I read online LaFreniere can play RW, not sure if that's accurate, but he shoots lefty so maybe? Pjacs, got any insight into that?
In any case, what an awesome problem to have!
He can absolutely play off wing. Forwards flipping R to L or vice versa is commonplace.
I think he can play C too, but hasn't and it's rare for a W to move to C at the NHL level (though it's happened - Claude Giroux for one). I think he'll be a wing, but if they try him at C I wouldn't be shocked even a little. And I think he'll do well if they try it.
When we need a game winning goal (similarly to Kane and Messier in the SC game winners) I'll be ready. I'm looking for clutch plays from big names. Missing since 1997.
TV $$$$$
NHL is scared. Rangers are like the Dallas Cowboys of hockey.
If you are a Rangers fanatic on this board, please don't be a hippocrite and trash the Cowboys.
TV $$$$$
NHL is scared. Rangers are like the Dallas Cowboys of hockey.
If you are a Rangers fanatic on this board, please don't be a hippocrite and trash the Cowboys.
Ya the league really had the Rangers back, especially in their 2012 and 2014 playoff runs. Thank you for interfering in this discussion. We'll take it from here, Dwight.
TV $$$$$
NHL is scared. Rangers are like the Dallas Cowboys of hockey.
If you are a Rangers fanatic on this board, please don't be a hippocrite and trash the Cowboys.
Five years ago and before COVID. It's all different now. It's a business. NBC TV $$ loves this draft. Hope your team ends-up with the same success as Dallas.
is Patrick Kane...he'll be good. My brother in law-Chicago native-is a huge Blackhawks fan & he pushed to name their third son Patrick in honor of Patrick Kane. My sister & him settled on Matthew Patrick, Haha.
TV $$$$$
NHL is scared. Rangers are like the Dallas Cowboys of hockey.
If you are a Rangers fanatic on this board, please don't be a hippocrite and trash the Cowboys.
has very little in common with Kane. Who gave that comp? Maybe the sick wrist shot, but not much else.
Kane is 5' 10" with skates on and 175 pounds and has a speed/sniper game. Jack Hughes could be Kane-like.
Lafreniere is 6' 1", 195 with room to grow and plays a much bigger game, physically, and has a sick shot, but his game is more about pursuing, distributing and keeping pucks. Massier or Gilbert Perreault are far better comps IMO.
TV $$$$$
NHL is scared. Rangers are like the Dallas Cowboys of hockey.
If you are a Rangers fanatic on this board, please don't be a hippocrite and trash the Cowboys.
has very little in common with Kane. Who gave that comp? Maybe the sick wrist shot, but not much else.
Kane is 5' 10" with skates on and 175 pounds and has a speed/sniper game. Jack Hughes could be Kane-like.
Lafreniere is 6' 1", 195 with room to grow and plays a much bigger game, physically, and has a sick shot, but his game is more about pursuing, distributing and keeping pucks. Massier or Gilbert Perreault are far better comps IMO.
My eyes see Messier on the wing for Laf... I linked from some draft scout that I follow that referenced Kane as a comp. The kid just has it, can play the game with a high skill level, and also is willing to be very physical.
Here is Hayes scouting report. I find this so ironic since its'exactly what I hate about Hayes.
Byfield at 17 played a more physical game than Hayes does now.
Hayes:
Quote:
...Talent Analysis
The younger of the two Hayes brothers, Kevin has the potential to develop into a solid two-way forward at the pro level. Like his older brother Jimmy, Kevin has a decent frame at 6'2" but plays more of a finesse style. His offensive awareness and playmaking ability allow him to create chances and open up space for his teammates. His skating could use some improvement if he wants to take his game to another level.....
Byfield:
Quote:
Projection
Byfield is a player who is easy to get excited about. He checks off all the boxes you want in a top NHL prospect. Excellent skater? Check. Elite skill? Check. Great vision? Check. Can score goals? Check. A physically imposing player who competes? Check. A very impressive statistical track record? Check.
You are talking about a 6-foot-4 center who projects to be above, if not well above NHL average in terms of speed, skill and playmaking....
has very little in common with Kane. Who gave that comp? Maybe the sick wrist shot, but not much else.
Kane is 5' 10" with skates on and 175 pounds and has a speed/sniper game. Jack Hughes could be Kane-like.
Lafreniere is 6' 1", 195 with room to grow and plays a much bigger game, physically, and has a sick shot, but his game is more about pursuing, distributing and keeping pucks. Massier or Gilbert Perreault are far better comps IMO.
