The NHL is giving the NFL a run for its money when it comes to parity. The top 3 teams from last years draft are all in playoff position this season. Declaring next season lost already is just silly. Nothing that happens on these remaining games is an indicator for next season. Its a dead team on the ice just playing out the string
Well you obviously knew the flyers and stars defied odds to get into the top 3. Philly high 80s points last year IIRC. Even Devils were I think 6th and lucked out in the lottery.
It looks like there will be 6 of 16 new teams in the playoffs. 10 teams returning. Tampa one of them and clearly due to injuries last season. Philly made the playoffs two years ago. There is more stability in the playoff field than in football.
Besides the Rangers already sent out a letter that they aren't going to be competitive next year. They talked about trades into the summer. Only way they compete is to go on a massive spending spree this summer - you want that? I don't. Build a core through the draft. Work another year off some of these terrible contracts.
There's no quick fix here. This is not a core group that can win a title. Major rebuild is coming.
The NHL is giving the NFL a run for its money when it comes to parity. The top 3 teams from last years draft are all in playoff position this season. Declaring next season lost already is just silly. Nothing that happens on these remaining games is an indicator for next season. Its a dead team on the ice just playing out the string
Well you obviously knew the flyers and stars defied odds to get into the top 3. Philly high 80s points last year IIRC. Even Devils were I think 6th and lucked out in the lottery.
It looks like there will be 6 of 16 new teams in the playoffs. 10 teams returning. Tampa one of them and clearly due to injuries last season. Philly made the playoffs two years ago. There is more stability in the playoff field than in football.
Besides the Rangers already sent out a letter that they aren't going to be competitive next year. They talked about trades into the summer. Only way they compete is to go on a massive spending spree this summer - you want that? I don't. Build a core through the draft. Work another year off some of these terrible contracts.
There's no quick fix here. This is not a core group that can win a title. Major rebuild is coming.
Sure, the lottery was strange last season. But Colorado had one of the worst teams of all time, got a bad break in the lottery, and they're in playoff contention this season.
My only point is we have no idea what's to come next season. And it can turn around quick
Looking at six picks in the first three rounds, potentially
As I said in another thread. He has first round ability if we can get him here. He will play 10 years as a second pair D. Watch him in various tournaments the kid has skill. Rangers watching his team all the time (goalie).
Tough call on Hayes. There's a lot of skill there. But the coach has essentially turned him into a defense first checking center with about 60% zone starts and limited power play time. I think his style and general aloof nature at times also makes it look like he's not invested or playing hard but that may not be entirely fair.
I'm still a believer though. He has a lot of 5 v 5 primary points. If Lias can become that strong 3rd line center we're expecting, it could free Hayes up for more offensive responsibility.
and they've got to be smart with their RFAs, eg, don't give Hayes $4M per and continue to watch him show up half the time.
Staal and Smith are anchors, potential buyouts teed up with DG's dead money.
I'll be livid if they buyout Smith and Staal. You want to pay 3 guys dead money 3-6 years from now when the team is presumably competing again? Why would you ever buy them out if next year is likely a lost season? Makes zero sense. Frankly I thought girardi last year was dumb too but apparently they thought they compete even after trading Stepan.
And has made the postseason once in the last 7 seasons.
It's not as easy to retool as you say. Like brett says you need a little luck. It does appear that Boston and Philly have done it with as little pain as possible. Each took 2-3 years. Toronto was able to do it in 3-4.
Trying to compete next year would be short sighted IMO. The team needs a bigger gutt job then a couple of tweaks on the margin. Unless Tavares comes begging to play here (doubtful) I would sit this summers FA period out
RE: RE: Looking at six picks in the first three rounds, potentially
and they've got to be smart with their RFAs, eg, don't give Hayes $4M per and continue to watch him show up half the time.
Staal and Smith are anchors, potential buyouts teed up with DG's dead money.
I'll be livid if they buyout Smith and Staal. You want to pay 3 guys dead money 3-6 years from now when the team is presumably competing again? Why would you ever buy them out if next year is likely a lost season? Makes zero sense. Frankly I thought girardi last year was dumb too but apparently they thought they compete even after trading Stepan.
