in terms of reading the ice and deciding the safe move at time.

Griers made it clear, no rushing. As a rookie you will have to earn you keep through demanding it through play - or killing the AHL. And for that, I respect Griers plan for the team.
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Sep. 21, 2022 at 11:59 a.m.
#527
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Quoting: yikes




Im really hopeful for both these guys this year. It's arguably a final shot, their both under 22 so realistically its not even close to their actual final shot, but to be stars its almost now or never.

I actually like both these guys odds a lot. I think Smith is going to do really well under PIT/ Sullivan and I think they he's going to be getting some quality investment from the team to see him perform. I love Merkley but bias aside, he still has it in him. I like Smith to be a more reliable bet to be a top 4 guy, not a star. But Merkley still has it - when he's in the OZone he looks like the only guy who can do what EK65 can/ could on the ice. He is still full of the growing pains associated with a young, small - OFD, and at time he shows minor D improvement. But he needs the production to start hitting if he is to actually play in the NHL full time. The best chance he has is earning 2RD this year. It's his best and only chance. Ferraro - Karlsson, followed by Megna, Merkley, Vlasic, Benning, Simek, Nutivaara, Hatakka, Kniazev. It's going to be an intense battle September - November for jobs in teal. Merkleys skating and hands paired with his offensive prowess are almost 2nd to none, but he has to improve his decision making and IQ in terms of reading the ice and deciding the safe move at time.

Griers made it clear, no rushing. As a rookie you will have to earn you keep through demanding it through play - or killing the AHL. And for that, I respect Griers plan for the team.


I think both will be top 4 D, time will tell.

I like Byron’s model but it does have some limitations. It lacks context. If you were to strictly use his model without anything else, Dobson would have been a late 1st rd pick
Sep. 21, 2022 at 2:21 p.m.
#528
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Lou lamoriello masterclass



Sep. 22, 2022 at 1:43 a.m.
#529
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What’s everyone’s hot take about a prospect on your OWN team in a NEGATIVE way? Mine is that Yan Kuznetsov tops out as Zadorov-lite and never cracks the NHL. I just don’t think he has any hockey IQ and he has bricks for hands. Whenever I’ve seen him play (mostly the WJC tbh) I’ve never seen him do anything noticeably useful, although I have seen him make mistakes that he shouldn’t. I feel like his reputation as a defensive defenseman is mostly because he’s big enough to bully players his own age in front of the net and block shots. I don’t think he’ll translate up levels very well even though his skating isn’t bad, and see him topping out as an AHL PK specialist. Honestly this is nearly identical for Ben Roger too lol. Not very enthused with either prospect. Tyler Kleven is the type of defensive defenseman I think could translate into a 3rd pair shutdown guy, but I’m not sold on Kuznetsov or Roger. Hopefully they prove me wrong, but I feel like they’re more likely to get games because they’re big then because they deserve it if they do get games, and they probably won’t (read: shouldn’t) stick.
Sep. 22, 2022 at 9:15 a.m.
#530
Craig Laughlin Fan
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Quoting: Alfie11
What’s everyone’s hot take about a prospect on your OWN team in a NEGATIVE way? Mine is that Yan Kuznetsov tops out as Zadorov-lite and never cracks the NHL. I just don’t think he has any hockey IQ and he has bricks for hands. Whenever I’ve seen him play (mostly the WJC tbh) I’ve never seen him do anything noticeably useful, although I have seen him make mistakes that he shouldn’t. I feel like his reputation as a defensive defenseman is mostly because he’s big enough to bully players his own age in front of the net and block shots. I don’t think he’ll translate up levels very well even though his skating isn’t bad, and see him topping out as an AHL PK specialist. Honestly this is nearly identical for Ben Roger too lol. Not very enthused with either prospect. Tyler Kleven is the type of defensive defenseman I think could translate into a 3rd pair shutdown guy, but I’m not sold on Kuznetsov or Roger. Hopefully they prove me wrong, but I feel like they’re more likely to get games because they’re big then because they deserve it if they do get games, and they probably won’t (read: shouldn’t) stick.


