Speculation: 2025 TDL Discussion

[bland]

Keith Primeau? I guess that’s better than Wayne Primeau.

That's my conclusion thus far. He's very similar to Keith Primeau, same kind of arc to his career - large guys whose development required early usage as a wing, both look(ed) awkward and clumsy at times. Longer adaptation period than most top picks. High end skill is there to see, but a hard time establishing itself as a consistent threat.

I hope I am wrong, but Byfield seems to be on the same trajectory to be a very good middle 6 center on very good teams, but not "the guy". Again, hope I am wrong - but I don't think I am.

 

[DoktorJeep]

That's my conclusion thus far. He's very similar to Keith Primeau, same kind or arc to his career - large guys whose development required early usage as a wing, both look(ed) awkward and clumsy at times. Longer adaptation period than most top picks.

I hope I am wrong, but Byfield seems to be on the same trajectory to be a very good middle 6 center on very good teams, but not "the guy". Again, hope I am wrong - but I don't think I am.

I dunno. I’m still holding out hope for QB turning into Mark Scheiffle.

 

[bland]

I dunno. I’m still holding out hope for QB turning into Mark Scheiffle.

I don't blame those either hopeful or frustrated with him. Just unfortunate that it was on the only really big swing they allowed themselves to take.

Every game I watch Byfield and look for signs that it's clicking in, more than even the results of his plays. I find that I spend a lot of time seeing "almosts", and they are almost all in moments that require touch on the puck. I don't know if that is confidence or ability. Lots of reasons to see why a young King would lack confidence, but I am starting to lean towards it being outright skill.

I preferred Stützle, but I thought that Byfield was too big a jackpot to turn down. I called him a project back then, and thought it was we'll worth the risk given the time they had then with Vilardi, Turcotte and even Kupari - plus I think Kempe was still getting shifts up the middle at the time too. Man, did they ever !@#$ that shit up.