Prospect Info: 2024-25 Ducks Prospects

[Static]

Seems like he’s kind of a problem.

There's a lot of weird messaging coming from the team.

 

[Zegs2sendhelp]

Latest: Solberg has asked for a change because he wants to play hockey. He does not want to wait for a senior player to be out. Färjestad considers a loan to a team in the Allsvenskan league, 2nd level below SHL. Rumors say Vimmerby HC could be his destination.

My opinion: This Sweden plan doesn't work for Solberg. The Ducks should bring him home and let him play for the Gulls. Allsvenskan is a step in the wrong direction. Btw...it was Solberg who wanted to play in Sweden.

Ya Anaheim prob should put in him AHL(assuming he’d be okay with it)

Ahl is built for his style of play…. Start getting him used to NA hockey and culture.

 

[The Midnight Burrito]

There's a lot of weird messaging coming from the team.

What’s weird about it? They’ve been saying he needs his minutes limited because he’s young and he’s sometimes too aggressive, essentially. That sounds about as bland and normal as can be.

 

[Webster]

Seems like he’s kind of a problem.

Lack of patience perhaps, I didn't expect this to happen. Färjestad's coaches have said a lot of positive things about him. He's always full of energy and the process can't go fast enough, so I guess they're trying to slow him down a bit.

But again, he's in the wrong league imo. Even though he plays a physical game, he doesn't take many penalties, his hits are always clean. But they'll still keep him on a leash there.

 

[Static]

What’s weird about it? They’ve been saying he needs his minutes limited because he’s young and he’s sometimes too aggressive, essentially. That sounds about as bland and normal as can be.

I think I might be misunderstanding the messaging. I was under the interpretation that they were completely against sending him down and were limiting his play to prevent exhaustion. He hasn't really played since then, and now everyone seems mad.

 

[The Midnight Burrito]

Can’t we just have one kid develop normally.

 

[tomd]

I'd be a lot more concerned about an 18 year-old who was content to be scratched than one who wants to go somewhere where he can play.

My biggest worry about him is that he is playing in a league that is too advanced for an 18 year old defenseman. North American junior hockey would be ideal for him this year and then on to the AHL next year.

 

[Masch78]

The home run type of pics do not look like home runs atm. Talking about Solberg and Pettersson.

Madden used this description for Pettersson btw

 

[ZegrassyKnoll]

I am genuinely confused about why people think an 18 year old being overeager to play is a negative quality.

 

[JAHV]

I am genuinely confused about why people think an 18 year old being overeager to play is a negative quality.

As am I. I'd be frustrated too, if I were him. He's a hockey player. He wants to play hockey.

 

[tomd]

The home run type of pics do not look like home runs atm. Talking about Solberg and Pettersson.

Madden used this description for Pettersson btw

Both of them are clearly playing in leagues that are above their current talent level. N/A junior would be a better fit for both.

 

[The Midnight Burrito]

Of course I expect any player to be frustrated about not playing. That’s often the point of not playing someone. How they express that frustration is something else. A demand to be sent somewhere else is unusual and not automatically justified.

 

[Webster]

Of course I expect any player to be frustrated about not playing. That’s often the point of not playing someone. How they express that frustration is something else. A demand to be sent somewhere else is unusual and not automatically justified.

I don't think it was a demand, more like he asked or discussed it with management. It looks like he doesn't have patience with their development process. As mentioned, just so eager to play. He probably has something to learn there, this process takes time.

Both of them are clearly playing in leagues that are above their current talent level. N/A junior would be a better fit for both.

I wouldn't say it's lack of talent when it comes to Solberg, remember he started very well for Färjestad, 2nd pairing for 10 games. They have explained why he plays less minutes for now.

 

[tomd]

I wouldn't say it's lack of talent when it comes to Solberg, remember he started very well for Färjestad, 2nd pairing for 10 games. They have explained why he plays less minutes for now.

Point taken but my philosophy has always been to put a prospect where he will be able to dominate while still being challenged and being able to try new things to expand his game. I don't think the SHL is the best place for him in those regards. Just my $0.02.

 

[ZegrassyKnoll]

Of course I expect any player to be frustrated about not playing. That’s often the point of not playing someone. How they express that frustration is something else. A demand to be sent somewhere else is unusual and not automatically justified.

I would agree with you if he were demanding to be promoted (a la McGroarty), but it sounds like he just wants to play, wherever that is.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

Of course I expect any player to be frustrated about not playing. That’s often the point of not playing someone. How they express that frustration is something else. A demand to be sent somewhere else is unusual and not automatically justified.

If he wants more ice time, then he's gotta show the coaching staff he is willing to earn more ice time. The team wants him with the SHL club and doesn't want to demote him. But he wants to be demoted to get more playing time. Something's up.

 

[Anaheim4ever]

If he wants more ice time, then he's gotta show the coaching staff he is willing to earn more ice time. The team wants him with the SHL club and doesn't want to demote him. But he wants to be demoted to get more playing time. Something's up.

Coaching staff on his team want him to play like Fowler and not land a single hit.

 

[Webster]

Solberg looked a bit serious today in a meeting with Färjestad's management.

"This is a new situation for me, but I know where I need to be better" - Solberg said. I assume what he means is that he needs to play a lot more as part of his development.

There's no decision yet, if they'll send him down or not. Maybe the Ducks have something to say as well, I don't know.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

Coaching staff on his team want him to play like Fowler and not land a single hit.

That's a bit reductive. The team didn't mind the hits or big hits until Solberg went overboard on a player. Up to that point, Solberg's had up and down performances on the ice. And with players returning from injury, the team improved its standard to be on the ice. It's up to Solberg to rise to the occasion and up his game.

