If we get 4th Benson vs Michkov would be a wild debate on these boards in the lead-up to draft day. I'd personally go with Michkov with the numbers he's putting up in the world's second best league.
I’m not sure I’ve seen a draft eligible prospect with a better motor than Benson. And he may have the best stick of any forward. Kid is constantly hounding pucks. Just strips them left and right. And he’s gone the other way. And when he’s gone the other way he can beat defenders and goalies anyway you want. He wins battles despite his size because of his stick and his feet. It’s uncanny. And a pleasure to watch.
I’ve got Smith 6th right now. I like the skating and puck skills a lot. And he’s a smart and creative center. I’ve got Bedard in one tier and Fantilli in another. Benson is with Michkov and Carlsson for me in the next tier I’ve got. Smith is in the mix with a few guys in that next tier down for me.
Benson is legit. I didn't want to like the prospect, partially because he's small, but he's so good at hockey. Very entertaining to watch. If it weren't for insane talents like Bedard and Fantilli ahead of him, he'd be my 1st OA and I'd be reluctant to put anyone else ahead of him. Someone is going to get a sprite little demon. It'll be like getting Marner or Barzal. Marner is faster though, not sure with Barzal. I don't think I've ever payed attention to his speed, though I'm pretty certain I've seen him beat guys to the outside.
The thing that trips me up in these comparisons of USNTDP production, is that Gabe Perreault is doing it too. No one wants Gabe Perreault in the top six picks. So why does Smith deserve the special attention.
There won't be much debate around here if we win the 1 OA lottery. Any other slot and we'll be divided multiple ways.
Could Benson's stats be a bit inflated because of the team he is on? Where would you place Cristall in the draft? He has a PPG of 1.72, Benson 1.64 and Bedard 2.50. Looking at the team standings only Benson is on a stacked team and leading in points. Both Benson and Cristall are small and as a side note, Cristall was drafted before Benson in the junior draft, which really doesn't mean much, but why isn't there much talk about Cristall?
I don't watch these kids, so I just go off the stat sheet and what is said about them. Not sure who is better between Smith and Benson, but size and position always rank high for me. It didn't work in the drafting of Strome though
I don’t really care about Bensons stats. When you watch him play you can see he clearly a significantly better prospect than anyone else on that powerhouse team. And it’s not close.
I think Smith could go in top 5. So could Bensen. if anyone is going to fall (right or wrong) it's the Russian.
I wouldn’t say smith would be a surprise at 5th. The good Dr.VBB is likely not alone in preferring the taller center in Smith to the shorter winger in Benson.
I agree. Where it gets difficult is Benson vs Cooley. On that I’ll say the last 12 months has mattered. Benson in Feb of his draft year has shown me MUCH more than Cooley in Feb of his draft year. But if you compare Cooley today to Benson today it’s close.
Dvorsky is my guy right now, outside of the obvious top guys.
Recrutes really likes Dvorsky (top 3). Redline has him in their top 10 as well.
Mine too. He's got great size for a young 17 year old (June B-day) and plays center so my money is on BA going with him.