My eyes see Messier on the wing for Laf... I linked from some draft scout that I follow that referenced Kane as a comp. The kid just has it, can play the game with a high skill level, and also is willing to be very physical.
Here is Hayes scouting report. I find this so ironic since its'exactly what I hate about Hayes.
Byfield at 17 played a more physical game than Hayes does now.
Hayes:
Quote:
...Talent Analysis
The younger of the two Hayes brothers, Kevin has the potential to develop into a solid two-way forward at the pro level. Like his older brother Jimmy, Kevin has a decent frame at 6'2" but plays more of a finesse style. His offensive awareness and playmaking ability allow him to create chances and open up space for his teammates. His skating could use some improvement if he wants to take his game to another level.....
Byfield:
Quote:
Projection
Byfield is a player who is easy to get excited about. He checks off all the boxes you want in a top NHL prospect. Excellent skater? Check. Elite skill? Check. Great vision? Check. Can score goals? Check. A physically imposing player who competes? Check. A very impressive statistical track record? Check.
You are talking about a 6-foot-4 center who projects to be above, if not well above NHL average in terms of speed, skill and playmaking....
Hayes is 6'5" today and skates somewhat lumbering like Byfield... If you have some video that shows elite skating or speed from Byfield, please put it here. Everything I have seen is a slow long strider like Hayes.
Hayes is 6'5" today and skates somewhat lumbering like Byfield... If you have some video that shows elite skating or speed from Byfield, please put it here. Everything I have seen is a slow long strider like Hayes.
I don't think we should take Byfield. I need to watch and research both guys, but I'm on the Laf train right now. I just pointed out that knowing the Rangers, they COULD take Byfield because of their severe need for centers.
Do you have an Athletic subscription? Pronman does an in depth review of Byfield.
In the link are video clips, but I pasted the text from the skating section below.
He's one of the fastest skaters in this draft.
Quote:
...Skating
Skating Grade: 55; For 6-foot-4: 60
The foundation of Byfield’s game is his skating ability. For a 6-foot-4, 215 pound player, he’s a great skater and above-average overall. Some scouts often differentiate between a prospect being good or poor skater for their size – some hate that type of distinction, I see it as more logical and have chosen to go with that path.
Byfield has legit NHL quickness. You can see in the following clip that he’s able to beat several in a footrace cleanly and create a clear chance at the net using his speed.
When a man that big and powerful can skate with that kind of burst, it makes him very difficult to stop off the rush. When he got going through the neutral zone at the OHL level, it was almost a guaranteed zone entry with control.
His edges are very good, too.
This rush doesn’t end up with a chance on net, but I want to illustrate how he’s able to spin while in stride, that’s something I saw often throughout the season.
I don’t want to spend too much time going through his skating, as it will become obvious as we go through the rest of his skill set that it’s a clear strength of his game....
Lafreniere is a stud that's easy to take and I'll love the pick, but Byfield has a chance to play more games before the pick and playing a year older at the age Lafreniere was in the draft year being a massive center has the chance to close the gap.
Lafreniere is a stud that's easy to take and I'll love the pick, but Byfield has a chance to play more games before the pick and playing a year older at the age Lafreniere was in the draft year being a massive center has the chance to close the gap.
I'm just glad the other will be out west.
Is that confirmed? I thought the OHL season doesn't begin until December. NHL Draft is scheduled for October.
Lafreniere is a stud that's easy to take and I'll love the pick, but Byfield has a chance to play more games before the pick and playing a year older at the age Lafreniere was in the draft year being a massive center has the chance to close the gap.
I'm just glad the other will be out west.
Is that confirmed? I thought the OHL season doesn't begin until December. NHL Draft is scheduled for October.
Nope. Definitely not confirming it. If they don't start before the draft then it's easy and you take Lafreniere.
I think the biggest different between the two isn't 'talent'...
it's intangibles. When you look at non stop motor, turning the puck over, winning battles, hockey IQ and overall impact on the game you see a rare player with a better resume over multiple seasons including both a higher floor and ceiling than Byfield. I don't think it's that close TBH. I agree the year in age matters but it doesn't close the gap between them as prospects imo.
As far as comps that's a slippery slope but I would say he's close to McDavid in overall grade. Closer than many think. I'd say not even a notch below, maybe half a notch. I'd also add I'm not sure he can't play center. He has elite vision and hands both as a passer and sniper. He's a very creative playmaker and unselfish with the puck. It's something to keep in mind.
