2023 Prospect Poll #3

[tsujimoto74]

Results so far:
1. Devon Levi, G (80 of 178 -- 44.9% Runner up: Zach Benson, 70 votes)
2. Zach Benson, W (114 of 165 -- 69.1% Runner up: Jiri Kulich, 41 votes)


NEXT TO ADD: Comment the player you want to see added to the next poll. The following players are eligible:

• Forwards: Olivier Nadeau, Prokhor Poltapov, Alexander Kisakov, Ethan Miedema, Tyson Kozak, Filip Cederqvist, Linus Sjodin, Brandon Biro, Linus Weissbach, Aaron Huglen, Matteo Costantini, Gustav Karlsson, Jake Richard, Joel Berndtsson, Stiven Sardaryan, Viljami Marjala, William von Barnekow, Jakub Konecny, Justin Richards, Brett Murray
• Defensemen: Gavin McCarthy, Mats Lindgren, Vsemolod Komarov, Shane Keohane, Albert Lyckasen, Norwin Panocha
• Goalies: Scott Ratzlaff, Topias Leinonen

 

[Der Jaeger]

Kulich, Poltapov

My list, regardless of how the vote goes, is this:

1. Levi. Projects as a franchise goalie who can steady the defensive zone, steal games, and give the team confidence. Plays the new style movement game already. Best NCAA goalie last year and almost played the Sabres into the playoffs.

2. Kulich. Pro ready forward with an elite shot and an already strong body, and he's only get stronger. Played his team into the WJC finals and almost beat Team Canada. Phenominal rookie year in the AHL. Projects as a top line goal scorer in the Pastrnak mold.

3. Benson. Elite mind and motor. Best playmaker not named Bedard in the 2023 draft. Understands where everyone is at on the ice, and manipulates defenders to create openings and seems. Exceptional work ethic and never quits. Short area game is elite. Marchand type of playmaking winger without the antics.

4. Savoie. Relentless center with speed in the Brayden Point mold. Goes to the tough areas. Creates space with his speed and some of the best lateral crossover skating of any prospect. Elite shot. Projects as a top line dual threat center.

5. Ostlund. Elite passer and a natural center. Understands passing lanes and how to get others open. Could be elite and never score more than 15 goals in a season. Growing, and could eventually develop into a Backstrom style center who isn't flashy but does all the things you need to have happen to win.

 

[Zman5778]

Savoie, add Poltapov.

 

[tsujimoto74]

Savoie, add Poltapov.

I assume it was you who edited to add the player list? If so, thanks!

 

[Zman5778]

I assume it was you who edited to add the player list? If so, thanks!

Good assumption. Happy to help!!!!

 

[Beerz]

Kulich.

Add Kozak

 

[JLewyB]

Kulich and Savoie are really close. Went Savoie due to higher pedigree. Add polpatov over Nadeau and Kozak for essentially the same reason

 

[WhereAreTheCookies]

Savoie, add Poltapov

 

[Butt Ox]

Savoie add Nadeau

 

[Der Jaeger]

For those questioning how potential and production need to be weigh together, view my list above. Kulich was drafted 28 in the same draft as Ostlund and Savoie. But he's translated potential to production at a higher level, which still showing potential to translate his style of gameplay to the NHL. It's a mix of both.

At some point, that order may change depending on how each of their potential translates to actual NHL level production, and performance at the levels between where they are currently and the NHL.

 

[TageGod]

Savoie, add Poltapov

For those questioning how potential and production need to be weigh together, view my list above. Kulich was drafted 28 in the same draft as Ostlund and Savoie. But he's translated potential to production at a higher level, which still showing potential to translate his style of gameplay to the NHL. It's a mix of both.

At some point, that order may change depending on how each of their potential translates to actual NHL level production, and performance at the levels between where they are currently and the NHL.

He was considered a more NHL ready prospect than most. meeting expectations in AHL isn't really moving the needle for me yet.

 

[Sabre the Win]

Add Kisakov

 

[zenthusiast]

I dont begrudge someone favoring Savoie by any means but to be fair to Kulich I think he far surpassed expectations

 

[Fjordsen]

Savoie, add Poltapov

 

[Dahlicious]

Savoie, add Poltapov.

 

[Dubi Doo]

Kulich. He played in some gritty playoff games, and was still productive. He didn't back down at all from the physical stuff. Savoie is close, though!

 

[Caser]

Add Poltapov.

 

[Beerz]

They are close for me as well.. but when you consider Savoie not being invited to the World Juniors camp... going back to the WHL and basically stagnating and couple that with Kulichs emergence.

Kulich has earned it.

 

[Zman5778]

I dont begrudge someone favoring Savoie by any means but to be fair to Kulich I think he far surpassed expectations

I absolutely agree that Kulich has far exceeded expectations. But I still have Savoie with a higher ceiling.....and that impels my Savoie vote.

 

[dire wolf]

Savoie, Nadeau.

 

[Rastin]

Kulich, add Poltapov

 

[KeyserSoze81]

Savoie, +Nadeau

 

[MagnumForce2]

Kulich, Poltapov

My list, regardless of how the vote goes, is this:

1. Levi. Projects as a franchise goalie who can steady the defensive zone, steal games, and give the team confidence. Plays the new style movement game already. Best NCAA goalie last year and almost played the Sabres into the playoffs.

2. Kulich. Pro ready forward with an elite shot and an already strong body, and he's only get stronger. Played his team into the WJC finals and almost beat Team Canada. Phenominal rookie year in the AHL. Projects as a top line goal scorer in the Pastrnak mold.

3. Benson. Elite mind and motor. Best playmaker not named Bedard in the 2023 draft. Understands where everyone is at on the ice, and manipulates defenders to create openings and seems. Exceptional work ethic and never quits. Short area game is elite. Marchand type of playmaking winger without the antics.

4. Savoie. Relentless center with speed in the Brayden Point mold. Goes to the tough areas. Creates space with his speed and some of the best lateral crossover skating of any prospect. Elite shot. Projects as a top line dual threat center.

5. Ostlund. Elite passer and a natural center. Understands passing lanes and how to get others open. Could be elite and never score more than 15 goals in a season. Growing, and could eventually develop into a Backstrom style center who isn't flashy but does all the things you need to have happen to win.

Thanks for the write ups… they were good

 

[nanook17]

Savoie, add Kozak

 

[Chainshot]

They are close for me as well.. but when you consider Savoie not being invited to the World Juniors camp... going back to the WHL and basically stagnating and couple that with Kulichs emergence.

Kulich has earned it.

He was hurt during the U20 summer camp.

Add Nadeau.