Raspewtin
Stay at home defenseman hater
- May 30, 2013
- 44,301
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Prospect Info: 2013-2014 Rangers Prospects Thread *Part IV* (Player Stats in Post #1; Updated 6/17)
- Thread starter nyr2k2
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CommaSynapse
Registered User
- Nov 2, 2013
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We just have a log-jam in terms of 3rd/4th line kind of players. Valuable, sure, but hopefully some can up the ante and prove to be top-6 players. Duclair is damn intriguing.
I didn't see all of the game tonight, but in the bits I did see, Graves looked good. Excited about that.
I didn't see all of the game tonight, but in the bits I did see, Graves looked good. Excited about that.
Raspewtin
Stay at home defenseman hater
- May 30, 2013
- 44,301
- 21,909
It's good news when a defensive-defenseman shines positively.
He doesn't have top end potential of course (not that I see, at least), but he's just so damn solid and effective. Could be a huge asset for this team.
Bluenote13
Believe In Henke
Watching Graves this week, he reminds me of Staal at the same age. Rangy, not fully developed, yet strong on his skates and with the puck, and makes those great cuts in tight spaces. Nothing flashy but plays a cool game of defense. His size makes up for lack of speed, though like I said, in small spaces his speed is more than fine. He also has an edge to his game withut crossing the line and taking stupid penalties.
If Graves and Skjei keep it up the left side will be covered for years.
If Graves and Skjei keep it up the left side will be covered for years.
Griffin Reinhart reminds me of Staal, unfortunately.
However, I am not at all impressed with Mantha or Henrik Samuelsson, specifically the latter. Mantha has so much talent but he lacks all emotion. If any team can mold him into a complete team player it's Detroit though.
However, I am not at all impressed with Mantha or Henrik Samuelsson, specifically the latter. Mantha has so much talent but he lacks all emotion. If any team can mold him into a complete team player it's Detroit though.
Bluenote13
Believe In Henke
The Gophers biggest problem for years has been keeping upperclassmen from leaving for the pros. Lucia has said many times, they have tried to recruit players that were committed on staying 3 or 4 years We'll see if he's right.
Meant to post this yesterday but never got around to it.
Like I said, I was very impressed with Graves on Friday night. Best way to describe him is steady. He did a bang up job at stopping Lazar on multiple rushes, and he looks like he's improving across the board.
What I liked:
His poise for starters. Like BN mentioned earlier, he's a little reminiscent of Staal at the same age. He has that ability to get into the corner, separate the player from the puck, and turn the puck the other way.
His stick work is very good, and had a fantastic play where he broke up a rush on his stomach and then cleared the puck out of the zone while he was still on his knees. You can really see the athleticism there.
He's definitely much better with the puck on his stick than he used to be. Break out pass is solid and he can pivot and skate the puck out of danger. I don't expect him to ever be a puck-rusher though.
What wasn't so good:
His gap control needs work. He tends to stop skating at the blue line and let defenders close on him rapidly, and that leaves him vulnerable to players opening up the outside lane. I'd like to see him show a little more mobility to keep that lane closed, otherwise it'll be a problem at the NHL level. He can recover well enough in Junior with a solid turn and using his body, but against guys who are just as big and strong as he is, that'll be an issue.
Would like to see throw his body a bit more as well.
However, all in all, he's looking like a really quality find for this team. Hopefully he can keep progressing.
Like I said, I was very impressed with Graves on Friday night. Best way to describe him is steady. He did a bang up job at stopping Lazar on multiple rushes, and he looks like he's improving across the board.
What I liked:
His poise for starters. Like BN mentioned earlier, he's a little reminiscent of Staal at the same age. He has that ability to get into the corner, separate the player from the puck, and turn the puck the other way.
His stick work is very good, and had a fantastic play where he broke up a rush on his stomach and then cleared the puck out of the zone while he was still on his knees. You can really see the athleticism there.
He's definitely much better with the puck on his stick than he used to be. Break out pass is solid and he can pivot and skate the puck out of danger. I don't expect him to ever be a puck-rusher though.
What wasn't so good:
His gap control needs work. He tends to stop skating at the blue line and let defenders close on him rapidly, and that leaves him vulnerable to players opening up the outside lane. I'd like to see him show a little more mobility to keep that lane closed, otherwise it'll be a problem at the NHL level. He can recover well enough in Junior with a solid turn and using his body, but against guys who are just as big and strong as he is, that'll be an issue.
Would like to see throw his body a bit more as well.
However, all in all, he's looking like a really quality find for this team. Hopefully he can keep progressing.
Part of the problem is that Lucia doesn't have a sterling reputation for developing players and NHL teams would just as soon get players into their systems.
With the Memorial Cup and World Championship having concluded, the only prospects left in action are the guys in Greenville, as well as Miller and Fast (and potentially Lindberg, I guess).
Greenville is down 3-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals. They play tonight at 7:35 in Cincinnati.
Greenville is down 3-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals. They play tonight at 7:35 in Cincinnati.
Bluenote13
Believe In Henke
Ten years ago that might have been the case(though Kessel and Vanek were super college stars and had no problems becoming successful pros). Lately their program has done a great job with players that have stayed 3 or more years. Erik Haula was arguably the Wild's best player last round.