my biggest hot take: This will be the last year you see Brett Leason in the NHL outside of 1-2 games. I'd love to be proved wrong but as I go more and more in depth on the guy, I don't know if he'll ever be able to crack an NHL roster consistently given his limited chances at development in the NHL with Washington and the increased likelihood that he'll bounce around the waiver wire when he likely gets sent down at some point this season. The other one I'll give is that Alexander Suzadelev will never make it past the 4th line on an NHL team. He has a lot of abilities that really excite me, and I think he could be amazing, but I worry he'll be stuck behind guys like Protas, Persson, and Miro and will never get the proper chance to develop at the NHL level. This one is a lot less on him and a lot more on how Washington choose to develop players, but I have a sneaking worry that he'll never get the proper development he should get.
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Sep. 22, 2022 at 9:23 a.m.
#531
cautious optimism
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Quoting: Alfie11
What’s everyone’s hot take about a prospect on your OWN team in a NEGATIVE way? Mine is that Yan Kuznetsov tops out as Zadorov-lite and never cracks the NHL. I just don’t think he has any hockey IQ and he has bricks for hands. Whenever I’ve seen him play (mostly the WJC tbh) I’ve never seen him do anything noticeably useful, although I have seen him make mistakes that he shouldn’t. I feel like his reputation as a defensive defenseman is mostly because he’s big enough to bully players his own age in front of the net and block shots. I don’t think he’ll translate up levels very well even though his skating isn’t bad, and see him topping out as an AHL PK specialist. Honestly this is nearly identical for Ben Roger too lol. Not very enthused with either prospect. Tyler Kleven is the type of defensive defenseman I think could translate into a 3rd pair shutdown guy, but I’m not sold on Kuznetsov or Roger. Hopefully they prove me wrong, but I feel like they’re more likely to get games because they’re big then because they deserve it if they do get games, and they probably won’t (read: shouldn’t) stick.


I feel like we massively screwed over Yegor Chinakhov's growth by throwing him into the deep end last year. I hope I'm wrong, because i love him, but i don't think he'll be a top-6 option anymore.
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Sep. 22, 2022 at 12:24 p.m.
#532
EklundCelebriniSmith
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Our Lord and Saviour Bobby is back with an EARLY 2023 DRAFT RANKING
Going to include Mr. Margarita's notes for my favourites prospects so far.


1. Connor Bedard
2. Matvei Michkov
3. Adam Fantilli
4. Brayden Yager
5. Leo Carlsson
6. Cal Ritchie

7. Zach Benson
"Brilliant imagination and creativity, combined with an excellent ability to be elusive, makes Benson a very challenging player for opponents. Plays to his strengths and forces opposing players to play on his terms. Excellent hands in tight."

8. Cam Allen

9. Dalibor Dvorsky
"Skilled player with a competitive intensity to make a difference. Dvorsky has all the skills to play an offensive game but also possesses the power and focus to be a strong contributor throughout."

10. Charlie Stramel
11. Nate Danielson
12. Ethan Gauthier

13. Eduard Sale
"High-end skill with the skating, hands, IQ and determination to impact the game in significant ways. Has the 360-degree awareness to recognize all opportunities in the game and the skill and desire to take advantage. Loads of potential."

14. Otto Stenberg
15. Colby Barlow
16. Kasper Halttunen
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Sep. 22, 2022 at 4:40 p.m.
#533
Hakuna Matata
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Edited Sep. 22, 2022 at 5:24 p.m.




Bedard trying to not get drafted by Arizona confirmed wink
Sep. 23, 2022 at 1:50 p.m.
#534
Ovchinnikov 137
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Quoting: yikes
Our Lord and Saviour Bobby is back with an EARLY 2023 DRAFT RANKING
Going to include Mr. Margarita's notes for my favourites prospects so far.


1. Connor Bedard
2. Matvei Michkov
3. Adam Fantilli
4. Brayden Yager
5. Leo Carlsson
6. Cal Ritchie

7. Zach Benson
"Brilliant imagination and creativity, combined with an excellent ability to be elusive, makes Benson a very challenging player for opponents. Plays to his strengths and forces opposing players to play on his terms. Excellent hands in tight."

