kehatch Posted July 12, 2014 Report Share Posted July 12, 2014 I have put the following together. It is also linked in my signature. I am looking for input on the prospect report as well as the NHL player used to compare play styles. Appreciated! Monahan: (Plays like: Ryan O’Reilly, Type: Top six 2-way centre) Monahan is a mature prospect whose greatest asset may be his elite level intelligence. He lacks elite offensive skills but has good playmaking ability and is an opportunistic scorer. He should be able to produce as a top 6 forward. He has high end defensive skills that need to mature at the NHL level. He does not initiate contact or play a physical game, but he has a large frame and doesn’t shy away from contact. Monahan had a mixed NHL debut starting with a strong offensive start (benefited by a high shooting percentage) that tapered off as the season progressed. He finished his season with decent offensive numbers but needs to improve his overall game at the NHL level. Bennett: (Plays like: Doug Gilmour, Type: Top line offensive forward) Bennett is sure to be a career fan favorite due to his firecracker style of play and his never quit attitude. He has an elite but straight forward offensive skill set complimented by good speed and great hockey sense. Possesses an average frame but plays a physical high energy game. May project as a winger instead of a forward, though the Flames are hoping he sticks at centre. Gaudreau: (Plays like: Patrick Kane, Type: Small top line offensive winger) He is the Flames most dynamic prospects with elite skill and offensive ability. In fact, he is one of the most dynamic prospects in hockey. He owns high end agility. Has a very small frame but is able to slip contact most of the time. Gaudreau looked a little out of place but still managed to score a goal in his single game NHL debut. He is likely AHL bound next season, but if he continues to perform he may make the Flames out of camp. Baertschi: (Plays like: Jiri Hudler, Type: Top 6 offensive winger) After a stellar 5 game NHL call up a couple of seasons ago Baertschi was the Flames can’t miss prospect. Since then he has struggled to find consistency in the NHL or in the AHL. He is an average sized skill winger with a high level of creativity and good 2-way ability. Baertschi has high end hockey sense and projects as a playmaking winger in the NHL. He has good skating, elite offensive skills, and he has an underrated two-way game. Although his attitude has been in question that past two seasons He is previously notable for his love of the game and his overall work ethic. Baertschi is not a physical player and his creative game can suffer from a lack of confidence. Poirier: (Plays like: Chris Kreiderl, Type: Top 6 offensive winger) Explosive is the most common description applied to Poirier. Despite an awkward skating style Poirier has high end acceleration and top end speed. He is also able to make plays at top speeds, has a strong shot, and has generally good offensive skills. Despite his left handed shot Poirier plays at right wing making him one of the Flames few prospects at that position. He has the frame and ability to play a physical game and does occasionally. His play could benefit from a more consistent physical game. Poirier has success when he drives the net. He needs to work on his defensive game, though he isn’t a liability defensively. Poirier had a very strong pro debut playing a few games in the AHL to end his season. Klimchuk: (Plays like: Ryan Callaghan, Type: Two way winger) Klimchuk was caught in the shadows of Poirier and Monahan last season but he stands a good chance of stepping out of the shadows this season. He is a speedy winger with strong defensive play and some offensive potential. He lacks ideal NHL size but he doesn’t shy away from contact. He maintains a strong work ethic. He projects as a defensive energy forward with some offensive upside. Granlund: (Plays like: Jussi Jokinen, Type: Top 6 playmaking forward) Granlund is a smallish forward that has a lot of skill but lacks a physical game. Like many prospects he is still working on rounding out his two-way game. He could also benefit from improved skating. There were questions whether Granlund’s game would translate to North America, but he proved any doubters wrong last season. Granlund had a very successful season making his North American debut and putting up close to a point per game in the AHL. He also played well in 7 games in the NHL. He may the most NHL ready of the Flames AHL players last season and we may see him make the NHL full time this season, though it may be as a winger instead of a centre. Reinhart: (Plays like: Brandon Sutter, Type: Defensive forward) Reinhart has a strong work ethic, a high end defensive game, and possesses loads of hockey sense. Initial projections were that Reinhart had limited offensive potential at the NHL level. However, he led the AHL Heat in scoring in his second