I wonder if this makes it easier to walk away from Fast
He is closer to McDavid than people think. Prospects are never sure things and Lafreniere as a prospect may be viewed with a high floor by most but that high floor is significantly below where McDavid was. As a prospect. Of course it’s possible he winds up a similar player (Kucherov was a 2nd round pick. Panarin wasn’t even drafted so it’s not an exact science) but you won’t find many to share that opinion. But you are obviously entitled to feel that way.
Still on cloud nine. We get to watch Lafreniere and Kakko possibly play on Broadway for the next decade or two. This is how successful rebuilds start in hockey: see the Penguins and Blackhawks for recent examples (just don't look at the Oilers).
Lafreniere is the clear pick. He's the best prospect since McDavid (though not on his level, given that McDavid was coming in as one of the best skaters anyone had ever seen.)
It is possible that Byfield grows into the better pro, but that is always going to be the case when drafting teenagers.
The question now becomes roster construction. We are loaded on the wings. Does someone make the move to pivot, or do we deal? Probably the latter. Guys who come with big cap hits like Eichel should be crossed off our list. We also shouldn't even consider going long term with TDA or Strome. We need an affordable center or two that can win faceoffs and chase pucks. Preserve our precious cap space for keeping our core together long term.
The question now becomes roster construction. We are loaded on the wings. Does someone make the move to pivot, or do we deal? Probably the latter. Guys who come with big cap hits like Eichel should be crossed off our list. We also shouldn't even consider going long term with TDA or Strome. We need an affordable center or two that can win faceoffs and chase pucks. Preserve our precious cap space for keeping our core together long term.
Agree these issues are front and center, even before winning the right to select LafreNYRere.
Gorton last night acknowledged that the loss to Canes was significant in how he and JD view roster shortcomings, that there are holes that need to be addressed. We probably have a consensus here, more or less, of the need for legit Cs and wings that are better two ways. On d, I guess I think more highly of Lindgren than most since hardly anyone (afaik) mentions him as part of an up and coming core. Stahl, Smith, McKegg, Howden can't be gone soon enough. Td'A--I guess he was exposed vs Canes--trade chip, maybe?
As hot as the team was just before the pause, the mojo paused just as abruptly. But Gorton, based on what he is saying, is not using this as an excuse for the fail vs Canes. I had Isiahs power/connectivity loss for four days and missed everything from Tues PM on.
Kakko made it a tougher decision on the Devils with his late performance on the ice. When they are this young you must evaluate until the end. But the Rangers are in a no lose position.
Carolina's pick hasnt been determined yet. Depends how far they get in the SC playoffs and what other teams lose in the first (and beyond) rounds. Hope they lose to Boston and some of the top seeds lose this round.... we could move into the teens if that happens.
Quote:
makes his comp Patrick Kane... I say Messier, but will take Kame. Lafrenière - ( New Window )
Central Scouting compared Laf to Huberdeau and Byfield to Malkin
I can see the comp to Huberdeau, who is a great young player. Byfield is a project and not in the conversation for first overall IMHO.
Oh that makes sense.
In any case, what an awesome problem to have!
He can absolutely play off wing. Forwards flipping R to L or vice versa is commonplace.
I think he can play C too, but hasn't and it's rare for a W to move to C at the NHL level (though it's happened - Claude Giroux for one). I think he'll be a wing, but if they try him at C I wouldn't be shocked even a little. And I think he'll do well if they try it.
When we need a game winning goal (similarly to Kane and Messier in the SC game winners) I'll be ready. I'm looking for clutch plays from big names. Missing since 1997.
And if you watched the 2018 WJC (his first one) Lafreniere as a 17 year old was invisible.
Like Byfield last year.
It was his 2nd WJC that Lafreniere dominated.
Some say they expected maybe a similar breakout from Byfield this year.
if that happens in his 18 year old season Byfield has Eric Lindros/Anze Kopitar potential. Big body, legit C, silky mitts.
Today though without projection Lafreniere's trajectory is far more predictable and less projection.
If Ottawa can somehow get Byfield and Stutzle they are going to be a fun team to watch.
NHL is scared. Rangers are like the Dallas Cowboys of hockey.
If you are a Rangers fanatic on this board, please don't be a hippocrite and trash the Cowboys.
NHL is scared. Rangers are like the Dallas Cowboys of hockey.
If you are a Rangers fanatic on this board, please don't be a hippocrite and trash the Cowboys.
Ya the league really had the Rangers back, especially in their 2012 and 2014 playoff runs. Thank you for interfering in this discussion. We'll take it from here, Dwight.
NHL is scared. Rangers are like the Dallas Cowboys of hockey.