MAB, that's the point I was making (poorly), they already bought out DG which didn't make a ton of sense. Gorton hasn't done much to build confidence that he knows what he's doing trying to build a team.
I certainly don't want to buy them out, nor DG, I should've been clear.
Steve Kournianos
@TheDraftAnalyst
Rykov is a very good defenseman who can compliment a kid like Skjei or Shattenkirk. Russian/KHL situation likely reason for getting passed over in 2015 and going late in 2016. Excellent first pass, keeps a tight gap and locks down the low slot. Very smart and NHL ready.
Steve Kournianos
@TheDraftAnalyst
Rykov is a very good defenseman who can compliment a kid like Skjei or Shattenkirk. Russian/KHL situation likely reason for getting passed over in 2015 and going late in 2016. Excellent first pass, keeps a tight gap and locks down the low slot. Very smart and NHL ready.
11:16 PM - Feb 22, 2018
Like what I'm reading. As long as his people and the front office are telling him what he wants to hear and he knows there's a clear path to a spot here, I'd like to think we'd see the kid.
Steve Kournianos
@TheDraftAnalyst
Rykov is a very good defenseman who can compliment a kid like Skjei or Shattenkirk. Russian/KHL situation likely reason for getting passed over in 2015 and going late in 2016. Excellent first pass, keeps a tight gap and locks down the low slot. Very smart and NHL ready.
11:16 PM - Feb 22, 2018
Like what I'm reading. As long as his people and the front office are telling him what he wants to hear and he knows there's a clear path to a spot here, I'd like to think we'd see the kid.
MAB, that's the point I was making (poorly), they already bought out DG which didn't make a ton of sense. Gorton hasn't done much to build confidence that he knows what he's doing trying to build a team.
I certainly don't want to buy them out, nor DG, I should've been clear.
Ok got you - on same page.
Truth is when your fucking coach is playing the guy on the top pair in the playoff quarterfinals - and a few weeks later you pay the guy to leave (and put him on 5 years of future Caps) ... and the same thing happened with Richards years ago and with MSL in 2015 (he couldn't get a job that summer after playing on PP1 and line 2 thru the playoffs) -- there is a fundamental incompetence within the organization. I think most of that falls on AV but Gorton either doesn't or is impotent to do anything about it.
And has made the postseason once in the last 7 seasons.
It's not as easy to retool as you say. Like brett says you need a little luck. It does appear that Boston and Philly have done it with as little pain as possible. Each took 2-3 years. Toronto was able to do it in 3-4.
Trying to compete next year would be short sighted IMO. The team needs a bigger gutt job then a couple of tweaks on the margin. Unless Tavares comes begging to play here (doubtful) I would sit this summers FA period out
Fair point. Boston is definitely the model I think the front office is aiming for. They never fully tore it down and bottomed out, made moves with pending UFAs, kept the right core pieces, brought in a new coach, and hit it big with a late first rounder in Pastarnak while Marchand developed into a star. They even made their fair share of mistakes. Their 3 consecutive first round picks in 2015 haven't yielded a whole lot and Barzal was picked immediately after those 3 by the Islanders.
I think a lot depends on what kind of players Lias and Chytil end up being. We've already had some luck with the latter falling to us in the draft due to his age. The numbers he's putting up in the AHL at 18 put him in good company.
Adding those two to, at minimum, a top 5-7 talent in this seasons draft could expedite this rebuild.
Will have a better idea once we see what Mcdonagh goes for as well.
I think the fact that he plays for SKA is big here
#1 because the Rangers have watched plenty of SKA over the past few years because of Shestyorkin and Buchnevich, so they've undoubtedly seen plenty of Rykov. #2 because they have current established dealings with SKA. Would seem to give them a leg up as far as being successful in bringing Rykov over. Plus, he has the prospect of playing alongside two of his former SKA teammates as a Ranger.
Maybe three if we do indeed end up with Kovalchuk :)
I like the direction we're heading in. They're restocking with young talent fairly quickly, which was desperately needed. We really, really need a little luck in this year's draft, though. While the Rangers have some very promising kids, they still don't have the kind of elite superstar talent that wins Cups.
Assuming they won't be lucky enough to pick #1 and get Dahlin (which of course they won't because they're the Rangers), is there anyone else in the draft with that kind of upside? Obviously no one else with Dahlin's upside, but anyone who has true first line talent?