season. He still projects as a third line forward but he may shatter that if he can continue to improve offensively. Reinhart moved from centre to wing last season. Given the centre depth of the Flames his best chance of making the team will be on the wing. Gilles: (Plays like: Ben Bishop, Type: Goalie) Gilles is a big athletic butterfly goalie. He maintains good position, has good athletic ability, and he is aggressive in his crease. Gilles had a phenomenal freshman season earning and keeping the starting position while putting up very good numbers on a marginal team. Gilles started the following season with elite numbers but he struggled mid-season (including at the World Junior Championship), probably in part due to injury. He rounded back into form to end the season. He will return to Providence next season for at least one more year before going pro. Ortio (Plays like: Mikka Kiprusoff, Type: Goalie) Ortio plays a very similar game to previous Flames superstar Kipper. Like Kipper, he is a smaller goalie with high end athletic ability. Ortio struggled in his first North American debut in 2010. He returned to Finland for a couple of seasons to round out his game. Last season was his first full season in North America and it was a good one where he put up very respectable numbers in the AHL. He is slotted in as the Flames AHL starter for next season and should have the opportunity to move to the NHL in 2015/16. Ferland: (Plays like: Milan Lucic, Type: Power forward) Every team is looking for their Lucic. The Flames may have theirs in Ferland. Ferland is big and strong and plays a power forward game. He has high intelligence and is a natural but straight forward goal scorer. Ferland struggled to begin the season but once he transitioned to the pro game he was one of the best offensive players on the Heat. Unfortunately injury kept him out of the last half of the season. Wotherspoon: (Plays like: Chris Butler, Type: Depth d-man) Comparing Wotherspoon to Butler isn’t intended to be a slight. Like Butler, Wotherspoon is an intelligent hockey player with good mobility that plays a simple and straight forward game. Wotherspoon isn’t a physical player but he has good size. He has some offensive ability, but his value to the team is his overall game. He had a strong season with the Heat and looked like he belonged during his brief NHL debut. Jankowski: (Plays like: Joe Nieuwendyk Type: Top six centre) He has a large frame, good hockey sense, is a good puck handler with great passing skills. Jankowski has good two-way ability and plays with a strong work ethic. Jankowski was drafted out of high school as one of the youngest players in his draft class and he is still growing into his body. As such he is still a project and it is unknown if he will reach his potential. If he does he will be a high end NHL player as he has all of the skills needed to be an impact player. Jankowski saw improvement in his second college season but he still hasn’t shown his offensive potential. Next season will be a huge one for Jankowski to prove his doubters wrong. Knight: (Plays like: Steve Ott, Type: Agitating defensive forward) Knight plays a high energy physical game and is skilled at getting the other teams players off of their games. The Flames haven’t had an effective agitator in a long time. Knight is also good defensively and has some offensive upside. Kulak: (Plays like: Sami Salo, Type: Two way mobile defender) Kulak possesses a good mix of defensive skill, offensive acumen, mobility, and a good slap shot. He isn’t exceptional in any one area but plays an all-around good and smart game. He has a decent sized frame but lacks a physical game. He made his AHL debut at the end of last season and looked like he belonged. He will likely spend next season in the AHL. Arnold: (Plays like: Dominic Moore, Type: Defensive energy forward) Any competent forward on a line with Gaudreau can expect to increase their offensive output. It remains to be seen of Arnold can translate his offensive numbers from the last two seasons in the NCAA to the pro game. Even if he doesn’t Arnold has great work ethic and leadership and plays a smart high energy defensive game. Arnold isn’t tall but he is heavy and very strong allowing him to play a physical game. At the very least he should make it as a bottom 6 shut down forward, and if he can find offense in pro he could be a very good NHL player. Agostino: (Plays like: Scottie Upshall, Type: Defensive energy forward) Like Arnold, Agostino plays a high energy gritty game and he has the smarts to be effective in a defensive game. Agostino isn’t a large player but he still plays a gritty game, though his offense may limit him to a bottom 6 role in the NHL. He debuted last season and looked okay in a short stint. He will likely play next season in the AHL. Smith: (Plays like: Ryan Clowe, Type: Physical power forward) The “Big Rig” is a huge physical player who can deliver big hits, drop