2023 Prospect Poll #1

[TageGod]

Kulich could've went 16th overall in the draft, performed really well at the WJCs, and then at the AHL level. That's a shade more than just a rounded out Olofsson.

All players develop different. Initial success of a more nhl ready player should not have an impact on rankings. Performance should be balanced with expectations. Kulich was always going to be a more NHL ready prospect than say Rosen. His initial success in AHL does not make him a better prospect or Rosen worse. Kulich did not do anything to change his ranking imo. His upside has not changed. Unless Savoie Benson and Levi stuggle to develop and find success they will be top 3.

 

[SnuggaRUDE]

Kulich add Nadeau

All players develop different. Initial success of a more nhl ready player should not have an impact on rankings. Performance should be balanced with expectations. Kulich was always going to be a more NHL ready prospect than say Rosen. His initial success in AHL does not make him a better prospect or Rosen worse. Kulich did not do anything to change his ranking imo. His upside has not changed. Unless Savoie Benson and Levi stuggle to develop and find success they will be top 3.

I'm a little confused how Kulich's success in the same league a year younger doesn't seem to have any meaning?

 

[TageGod]

I'm a little confused how Kulich's success in the same league a year younger doesn't seem to have any meaning?

Rosen was a long term project. His path to NHL from draft was 3-4 years. Kulich was one of the more NHL ready players.

 

[Dirty Dog]

Poor Levi. People are going to turn on this kid fast when their expectations meet reality of a rookie with no pro experience being thrown into the deep end and sinking.

You‘re expectations are way too high if you‘ve convinced yourself that he’s like…definitely going to be one of the top 3 goalies in the league. Man…

I get the the Adams tenure has starved everyone for even average goaltending. But you have to walk back these expectations before the season starts or you’re going to jump off a ledge.

And that’s with ignoring that goalies are voodoo.

It’s easily Benson and it’s not particularly close

Can you try contributing for 24 hours without being extremely condescending to everyone else who posts here.

It would also be nice if I could find a thread where you aren’t bashing the GM, but that appears to be an unreasonable expectation, and at this point, allowed

 

[Rowley Birkin]

Levi. Simply because he HAS to be the guy.

(add Nadeau for the count)

 

[Der Jaeger]

All players develop different. Initial success of a more nhl ready player should not have an impact on rankings. Performance should be balanced with expectations. Kulich was always going to be a more NHL ready prospect than say Rosen. His initial success in AHL does not make him a better prospect or Rosen worse. Kulich did not do anything to change his ranking imo. His upside has not changed. Unless Savoie Benson and Levi stuggle to develop and find success they will be top 3.

Agree but it's also not straight lines for prospects. Levi doesn't crack the top 10 in his draft year for the Sabres. 3 years later and he's in the conversations for #1 overall. So potential and perceptions of potential change.

What changed with Levi? He played in a really hard league and proved to be the best goalie at his level. It allowed him to jump straight to the NHL, where he also played well. So that has to factor in.

It works all different ways. Look at Mittelstadt and Thompson, who had wonky development timelines, where Mittelstadt went from top prospect in all of hockey..... to not the top prospect or even close based on NHL and AHL play.

The fact that Levi is still a prospect, with NHL victories under his belt, is a big deal and has to be factored into any prospect ranking.

 

[Matt Ress]

I punted and went with Levi. The forward trio will be tight

 

[MarkusKetterer]

For now, Levi. Add von Barnekow-Lofberg

 

[StlSwedes]

Levi, add Nadeau.

 

[SECRET SQUIRREL]

Levi, add Novikov

Same for me

 

[KiwiGriff]

Levi
Add William Von Barnekow-Lofberg

 

[RecycledEichel]

Remember that everyone rates prospects differently. Some do take into account the level of play and what they've shown.

There is no right way to rank a prospect and no wrong way. Just different ways.


Personally, for me it's all about ceiling and then likelihood to reach said ceiling. The level of play they're at currently is only a tiebreaker for me.

So Benson has a higher ceiling than Levi for you?

I feel like Levi has an "all time great" ceiling(not saying I think he'll get there), which would make him a higher prospect for me.

 

[NotABadPeriod]

Kulich. His trajectory has been awesome and to do what he did as a teenager in the AHL is crazy.

Add Neuchev.

 

[Zman5778]

So Benson has a higher ceiling than Levi for you?

I feel like Levi has an "all time great" ceiling(not saying I think he'll get there), which would make him a higher prospect for me.

I think Levi's ceiling is Juuse Saros.

I think Benson's ceiling is legit top-line PITA player.

Both insanely valuable. I think Benson is more likely to hit his ceiling than Levi

 

[KiwiGriff]

It’s all subjective, hence the robust discussions taking place. I personally asked myself if every one of these players ends up as good as we think they could be, who becomes the most invaluable to the team … that answer for me was Levi.

 

[debaser66]

Benson, interesting to see Savoie 4th in votes.
I am torn between him and Levi for 2nd.

 

[mcy35]

Levi, add Novikov

 

[billsandsabres]

add milley

 

[KeyserSoze81]

Benson, interesting to see Savoie 4th in votes.
I am torn between him and Levi for 2nd.

I tend to think that Savoie will be comfortably in 3rd once it all shakes out. I would certainly put him above Kulich. I just think Benson’s two way game and tenacity puts him at a higher level, and Levi certainly seems to be on an incredible trajectory.

 

[KeyserSoze81]

add milley

I haven’t looked at the criteria recently, but I think that he graduated.

Milley finally reaches NHL

 

[Dubi Doo]

I think Levi's ceiling is Juuse Saros.

I think Benson's ceiling is legit top-line PITA player.

Both insanely valuable. I think Benson is more likely to hit his ceiling than Levi.

This is a fun debate. I actually trust Levi hitting his ceiling more than Benson, but I'm admittedly still learning about Benson. I know a lot about Levi, though.

I think of how Miller looked at Michigan St and in Rochester then I compare it to what Ive witnessed from Levi over the past year and, honestly, I think Levi has a slight edge. The fact Im even thinking that puts into perspective how high I am on Levi.

 

[Reddawg]

add milley

 

[Beerz]

I tend to think that Savoie will be comfortably in 3rd once it all shakes out. I would certainly put him above Kulich. I just think Benson’s two way game and tenacity puts him at a higher level, and Levi certainly seems to be on an incredible trajectory.

I wouldn't be so sure

 

[TheDawnOfANewTage]

Realistically it’s Levi until he shows otherwise (and he’s a goalie- at some point there will be reason for doubt, but until it happens I’m convinced he’s Hasek-lite).. but I went with Benson. Shiny new toy syndrome, I’m just that pumped about the pick.

 

[Push Dr Tracksuit]

2 players with the potential to be great. 1 has shown he can play in the NHL the other was drafted a week ago.

Levi