Boston didn't just retool players, they replaced their GM and coach.
Their core is much of the same even with the youth infusion.
Bergeron, Marchand, Pastrnak, Chara, Krejci, Rask, Krug, Spooner, Heinen, etc. were all from the prior regime and are most of the reason the team is successful.
I believe the system change helped more than the player additions.
Sure, guys like McAvoy, Carlo, debrusk and others have contributed, but they're IMO not the major reason for the Bruins turnaround.
I like the direction we're heading in. They're restocking with young talent fairly quickly, which was desperately needed. We really, really need a little luck in this year's draft, though. While the Rangers have some very promising kids, they still don't have the kind of elite superstar talent that wins Cups.
Assuming they won't be lucky enough to pick #1 and get Dahlin (which of course they won't because they're the Rangers), is there anyone else in the draft with that kind of upside? Obviously no one else with Dahlin's upside, but anyone who has true first line talent?
pj can speak more to this, but I believe he's spoken very highly of Svechnikov, Zadina, and Tkachuk, the presumed 2-4 picks after Dahlin. Zadina in particular is really enticing. 7 goals at the WJC for the Czechs. Currently playing in the QMJHL. Getting into the top 4 of this draft looks to be the primary goal
on Brady Tkachuk being my 2nd favorite prospect in this draft, good sized, power forward, sniper shot and grit. More like his father than his brother Matthew who is a good young player in his own right.
Svechnikov and Zadina are insanely skilled, both are in the best case Tarasenko mold IMO. they can stick handle in a phone booth, quick release shots, and just filthy moves. Neither has the toughness of Tkachuk, but that's not their game.
Any of those 4 (with Dahlin) I think is a HR in the draft.
then come a few D.
Quintin Hughes and Adam Boqvist are both solid puck movers, great vision, excellent skating defenseman, but both lack the size I like for D. This is something I personally need to get over I think because the trend in the league is to smaller puck moving D and these two absolutely fit the bill.
If any of you watched the Rangers Habs game last night I think Victor Mete showed how valuable a puck mover can be in today's game. Both Hughes and Boqvist outclass Mete but he competed against them in the World Juniors in January and I see similarities. And Boqvist isn't tiny, he's 5' 11" but Hughes is maybe 5' 9".
However, because I haven't yet gotten past the D size yet, I like Evan Bouchard a little more than them. Bouchard has a cannot shot, and is also a power play QB, just not quite the same from a vision standpoint or passing as Hughes and Boqvist, but I think he'll hold up better in corner battles and provide a better net front presence. Plus Bouchard is a RHD (like Boqvist).
So that's my top 7, if you get in that group and maybe add Oliver Wahlstrom a decent sized USNDT forward who can I think play legit two way C in the NHL you have 8 blue chip prospects.
The top 4 being IMO all better than Hischier/Patrick
and Dahlin being a generational talent, like the equivalent of McDavid on D, so call him Erik Karlsson 2.0.
Travis Yost is reporting on Twitter that Tampa and Ottawa are bringing 1 and 2 additional teams to try to complete a Karlsson trade. Tampa would get Karlsson and the additional team(s) would be used to take on shit contracts (Bobby Ryan).
get compensated unless they're a team like the Coyotes who need salary to reach the floor.
draft picks? Doesn't seem like much reason to take on that awful contract.
and I don't know if the Coyotes still need salary to reach the floor, I remember they acquired Chris Pronger (LOL) who hasn't played in what seems like a decade to reach the floor.
on Brady Tkachuk being my 2nd favorite prospect in this draft, good sized, power forward, sniper shot and grit. More like his father than his brother Matthew who is a good young player in his own right.
Svechnikov and Zadina are insanely skilled, both are in the best case Tarasenko mold IMO. they can stick handle in a phone booth, quick release shots, and just filthy moves. Neither has the toughness of Tkachuk, but that's not their game.
Any of those 4 (with Dahlin) I think is a HR in the draft.
then come a few D.
Quintin Hughes and Adam Boqvist are both solid puck movers, great vision, excellent skating defenseman, but both lack the size I like for D. This is something I personally need to get over I think because the trend in the league is to smaller puck moving D and these two absolutely fit the bill.
