Prospect Info: 2023 Draft Thread (Yotes picking #6 & #12)

[hbk]

Smith with five points against Madison. Had three in his last game against UND. He’s up to two points per game for the US18s again. Kids just hardly ever do that. It’s so rare.

I watched the first period of this game hoping to see our pick Mattikka as well.

The question our scouting department is going to have if we finish/pick in that 5-8 range is with Cooley, Maccelli, Geekie (small/non-physical skilled players) already part of our future core do the guys projected to go in that range have too much skill to overlook despite their lack of size/physicality. I'm not sold on Smith (he only had one assist that he received after missing on a cherry pick breakaway attempt that he missed on) just yet. I'm also biased in that I have probably seen Bensen the most and like that he's the best player on a stacked junior team, fell in love a year ago with the offensive skillset of Yager despite his defensive zone challenges that are being highlighted more this year. Smith does play the premium position though.

 

[rt]

I watched the first period of this game hoping to see our pick Mattikka as well.

The question our scouting department is going to have if we finish/pick in that 5-8 range is with Cooley, Maccelli, Geekie (small/non-physical skilled players) already part of our future core do the guys projected to go in that range have too much skill to overlook despite their lack of size/physicality. I'm not sold on Smith (he only had one assist that he received after missing on a cherry pick breakaway attempt that he missed on) just yet. I'm also biased in that I have probably seen Bensen the most and like that he's the best player on a stacked junior team, fell in love a year ago with the offensive skillset of Yager despite his defensive zone challenges that are being highlighted more this year. Smith does play the premium position though.

Smith gambles too much and forces things too things much. He can tend to lose the puck, get forced outside or get knocked over. Much like we’ve seen from Cooley, at times, when he’s adjusting to a new level and testing the limits of what he can do.

 

[Freddy Sjostrom]

Intl skaters
Intl goalies
North American skaters
North American goalies

 

[lanky]

I'm mentally preparing to end up with Mitchkov at 4 or 5. Worst case scenario type stuff.

Seems like a real possibility. I'd be giddy if it turned out that way.

 

[Jakey53]

I'm mentally preparing to end up with Mitchkov at 4 or 5. Worst case scenario type stuff.

If we get a Russian, who could be years off, I'd be pissed.

 

[hbk]

If we get a Russian, who could be years off, I'd be pissed.

Watch him play before you finalize that mindset. a year ago it was 1A 1B with Bedard and Mitchkov.

 

[Jakey53]

Watch him play before you finalize that mindset. a year ago it was 1A 1B with Bedard and Mitchkov.

That was a year ago. Today it sounds different.

 

[hbk]

That was a year ago. Today it sounds different.

He outscored Bedard at the U18's last year. Ranked #2 on McKenzie's list. Kid has elite talent.

 

[GhostofYotesFan47]

That was a year ago. Today it sounds different.

If he's as good as a lot of folks think he is, starting his ELC when the team is starting to pay big money to the kids will be a big benefit. I'm less worried about drafting Michkov and more worried about drafting Smith/Sale.

 

[rt]

If we get a Russian, who could be years off, I'd be pissed.

Better than a bust.

 

[Heldig]

Michkov is an elite talent for sure. Really have to do due diligence to make sure he will even come to the desert.

 

[Freddy Sjostrom]

Elite

 

[rt]

I hope we get a ‘23 1st and ‘23 2nd as part of a package for Chychrun. Would be happy to get a ‘23 1st as part of a package for Vejmelka. And a ‘23 2nd as part of a package for Gostisbehere.

Would be cool to have 3x 1sts, 3x 2nds and 3x 3rds. We could probably chill out on the pick stockpiling after that and maybe even use some of those extra ‘24 and ‘25 picks (we’ve got a ton of 2nds and 3rds) to pick up some nice, younger RFAs in trade. Start the pulling up out of this tank.

3x 1sts for this particular class is REALLY intriguing.

