Prospect Info: 2013 Sharks Draft Review/Info megathread

[The Nemesis]

This is a very preliminary look at the 13 draft. The Sharks managed to pick several kids without much in the way of scouting reports, so if you find anything new or not listed her in terms of analysis, post it so that it can be appended to this thread.

2013 Draft fast facts

• Near as I can tell, Mueller is the Sharks' first ever Swiss draft pick. If he does make the Sharks, he will be their first ever player of Swiss origin.
• Mueller is the first WHL player the Sharks have selected since 2009, and the first WHL 1st rounder since 2006 (Ty Wishart).
• Boudreau is the highest drafted QMJHL-trained player the Sharks took M-E Vlasic in 05, and the highest drafted QMJHL forward since Steve Bernier in 03
• Bergvik is the Sharks' first Swedish goalie drafted since Jonas Forsberg was picked in the 1993 draft. He also represents the first goalie the Sharks have drafted in 5 years (the last was Sateri in 2008
• The Sharks' love of the collegiate development track continues. This is the 4th straight draft in which the number of NCAA-bound players (3 picks this year) outnumber those in the CHL (2) and Europe (2).
• For the first time since 2005, San Jose didn't select a player from the OHL.

Mueller

Consolidated Scouting Report

Assets: |Very fit. Smart two-way player who is responsible in his own zone. Above-average mobility. Developing offensive skillset that already has a good, hard shot.
Flaws: |Lacks elite puck skills to be a top offensive d-man. Needs to add lots of strength to a slender frame. not as physically aggressive as you might hope given his size.
High Career Projection: |Excellent all-around top 4 defenceman who can play in all situations and quarterback the power play.
Low Career Projection: |2nd or 3rd pairing non-physical shutdown d-man and PKer.
Player type Comparison: |Marc-Edouard Vlasic with more offence

Scouting Reports

A very athletic and talented rearguard that is getting better with each passing game. Skates very well and is solid in his positioning and very difficult to beat one-on-one. Good puck skills and passes very well from a defensive zone standpoint and effective on the offensive side with potential to improve. He uses his body effectively and will assert and compete very well in this area. Has good overall sense for the game and has shown the capability of taking on more challenges in his role.

http://www.tsn.ca/draftcentre/feature/?id=9421

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Mueller had a quality season in his draft year after coming to the WHL from Switzerland. He took on more responsibility for the Silvertips in light of Columbus draftee Ryan Murray's significant injury. He was also impressive as a 17-year-old defenseman at the World Juniors. The most impressive aspect of his game is his hockey sense. He is a top-end thinker with and without the puck. He slows down the game on breakouts, making good decisions with the puck. He also makes a lot of defensive stops due to his good positioning and reads. He displays above-average mobility, both closing gaps well and rushing the puck up ice with solid speed. Mueller has fine size, with a sense of quality physicality about his game. He has only average overall puck skills, and he projects as a second unit power play defenseman. He will deliver very good value to his team from his work in his own zone.

http://www.hockeyprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=1530

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Mirco Mueller (Müller), was the 11th overall pick by the Everett Silvertips in last summer’s CHL import draft. The Swiss defenceman came over this year expecting to be a nice compliment to Silvertips’ star Ryan Murray, last year’s second overall pick. However, an early season shoulder injury limited Murray to just 23 games. In his absence Mueller really stepped up his game, becoming a key contributor for the Silvertips in all situations, and rocketing up draft boards.

Mueller added to this with a very impressive performance at the 2013 World Junior Championships. The underaged defenceman was one of the best players on a surprising Swiss team which finished 6th in the tourney. He also gained international experience at the 2013 IIHF Under 18 World Championships and had another strong performance.

Mueller is a smooth skating, mobile defenceman, whose game is based on this ability. His lateral agility is very good, especially given his size. His crossovers, pivots, and edgework are also very solid, giving him the ability to cover a lot of ice defensively, or to walk the line and open up passing and shooting lanes offensively. His first step quickness and acceleration are also very good but he could use some work on his top end speed, as it is merely average.

Mueller has shown good offensive ability this season. He keeps his head up and makes a good first pass most of the time. He also shows solid vision and playmaking skill from the point on the powerplay. Mueller has a hard shot which he keeps low and on net. He has good stickhandling ability and combined with his good skating he is able to both lead the rush and join it as a trailer.