If any of you watched the Rangers Habs game last night I think Victor Mete showed how valuable a puck mover can be in today's game. Both Hughes and Boqvist outclass Mete but he competed against them in the World Juniors in January and I see similarities. And Boqvist isn't tiny, he's 5' 11" but Hughes is maybe 5' 9".
However, because I haven't yet gotten past the D size yet, I like Evan Bouchard a little more than them. Bouchard has a cannot shot, and is also a power play QB, just not quite the same from a vision standpoint or passing as Hughes and Boqvist, but I think he'll hold up better in corner battles and provide a better net front presence. Plus Bouchard is a RHD (like Boqvist).
So that's my top 7, if you get in that group and maybe add Oliver Wahlstrom a decent sized USNDT forward who can I think play legit two way C in the NHL you have 8 blue chip prospects.
The top 4 being IMO all better than Hischier/Patrick
and Dahlin being a generational talent, like the equivalent of McDavid on D, so call him Erik Karlsson 2.0.
More than Hughes, I like what I have seen from Dobson and Hayton
compensation through draft picks. If you're serious about tanking for a couple years it's not a bad idea. There's going to be compliance buyouts at the upcoming lockout in 2020.
on Brady Tkachuk being my 2nd favorite prospect in this draft, good sized, power forward, sniper shot and grit. More like his father than his brother Matthew who is a good young player in his own right.
Svechnikov and Zadina are insanely skilled, both are in the best case Tarasenko mold IMO. they can stick handle in a phone booth, quick release shots, and just filthy moves. Neither has the toughness of Tkachuk, but that's not their game.
Any of those 4 (with Dahlin) I think is a HR in the draft.
then come a few D.
Quintin Hughes and Adam Boqvist are both solid puck movers, great vision, excellent skating defenseman, but both lack the size I like for D. This is something I personally need to get over I think because the trend in the league is to smaller puck moving D and these two absolutely fit the bill.
If any of you watched the Rangers Habs game last night I think Victor Mete showed how valuable a puck mover can be in today's game. Both Hughes and Boqvist outclass Mete but he competed against them in the World Juniors in January and I see similarities. And Boqvist isn't tiny, he's 5' 11" but Hughes is maybe 5' 9".
However, because I haven't yet gotten past the D size yet, I like Evan Bouchard a little more than them. Bouchard has a cannot shot, and is also a power play QB, just not quite the same from a vision standpoint or passing as Hughes and Boqvist, but I think he'll hold up better in corner battles and provide a better net front presence. Plus Bouchard is a RHD (like Boqvist).
So that's my top 7, if you get in that group and maybe add Oliver Wahlstrom a decent sized USNDT forward who can I think play legit two way C in the NHL you have 8 blue chip prospects.
The top 4 being IMO all better than Hischier/Patrick
and Dahlin being a generational talent, like the equivalent of McDavid on D, so call him Erik Karlsson 2.0.
More than Hughes, I like what I have seen from Dobson and Hayton
I like Dobson too - since I prefer bigger D, I could swap him in for one of the other D and not sacrifice anything.
I haven't seen much of Hayton to have an opinion. I only saw him at the U18 tourney in August and he was good. Just haven't seen enough.
top 3 C of Crosby, Malkin, and Brassard is unfair, combine that with fat boy Kessel and their other pieces like Hagelin, Guentzel, Rust, Hornqvist (when he comes back) they're going to be tough again this spring.
top 3 C of Crosby, Malkin, and Brassard is unfair, combine that with fat boy Kessel and their other pieces like Hagelin, Guentzel, Rust, Hornqvist (when he comes back) they're going to be tough again this spring.
top 3 C of Crosby, Malkin, and Brassard is unfair, combine that with fat boy Kessel and their other pieces like Hagelin, Guentzel, Rust, Hornqvist (when he comes back) they're going to be tough again this spring.
Yeah brassard has another year on his deal and centers return more than wings especially this year. Also keep in mind we don't know what playoff teams Nash has on his NTC limiting his market.
Hopefully we get a one ... but might be two twos.... whoever gets him is going to be very very pleased in may. Guaranteed 10 goal playoff. Rinse. Repeat.