8. Cam Allen

9. Dalibor Dvorsky
"Skilled player with a competitive intensity to make a difference. Dvorsky has all the skills to play an offensive game but also possesses the power and focus to be a strong contributor throughout."

10. Charlie Stramel
11. Nate Danielson
12. Ethan Gauthier

13. Eduard Sale
"High-end skill with the skating, hands, IQ and determination to impact the game in significant ways. Has the 360-degree awareness to recognize all opportunities in the game and the skill and desire to take advantage. Loads of potential."

14. Otto Stenberg
15. Colby Barlow
16. Kasper Halttunen


It will be so interesting to see if or how far Michkov falls due to his contract status. Cause there are 3 other LEGIT prospects, Fantilli, Carlsson, and Benson that a team would be passing on when you have to wait till after the 2026 season to get him. That’s a long time to wait for a team rebuilding
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Sep. 23, 2022 at 10:38 p.m.
#535
WentWughes
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Quoting: MatthewsFan
It will be so interesting to see if or how far Michkov falls due to his contract status. Cause there are 3 other LEGIT prospects, Fantilli, Carlsson, and Benson that a team would be passing on when you have to wait till after the 2026 season to get him. That’s a long time to wait for a team rebuilding


Canada is really about to produce a Gold Medal WC Caliber team in one single draft eh?
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Sep. 24, 2022 at 5:45 p.m.
#536
Hop on the Slaftrain
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It's only training camp scrimmages but man Slafkovsky's puck protection skills are just insane. He's also very good at finding a way to pass the puck to his teammates in tight spots. Can't wait to have an extended look at the Caufield-Slafkovsky duo.
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Sep. 24, 2022 at 5:59 p.m.
#537
Hakuna Matata
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Quoting: SevenLeg




It's only training camp scrimmages but man Slafkovsky's puck protection skills are just insane. He's also very good at finding a way to pass the puck to his teammates in tight spots. Can't wait to have an extended look at the Caufield-Slafkovsky duo.


Slav is using his body and strength which is a good sign for his future. Coordination also looks good when it comes to making plays between other players. As puckguarding is a skill that can go a long way for a youngster
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Sep. 25, 2022 at 12:51 p.m.
#538
Jamie Benn is BACK
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Sounds like Johnston, Stankoven, Harley, and Lundkvist have looked good so far for the Stars in camp. Will be interesting to see how this impacts some of the veterans currently on the fringes of the roster and whether they waive some guys to make room.
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Sep. 26, 2022 at 10:59 a.m.
#539
EklundCelebriniSmith
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Bystedt w/ 4p in 4gp - starting on the 4th line slowly making his way up the lineup now the teams 3C.

Kids making moves; continues to provide quality showings. He’s a reliable pick and although I wanted Lambert, I’ve really come around to this kid.
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Sep. 26, 2022 at 2:06 p.m.
#540
Ovchinnikov 137
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So jealous MTL got him
Sep. 26, 2022 at 2:57 p.m.
#541
Ovchinnikov 137
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Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, how have you gone undrafted and who can I contact on the Leafs.

<a href=KHL-goalie.png">
Sep. 26, 2022 at 3:04 p.m.
#542
cautious optimism
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Quoting: MatthewsFan





Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, how have you gone undrafted and who can I contact on the Leafs.

KHL-goalie.png">


I wanna frame this stat sheet and put it on my wall
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Sep. 26, 2022 at 6:31 p.m.
#543
Hakuna Matata
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Keep an eye on Michael Hrabal
Sep. 26, 2022 at 6:48 p.m.
#544
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Quoting: aadoyle
Keep an eye on Michael Hrabal


Already on my 2023 draft board ( along with 188 other 2023 eligibles, i may or may not have already collected a lot of names )
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Sep. 27, 2022 at 12:41 p.m.
#545
EklundCelebriniSmith
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I wonder if Wheeler is just reading into this too much or theres already a rift with Nemec lmao
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Sep. 27, 2022 at 12:46 p.m.
#546
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Quoting: yikes





I wonder if Wheeler is just reading into this too much or theres already a rift with Nemec lmao


It's Lindy Ruff, wouldn't surprise me if he means he better fit with my system
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Sep. 27, 2022 at 1:16 p.m.
#547
Ovchinnikov 137
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Logan Morrison, AHL deal with the Marlies pls 🤞🤞🤞🤞but will probably go back to Hamilton
Sep. 27, 2022 at 4:16 p.m.
#548
EklundCelebriniSmith
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Edited Sep. 27, 2022 at 4:32 p.m.