 

[Grimes]

I hope we get a ‘23 1st and ‘23 2nd as part of a package for Chychrun. Would be happy to get a ‘23 1st as part of a package for Vejmelka. And a ‘23 2nd as part of a package for Gostisbehere.

Would be cool to have 3x 1sts, 3x 2nds and 3x 3rds. We could probably chill out on the pick stockpiling after that and maybe even use some of those extra ‘24 and ‘25 picks (we’ve got a ton of 2nds and 3rds) to pick up some nice, younger RFAs in trade. Start the pulling up out of this tank.

3x 1sts for this particular class is REALLY intriguing.

that's the dream. im not as concerned about moving Veggie now as i was a month ago. but then next year would potentially be very very bad.

 

[Freddy Sjostrom]

Per usual, these independent scout rankings are all over the place.

 

[Jakey53]

He outscored Bedard at the U18's last year. Ranked #2 on McKenzie's list. Kid has elite talent.

I just don't like Russian hockey players in general. Maybe it was the way they gave Canada trouble in the Summit Series. We all thought it would be a cake walk, then most were pissed at the way they "played our game" and took it to us and almost beat us. Now I'm ticked that a Russian will probably beat TGO scoring record. I know it doesn't make sense, but back in the day all we had was hockey, and I know most of you grasshoppers don't understand or really comprehend what took place. No cell phones, no internet or computers, and the lucky families had three channels of TV instead of one. For me and many others it was like a where were you moment and I can still remember it like it was yesterday, and I still get a smile on my face.

 

[rt]

^ Bedard is like the Erik Karlsson of forwards.

 

[Grimes]

^ Bedard is like the Erik Karlsson of forwards.

I mean I think that is Gretzky like. Stick goes toward the net and the puck is already in it.

 

[Jakey53]

^ Bedard is like the Erik Karlsson of forwards.

To do that is the Western Hockey League is something else. Usually it's the lowest scoring of the major junior leagues in Canada.

 

[hbk]

I just don't like Russian hockey players in general. Maybe it was the way they gave Canada trouble in the Summit Series. We all thought it would be a cake walk, then most were pissed at the way they "played our game" and took it to us and almost beat us. Now I'm ticked that a Russian will probably beat TGO scoring record. I know it doesn't make sense, but back in the day all we had was hockey, and I know most of you grasshoppers don't understand or really comprehend what took place. No cell phones, no internet or computers, and the lucky families had three channels of TV instead of one. For me and many others it was like a where were you moment and I can still remember it like it was yesterday, and I still get a smile on my face.

Well BA took Dudas and Fedotov so AZ obviously are not opposed to drafting Russians.

Here’s something for you to consider. Wayne Gretzky’s family is originally from… Russia (well technically Russians who lived in Belarus). His grandfather immigrated to Canada. The uprising before the Russian revolution led to Canada’s greatest athlete (although Iron Mike Sharpe may disagree).

On a separate note, I really like Yager. I think i will end up having him higher on my list than most.

 

[Jagged Ice]

Now I'm ticked that a Russian will probably beat TGO

If Gretzky never scored a goal, he'd still lead the NHL all time in points if that makes it any better.

 

[Freddy Sjostrom]

On a separate note, I really like Yager. I think i will end up having him higher on my list than most.

I’m honestly curious if you and @rt think he projects as an NHL center. I have not seen him much, but his shot and vision are evident.

 

[hbk]

I’m honestly curious if you and @rt think he projects as an NHL center. I have not seen him much, but his shot and vision are evident.

Yes i think so. Question is do we need/want 2x 5’10” C’a in our top 6?

 

[GhostofYotesFan47]

Watching the Ducks/Devils game, there's no way we're catching Anaheim. They are so bad. I'm not trying to be a jerk either, they look like a team in need of a coaching and vet change. Classic Coyotes Country Club play.

Edit: Wrong thread, point stands though, we'll need a lottery win to get Bedard.

 

[Freddy Sjostrom]

2 goals and an assist for Ritchie tonight, tough kid. BA approves. Seems the main gripe with him is he needs more production, hope he can keep it up.