However, the Rangers badly wanted a defensive prospect. The Penguins have wonderful goaltending prospects and a couple of quality forward prospects, namely Daniel Sprong. However, they're relatively thin in terms of top-tier blue line prospects, which made such a trade possibility a poor match.
Yeah brassard has another year on his deal and centers return more than wings especially this year. Also keep in mind we don't know what playoff teams Nash has on his NTC limiting his market.
Hopefully we get a one ... but might be two twos.... whoever gets him is going to be very very pleased in may. Guaranteed 10 goal playoff. Rinse. Repeat.
10 goals? Is that Rick Nash or some other Nash? :-)
but seriously, I'm skeptical of getting a # 1 for Nash. He's one of the all time playoff gaggers, scores at less that half the rate he does in the regular season.
To date, he avgs .414 GPG in the reg season, .195 GPG in the playoffs.
The NHL is giving the NFL a run for its money when it comes to parity. The top 3 teams from last years draft are all in playoff position this season. Declaring next season lost already is just silly. Nothing that happens on these remaining games is an indicator for next season. Its a dead team on the ice just playing out the string
Well you obviously knew the flyers and stars defied odds to get into the top 3. Philly high 80s points last year IIRC. Even Devils were I think 6th and lucked out in the lottery.
It looks like there will be 6 of 16 new teams in the playoffs. 10 teams returning. Tampa one of them and clearly due to injuries last season. Philly made the playoffs two years ago. There is more stability in the playoff field than in football.
Besides the Rangers already sent out a letter that they aren't going to be competitive next year. They talked about trades into the summer. Only way they compete is to go on a massive spending spree this summer - you want that? I don't. Build a core through the draft. Work another year off some of these terrible contracts.
There's no quick fix here. This is not a core group that can win a title. Major rebuild is coming.
Quote:
The NHL is giving the NFL a run for its money when it comes to parity. The top 3 teams from last years draft are all in playoff position this season. Declaring next season lost already is just silly. Nothing that happens on these remaining games is an indicator for next season. Its a dead team on the ice just playing out the string
Well you obviously knew the flyers and stars defied odds to get into the top 3. Philly high 80s points last year IIRC. Even Devils were I think 6th and lucked out in the lottery.
It looks like there will be 6 of 16 new teams in the playoffs. 10 teams returning. Tampa one of them and clearly due to injuries last season. Philly made the playoffs two years ago. There is more stability in the playoff field than in football.
Besides the Rangers already sent out a letter that they aren't going to be competitive next year. They talked about trades into the summer. Only way they compete is to go on a massive spending spree this summer - you want that? I don't. Build a core through the draft. Work another year off some of these terrible contracts.
There's no quick fix here. This is not a core group that can win a title. Major rebuild is coming.
Sure, the lottery was strange last season. But Colorado had one of the worst teams of all time, got a bad break in the lottery, and they're in playoff contention this season.
My only point is we have no idea what's to come next season. And it can turn around quick
Staal and Smith are anchors, potential buyouts teed up with DG's dead money.
Tough call on Hayes. There's a lot of skill there. But the coach has essentially turned him into a defense first checking center with about 60% zone starts and limited power play time. I think his style and general aloof nature at times also makes it look like he's not invested or playing hard but that may not be entirely fair.
I'm still a believer though. He has a lot of 5 v 5 primary points. If Lias can become that strong 3rd line center we're expecting, it could free Hayes up for more offensive responsibility.
Staal and Smith are anchors, potential buyouts teed up with DG's dead money.
I'll be livid if they buyout Smith and Staal. You want to pay 3 guys dead money 3-6 years from now when the team is presumably competing again? Why would you ever buy them out if next year is likely a lost season? Makes zero sense. Frankly I thought girardi last year was dumb too but apparently they thought they compete even after trading Stepan.
Kyle, I think Hayes is a 2C who needs heavy offensive zone starts to flourish.
It's not as easy to retool as you say. Like brett says you need a little luck. It does appear that Boston and Philly have done it with as little pain as possible. Each took 2-3 years. Toronto was able to do it in 3-4.
Trying to compete next year would be short sighted IMO. The team needs a bigger gutt job then a couple of tweaks on the margin. Unless Tavares comes begging to play here (doubtful) I would sit this summers FA period out
Quote:
and they've got to be smart with their RFAs, eg, don't give Hayes $4M per and continue to watch him show up half the time.