At 6’04″ Mueller has great size. However at just 185 lbs, he has plenty of work to do in filling out his frame. He will need to add a lot of muscle over the next couple years in order to stand up to the rigors of pro hockey. However this is a common problem for many 18 year olds and shouldn’t be too much of a concern.

Defensively Mueller shows good positioning and high hockey IQ. He diagnoses the play well, maintains good gap control, and keeps his man to the outside. He is not afraid to block shots, and he cuts down passing lanes well. He gets involved in board battles and works hard to clear the crease. However he could stand to use his size more effectively

http://lastwordonsports.com/2013/05/11/mirco-mueller-2013-nhl-draft-player-profile-31/

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Mueller joined the Silvertips this season after becoming a fixture on international teams in his native Switzerland. He played in several tournaments this season, including the world juniors in Russia in December and January and the under-18 world championships in April. Mueller was second in rookie scoring amongst WHL defencemen this year, finishing behind only Seth Jones.

Mueller is a strong skater who can play well at both ends of the ice. He can find the open man with a nice outlet pass and will pick his spots when to join the rush. His defensive play is stout, using his body more for positioning and an active stick rather than pasting his man along the boards. As he displayed this season, he’s comfortable playing in all situations. Mueller isn’t a flashy player, but gets the job done. At six-foot-three and a slight 176 pounds, his next biggest challenge is adding weight to his wiry frame.

“He’s all projection at this point,†says David Burstyn, director of scouting for McKeen’s Hockey. “He’s got to fill out. He’s a player that NHL scouts just salivate over because he’s got all the fundamentals that you need in a player. He’s incredibly smart, he’s got good leadership abilities, he can also handle the puck and make plays. He stepped up in the absence of Ryan Murray in Everett this year and logged a ton of minutes. The one knock on him is that he’s got to physically mature a little bit more. He’s got to play a little more assertive – sometimes he can let guys go by him. He has to close his gap a little bit but he’s a player who projects well as a two-way defenceman at the NHL level. NHL scouts really like his potential at the next level.â€

“A big, mobile defender with good puck skills,†adds Ross MacLean, head scout for International Scouting Services. “Mueller has developed really well since making the move from Switzerland to the WHL. He changes directions very quickly and can skate with just about any opponent. He can stand out from time to time with his ability to win space with the puck and the quickness in which he can take a puck into an open lane. His offensive potential should not be considered high-end, but he makes good decisions with the puck and is a good transitional player with very projectable skills and size. He has an absolute ton of room left to build on his frame and would be best served to get stronger and learn how to be a bit meaner at the next level.â€

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/nhl-draft-prospects-no-19-mirco-mueller/


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You hate to make comparisons because Ryan’s (Murray) a heck of a player,†Everett general manager and coach Garry Davidson says. “But there are a lot of things you look at and say ‘that’s a lot of Ryan Murray there’.â€

Those comparisions start with how composed Mueller is on the ice. He doesn’t get rattled, is sure of himself in his own end and is a very fluid and smooth skater. It does not take you long to notice him on the ice as he glides up ice with the puck. As the Everett season has worn on, and they’ve lost a number of defenseman, Mueller has taken a more offensive role with the Silverrtips and often will be manning the point on the power play. He is very smart with the puck and gets into good areas to help the offense move. Through 45 games with Everett, Mueller has put up five goals and 23 points.

Mueller projects to be a solid two-way defenseman in the NHL. He isn’t going to put up gaudy scoring numbers but he will move the puck for you, chip in offensively and can play on both special teams. Many players coming to the CHL from Europe have a difficult time adjusting to the physical and chippy aspect of the North American game. Watching Mueller you see him going into the dirty areas and not being afraid to drop the gloves for his teammates.

“He’s not intimidated by the rough going,†Davidson says. “I’m not so sure he throws them very well yet, it certainly was foreign for him but he goes to all the tough areas and battles. Most nights he wins his one-on-one battles.â€

Davidson feels that the area Mueller needs to work on the most is continuing to adjust to the smaller ice surface in North America. Coming from Europe and the bigger surfaces Davidson feels that at times Mueller would skate too much east and west. Mueller is an excellent skater and one would assume that skating north and south will come with more time playing in the CHL.

