2024-2025 Blues Multi-Purpose Thread.

[ChicagoBlues]

I just want to see his compete level/ tenacity improve. Everybody can improve that portion of their game. His first few strides can improve with work and time. Those are my only 2 knocks on him. He’s only 19, it can be done.

I've been agreeing with you in this discussion.

Dvorsky is developing nicely, but I'd like to see more physical engagement. He's scoring points, but I also want to see some grit and more tenacity.

I think it is supremely weird that we are seemingly not allowed to negatively critique our prospects. There is a strong sentiment here to coddle guys like Dvorsky instead of identifying his weaknesses and pushing him. And there is an even stronger sentiment here to come down on members who negatively critique guys like Dvorsky.

I want to see more grit, more tenacity, more physicality. I don't agree that everybody can improve that portion of their game. You either got gumption or you don't. If Dvorsky trends toward non-physical, offensive forward, then so be it. It's not what I want, but I also don't want him to be what he is not.

 

[Mike Liut]

I've been agreeing with you in this discussion.

Dvorsky is developing nicely, but I'd like to see more physical engagement. He's scoring points, but I also want to see some grit and more tenacity.

I think it is supremely weird that we are seemingly not allowed to negatively critique our prospects. There is a strong sentiment here to coddle guys like Dvorsky instead of identifying his weaknesses and pushing him. And there is an even stronger sentiment here to come down on members who negatively critique guys like Dvorsky.

I want to see more grit, more tenacity, more physicality. I don't agree that everybody can improve that portion of their game. You either got gumption or you don't. If Dvorsky trends toward non-physical, offensive forward, then so be it. It's not what I want, but not I also don't want him to be what he is not.

I get it. He doesn’t have to be Backes to improve his tenacity and physical play.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

I get it. He doesn’t have to be Backes to improve his tenacity and physical play.

Keep doing what you’re doing and don’t be afraid to counter prevailing sentiment.

 

[Brian39]

I just want to see his compete level/ tenacity improve. Everybody can improve that portion of their game. His first few strides can improve with work and time. Those are my only 2 knocks on him. He’s only 19, it can be done.

FWIW, I wouldn't include your stance on him as part of the group I refer to when I mention handwringing.

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

I just want to see his compete level/ tenacity improve. Everybody can improve that portion of their game. His first few strides can improve with work and time. Those are my only 2 knocks on him. He’s only 19, it can be done.

I see what you are seeing, but interpret it differently. I don’t think it’s as much a compete issue as a processing issue. The game moves too fast for him against men, particularly when he doesn’t have the puck. He seems hesitant, not wanting to overcommit because he isn’t quick enough to recover. As we saw this year with Tucker, that processing speed is something that can absolutely be improved. And his skating should improve as he physically matures. I think Dvo will be dang good NHL player, but it’s not likely to be this year.

 

[Mike Liut]

I see what you are seeing, but interpret it differently. I don’t think it’s as much a compete issue as a processing issue. The game moves too fast for him against men, particularly when he doesn’t have the puck. He seems hesitant, not wanting to overcommit because he isn’t quick enough to recover. As we saw this year with Tucker, that processing speed is something that can absolutely be improved. And his skating should improve as he physically matures. I think Dvo will be dang good NHL player, but it’s not likely to be this year.

He has good size and a really good shot and isn’t afraid to shoot. He has some of the right attributes to work with. Thankfully he’s only 19/20 and plenty of time. I wouldn’t count on him being a Blue this year.

 

[BlueMed]

I've been agreeing with you in this discussion.

Dvorsky is developing nicely, but I'd like to see more physical engagement. He's scoring points, but I also want to see some grit and more tenacity.

I think it is supremely weird that we are seemingly not allowed to negatively critique our prospects. There is a strong sentiment here to coddle guys like Dvorsky instead of identifying his weaknesses and pushing him. And there is an even stronger sentiment here to come down on members who negatively critique guys like Dvorsky.

