GDT: 2019 IIHF World Championships - Slovakia (Bratislava/Kosice) - May 10th to 26th

[JT Kreider]

For me, the main objective for this season was to tank and get Hughes. Now for the last month and the next month the objective is going to be keeping my butthole clenched until the Devils take him.

I don't understand this at all... because of two games?

Hughes looked dynamic yesterday too.

 

[aufheben]

The chance to pair up Hughes with Hischier down the middle is too important for NJ to pass up IMO. Good thing McLeod is looking like a bust and Zacha looks much better as a winger.

But even so I'm shocked to see these posts dreading Hughes being there at 2 for us.

It might be illogical but it’s not surprising. This board’s opinion of Kakko and Hughes would probably be different if we had won the 1st OA, my own included. Consequently the concern over the Devils taking Kakko is larger in our heads than in reality. This tournament probably has no bearing on the Devil’s choice.

 

[Cag29]

So then we get Hughes?? What's so bad about that

Hughes is awesome and a center. We are set either way.

 

[Synergy27]

It’s a hilarious twist after everyone spending the season wringing their hands over not getting Hughes, now people are wringing their hands over getting him.

I’m not in the “will be disappointed with Hughes” camp, I just think it’s really interesting how situations can change like this. Happy either way myself, but Kakko sure looks like a special player.

 

[aufheben]

Why is the NHL Network showing highlights of the Hurricanes-Islanders series? Lol

 

[The Crypto Guy]

I assume he won another watch today from being the player of the game again? Or does it get upgraded to a car?

 

[Synergy27]

The chance to pair up Hughes with Hischier down the middle is too important for NJ to pass up IMO. Good thing McLeod is looking like a bust and Zacha looks much better as a winger.

But even so I'm shocked to see these posts dreading Hughes being there at 2 for us.

I dunno man. I see where you’re coming from, but I’m not convinced Kakko isn’t a center in the end, and Hughes and Hischier are similar players.

 

[Cag29]

Hughes is awesome and a center. We are set either way.

Honestly my heart is set on Kakko. But either way we are going to be fine. There are 2 dynamic players (that we know of). So ok.
But I want KK. Lol

 

[AIexisLafreniereNYR]

So proud of Kaapo

 

[Levitate]

The chance to pair up Hughes with Hischier down the middle is too important for NJ to pass up IMO. Good thing McLeod is looking like a bust and Zacha looks much better as a winger.

But even so I'm shocked to see these posts dreading Hughes being there at 2 for us.

Yeah that's a big thing, Devils get some insane center depth with Hughes and people are kind of selling him short at the moment. Scouts will look at the entire body of work not just one tournament (that isn't even over). Fins have also played well as a team while the US team was playing like a hot mess and it's much harder to succeed when your teammates aren't doing the proper things to succeed during the game.

I personally kind of like Kakko's game better than Hughes but if we end up getting Hughes instead, just means the Rangers C depth will get a huge boost and they'll have a star player at that position.

 

[aufheben]

I’m not in the “will be disappointed with Hughes” camp, I just think it’s really interesting how situations can change like this. Happy either way myself, but Kakko sure looks like a special player.

I don’t even know what he looks like, it’s a foreign concept to me in Stepanisa#1Ctopia.

 

[Joey Bones]

That goal was pure filth. My lord is Kakko good...dang.

I'm actually getting a little antsy that Kakko might end up doing so good, Shero might change his damn mind.

I'm not saying if that happened, it wouldn't still be great that we had Hughes but I think for me personally, I'm so fully invested in Kakko coming here and now seeing live what he'll likely do for us, it actually would be a bit of let down if the Devils ended up taking Kakko.

Though Hughe is really good, from what I've seen of them both, I like Kappo's game better. I know that's nuts of me to say but I'm just being honest.

Right now, Kakko is playing so well that he's keeping New Jersey on their toes. I still think it makes more sense for Hughes to go to NJ, though. They need center depth and Hughes has connections already with Taylor Hall and Ray Shero outside of hockey. It'll be a tough decision, but if NJ were to take Kakko that leaves a glaring hole in center depth long term without a big name coming in.

Despite it all, the Rangers are still in great territory. Selecting Hughes or Kakko. Whichever it is, NYR still wins the draft!!

 

[ColonialsHockey10]

Hughes was electric in the US game yesterday. If we get him (which we’re not) then we should be overjoyed.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Hughes was electric in the US game yesterday. If we get him (which we’re not) then we should be overjoyed.

He wasnt on Kakkos level. Kakko has been the entire Finnish team over the first 2 games. And I wont be "overjoyed" to miss out on Kakko.

 

[aufheben]

Yeah that's a big thing, Devils get some insane center depth with Hughes and people are kind of selling him short at the moment. Scouts will look at the entire body of work not just one tournament (that isn't even over). Fins have also played well as a team while the US team was playing like a hot mess and it's much harder to succeed when your teammates aren't doing the proper things to succeed during the game.

I personally kind of like Kakko's game better than Hughes but if we end up getting Hughes instead, just means the Rangers C depth will get a huge boost and they'll have a star player at that position.

All things being equal, the Devils have to take the player who can be marketed, and there have been few prospects, if any, who can be marketed by a US franchise like Jack Hughes. If the Rangers were drafting 1st OA, it would be more interesting.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

 

[Joey Bones]

Oh look! An interview in English by Kakko.

I told you guys he speaks English

Please send!!

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

Can you imagine, the Devils end up taking Kakko after hinting all along they were 100% in Hughes country. Then the Rangers take Hughes, and he has a MASSIVE hatred for the Devils until the end of time. Would be awesome to have on our team,

 

[AIexisLafreniereNYR]

So should we start accepting Jack Hughes night be there at #2?

Really have my heart set on Kakko.

 

[Fugazy]

Can you imagine, the Devils end up taking Kakko after hinting all along they were 100% in Hughes country. Then the Rangers take Hughes, and he has a MASSIVE hatred for the Devils until the end of time. Would be awesome to have on our team,

That would be one hell of a chip on his shoulder.

 

[JT Kreider]

Hughes has connections already with Taylor Hall and Ray Shero outside of hockey

This counts for something. It just got Daniel Jones drafted 6th overall.

 

[JT Kreider]

He wasnt on Kakkos level. Kakko has been the entire Finnish team over the first 2 games. And I wont be "overjoyed" to miss out on Kakko.

But you'd be "overjoyed" to miss out on Hughes?

 

[aufheben]

He wasnt on Kakkos level. Kakko has been the entire Finnish team over the first 2 games. And I wont be "overjoyed" to miss out on Kakko.

Kakko hasn’t really started dominating until the 2nd period of Finland-Slovakia. He scored that beautiful goal yesterday but he was relatively quiet during that game and the 1st period today.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Please send!!

I am currently on my way to the train station to head back to Vienna. But I am sure the interview will show up somewhere on IIHF.com

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Kakko hasn’t really started dominating until the 2nd period of Finland-Slovakia. He scored that beautiful goal yesterday but he was relatively quiet during that game and the 1st period today.

Disagree.