Mueller has made his mark internationally as well, representing Switzerland in this winter’s World Junior Championships (2 assists in 6 games) as well as the U-18 team and U-17 team. He also performed well in the CHL Top Prospects game.

“I think he’s got a complete package. He can skate, think, he’s got good size, great reach and I think he’s got a very good hockey IQ. I think he’s a real quality NHL prospect.†Everett General Manager/Head Coach Garry Davidson

“ Mirco Mueller of the Everett Silvertips displayed remarkable poise for a 17-year-old while handling a heavy load for Switzerland, impressive sixth-place finishers. The biggest riser on our midterms, Mueller led the Swiss with a plus-7 rating to rank fifth overall at the tournament – and then followed up with another striking effort at the Top Prospects Game.†McKeen’s Hockey

http://thehockeywriters.com/mirco-mueller-the-next-ones-nhl-2013-prospect-profile/

Boudreau
Consolidated Scouting Report

Assets: |Goal-scorer's instincts and a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Good skater and stick-handler.
Flaws: |His game is very raw overall. Defensive ability is undeveloped and needs work. Is small and slight and will need to bulk up.
High Career Projection: | Slick 2nd line goalscorer.
Low Career Projection: | AAAA player who scores enough to light up the AHL, but can't stay on an NHL roster because he doesn't do the things required of bottom 6 forwards
Player type Comparison: |Patrick Kane (less skill overall)

Scouting Reports
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Gabryel Paquin-Boudreau is a 5’10, 167lb Canadian right-winger who plays from Baie-Comeau Drakkar of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Paquin-Boudreau played two games for Collège Antoine-Girouard Gaulois of the Quebec Midget AAA in 2010-2011 where he didn’t record a point. However, the following season, Paquin-Boudreau broke out. In 43 games for Collège Antoine-Girouard Gaulois, Paquin-Boudreau recorded 58 points (33-25) which lead to him being drafted 10th overall by Baie-Comeau in the 2012 QMJHL Entry Draft. Then, in 11 playoff games for Collège Antoine-Girouard Gaulois, Paquin-Boudreau had 16 points (11-5). This past season, Paquin-Boudreau’s rookie season, he tallied 63 points (22-41) in 67 games, coming in second in QMJHL rookie scoring to his Drakkar teammate Valentin Zykov. Playing for Drakkar in the QMJHL playoffs, Gabryel Paquin-Boudreau scored 18 points (9-9) in as many games.

Pros:

Paquin-Boudreau has good puck skills, he can outmaneuver most defenders and can control the puck and keep it away from opposing players. He is a very good skater, with top end speed. Not only does Paquin-Boudreau have good straight-line speed, but he also is very quick and able to make good, sharp turns without losing much speed. He has good offensive tools that have the potential to be even better. He’s very creative, especially on the rush, and can make exceptional plays.
Cons:

Paquin-Boudreau, despite having good tools, is very raw. Considering last season was just his first in junior, Paquin-Boudreau is far from being NHL-ready so whichever team drafts him must be willing to be patient and wait for him to develop. Another thing he must develop that isn’t on par with his offensive ability, is his defensive game. I wouldn’t go as far as to say he is a liability on defense, but he definitely must improve it if he wants to make the NHL. Paquin-Boudreau is also small and must add weight in order to be able to handle NHL-sized players.

http://thehockeyhouse.net/nhl/2013-nhl-draft-preview-gabryel-paquin-boudreau/

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Paquin-Boudreau is a perfect example of how being in the right place at the right time pays off. Though only average sized and not a particularly quick skater, Paquin-Boudreau shines when it comes to his on-ice positioning and puck awareness, especially when that involves scoring a timely goal with his quick release. Also a good playmaker, the limitations in his game are not due to a lack of effort on the ice.

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/gabryel-paquin-boudreau/

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Stealthy draft riser came on strong at the end of the season for the Drakkar with his blazing speed, quickness, and production. Although only possessing average size, his elusiveness and natural offensive hockey sense make him a viable option in the late second-round. A point-per-game player in the QMJHL postseason (9 goals, 18 points), watch for a breakout year in 2014.