When doing research on several 2024 draft prospects, I looked a few of Solberg's scouting reviews because he became a riser in the draft. Yeah, his big hits were there, but he has some offense showing in his earlier teens in the lower levels. He was rushed to the Norway men's team at age 15. There is a lot of top-4 potential with Solberg, but he's still raw.

Last year, we had Luneau up with the NHL club. He played a total of 7 NHL games and 6 AHL games before the WJC-20s in late Dec. The problem with Luneau wasn't his game, but his frame - he needed to bulk up. GM Verbeek made Luneau bulk up for about half a season. Luneau didn't have a bad attitude nor showed great displeasure in the media. The worst Luneau said about his situation was saying he was glad to play instead of working out all the time in a post-game interview.

Solberg was blessed physically. He's listed at 6'2 and 205 lbs on EP as an 18-year old; CSB final rankings have him at 6'2 and 194 lbs. For comparison, Luneau is listed at 6'1 and 194 lbs on EP and 6'1 and 174 lbs on the Gulls roster as a 20-year old. Solberg's build is probably why he rose up to the Norwegian men's league age 15, but it's possibly why Solberg is also a raw player. I am hoping that Solberg can evolve into a top-4, two-way D while in the SHL and be a steal at pick 23.

 

[eaterfan]

All I hear about on this board is McTavish taking stupid penalties and how undisciplined the Ducks are. It sounds like Solberg was playing recklessly and has been benched for it. Now people are complaining about a player facing consequences for playing with uncontrolled aggression. I would prefer Solberg learn to rein it in before he gets to the NHL. The lack of playing time can become a problem eventually, but it's only been a few weeks. We'll see how he responds to the adversity.

 

[Static]

All I hear about on this board is McTavish taking stupid penalties and how undisciplined the Ducks are. It sounds like Solberg was playing recklessly and has been benched for it. Now people are complaining about a player facing consequences for playing with uncontrolled aggression. I would prefer Solberg learn to rein it in before he gets to the NHL. The lack of playing time can become a problem eventually, but it's only been a few weeks. We'll see how he responds to the adversity.

The types of penalties each player takes has has a part to play in that perspective. Mac takes a lot of seemingly lazy penalities; hooks, holds, trips, stuff because he doesn't move his feet or a lack of focus.

Most of us haven't watched solberg play, but I would venture a guess that physically aggressive penalties would probably be more well received by fans, right or wrong, because of the perception that they come from a place of passion rather than laziness.

 

[ZegrassyKnoll]

All I hear about on this board is McTavish taking stupid penalties and how undisciplined the Ducks are. It sounds like Solberg was playing recklessly and has been benched for it. Now people are complaining about a player facing consequences for playing with uncontrolled aggression. I would prefer Solberg learn to rein it in before he gets to the NHL. The lack of playing time can become a problem eventually, but it's only been a few weeks. We'll see how he responds to the adversity.

@Webster would have more insight but from what I've read/seen it isn't so much that he takes stupid/lazy penalties, but that the European leagues have stricter rules on physical play than we do.

What's "reckless" in Sweden would probably be lauded by many here.

 

[eaterfan]

The types of penalties each player takes has has a part to play in that perspective. Mac takes a lot of seemingly lazy penalities; hooks, holds, trips, stuff because he doesn't move his feet or a lack of focus.

Most of us haven't watched solberg play, but I would venture a guess that physically aggressive penalties would probably be more well received by fans, right or wrong, because of the perception that they come from a place of passion rather than laziness.

Agreed on that front. I'm just pointing out that trying to get the undisciplined penalties out of a player before they reach the NHL is easier to do. I do think that eventually taking stupid penalties for unnecessary/illegal hits will grind down the fanbase. If he gets a reputation for taking cheap/dangerous hits the NHL will come down hard on him and he could face suspensions in important games.

These hits may be legal (or not) in NA, but learning to play within the rules and how the game is officiated is also a skill. Knowing when to hold back a little to not take a penalty and hurt the team is useful.

 

[Webster]

@Hockey Duckie you're on to something there. They started to sit him after he lost it, knocked down a player and continued to punch him. I looked at the stats from that game and he got a double minor and was benched for the rest of the game. So I guess he needs to rebuild their trust. But I think they really want him to stay, hopefully they can agree on a plan together. He also needs to control his emotions.

@ZegrassyKnoll that's very true when it comes to Sweden. Solberg is a product of the Norwegian league, not at SHL's level of skill, but way more physical. I guess that's why they call it the Viking league.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

@Hockey Duckie you're on to something there. They started to sit him after he lost it, knocked down a player and continued to punch him. I looked at the stats from that game and he got a double minor and was benched for the rest of the game. So I guess he needs to rebuild their trust. But I think they really want him to stay, hopefully they can agree on a plan together. He also needs to control his emotions.

@ZegrassyKnoll that's very true when it comes to Sweden. Solberg is a product of the Norwegian league, not at SHL's level of skill, but way more physical. I guess that's why they call it the Viking league.

Players move around via trade or free agency. One day a player is your opponent and the next they're your teammate. The SHL has to protect its players and Solberg losing it like that is detrimental not only to his team, but the league. Farjestad was fine with Solberg playing physical and hitting, but him losing it on a knocked down player is on a whole other level. Farjestad trusted Solberg until Solberg lost their trust. Compound that with players coming back healthy, then it allows Farjestad to rehabilitate Solberg's emotions, but also improve his overall game simultaneously.

Solberg did play as a 7th defenseman in their last game, vs Tappara in the Champions League on Nov 19th. He played 6:15 and incurred a 2-min penalty. His rating for the game was 5.8 (red highlight) in Flash Score, the lowest among all the Farjestad's defensemen.