www.eliteprospects.com
Seems to be the theme that it’s always a long path even when the Kings draft high. Don’t you think that’s weird and telling ?
No, just pay attention to it for a week for that theme and you will surely see it. The scouting and drafting gets so much praise. Wait until someone brings up a legit criticism and the bootlickers will appear. However next time I see it myself I’ll @ you.
Troy Terry: 5th round draft pick
You let me know at what point you were thinking any of these top picks might be no good/busts.
You're free to answer my questions any time you like. Or you can talk about random stuff instead. I'll respond to one of those.
What is your definition of "a big jump"? Define that so there's something to measure. If he gets 12-14 minutes a game as the 3rd line center, what are you expecting from him? 10 goals? 15? 20 points? 40?
For me it would not just be numbers - it would be process things like carrying puck through center ice without turning it over, consistent back check and sorting out defensive responsibility properly, significant improvement on his 45% faceoffs. Re points depends on if he gets PP1, PP2 and any overtime reps - which he didnt last year. given 13 min a game playing even strength i would be happy with 15 and 15 - 30 points - lets say a .36 ppg - up from there given PP and OT time.
Didnt know that re Thornton.. very interesting. Another data point would be Draisaitl - he had 9 points in 37 games when he was 19, then huge jump to 51 in 72 his 20 yr old season. I do not expect that for Byfield - but it is a case of a high pick making a huge jump in 1 year.
As you touched on earlier in the thread, opportunity plays a role too. Draisaitl actually stated that season in the minors but got an early recall because Edmonton's offense was so bad. They had McDavid, Nugent-Hopkins, Hall, Eberle and not much else and were likely hoping Drai would click with McDavid, which he did. After those names, the rest of the offense was guys like Teddy Purcell and Benoit Pouliot, so Edmonton was a bit more desperate.
Youre probably right about that.. the way it looks is he will center Iafallo and Kaliyev .. thats a bit different than playing w McDavid who can create space w speed, draw defenders and pass it off to the kid with some space and time to do something.
Interesting takes on picking goalies and prospect development.Mayor just posted his interview with Yannetti in the last hour. Have not listened yet....but am now.
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I think that's reasonable. I just wanted to hear what you'd consider a big jump. I always see people say things like "needs to take a step forward" and I'm wondering what that translates to. I don't think 30 points for a 3rd line center (that is supposed to be the 1C in the future) is a lot to ask in a third season.
I think Byfield is going to get some more power play minutes on the second unit, and end up around 14 minutes per game. He will have better line mates, and he's going to be more assertive. I'm looking for 40 points this season, particularly picking up more offense in the second half of the season.