Staal and Smith are anchors, potential buyouts teed up with DG's dead money.
I'll be livid if they buyout Smith and Staal. You want to pay 3 guys dead money 3-6 years from now when the team is presumably competing again? Why would you ever buy them out if next year is likely a lost season? Makes zero sense. Frankly I thought girardi last year was dumb too but apparently they thought they compete even after trading Stepan.
MAB, that's the point I was making (poorly), they already bought out DG which didn't make a ton of sense. Gorton hasn't done much to build confidence that he knows what he's doing trying to build a team.
I certainly don't want to buy them out, nor DG, I should've been clear.
@TheDraftAnalyst
Rykov is a very good defenseman who can compliment a kid like Skjei or Shattenkirk. Russian/KHL situation likely reason for getting passed over in 2015 and going late in 2016. Excellent first pass, keeps a tight gap and locks down the low slot. Very smart and NHL ready.
11:16 PM - Feb 22, 2018
Quote:
Steve Kournianos
@TheDraftAnalyst
Rykov is a very good defenseman who can compliment a kid like Skjei or Shattenkirk. Russian/KHL situation likely reason for getting passed over in 2015 and going late in 2016. Excellent first pass, keeps a tight gap and locks down the low slot. Very smart and NHL ready.
11:16 PM - Feb 22, 2018
Like what I'm reading. As long as his people and the front office are telling him what he wants to hear and he knows there's a clear path to a spot here, I'd like to think we'd see the kid.
https://dobberprospects.com/yegor-rykov/
Quote:
Quote:
Steve Kournianos
@TheDraftAnalyst
Rykov is a very good defenseman who can compliment a kid like Skjei or Shattenkirk. Russian/KHL situation likely reason for getting passed over in 2015 and going late in 2016. Excellent first pass, keeps a tight gap and locks down the low slot. Very smart and NHL ready.
11:16 PM - Feb 22, 2018
Like what I'm reading. As long as his people and the front office are telling him what he wants to hear and he knows there's a clear path to a spot here, I'd like to think we'd see the kid.
https://dobberprospects.com/yegor-rykov/
Sorry boys ...
Link - ( New Window )
MAB, that's the point I was making (poorly), they already bought out DG which didn't make a ton of sense. Gorton hasn't done much to build confidence that he knows what he's doing trying to build a team.
I certainly don't want to buy them out, nor DG, I should've been clear.
Ok got you - on same page.
Truth is when your fucking coach is playing the guy on the top pair in the playoff quarterfinals - and a few weeks later you pay the guy to leave (and put him on 5 years of future Caps) ... and the same thing happened with Richards years ago and with MSL in 2015 (he couldn't get a job that summer after playing on PP1 and line 2 thru the playoffs) -- there is a fundamental incompetence within the organization. I think most of that falls on AV but Gorton either doesn't or is impotent to do anything about it.
It's not as easy to retool as you say. Like brett says you need a little luck. It does appear that Boston and Philly have done it with as little pain as possible. Each took 2-3 years. Toronto was able to do it in 3-4.
Trying to compete next year would be short sighted IMO. The team needs a bigger gutt job then a couple of tweaks on the margin. Unless Tavares comes begging to play here (doubtful) I would sit this summers FA period out
Fair point. Boston is definitely the model I think the front office is aiming for. They never fully tore it down and bottomed out, made moves with pending UFAs, kept the right core pieces, brought in a new coach, and hit it big with a late first rounder in Pastarnak while Marchand developed into a star. They even made their fair share of mistakes. Their 3 consecutive first round picks in 2015 haven't yielded a whole lot and Barzal was picked immediately after those 3 by the Islanders.
I think a lot depends on what kind of players Lias and Chytil end up being. We've already had some luck with the latter falling to us in the draft due to his age. The numbers he's putting up in the AHL at 18 put him in good company.
Adding those two to, at minimum, a top 5-7 talent in this seasons draft could expedite this rebuild.
Will have a better idea once we see what Mcdonagh goes for as well.
Maybe three if we do indeed end up with Kovalchuk :)
Assuming they won't be lucky enough to pick #1 and get Dahlin (which of course they won't because they're the Rangers), is there anyone else in the draft with that kind of upside? Obviously no one else with Dahlin's upside, but anyone who has true first line talent?
