theIceWookie
#LeafHysteriaAlert
I said a concern, not writing off a nation
Fair enough. Sorry for jumping on you haha, it's just something that has bothered me for a while (shocking eh, bet you couldn't have guessed haha)
2016 NHL Entry Draft Discussion
- Thread starter Warden of the North
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Fair enough. Sorry for jumping on you haha, it's just something that has bothered me for a while (shocking eh, bet you couldn't have guessed haha)
WTFMAN99
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I'd need to see what other options are on the board to be honest. If you have equal talents, i'd probably go for the non-Russian option, it's just one less thing to worry about.
Now if its a case of clearly taking the inferior talent, I can't get behind that. Take the best player possible. I don't know anything of Sokolov off the ice yet (attitude issues?) - which is probably a good thing. Unfortunately he's another overseas prospect I won't see much of until the WJC.
WTFMAN99
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He's playing for Sudbury this year. Not really 'overseas'
Are you serious? I thought he was going to be in the MHL or KHL this year.
theIceWookie
#LeafHysteriaAlert
I am totally cool with that, you've actually explained yourself on it. Most people just say "ahhh Russian factor" and disregard a player. So thanks for actually taking the time to explain it, I respect that.
WTFMAN99
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He's playing for Sudbury this year. Not really 'overseas'
Followed up and checked the roster, thanks!
If you have an opinion, you had better be able to explain it...otherwise you risk looking pretty foolish if you ask me.
Actually pretty pumped I get to see Sokolov this year!
Fantomas
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WTFMAN99
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Sokolov has no attitude issues, just saying I hadn't heard much about him off ice yet, which is not a bad thing - Laine apparently does have attitude issues.
The Podium
Registered User
It seems the Leafs lucked out with the whole lack of size in their blue chip prospects/young talent. The top 5 of this draft are all over 6 feet tall and >180 lbs. Whether the Leafs draft a C, W or D they will definitely be infusing some much needed size into the lineup.
kelsier
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Ha, I'm a huge fan of Rantanen and truly believe he will be a great player in NHL. However preferring Laine as a 'poor man's Rantanen' couldn't be more off the course. I've followed both kids play these past few years and the only two noticable things being in favor for Rantanen is passing and skating. But Laine is by far a better of the two if judged by raw potential.
Laine took long strides forward after season, both off ice and on ice. The skating issues are gone. Not saying there's not a lot of room for improvement, but the guy isn't by any means slow anymore after getting a healthy off-season. He will still have to improve agility and acceleration. The kid is generally regarded as the most promising natural goal scorer in Finland after Selänne. Laine looks to have the most natural offensive skills of the whole draft class, including Matthews. The head coach of Finland U20 has been praising the kid after Lake Placid and had Laine continued causing trouble with the behaviour I really doubt he would be getting nods, far less even a spot in the team.
At the moment it looks Laine may have surpassed Puljujärvi in his overall game judging by his play in the U20 national team as in the CHL (European Championship Hockey League) where he is scoring in PPG page.
It will certainly be an interesting draft year to look for from Finnish perspective. Right now I have the kid in top 4 by ease, just like Bob Mckenzie after the 2015 draft. Laine will play in the start up roster for Tappara this Friday when SM Liga starts off, by the way.
theIceWookie
#LeafHysteriaAlert
It looks like it could be a fairly strong draft year for the Finns. Actually a very strong year.
Laine and Puljujarvi are conservatively top ten possibilities but more likely strong top 5 shots.
Juolevi looks to have a strong shot at the first round, and likely will make a strong push for top 15.
Plus they have the two defensive giants in Felixson and Niemelainen who I think will make strong top 30 pushes, especially since both have come over the pond to play in the CHL.
And Makinen who I would imagine is currently in the top 60 range could easily make a push into the top 30.
theIceWookie
#LeafHysteriaAlert
WTFMAN99
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theIceWookie
#LeafHysteriaAlert
That was my understanding too.
I wouldn't be all that worried at this point about his injuries. It happens, and the kid is still quite young.
Though if he misses a large chunk of the season this year I'd be a little more worried
You're right, it was his shoulder.
And that's not good. Shoulders are quite important for hockey players. Defensemen espescially.
Hope he heals right.
WTFMAN99
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Yep, we'll be able to tell a bit more later on this season and see how he progresses with that.
Magic Man
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I've been having the same dream. In mine the Leafs trade for Stamkos rights a few days before the draft and announce his signing at the draft shortly before they go up to pick Chychrun.
Although, generally Kadri re-signs for 5 years and JVR is traded.
7even
Offered and lost
In my dream scenario we keep Kadri. With Rielly, Gardiner, Chychrun, and Phaneuf plus our farm, there isn't a huge need for more defense, but we will need to fill out the top 6. If anything, trade JVR for more D before Kadri.
A1LeafNation
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