Huge game tonight between SJS/ANA.

Anaheim has quite a solid lineup in place - goaltending and depth is weak but they have some of the big guns with some notable rookies to watch; like Zellweger, Gaucher, Max Jones, Silfverberg, Shatty, Comtois, etc.

But for Teal there are some key names to be watching; as their best player is Ferraro. Bonino Vlasic (🤡) Kunin Lindblom are all joining them, with Reimer providing a stable net. The real excitement starts off with the offence and defence rookies fighting for AHL/ NHL jobs.

Gushchin Gregor and Robins lead the lineup for me. Gregor is playing with Bonino and Kunin, Robins and Gushchin on the other hand will be looked at for some key offence. Both vying to flex infront management as the last roster cut saw Cardwell, Coe, Wiesblatt amongst others sent to the AHL. By no means will Gushchin or Robins see an AHL assignment as a loss. But both these kids have real TOP6 potential. Robins was arguably the best skater in the rookie tournament behind SJS goaltending led by Beaupit (him Gaudreau and Mann with Makiniemi are going to be really interesting to follow).

Meanwhile, Merkley and Cicek are both fighting for NHL
jobs. They’ve had some strong competition as Matt Benning and Simek were each standouts the other night against LA. Nutivaara looks like he could also provide a third string obstacle for the rookie defenders.

My keys to the game tonight are going to have eyes on the Anaheim net (Stolarz/ Eriksson Ek), Robins, Gushchin, and Merkley. Some pretty evenly matched up skaters but SJS has to see offence from more than Kunin/ Lindblom (who may be a scratch due to injury precautions).
Sep. 27, 2022 at 10:48 p.m.
#549
EklundCelebriniSmith
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Edited Sep. 27, 2022 at 11:10 p.m.
Quoting: yikes




Huge game tonight between SJS/ANA.

Anaheim has quite a solid lineup in place - goaltending and depth is weak but they have some of the big guns with some notable rookies to watch; like Zellweger, Gaucher, Max Jones, Silfverberg, Shatty, Comtois, etc.

But for Teal there are some key names to be watching; as their best player is Ferraro. Bonino Vlasic (🤡) Kunin Lindblom are all joining them, with Reimer providing a stable net. The real excitement starts off with the offence and defence rookies fighting for AHL/ NHL jobs.

Gushchin Gregor and Robins lead the lineup for me. Gregor is playing with Bonino and Kunin, Robins and Gushchin on the other hand will be looked at for some key offence. Both vying to flex infront management as the last roster cut saw Cardwell, Coe, Wiesblatt amongst others sent to the AHL. By no means will Gushchin or Robins see an AHL assignment as a loss. But both these kids have real TOP6 potential. Robins was arguably the best skater in the rookie tournament behind SJS goaltending led by Beaupit (him Gaudreau and Mann with Makiniemi are going to be really interesting to follow).

Meanwhile, Merkley and Cicek are both fighting for NHL
jobs. They’ve had some strong competition as Matt Benning and Simek were each standouts the other night against LA. Nutivaara looks like he could also provide a third string obstacle for the rookie defenders.

My keys to the game tonight are going to have eyes on the Anaheim net (Stolarz/ Eriksson Ek), Robins, Gushchin, and Merkley. Some pretty evenly matched up skaters but SJS has to see offence from more than Kunin/ Lindblom (who may be a scratch due to injury precautions).


Gregor scores basically instantly followed by a sweet Robins pass for a insanely quick 2-0 lead.

Big statement for the team to start. Huge for Gregor, Robins, Reedy.

Edit:

And Gushchin buries a Reedy rebound.

Not saying I called it but… the kids are hungry.
Sep. 28, 2022 at 1:48 p.m.
#550
me wan da poonani
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Sweden's top prospect for the 2023 draft.
The way he attacks the slot area from a wide entry on the first two plays I find particularly encouraging.


 
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