If you are a Rangers fanatic on this board, please don't be a hippocrite and trash the Cowboys.
These two prospects are not in the same conversation for 1st overall - Lafreniere way top of the class and everyone else following.
NHL is scared. Rangers are like the Dallas Cowboys of hockey.
If you are a Rangers fanatic on this board, please don't be a hippocrite and trash the Cowboys.
hippocrite. Right up there with pre-madonna.
What an asinine post on many levels.
Kane is 5' 10" with skates on and 175 pounds and has a speed/sniper game. Jack Hughes could be Kane-like.
Lafreniere is 6' 1", 195 with room to grow and plays a much bigger game, physically, and has a sick shot, but his game is more about pursuing, distributing and keeping pucks. Massier or Gilbert Perreault are far better comps IMO.
NHL is scared. Rangers are like the Dallas Cowboys of hockey.
If you are a Rangers fanatic on this board, please don't be a hippocrite and trash the Cowboys.
hippocrite. Right up there with pre-madonna.
What an asinine post on many levels.
Damn you! You gave him the easy ones. - ( New Window )
"The hand of God"
Kane is 5' 10" with skates on and 175 pounds and has a speed/sniper game. Jack Hughes could be Kane-like.
Lafreniere is 6' 1", 195 with room to grow and plays a much bigger game, physically, and has a sick shot, but his game is more about pursuing, distributing and keeping pucks. Massier or Gilbert Perreault are far better comps IMO.
My eyes see Messier on the wing for Laf... I linked from some draft scout that I follow that referenced Kane as a comp. The kid just has it, can play the game with a high skill level, and also is willing to be very physical.
I love the kid as a prospect.
Here is Hayes scouting report. I find this so ironic since its'exactly what I hate about Hayes.
Byfield at 17 played a more physical game than Hayes does now.
Hayes:
The younger of the two Hayes brothers, Kevin has the potential to develop into a solid two-way forward at the pro level. Like his older brother Jimmy, Kevin has a decent frame at 6'2" but plays more of a finesse style. His offensive awareness and playmaking ability allow him to create chances and open up space for his teammates. His skating could use some improvement if he wants to take his game to another level.....
Byfield:
Byfield is a player who is easy to get excited about. He checks off all the boxes you want in a top NHL prospect. Excellent skater? Check. Elite skill? Check. Great vision? Check. Can score goals? Check. A physically imposing player who competes? Check. A very impressive statistical track record? Check.
You are talking about a 6-foot-4 center who projects to be above, if not well above NHL average in terms of speed, skill and playmaking....
Quote:
has very little in common with Kane. Who gave that comp? Maybe the sick wrist shot, but not much else.
Kane is 5' 10" with skates on and 175 pounds and has a speed/sniper game. Jack Hughes could be Kane-like.
Lafreniere is 6' 1", 195 with room to grow and plays a much bigger game, physically, and has a sick shot, but his game is more about pursuing, distributing and keeping pucks. Massier or Gilbert Perreault are far better comps IMO.
My eyes see Messier on the wing for Laf... I linked from some draft scout that I follow that referenced Kane as a comp. The kid just has it, can play the game with a high skill level, and also is willing to be very physical.
I love the kid as a prospect.
he's definitely someone to get excited about IMO.
Here is Hayes scouting report. I find this so ironic since its'exactly what I hate about Hayes.
Byfield at 17 played a more physical game than Hayes does now.
Hayes:
Quote:
...Talent Analysis
The younger of the two Hayes brothers, Kevin has the potential to develop into a solid two-way forward at the pro level. Like his older brother Jimmy, Kevin has a decent frame at 6'2" but plays more of a finesse style. His offensive awareness and playmaking ability allow him to create chances and open up space for his teammates. His skating could use some improvement if he wants to take his game to another level.....
Byfield:
Quote:
Projection
Byfield is a player who is easy to get excited about. He checks off all the boxes you want in a top NHL prospect. Excellent skater? Check. Elite skill? Check. Great vision? Check. Can score goals? Check. A physically imposing player who competes? Check. A very impressive statistical track record? Check.
You are talking about a 6-foot-4 center who projects to be above, if not well above NHL average in terms of speed, skill and playmaking....
Hayes is 6'5" today and skates somewhat lumbering like Byfield... If you have some video that shows elite skating or speed from Byfield, please put it here. Everything I have seen is a slow long strider like Hayes.
Oh that makes sense.
I don't think we should take Byfield. I need to watch and research both guys, but I'm on the Laf train right now. I just pointed out that knowing the Rangers, they COULD take Byfield because of their severe need for centers.