Their core is much of the same even with the youth infusion.
Bergeron, Marchand, Pastrnak, Chara, Krejci, Rask, Krug, Spooner, Heinen, etc. were all from the prior regime and are most of the reason the team is successful.
I believe the system change helped more than the player additions.
Sure, guys like McAvoy, Carlo, debrusk and others have contributed, but they're IMO not the major reason for the Bruins turnaround.
Assuming they won't be lucky enough to pick #1 and get Dahlin (which of course they won't because they're the Rangers), is there anyone else in the draft with that kind of upside? Obviously no one else with Dahlin's upside, but anyone who has true first line talent?
pj can speak more to this, but I believe he's spoken very highly of Svechnikov, Zadina, and Tkachuk, the presumed 2-4 picks after Dahlin. Zadina in particular is really enticing. 7 goals at the WJC for the Czechs. Currently playing in the QMJHL. Getting into the top 4 of this draft looks to be the primary goal
Link - ( New Window )
Svechnikov and Zadina are insanely skilled, both are in the best case Tarasenko mold IMO. they can stick handle in a phone booth, quick release shots, and just filthy moves. Neither has the toughness of Tkachuk, but that's not their game.
Any of those 4 (with Dahlin) I think is a HR in the draft.
then come a few D.
Quintin Hughes and Adam Boqvist are both solid puck movers, great vision, excellent skating defenseman, but both lack the size I like for D. This is something I personally need to get over I think because the trend in the league is to smaller puck moving D and these two absolutely fit the bill.
If any of you watched the Rangers Habs game last night I think Victor Mete showed how valuable a puck mover can be in today's game. Both Hughes and Boqvist outclass Mete but he competed against them in the World Juniors in January and I see similarities. And Boqvist isn't tiny, he's 5' 11" but Hughes is maybe 5' 9".
However, because I haven't yet gotten past the D size yet, I like Evan Bouchard a little more than them. Bouchard has a cannot shot, and is also a power play QB, just not quite the same from a vision standpoint or passing as Hughes and Boqvist, but I think he'll hold up better in corner battles and provide a better net front presence. Plus Bouchard is a RHD (like Boqvist).
So that's my top 7, if you get in that group and maybe add Oliver Wahlstrom a decent sized USNDT forward who can I think play legit two way C in the NHL you have 8 blue chip prospects.
The top 4 being IMO all better than Hischier/Patrick
and Dahlin being a generational talent, like the equivalent of McDavid on D, so call him Erik Karlsson 2.0.
Yeah, I loved Donato in the Olympics (and WJC a few years ago) and hate that he's a Bruin, but he's had zero impact so far on their revival (so far).
Hockey Night in Canada
Verified account @hockeynight
21s21 seconds ago
Islanders' Josh Bailey agrees to 6-year, $30M contract extension http://bit.ly/2ChlWm3
draft picks? Doesn't seem like much reason to take on that awful contract.
and I don't know if the Coyotes still need salary to reach the floor, I remember they acquired Chris Pronger (LOL) who hasn't played in what seems like a decade to reach the floor.
Svechnikov and Zadina are insanely skilled, both are in the best case Tarasenko mold IMO. they can stick handle in a phone booth, quick release shots, and just filthy moves. Neither has the toughness of Tkachuk, but that's not their game.
Any of those 4 (with Dahlin) I think is a HR in the draft.
then come a few D.
Quintin Hughes and Adam Boqvist are both solid puck movers, great vision, excellent skating defenseman, but both lack the size I like for D. This is something I personally need to get over I think because the trend in the league is to smaller puck moving D and these two absolutely fit the bill.
If any of you watched the Rangers Habs game last night I think Victor Mete showed how valuable a puck mover can be in today's game. Both Hughes and Boqvist outclass Mete but he competed against them in the World Juniors in January and I see similarities. And Boqvist isn't tiny, he's 5' 11" but Hughes is maybe 5' 9".
However, because I haven't yet gotten past the D size yet, I like Evan Bouchard a little more than them. Bouchard has a cannot shot, and is also a power play QB, just not quite the same from a vision standpoint or passing as Hughes and Boqvist, but I think he'll hold up better in corner battles and provide a better net front presence. Plus Bouchard is a RHD (like Boqvist).