the gloves, and play a power game. He was considered by many the toughest player in the OHL. He was passed over in the NHL draft a season ago and he started slow the following season. However, when given the opportunity he started to put up the offensive numbers. He finished the season strong and that carried over into the playoffs. If Smith can maintain his offense he will be a scary player in the NHL. Culkin: (Plays like: Roman Josi, Type: Mobile d-man) He has been described by some as Kulak without the slap shot. That may be a fair comparison as he and Kulak are very similar players. Culkin is a mobile 2-way d-man with a strong work ethic and good hockey smarts. He isn’t particularly physical but he has decent size and a strong overall game. Wolf: (Plays like: Zack Kassian Type: Physical depth forward) I don’t know much about about Wolf accept that he is big, he is tough, and he is mean. A video was circulating around with Wolf single handedly taking on two of the opposing teams forwards. At the same time. One of them twice. It remains to be seen if his hockey skill translates to the NHL level. He is apparently a fan favorite in Germany. I his game does translate he is the kind of player you want on your team. Sieloff: (Plays like: Brooks Orpik Type: Physical shut down defender) Sieloff comes with a lot of flags. His offense in junior is non-existent, usually a sign of a lack of acumen necessary to play in the NHL. He plays a kamikaze game and lacks the size to hold up to that style of play and injuries have already been an issue. He also had his first pro season derailed by a staph infection. Despite all of that it is really hard not to like this guy. He plays the game with tremendous energy which includes a punishing physical game. He is also very smart and plays a competent game in his own zone. Hickey: (Plays like: Duncan Keith Type: Physical shut down defender) His greatest asset is his smooth skating. Hickey also possesses good defensive acumen and has the potential and skills to be a strong offensive d-man as well. He is currently undersized, but he has a good frame and should top out as a decent size defender. MacDonald: (Plays like: Steve Mason Type: Goalie) All young goalies are difficult to forecast. MacDonald is harder as he had poor statistical results with two poor teams in the QMJHL but played very in the World Juniors. MacDonald is a big goalie with good speed and athleticism. He is also catches with his right hand, unique for the Flames system. Ollas-Mattsson: (Plays like: Nicklas Grossmann Type: Big shutdown D) Ollas-Mattsson spent most of his time in Sweden in juniors but he did get a chance to play against men for a few games. He has the size to match most men. He is big and he plays an effective shut down game. Like most big guys he needs to work on his skating. His potential in the offensive end is limited. Kanzig: (Plays like: Hal Gill Type: Big shutdown D) Fans like to compare Kanzig to Chara. Similar background, similar size, similar spot in the draft, etc. Unfortunately though Kanzig lacks the offensive potential and the big slap shot to reach Chara’s level. Like Sieloff Kanzig’s lack of offense in junior is a big flag on his ability to transition to an NHL game. That said, he is a monster of a man, plays a punishing game, is strong in his own zone, and he has decent speed and acceleration for a big guy. If he does translate his game he could be a scary stay at home defender. Other Prospects: Roy Cundari Rafikov Van Brabant Jooris Hanowski Carroll Gilmour DeBlouw Harrison Ramage Elson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flamespatriot Posted July 12, 2014 Report Share Posted July 12, 2014 I think that you are incorrect about Johnny hockey. He does not have average foot speed. He's one of his attributes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kehatch Posted July 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2014 I think that you are incorrect about Johnny hockey. He does not have average foot speed. He's one of his attributes. Gaudreau hasn't had quick straight line speed in my viewings of him. Most of the scouting reports don't say that about him either. Where have you seen differently? He does have great agility though which makes him fast in a crowd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyDeeds Posted July 13, 2014 Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 Gaudreau hasn't had quick straight line speed in my viewings of him. Most of the scouting reports don't say that about him either. Where have you seen differently? He does have great agility though which makes him fast in a crowd. Just took a quick look and found one in like 30 seconds..... HF: Talent Analysis Gaudreau has really quick hands, shifty moves; explosive speed and this really small centerman could stickhandle in a phone booth. He has the determination and big time skill to prove the doubters wrong about his size, similar to Martin St. Louis. The teenager can make bigger players miss their checks while sliding off them with his elite edge control and quick skating. The small player will need to add muscle mass and weight to be able to play at the more physical NHL Level but he has time to mature. Gaudreau has scored goals at every level of hockey as he's a pure scorer which is an asset that can't be taught. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kehatch Posted July 13, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 Just took a quick look and found one in like 30 seconds..... HF: Talent Analysis Gaudreau has really quick hands, shifty moves; explosive speed and this really small centerman could stickhandle in a phone booth. He has the determination and big time skill to prove the doubters wrong about his size, similar to Martin St. Louis. The teenager can make bigger players miss their checks while sliding off them with his elite edge control and quick skating. The small player will need to add muscle mass and weight to be able to play at the more physical NHL Level but he has time to mature. Gaudreau has scored goals at every level of hockey as he's a pure scorer which is an asset that can't be taught. The part where they call him a really small centerman causes me to disregard it ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyDeeds Posted July 13, 2014 Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 The part where they call him a really small centerman causes me to disregard it ... I think the point in the above was not that they called him a centerman but that he could stick-handle in a phonebooth... So I took another 15 seconds and found this over at THN: Note the "Skates Very well." Maybe you would like to dismiss their opinion too because they have him listed at 150 lbs & 5' 9". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kehatch Posted July 13, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 In my opinion he gives the perception of speed at times. He can make plays at full speed, he has elite level agility, he has a high IQ and knows where to go, and he hustles. Plus there is the perception that small equals fast. But he doesn't have great straight line speed IMO. He isn't slow. But he isn't a player like Byron that is just going to blow by everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyDeeds Posted July 13, 2014 Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 In my opinion he gives the perception of speed at times. He can make plays at full speed, he has elite level agility, he has a high IQ and knows where to go, and he hustles. Plus there is the perception that small equals fast. But he doesn't have great straight line speed IMO. He isn't slow. But he isn't a player like Byron that is just going to blow by everyone. Well if you don't want input that counters your personal opinions, why ask for it in the title? or Put out your "Prospect Report" as a blog. Two people have already commented your "perception" is likely wrong. I added a couple of reviews on the guy that states different than "Your Perception" but I didn't have to search hard to find them, they stood out with a quick search. There are more than just those two that disagree with you. College Hockey Inc describes his speed as: "but it can be seen in his explosive first step or his strength on the puck. - See more at: http://collegehockeyinc.com/articles/developing-story-johnny-gaudreau#sthash.46V1w0T0.dpuf and: "strength and conditioning coach Russell DeRosa has given Gaudreau that added strength, without robbing him of his trademark quickness and skill. - See more at: http://collegehockeyinc.com/articles/developing-story-johnny-gaudreau#sthash.46V1w0T0.dpuf You don't get people calling your speed "trademark" unless it is much better than average... Matchsticks and Gasoline: Strengths Johnny Gaudreau possesses tremendous skating and puck handling abilities that help his teammates find him on the ice to set up a quick goal in many situations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kehatch Posted July 13, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 I do want opinions. I fully expect to make changes based on input of the crowd hive. But that doesn't mean there won't be discussion. "Your perception is likely wrong" and "I found this in 15 seconds (aka did you even look)" comments aren't really looking for discussion. There are lots of sites that talk about Gaudreau's quickness. There are also a number that talk about a lack of the small players trade mark speed and flag that as a possible concern. Hockey Prospectus is one of the top of my head. There are others. He is agile, he is quick, but he isn't like Byron who can leg you out to the puck. Doesn't make him slow or bad. Just one comment in a three page review of 30+ prospects. That all said, feedback from the development camp was that he was one of the faster players. I take that with a grain of salt since it is July and there are limited numbers of players in the ice. But I will be watching main camp closely to see how his speed compares to players like Brodie, Byron, and Glencross. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LCP_STEVIEG Posted July 13, 2014 Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 If there's a characteristic that trumps speed, it's skill. And JH has elite level skill. His foot speed is the last thing I would worry about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix66 Posted July 13, 2014 Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 If there's a characteristic that trumps speed, it's skill. And JH has elite level skill. His foot speed is the last thing I would worry about. 2 names come to mind that prove this point...Rico Fata,and to a lesser degree Paul Ranheim. Speed got them drafted, but didn't have the skill to get to the next level Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travel_dude Posted July 13, 2014 Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 Gaudreau hasn't had quick straight line speed in my viewings of him. Most of the scouting reports don't say that about him either. Where have you seen differently? He does have great agility though which makes him fast in a crowd.In one of the updates from the development camp: MOUNTAIN CLIMBER MADNESS The prospects hit the ice for less than an hour on Tuesday but they ended their practice with mountain climbers; the drill has players skate to each line and then back to the end of the rink, hitting each every line on the ice. In Group A, Bill Arnold, Ryan Culkin, Morgan Klimchuk, and Bryce Van Brabant were impressive during their heats. Johnny Gaudreau and Hunter Smith were standouts in Group B. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carty Posted July 13, 2014 Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 In one of the updates from the development camp: MOUNTAIN CLIMBER MADNESS The prospects hit the ice for less than an hour on Tuesday but they ended their practice with mountain climbers; the drill has players skate to each line and then back to the end of the rink, hitting each every line on the ice. In Group A, Bill Arnold, Ryan Culkin, Morgan Klimchuk, and Bryce Van Brabant were impressive during their heats. Johnny Gaudreau and Hunter Smith were standouts in Group B. Hartley has been somewhat notorious for his fondness of mountain climbers for years... For those that have not had the pleasure (misfortune?) of actually doing them on the ice, it's a tough drill... Thanks for letting us know who excelled at this... There were a few surprises I would not have guessed included in your list... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Khrox Posted July 13, 2014 Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 Of the 6 players mentioned as impressive during the Mountain Climbers, anyone else notice that 3 of them were College guys. Gaudreau, Arnold and Van Brabant. Gaudreau doesn't surprise me, Arnold I could understand (3 years of playing with Gaudreau,he had to get faster to keep up with him). The one that really surprised me of the college guys was Van Brabant, didn't see him as a guy who would stand out compared to a few others. Guess all that time in the NCAA has definitely helped get them a bit more developed speed wise. Hunter Smith also surprises me, big guy with some speed is definitely someting we could use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robrob1974 Posted July 14, 2014 Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 Of the 6 players mentioned as impressive during the Mountain Climbers, anyone else notice that 3 of them were College guys. Gaudreau, Arnold and Van Brabant. Gaudreau doesn't surprise me, Arnold I could understand (3 years of playing with Gaudreau,he had to get faster to keep up with him). The one that really surprised me of the college guys was Van Brabant, didn't see him as a guy who would stand out compared to a few others. Guess all that time in the NCAA has definitely helped get them a bit more developed speed wise. Hunter Smith also surprises me, big guy with some speed is definitely someting we could use. Mountain Climbers can also talk to the cardio of each player. It could also mean they're in better shape. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DL44 Posted July 14, 2014 Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 I've think Poirier is better described as a Chris Krieder rather a Kessel. No? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travel_dude Posted July 14, 2014 Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 You might want to add Wolf to your list; he is a prospect despite being older. Unknown what his ceiling is, as he has played zero NA games to date. Maybe a Chris Neil or Steve Ott type player; some offense, but mostly a thorn in the side that will fight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redfire11 Posted July 14, 2014 Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 You might want to add Wolf to your list; he is a prospect despite being older. Unknown what his ceiling is, as he has played zero NA games to date. Maybe a Chris Neil or Steve Ott type player; some offense, but mostly a thorn in the side that will fight. Agreed I really liked what I saw of Wolf at the dev. camp. What I saw in him was he worked really hard then went quickly to the bench. There was no coasting in his game he just went flat out and then got off the ice. He fit in with the Hartley mentality of last season. I would like to see him on our 3rd line. David Wolf- ( I think plays like a Owen Nolan) In your face punishing player that you hate, (unless he is on your team). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carty Posted July 14, 2014 Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 MOUNTAIN CLIMBER MADNESS The prospects hit the ice for less than an hour on Tuesday but they ended their practice with mountain climbers; the drill has players skate to each line and then back to the end of the rink, hitting each every line on the ice. Last time I saw them do it after Hartley was hired, they were going blue line to goal line, red line to goal line, blue line to goal line and far end to goal line in 45 seconds or less... and I meant to ask... Did Hartley also have them doing Sweet Sixteens (16 times around the rink in under four minutes)?... He was always big on those too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travel_dude Posted July 14, 2014 Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 Last time I saw them do it after Hartley was hired, they were going blue line to goal line, red line to goal line, blue line to goal line and far end to goal line in 45 seconds or less... and I meant to ask... Did Hartley also have them doing Sweet Sixteens (16 times around the rink in under four minutes)?... He was always big on those too... Sorry but I wasn't there. I was quoting the report from the Flames website (Torie Peterson). Should have provided the link, but computer problems prevented it. http://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=725686 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlamesLogic Posted July 15, 2014 Report Share Posted July 15, 2014 Gaudreau: (Plays like: Patrick Kane, Type: Small top line offensive winger) He is the Flames most dynamic prospects with elite skill and offensive ability. In fact, he is one of the most dynamic prospects in hockey. He has only average foot speed but owns high end agility. Has a very small frame but is able to slip contact most of the time. Gaudreau looked a little out of place but still managed to score a goal in his single game NHL debut. He is likely AHL bound next season, but if he continues to perform he may make the Flames out of camp. Baertschi: (Plays like: Alex Tanguay, Type: Top 6 offensive winger) After a stellar 5 game NHL call up a couple of seasons ago Baertschi was the Flames can’t miss prospect. Since then he has struggled to find consistency in the NHL or in the AHL. He is an average sized skill winger with a high level of creativity and good 2-way ability. Baertschi has high end hockey sense and projects as a playmaking winger in the NHL. He has good skating, elite offensive skills, and he has an underrated two-way game. Although his attitude has been in question that past two seasons He is previously notable for his love of the game and his overall work ethic. Baertschi is not a physical player and his creative game can suffer from a lack of confidence. Poirier: (Plays like: Phill Kessel, Type: Top 6 offensive winger) Explosive is the most common description applied to Poirier. Despite an awkward skating style Poirier has high end acceleration and top end speed. He is also able to make plays at top speeds, has a strong shot, and has generally good offensive skills. Despite his left handed shot Poirier plays at right wing making him one of the Flames few prospects at that position. He has the frame and ability to play a physical game and does occasionally. His play could benefit from a more consistent physical game. Poirier has success when he drives the net. He needs to work on his defensive game, though he isn’t a liability defensively. Poirier had a very strong pro debut playing a few games in the AHL to end his season. Ferland: (Plays like: Milan Lucic, Type: Power forward) Every team is looking for their Lucic. The Flames may have theirs in Ferland. Ferland is big and strong and plays a power forward game. He has high intelligence and is a natural but straight forward goal scorer. Ferland struggled to begin the season but once he transitioned to the pro game he was one of the best offensive players on the Heat. Unfortunately injury kept him out of the last half of the season. Knight: (Plays like: Steve Ott, Type: Agitating defensive forward) Knight plays a high energy physical game and is skilled at