Red Line Report says: “He’s lightning fast off the mark with explosive first step acceleration and gets to full speed in a single stride.â€

http://www.hockeyjournal.com/blog/kirks/Winging_it-_Bruins-_second_and_third-round_projections

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Bergvik
Consolidated Scouting Report

Assets: |Moves well, plays under control. Good butterfly technique. Good skater.
Flaws: |A little on the small size
Player type Comparison: |Honestly it's hard to get a read on him with so little in the way of scouting info

Scouting Reports
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“One goalie I would like people to keep an eye on is Fredrik Bergvik. He was not ranked by Central Scouting in the mid-term release, but I won't be surprised to see him listed in their final rankings. One NHL goalie coach recently told me he moves very well, and is structured and powerful down low. He's not the biggest guy out there, but he's considered a smooth skater with a calming presence in the crease. He plays for Frolunda's J-20 program and posted a .950 save percentage in 14 games. There's always a few surprises from Europe in every draft, so I'm keeping an eye on him for sure.â€

http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/jr...t-top-goalies-2013-draft-class-051715615.html

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Bergvik is a tall, lanky netminder who doesn't get the recognition he deserves toiling in the Swedish junior ranks, but he really came on starting around December, and has grown into Red Line's favorite sleeper candidate in the nets. He has really refined his techniques and does a good job keeping his shoulders up to cover the top corners when down in the butterfly. We like his smooth movements and confidence, and he plays with great balance and is always under control.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...hl-draft-top-goalies-red-line-report/2441523/

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Click to read more...

 

[The Nemesis]

Brodzinski
Consolidated Scouting Report

Assets: |Good skater, mobilie d-man with a good shot and good stickhandling. Comes from hockey bloodlines.
Flaws: |Has some issues with defensive positioning and decision making. Will sometimes take ill-advised shots and commit turnovers.
High Career Projection: |PP Specialist and bottom pairing offensively-geared d-man
Low Career Projection: |M-A Bergeron type journeyman who just doesn't do enough to get a regular shift.
Player type Comparison: |

Scouting Reports

Brodzinski is the poster boy of what an offensive defenseman should be. He has good foot speed, is very agile, and he can wheel and deal with the best of them. Brodzinski possesses soft hands which allow him to maneuver around the opposition with ease. Much like his older brother Jonny, Michael possesses a cannon of a shot.

Brodzinski still needs to work out some consistency issues, as he has some problems with positioning and man coverage, but when Brodzinski is on his game, he’s defensively responsible and a force offensively.

Brodzinski had a very good season with Muskegon of the USHL, scoring 16 goals and 17 assists in 61 games, while being honored as defenseman of the week two times.

http://mnhockeyprospects.com/2013-nhl-draft-prospects/michael-brodzinski/

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Brodzinski has a very athletic frame and moves pretty well. He has a great shot from the point. His decision-making was suspect at times at both ends of the ice. There were more than a few turnovers and poor shot choices in traffic. It’s one of those adjustments he’ll just have to make as he gets older and matures as a player. If he can get that settled, he could be a very good player down the road. Definitely has some great skills.

http://unitedstatesofhockey.com/201...-a-comprehensive-look-at-u-s-u17-select-team/

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Offensive defenseman, good skater, very hard to take off his feet, scores in bunches with a very accurate, cannon of a shot, but is also able to take it to the net. Seemed to be solid defensively. Comes from a Hockey family, brother Johny plays at SCSU where their dad (MIKE) played and broke most of their (SCSU's) scoring records in the three years he played there.

http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?t=1312727

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Possessed of a huge shot, Brodzinski is already penciled in on the Gophers’ power play package. He was the top goal-scoring defenseman in the USHL last season, playing for the Muskegon Lumberjacks. His 16 red-lighters were the most by a USHL blueliner in three years and helped him earn a slot on the league’s All-Rookie Team last season.

http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/07/02/13/Four-Gophers-picked-in-NHL-Draft/landing.html?blockID=917029

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One of the most impressive young players in this game was sophomore defenseman, Michael Brodzinski. The younger Brodzinski brother displayed a vast skill set for such a young player. One of the first things to notice about Michael Brodzinski is his ability to step up in the play and become an offensive-oriented defenseman.