So that's my top 7, if you get in that group and maybe add Oliver Wahlstrom a decent sized USNDT forward who can I think play legit two way C in the NHL you have 8 blue chip prospects.
The top 4 being IMO all better than Hischier/Patrick
and Dahlin being a generational talent, like the equivalent of McDavid on D, so call him Erik Karlsson 2.0.
More than Hughes, I like what I have seen from Dobson and Hayton
Quote:
on Brady Tkachuk being my 2nd favorite prospect in this draft, good sized, power forward, sniper shot and grit. More like his father than his brother Matthew who is a good young player in his own right.
Svechnikov and Zadina are insanely skilled, both are in the best case Tarasenko mold IMO. they can stick handle in a phone booth, quick release shots, and just filthy moves. Neither has the toughness of Tkachuk, but that's not their game.
Any of those 4 (with Dahlin) I think is a HR in the draft.
then come a few D.
Quintin Hughes and Adam Boqvist are both solid puck movers, great vision, excellent skating defenseman, but both lack the size I like for D. This is something I personally need to get over I think because the trend in the league is to smaller puck moving D and these two absolutely fit the bill.
If any of you watched the Rangers Habs game last night I think Victor Mete showed how valuable a puck mover can be in today's game. Both Hughes and Boqvist outclass Mete but he competed against them in the World Juniors in January and I see similarities. And Boqvist isn't tiny, he's 5' 11" but Hughes is maybe 5' 9".
However, because I haven't yet gotten past the D size yet, I like Evan Bouchard a little more than them. Bouchard has a cannot shot, and is also a power play QB, just not quite the same from a vision standpoint or passing as Hughes and Boqvist, but I think he'll hold up better in corner battles and provide a better net front presence. Plus Bouchard is a RHD (like Boqvist).
So that's my top 7, if you get in that group and maybe add Oliver Wahlstrom a decent sized USNDT forward who can I think play legit two way C in the NHL you have 8 blue chip prospects.
The top 4 being IMO all better than Hischier/Patrick
and Dahlin being a generational talent, like the equivalent of McDavid on D, so call him Erik Karlsson 2.0.
More than Hughes, I like what I have seen from Dobson and Hayton
I like Dobson too - since I prefer bigger D, I could swap him in for one of the other D and not sacrifice anything.
I haven't seen much of Hayton to have an opinion. I only saw him at the U18 tourney in August and he was good. Just haven't seen enough.
Endless vomiting
I still think McDonagh only goes if someone overpays.
I still think McDonagh only goes if someone overpays.
I think the Rangers made the decision to move on from McDonagh. It seems like he could have gone to EDM a couple years back.
I'd be surprised if he's still a Ranger on Tuesday.
proof that there is no god
If we can't get at least a 1 for Nash, Gorton is a really bad negotiator.
OMG I go away for an hour and this happens...
John Shannon
Verified account @JSportsnet
48s49 seconds ago
Just talked to someone who said of the Brassard deal "The league hasn't weighed in on it yet, this one is a complex one."
Yeah brassard has another year on his deal and centers return more than wings especially this year. Also keep in mind we don't know what playoff teams Nash has on his NTC limiting his market.
Hopefully we get a one ... but might be two twos.... whoever gets him is going to be very very pleased in may. Guaranteed 10 goal playoff. Rinse. Repeat.
So the deal in full ended up being 2018 1st, Gustavsson, and Ian Cole with OTT retaining 18% of the contract.
I would imagine any sort of league hold up would have to do with salary cap ramifications for the Pens. I believe they are right up against it.
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Yeah brassard has another year on his deal and centers return more than wings especially this year. Also keep in mind we don't know what playoff teams Nash has on his NTC limiting his market.
Hopefully we get a one ... but might be two twos.... whoever gets him is going to be very very pleased in may. Guaranteed 10 goal playoff. Rinse. Repeat.
10 goals? Is that Rick Nash or some other Nash? :-)
but seriously, I'm skeptical of getting a # 1 for Nash. He's one of the all time playoff gaggers, scores at less that half the rate he does in the regular season.
To date, he avgs .414 GPG in the reg season, .195 GPG in the playoffs.