getting the other teams players off of their games. The Flames haven’t had an effective agitator in a long time. Knight is also good defensively and has some offensive upside. Smith: (Plays like: Ryan Clowe, Type: Physical power forward) The “Big Rig” is a huge physical player who can deliver big hits, drop the gloves, and play a power game. He was considered by many the toughest player in the OHL. He was passed over in the NHL draft a season ago and he started slow the following season. However, when given the opportunity he started to put up the offensive numbers. He finished the season strong and that carried over into the playoffs. If Smith can maintain his offense he will be a scary player in the NHL. Gaudreaus goal was a result of simply having his stick on the ice, he really did nothing to score it. Not worth mentioning. Ive never heard Svens attitude in question. Infact the primary reason he was sent down was because his defensive game was weak, so Im not sure why you say he is a good two way guy. Poirier is much more of an agitator and physical than Phil Kessel and less a pure goal scorer. If anyone was comparable to glenX it would be Poirier. Ferland is a long way away from being a Lucic type. Dwight King is a much closer comparable. Smith is more Bryan Bickell than Clowe. I dont know Knight as well, but he isnt Ott. He isnt that carcillo, downie draw offsetting minors type guy. If I had to compare him to anything I would compare him to eric nystrom. You lose some credibility when you compare to the big names. Very few people equate to the combination of skillsets that come with the big names. Thats not to discredit these guys because all are still really good players but anyone that knows anything about hockey will dismiss a guy who hasnt really done much at the NCAA level being compared to Joe Neiuwendyk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_People1 Posted July 15, 2014 Report Share Posted July 15, 2014 I've think Poirier is better described as a Chris Krieder rather a Kessel. No? Poirier has drawn comparisons to a Brad Marchand but with size. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travel_dude Posted July 15, 2014 Report Share Posted July 15, 2014 Gaudreaus goal was a result of simply having his stick on the ice, he really did nothing to score it. Not worth mentioning. Ive never heard Svens attitude in question. Infact the primary reason he was sent down was because his defensive game was weak, so Im not sure why you say he is a good two way guy. Poirier is much more of an agitator and physical than Phil Kessel and less a pure goal scorer. If anyone was comparable to glenX it would be Poirier. Ferland is a long way away from being a Lucic type. Dwight King is a much closer comparable. Smith is more Bryan Bickell than Clowe. I dont know Knight as well, but he isnt Ott. He isnt that carcillo, downie draw offsetting minors type guy. If I had to compare him to anything I would compare him to eric nystrom. You lose some credibility when you compare to the big names. Very few people equate to the combination of skillsets that come with the big names. Thats not to discredit these guys because all are still really good players but anyone that knows anything about hockey will dismiss a guy who hasnt really done much at the NCAA level being compared to Joe Neiuwendyk. The comparisons are more based on tools and traits than current production. Nobody is saying Janko = Newy. For Gaudreau, it is worth mentioning that he score on his first shot in his first NHL game. He didn't just have his stick on the ice; he was in the right spot and did exactly what a goal scorer does - take an opportunity an score. Poirier went from 15/25=40 in 67 games (11/12) to 32/38=70 in 65 games (12/13) to 43/44=87 in 63 games (13/14); sounds like a goal scorer to me. Agitates like a GlenX (maybe) or Dustin Brown, but scores like a Kessel. Ferland is one of those guys who I can't peg yet, but he big and strong and can score. Knight - you say you don't know him. I think his game will undergo some changes as the needs of the team change; he could be a scoring winger or a solid 2-way centre. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CheersMan Posted July 15, 2014 Report Share Posted July 15, 2014 For Gaudreau, it is worth mentioning that he score on his first shot in his first NHL game. That would put him on the same pedestal as Nikita Kucherov and Anders Lee, neither of which are HOF'ers but Mario Lemieux is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travel_dude Posted July 15, 2014 Report Share Posted July 15, 2014 That would put him on the same pedestal as Nikita Kucherov and Anders Lee, neither of which are HOF'ers but Mario Lemieux is. Kane and Toews are not HOF'ers as well, so your point? Johnny Hockey's SH% is 100%, so that makes him a future star right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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