He has little problem bringing the puck up the ice and can make forecheckers miss with ease. He did make one mistake in the neutral zone, losing the puck causing an Edina breakaway. Despite the mishap, Michael Brodzinski stayed poised and was back on his game the next shift.

His offensive abilities extended beyond skating with the puck. Brodzinski routinely runs the Blaine powerplay with the calmness of seasoned star. He is able to handle the puck at the blue line or find an open man. Brodzinski also has a nice shot from the point, which he showed with a blast the hit an opposing stick to find the back of the net to score Blaine’s first goal of the game. He has a total of 14 goals and 17 assists on the year for 31 points.

Brodzinski also has a solid defensive game with the ability to shut down defenders. At times he was out of position against Edina but with two more years left of high school he should develop into a very good defensive player. Look for big things from Michael Brodzinski in the coming years as he continues to develop into a possible impact player for the Bengals.

http://minnesota.scout.com/2/1054933.html

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Brodzinski was taken in the fifth round at 141st overall by the San Jose Sharks. He's probably been the least heralded recruit of the incoming group, yet he's a very solid defender with a big shot and poise who can definitely play at the college level. He's not the biggest nor fastest defender out there, but can be counted on to play in all situations. He was 2nd team all USHL and first team all-rookie with Muskegon, and will battle for a spot in the top 6 this fall.

http://www.thedailygopher.com/2013/...y-four-incoming-freshmen-selected-in-2013-nhl

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Ausmus
UPDATE/NOTE: Since the graphic was compiled, I have learned that Ausmus has actually de-committed from Denver and intends to play for the University of North Dakota instead. Apologies.

Consolidated Scouting Report

Assets: | Smart and responsible in his own zone. Plays a rugged, physical brand of defence. Good passer out of the zone.
Flaws: |Not exactly fleet of foot. Offensive skills are limited.
High Career Projection: |2nd or 3rd pairing physical shutdown D
Low Career Projection: |Smart but limited 7th d-man who draws in against teams that need a little more sandpaper against them.
Player type Comparison: |

Scouting Reports

Though he was overshadowed by teammate Steven Santini, Ausmus was an integral part of the U.S. defense. He averaged more than 21 minutes a game and often drew opponents’ top lines in match ups. Ausmus showed high-end defensive sense and anticipation skills. He was able to use his body well defensively and while not a high-end skater, he uses his feet very well. Ausmus was also solid in making effective zone exits with the puck on his stick or a good first pass in transition. His footspeed could use some work, but he plays a physical brand of defense and is tough to beat one-on-one. There’s not a ton of offensive upside, but his ability to defend with some nastiness is going to draw considerable amount of interest.

http://unitedstatesofhockey.com/201...-championship-player-reports-part-i-team-usa/

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What People Are Saying:

The Hockey News: "Defensive defenseman brings bite; makes nice first pass."
Hockey Buzz: "a steady defensive defenseman who plays an intelligent positional game with a bit of physicality."
Future Considerations: "a gritty, hardworking defenseman...skates well and while he does not possess much offensive upside, he can move the puck efficiently."
Hockey Prospect: "steady game with smart defensive positioning and safe plays with the puck...his end comes first, but if he sees a sure-thing opportunity to provide a little extra, he can do it...has the potential to be an NHL defenseman based on his humble approach and intelligence on the ice."

http://atraditionofexcellence.blogspot.ca/2013/06/2013-nhl-draft-profile-gage-ausmus.html

Jackson

UPDATE/NOTE: I didn't find out until after the graphics were complete, but Jackson is actually planning to play in the USHL for 13-14 and then report to Michigan Tech for the 14-15 season.

Consolidated Scouting Report

Assets: |Swift, agile skater with solid top speed. Puck control can be maintained even while skating at top speed. Developing shot. Excellent motor and drive to improve. Willing to do whatever is necessary to win. Capable defensively and embraces those responsibilities.
Flaws: |Undersized. His offensive arsenal is still raw. He's been able to score in high school by exploiting his superior speed, meaning that he hasn't been challenged to develop his hands. Has put hockey on the back-burner before in order to play high school baseball, so questions arise about his commitment to hockey.
High Career Projection: |3rd line burner who can pot a few goals and play responsibly in all zones
Low Career Projection: |Energy player who goes out and hustles and competes hard, but whose stone hands leave him stuck on the 4th line.
Player type Comparison: |Torrey Mitchell with the potential for better scoring

Scouting Reports

Jackson, who is currently playing for Tartan (Minn.) High School, is averaging 2.12 points per game. He has 17 goals and 17 assists for 34 total points in just 16 contests.

