Post-Game Talk: 2023 WJC Medal Games (Jan. 5th): CAN wins GOLD! CZE Silver, USA Bronze

[ChesterNimitz]

Do people think Fantilli can, or should, play in the NHL next year?

If he simplifies his game (using his size and speed up and down the wing) as he did in the last two games of the WJC, Fantilli will play in the NHL next year, and play well. As I noted in an earlier post, this kid reminds me of Stephane Richer. It was interesting to watch the reaction of the Czech players once Fantilli got the puck. They went into full retreat mode as this kid started to bust up the ice. We won, so our coaches supposedly made all the right decisions. But I just can't understand why they didn't use Fantilli more. If they did, perhaps our victory may well have been much easier. Let us all hope ( pray) that we are in a position to draft this kid who projects to be a hugely impactful player in the NHL.

 

[Adam Michaels]

 

[McGees]

Who plays today?

 

[ChesterNimitz]

Who plays today?

London Knights v. Hamilton Bulldogs, the final game of Mailloux’s suspension.

 

[Kudo Shinichi]

and that without PP time.

He did play in the 2nd unit

 

[Habs Icing]

If he simplifies his game (using his size and speed up and down the wing) as he did in the last two games of the WJC, Fantilli will play in the NHL next year, and play well. As I noted in an earlier post, this kid reminds me of Stephane Richer. It was interesting to watch the reaction of the Czech players once Fantilli got the puck. They went into full retreat mode as this kid started to bust up the ice. We won, so our coaches supposedly made all the right decisions. But I just can't understand why they didn't use Fantilli more. If they did, perhaps our victory may well have been much easier. Let us all hope ( pray) that we are in a position to draft this kid who projects to be a hugely impactful player in the NHL.

Seeing as God is busy and doesn't have much time, I'll reserve my prays for Bedard. Fantilli, Carlsson and even Michkov I'll let the fall of the dice decide.

 

[SwiftyHab]

Edit: now confirmed

 

[MarkovsKnee]

Edit: now confirmed

Not unexpected. He's not NHL ready. No one in 2022 draft was. Slafkovsky is getting by based off his size & strength, but he's surviving not thriving.

 

[Adam Michaels]

Who plays today?

Riley Kidney with his new team. He was just traded to Gatineau and will dress tonight for their game against Quebec.

 

[PavelBrendl]

Man, Jiricek was my favourite player in the 2022 draft and his play in this tournament just reinforced that feeling. So jealous of Jackets fans right now.

 

[MarkovsKnee]

Do people think Fantilli can, or should, play in the NHL next year?

I hope he pulls a Matty Beniers & goes back for another year. Both are early fall birthdays, so Fantilli will be almost 19 at next year's NHL camp, and 20 if he puts it off year.

It gives him another year of growth and gives him more of a leadership role on 2024 Canada WJC team too.

No player has been hurt by staying a year or 2 more at NCAA.

Fantilli seems to be motivated to start his NHL career right away though.

 

[Kudo Shinichi]

Hopefully to London

 

[ChesterNimitz]

Seeing as God is busy and doesn't have much time, I'll reserve my prays for Bedard. Fantilli, Carlsson and even Michkov I'll let the fall of the dice decide.

God always has time for God’s team.

 

[Ezpz]

Just one tournament.. I remember when Robertson was better than Caufield based on a WJC.

Absolutely, the only real notable point is Bystedt and Kulich are also having better regular seasons in tougher leagues. Robertson was never having a better year than Caufield despite Leafs fans pretending the OHL is comparable to the NCAA. Mesar still looks like one of the better picks of the second half of the first round, just unfortunate two of the guys looking better were drafted immediately following him.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Absolutely, the only real notable point is Bystedt and Kulich are also having better regular seasons in tougher leagues. Robertson was never having a better year than Caufield despite Leafs fans pretending the OHL is comparable to the NCAA. Mesar still looks like one of the better picks of the second half of the first round, just unfortunate two of the guys looking better were drafted immediately following him.

Lot of race track left.. nothing to be concerned about. Mesar looked really good as well.

 

[Habs Icing]

God always has time for God’s team.

Naw, you're wrong. Even he gave up on the Leafs.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

Naw, you're wrong. Even he gave up on the Leafs.

Apparently since 1967. Must be a lot of sinners in Brampton.

 

[Habs Icing]

Apparently since 1967. Must be a lot of sinners in Brampton.

Yeah, it's become the soccer capital of Canada.