I want to see more grit, more tenacity, more physicality. I don't agree that everybody can improve that portion of their game. You either got gumption or you don't. If Dvorsky trends toward non-physical, offensive forward, then so be it. It's not what I want, but I also don't want him to be what he is not.

Agreed. I will also point out that there is a cost/risk for being super physical.

1. Injuries
2. Career span
3. Positioning on the ice
4. Suspensions

I don't expect Dvorsky to be a world class skater, but my hope is that he finds a skating instructor this offseason, applies what he learned to the AHL next year, and then dedicates ANOTHER offseason to his stride/acceleration before making the starting roster in 2026-27. I think his skating can develop to a Tavares or O'Reilly level that can be viewed as adequate and allow his offensive instincts to impact a game without having to be very physical.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

Agreed. I will also point out that there is a cost/risk for being super physical.

1. Injuries
2. Career span
3. Positioning on the ice
4. Suspensions

I don't expect Dvorsky to be a world class skater, but my hope is that he finds a skating instructor this offseason, applies what he learned to the AHL next year, and then dedicates ANOTHER offseason to his stride/acceleration before making the starting roster in 2026-27. I think his skating can develop to a Tavares or O'Reilly level that can be viewed as adequate and allow his offensive instincts to impact a game without having to be very physical.

#3 is what concerns me the most. If Dvorsky does not have inherent grit, then that's okay. If he starts to play out of his true hockey self, then he risks being out of position after chasing a hit and could injure himself.

We know he's not a banger, but I think it is reasonable to want him to fight for the puck and that requires some grit. We need him to be a center, which requires strong board play. If Dvo can demonstrate his ability to win board battles, then his overall physicality becomes less important.

idk

Just thinking out loud. Good discussion from all.

 

[MissouriMook]

I've said this before, but I think it bears repeating - I am far less concerned about a Top 9 forward's ability to deliver hits than I am with their ability to absorb them. I want guys who can bounce off of hits and can make plays even with guys draped all over them, whether that is along the boards or in open ice.

 

[Louie the Blue]

I've said this before, but I think it bears repeating - I am far less concerned about a Top 9 forward's ability to deliver hits than I am with their ability to absorb them. I want guys who can bounce off of hits and can make plays even with guys draped all over them, whether that is along the boards or in open ice.

Well, if they are absorbing hits, that likely means they have possession of the puck. I’d prefer players who have possession of the puck than be ones who are chasing to get the puck.

 

[BlueDream]

Well, if they are absorbing hits, that likely means they have possession of the puck. I’d prefer players who have possession of the puck than be ones who are chasing to get the puck.

This is such a played out argument though. Zach Hyman is on pace to set the playoff record in hits, and his line is still out-possessing the opposition. The Florida Panthers have consistently led the league in hits and they’re about to go to their 3rd straight Cup. It’s not like they never have the puck.

I understand what you’re saying of course, but there’s really not as much of a correlation with “less hits = more puck possession” as people think. The players/teams with low hit totals are just not physical stylistically. Doesn’t necessarily mean they have the puck more. Every team is going to go large portions of every game without the puck no matter what.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

This is such a played out argument though. Zach Hyman is on pace to set the playoff record in hits, and his line is still out-possessing the opposition. The Florida Panthers have consistently led the league in hits and they’re about to go to their 3rd straight Cup. It’s not like they never have the puck.

I understand what you’re saying of course, but there’s really not as much of a correlation with “less hits = more puck possession” as people think. The players/teams with low hit totals are just not physical stylistically. Doesn’t necessarily mean they have the puck more. Every team is going to go large portions of every game without the puck no matter what.

And then he was unable to absorb a hit because he shied away and got injured.

EDIT: I’m referring to Hyman getting injured in the 1st period.

 

[Xerloris]

For everyone crying about Mikkola lately and how he's 'so good' now, he just did a classic Mikkola turn over and screening of his goalie for Carolina to score their 2nd. Now we'll see of Florida can cover for that f*** up.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

For everyone crying about Mikkola lately and how he's 'so good' now, he just did a classic Mikkola turn over and screening of his goalie for Carolina to score their 2nd. Now we'll see of Florida can cover for that f*** up.