The center from Oakdale, Minn., has led his squad to a 14-2 record just over halfway through the season.

Jackson was one of eight Michigan Tech recruits who signed during the early period in November.

http://www.michigantechhuskies.com/sports/mice/2012-13/releases/20130120lbm47r

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A prospect that we are very high on is Jake Jackson of Tartan High School. Although he has always been a respectable player, Jackson’s high rate of progression has established him as one of the top Minnesota prospects available for the 2013 NHL Draft. The talented forward put Tartan on the map this season by playing a solid two-way game while demonstrating the characteristics of a true leader. The Michigan Tech commit tallied 59 points in 26 games this season.

Speed is the main ingredient that makes Jackson such a dangerous player. When rushing the puck he uses his quick feet to beat his opponent to the outside. If the defender over commits on the play, Jackson will cut back towards the middle or stall to find an open teammate in the slot areas. His great puck control helps Jackson execute at top speed and without hesitation. While he has always had the speed, his hands and his finishing ability is what continues to develop as he has made great strides in these areas. Jackson is a good defensive player has he applies tight coverage thanks to good agility and shows exceptional hustle when in pursuit of the puck carrier.

Jackson will have to continue to add strength and grit for continued success, but he should draw attention from franchises on draft day due to great speed, good awareness, and leadership qualities.

http://mnhockeyprospects.com/2013-nhl-draft-prospects/jake-jackson/

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An effortless skater, speed is the name of Jackson's game. He uses it to create offensively, to disrupt things in the neutral zone, and to be a legitimate shorthanded threat on the penalty kill. Recently taken in the first round by Sioux City in the USHL Entry Draft, Jackson had previously joined Bergh for a weekend in Waterloo and was quote "just flying around the ice", as told to me by a scout in attendance. He possesses a very good set of hands; he's got a great release on his shot and the ability to make finesse passes at high speeds.
What's really struck me as a notable improvement in Jackson's game isn't necessarily one of his tools; its that he "gets it"; he plays with full engagement and with a desire to win every battle. This is huge for a somewhat undersized player. Jackson's skating ability is a blessing for him; it will allow him to explore being a go-to offensive player, but his strong defensive ability also means that he can also have a future as a key checker and ace penalty-killer if he can't find or sustain that goal scoring groove- he committed to Michigan Tech so he could be a Top-6 offensive player there, as opposed to just a checker elsewhere; but his two-way game will be his ticket moving forward.

http://www.firstroundbust.com/2013/05/nhldraft2013-minnesota-high-school_27.html

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Galimov
Consolidated Scouting Report

Assets: |
Flaws: |
High Career Projection: |
Low Career Projection: |
Player type Comparison: |

Scouting Reports
As of right now I can find no information on Galimov aside from poorly translated bios from Russian sites.

 

[The Nemesis]

Alright, that's what I've got for now. It's a little bit more rough than 2012, but it's always a risk that post-1st rounders just don't have much in the way of scouting reports on them.

If anyone has any additional info, please post it in here for everyone's benefit.

And because someone is going to respond before reading a couple of listed notes:

1) Yes, I know that Ausmus is actually heading to North Dakota. I didn't find that until this afternoon, after the graphics were set. When I made the graphic, I was going off of Eliteprospects' page that indicated he was going to Denver.

2) Ditto for Jackson's plans. I naturally assumed he would head to college next year because almost everyone does. But instead he will play next year for the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL and then go to Mighigan Tech in 14-15.

 

[KirbyDots]

Great job Nem!

 

[Alaskanice]

Nem,
Your efforts are deeply appreciated by myself. I will be referring to this throughout the summer. Thank you.

 

[Led Zappa]

Awesome!

Thanks Nem!

 

[do0glas]

great read. sounds like we have a couple of late bloomers.

 

[Hatrick Marleau]

Great Job!