HatTrick Swayze
Just Be Nice
I would tend to agree with this. Players come to the Gophers and rarely improve. Part of that can possibly be attributed to frequent turnover, but for my money Lucia has not even come close to maximizing the talent he gets every year or in making that talent better.
Bluenote13
Believe In Henke
Yet, Minnesota has a lot of players playing Pro's. Probably more than most NCAA div 1 schools. They can't be THAT bad. Minnesota players in general are overrated, they come in that way, sometimes they go out that way. Zach Budish and the like.
Because they are a competitive program, playing in a top notch division in the state of hockey. As a result they get top recruits. Hence the number of alumns playing pro.
HatTrick Swayze
Just Be Nice
That's a decent argument. I still would maintain, that the reason they have so many pros, is because they get the top talent to begin with. Minnesota is the best state for producing hockey talent in the country and the Gophers get their pick of the litter.
On the overrated bit - I think this is due to how strong MN is at producing good skaters. With free outdoor ice 4+ months out of the year it is so easy to work on skating. Scouts tend to fall I. Love with skating.
I think that's more of a reflection of their location than anything. However, top-tier guys aren't going to go play for Minny if they think their development will stagnate completely, so Lucia has so be doing something right. They may be only average when it comes to developing kids, but I don't think they're terrible by any stretch.
Joey Bones
***** 2k16
Beacon
Embrace the tank
- May 28, 2007
- 13,676
- 1,454
The Rangers waited until the last minute to sign other players as well. Lindberg was one of them, I believe.
That being said, I don't think he's a particularly good prospect.
That being said, I don't think he's a particularly good prospect.
Minnesota is constantly good because can recruit just about anyone they want. Great city, great tradition, excellent facilities, terrific school and hockey really holds a place of honor at the U. This isn't just my observation, I've heard this from NHL people. Think back a few years to the Kyle Okposo incident.
17futurecap
Registered User
I know he didn't do much of anything when he got a chance in Hartford, but would this season be considered a solid year for St. Croix basically being a PPG player in the ECHL as a 20 year old for the majority of the season or is it a let down that he couldn't stick with the Pack?
Beacon
Embrace the tank
- May 28, 2007
- 13,676
- 1,454
It was a disappointment because he did nothing when he got his chances in the AHL. He needs to make the AHL from the start of the next season and establish himself as a quality player there.
His summer should be spend bulking up and learning to skate better, which unfortunately are counter to each other since more weight slows you down. Maybe if he builds up his legs, which would make him not just a better skater, but also would allow MSC to hit and get hit better.
He may also consider becoming more of a scorer because his slow decision-making might make his playmaking skills less effective. He will never be predominantly a scorer, but adding a better shot as part of his arsenal would make his offensive prowess more diverse, confusing the defense enough to give him a little extra time to think faster.
MSC is a long, long way from the NHL and if he hopes to make it, he needs to take a huge step forward next season. He is already behind the curve because not too many scoring forwards spend a whole season in the ECHL and then make the NHL. Goons do, sometimes defensemen and defensive forwards. Scorers do not.
MSC needs to take a very big step forward next season.
17futurecap
Registered User
In the ECHL playoffs, all of the Rangers prospects played pretty well. Yogan was over a point per game, while St. Croix, Nicholls and Jean were all close to that mark. They spent a lot of time playing on the same lines. Hopefully they developed some chemistry and can carry that over into the AHL next season. Noreau I guess played pretty well, but was also banged up and missed a few games. Missiaen played really well but also missed the past two games, I assume due to injury.
There will be plenty of spots in Hartford, with guys like Powe, Asham, Haley, Syvret and Beach likely leaving the organization, possible graduations from guys like Lindberg, Fast, McIlrath, etc. Then there's guys on AHL deals like Hensick, O'Donnell, Nash and so on that may or may not be back. Everyone will have a legitimate opportunity to establish themselves in Hartford, so guys like Yogan, St. Croix and Noreau will have no excuses if they can't stick.
Greenville lost last night, by the way, and were eliminated from the playoffs.
There will be plenty of spots in Hartford, with guys like Powe, Asham, Haley, Syvret and Beach likely leaving the organization, possible graduations from guys like Lindberg, Fast, McIlrath, etc. Then there's guys on AHL deals like Hensick, O'Donnell, Nash and so on that may or may not be back. Everyone will have a legitimate opportunity to establish themselves in Hartford, so guys like Yogan, St. Croix and Noreau will have no excuses if they can't stick.
Greenville lost last night, by the way, and were eliminated from the playoffs.
offdacrossbar
misfit fanboy
andersson just signed in switzerland.
http://www.clarosports.com/news_stories/ev-zug-signs-calle-andersson-to-a-one-year-deal-13327971
if hes signed here by 6/15 hes free though. his dad coaches in the swiss league but hes not playing for his dads team. this is a hedge im sure so hopefully he is signed soon.
i dont agree that hes not a good prospect. he was a 4th round pick so he is what he is. considering we have absolutely no one who can do what he can do in the entire system, i think we might want to consider a contract. hes still young, hes big, he can skate and shows good puck poise and a strong shot. hes an offensive dman prospect. and remember, dmen take longer to develop. yada yada yada.....
i dont get this organization some times. we have a number of dmen who have similar skill sets and that means ZERO offensive acumen. yet we love this type of player and continue to preach patience witht hem. calle andesson has something we could really develop and benefit from. would like to see him come over.
lets just wait for dylan mcilrath to develop by say... the 2017 season......
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