Mikkolove get on board!

Wuchoo tawkin bout

That’s a new song.

 

[Louie the Blue]

This is such a played out argument though. Zach Hyman is on pace to set the playoff record in hits, and his line is still out-possessing the opposition. The Florida Panthers have consistently led the league in hits and they’re about to go to their 3rd straight Cup. It’s not like they never have the puck.

I understand what you’re saying of course, but there’s really not as much of a correlation with “less hits = more puck possession” as people think. The players/teams with low hit totals are just not physical stylistically. Doesn’t necessarily mean they have the puck more. Every team is going to go large portions of every game without the puck no matter what.

I think part of me just has the series vs Colorado in 2021 and 2022 drilled into my brain where they would chase hits while Colorado would dominate possession. Obviously would like to have both traits, but would prefer the ability to handle the puck over being able to hit.

 

[Louie the Blue]

For everyone crying about Mikkola lately and how he's 'so good' now, he just did a classic Mikkola turn over and screening of his goalie for Carolina to score their 2nd. Now we'll see of Florida can cover for that f*** up.

I don’t recall anyone complaining about Mikkola leaving. I am happy he has found success elsewhere.

He would not have reached his current level of play if he had stayed in St. Louis and he would not have been the answer to the problems on defense if he had.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

I don’t recall anyone complaining about Mikkola leaving. I am happy he has found success elsewhere.

He would not have reached his current level of play if he had stayed in St. Louis and he would not have been the answer to the problems on defense if he had.

Well….yes…..but we love our hyperbolic drama queens.

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

I don’t recall anyone complaining about Mikkola leaving. I am happy he has found success elsewhere.

He would not have reached his current level of play if he had stayed in St. Louis and he would not have been the answer to the problems on defense if he had.

Panthers have been incredible at getting far more out of individual D than they had shown ever (Forsling, Montour, Miko) or in years (OEL, Jones). It’s quite impressive.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

Panthers have been incredible at getting far more out of individual D than they had shown ever (Forsling, Montour, Miko) or in years (OEL, Jones). It’s quite impressive.

Their size advantage is at D.

 

[Reality Czech]

I don’t recall anyone complaining about Mikkola leaving. I am happy he has found success elsewhere.

He would not have reached his current level of play if he had stayed in St. Louis and he would not have been the answer to the problems on defense if he had.

Clearly you have Ranksu on ignore if you haven't seen anyone complaining about Mikkola. As you should.

But you're right. He's a decent role player, but certainly not a make or break guy.

 

[Louie the Blue]

Clearly you have Ranksu on ignore if you haven't seen anyone complaining about Mikkola. As you should.

But you're right. He's a decent role player, but certainly not a make or break guy.

I don’t have him on ignore but I view that as more of his affinity with Finnish players - he also liked Lindbohm.

Point is, we’re in agreement, he wouldn’t have moved the needle for defense here.

 

[Reality Czech]

I don’t have him on ignore but I view that as more of his affinity with Finnish players - he also liked Lindbohm.

Point is, we’re in agreement, he wouldn’t have moved the needle for defense here.

We could certainly find a place for him, but you can't keep everyone. Tucker could end up being just as good as Mikkola in the next few years. But good for him for finding a niche on perhaps the best team in the league. He's kind of like their Bortuzzo or Edmundson if we compare to the 2019 team.

 

[TheOrganist]

I've said this before, but I think it bears repeating - I am far less concerned about a Top 9 forward's ability to deliver hits than I am with their ability to absorb them. I want guys who can bounce off of hits and can make plays even with guys draped all over them, whether that is along the boards or in open ice.

Look at Barkov’s assist last night on the GWG. That’s a good example. Dvorsky has the potential to have a very nice frame when he fully fills out. The skating issue has been beaten to death but if he can develop a game when he is very tough to handle along the walls and below the goal line that would be nice. His skill set, shot and offensive production speaks for itself so we know that is there. As Blueston said, another yr to fully marinate in the AHL and be ready to really impact the game in 2026-27 are my expectations for Dvo.