No where are the prospect avatars!

 

[KirbyDots]

http://translate.google.com/transla...8%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%B2&safe=off&biw=1920&bih=971

Galimov's agent seems to indicate he'll stay with Locomotiv for now but coming to San Jose is not out of the question and could be his goal for the future. Kinda poorly translated but it seemed to compare his playing style to Valeri Kamensky.

 

[Juxtaposer]

Great reads, thanks a ton Nem.

 

[Kitten Mittons]

He's saying Galimov's immediate departure to SJ is out of the question. They just drafted him/secured his rights, that's it.

Right now it's essential to provide the right circumstances to promote his growth. Lokomotiv is ideal solution for him right now.

He wasn't surprsied Galimov was drafted but was surprised he was drafted by the Sharks since they are generally not interested in Russian players.

He says his style is similar to Valeri Kamensky's, but he is even faster.

 

[Kitten Mittons]

Oh wow didn't even see the first post. awesome stuff Nem. You can put Kamensky as comparable player for Galimov, I guess (comes from his agent) but I'm not sure most people know of him.

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

Nice summary Nem.

I don't know why but Boudreau reminds me of T.J Oshie.

 

[Kitten Mittons]

I don't know why but Boudreau reminds me of T.J Oshie.

I'll tell you why. The flow.

 

[The Nemesis]

The Kane comparison on Boudreau came from stuff I read about him. They used Kane by name as a point of comparison

 

[Nighthock]

I hated the Boudreau pick at the time, but forgot our next pick wss in the 4th round ... he wouldn't have made it that far. So fine ... Burke got who he wanted. I still don't like him.

 

[The Nemesis]

I hated the Boudreau pick at the time, but forgot our next pick wss in the 4th round ... he wouldn't have made it that far. So fine ... Burke got who he wanted. I still don't like him.

when I was reading, I saw several outlets tab him as a possible late 2nd round pick. So it's not like he was a reach down into 3rd round territory

 

[Nighthock]

Maybe it was my man-crush on Carrier and he was still available ...

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

I'll tell you why. The flow.

Ha ha .. probably. Plus he is the same height and similar build. He does need to put on some muscle though.

 

[magic school bus]

Brodzinski & Ausmus are my favorites so far (outside of the 1st)

 

[The Nemesis]

it's not much of a fight, especially considering that it's the Q, but at least Boudreau isn't afraid of the rough stuff.

and yes, I know that technically his full name is Paquin-Boudreau, but he seems to just go by Boudreau.

 

[Kitten Mittons]

Holy **** that guy is skinny. With such powerful striking, he should be Canada's best MMA fighter. Step aside, GSP.

 

[Led Zappa]

I really hope I'm not wrong on this one, but I have a really good feeling about Mirco. Like better than Couture feeling. Like best draft pick since Marleau feeling.

It's not backed up by anything except my intuition, but my intuition has has treated me preTty good over the years.

Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood.

 

[hohosaregood]

I really hope I'm not wrong on this one, but I have a really good feeling about Mirco. Like better than Couture feeling. Like best draft pick since Marleau feeling.

It's not backed up by anything except my intuition, but my intuition has has treated me preTty good over the years.

Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood.

How'd you feel about the last couple years? Hertl and Coyle have turned into pretty dynamite picks.

 

[Led Zappa]

How'd you feel about the last couple years? Hertl and Coyle have turned into pretty dynamite picks.

I have never really judged early. Sometimes I hope. Like when I first started paying attention to the draft and prospects. First one I saw on TV was Kaspar and I kept hoping and hoping

But really I think it's such a guessing game. Our baby Sharks posters never told me Vlasic would be Vlasic or Pav's would be Pav's. But as soon as I saw them on Sharks ice I knew. Pav's especially.

Coyle seemed hopeful after reading up and seeing him play a few times and then his performances in some of the tourney's. I still wasn't convinced he would be "special" and I still think the trade was worth it.

Hertl just seemed so far away. Didn't really know the language, playing overseas, larger rink. A lot to overcome. Now I have hopes for him based on the orgs apparent attitude towards him and his continued success playing with "men".

Like I said, my Mirco crush is based on my gut and if I tried to explain it it would seem even more worthless lol.