Do you have an Athletic subscription? Pronman does an in depth review of Byfield.
In the link are video clips, but I pasted the text from the skating section below.
He's one of the fastest skaters in this draft.
Skating Grade: 55; For 6-foot-4: 60
The foundation of Byfield’s game is his skating ability. For a 6-foot-4, 215 pound player, he’s a great skater and above-average overall. Some scouts often differentiate between a prospect being good or poor skater for their size – some hate that type of distinction, I see it as more logical and have chosen to go with that path.
Byfield has legit NHL quickness. You can see in the following clip that he’s able to beat several in a footrace cleanly and create a clear chance at the net using his speed.
When a man that big and powerful can skate with that kind of burst, it makes him very difficult to stop off the rush. When he got going through the neutral zone at the OHL level, it was almost a guaranteed zone entry with control.
His edges are very good, too.
This rush doesn’t end up with a chance on net, but I want to illustrate how he’s able to spin while in stride, that’s something I saw often throughout the season.
I don’t want to spend too much time going through his skating, as it will become obvious as we go through the rest of his skill set that it’s a clear strength of his game....
link - ( New Window )
I agree he's not in Lafreniere's class, but he's not in Hayes' class either. as a prospect.
I'm just glad the other will be out west.
The intangibles for Alexis Lafreniere are off the charts. This kid is as talented as he is competitive and tough.
I'm just glad the other will be out west.
Is that confirmed? I thought the OHL season doesn't begin until December. NHL Draft is scheduled for October.
The intangibles for Alexis Lafreniere are off the charts. This kid is as talented as he is competitive and tough.
We're not in disagreement with that. Byfield has a chance to make it a tougher decision is all I'm saying.
Quote:
Lafreniere is a stud that's easy to take and I'll love the pick, but Byfield has a chance to play more games before the pick and playing a year older at the age Lafreniere was in the draft year being a massive center has the chance to close the gap.
I'm just glad the other will be out west.
Is that confirmed? I thought the OHL season doesn't begin until December. NHL Draft is scheduled for October.
Nope. Definitely not confirming it. If they don't start before the draft then it's easy and you take Lafreniere.
As far as comps that's a slippery slope but I would say he's close to McDavid in overall grade. Closer than many think. I'd say not even a notch below, maybe half a notch. I'd also add I'm not sure he can't play center. He has elite vision and hands both as a passer and sniper. He's a very creative playmaker and unselfish with the puck. It's something to keep in mind.
I actually forgot that the lottery was tonight and only just now found out about it.
I would like to point out that I called this. You're all welcome.
Lafreniere is the clear pick. He's the best prospect since McDavid (though not on his level, given that McDavid was coming in as one of the best skaters anyone had ever seen.)
It is possible that Byfield grows into the better pro, but that is always going to be the case when drafting teenagers.
The question now becomes roster construction. We are loaded on the wings. Does someone make the move to pivot, or do we deal? Probably the latter. Guys who come with big cap hits like Eichel should be crossed off our list. We also shouldn't even consider going long term with TDA or Strome. We need an affordable center or two that can win faceoffs and chase pucks. Preserve our precious cap space for keeping our core together long term.
Between arcarsenal popping back in and the #1 pick, 2020 is finishing strong.
Quote:
So... that really happened?
Between arcarsenal popping back in and the #1 pick, 2020 is finishing strong.
I call it net even
Gorton last night acknowledged that the loss to Canes was significant in how he and JD view roster shortcomings, that there are holes that need to be addressed. We probably have a consensus here, more or less, of the need for legit Cs and wings that are better two ways. On d, I guess I think more highly of Lindgren than most since hardly anyone (afaik) mentions him as part of an up and coming core. Stahl, Smith, McKegg, Howden can't be gone soon enough. Td'A--I guess he was exposed vs Canes--trade chip, maybe?
As hot as the team was just before the pause, the mojo paused just as abruptly. But Gorton, based on what he is saying, is not using this as an excuse for the fail vs Canes. I had Isiahs power/connectivity loss for four days and missed everything from Tues PM on.
Sure he is.
15 all star games, 2nd most NHL games played, 9th most goals, 3rd most assists, 3rd most points in NHL history.
Sure he is.
Oh yeah and the 6 Cups too.
Sure he is.
Carolina's pick hasnt been determined yet. Depends how far they get in the SC playoffs and what other teams lose in the first (and beyond) rounds. Hope they lose to Boston and some of the top seeds lose this round.... we could move into the teens if that happens.