Prospect Info: '24-'25 Prospects Thread: Generation Z

[Al Smith]

So too was Sprong, or close enough. Has he get the rest of the game needed to stick in the NHL?

In Spezza's interview last game, he praised K a couple times, specifically his offense, including his acumen on the PP. I took that as Coach's speak for he needs to work on the defensive side of his game. Also, it remains to be seen if his skating will be sufficient at the NHL level.

Hoping for the best.

 

[Empoleon8771]

So too was Sprong, or close enough. Has he get the rest of the game needed to stick in the NHL?

From what I've read, Koivunen plays substantially more physical than Sprong and doesn't have the same defensive issues. That said, Koivunen does have some concerns with his skating, namely his acceleration.

I also think Sprong washed out because of attitude, not because of talent. He's been a successful NHL producer, but he has basically refused to try to be anything more than that.

 

[cygnus47]

In Spezza's interview last game, he praised K a couple times, specifically his offense, including his acumen on the PP. I took that as Coach's speak for he needs to work on the defensive side of his game. Also, it remains to be seen if his skating will be sufficient at the NHL level.

Hoping for the best.

At least there’s one guy in the org talking about something other than playing the “right” way. Everyone else wants every player to be grinding bitches.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

So too was Sprong, or close enough. Has he get the rest of the game needed to stick in the NHL?

I would say he’s the anti-Sprong. He’s pretty responsible.

question with Koivunen is— is he too average of a skater/athlete for his size? Spezza mentioned conditioning as well.

 

[SEALBound]

I would say he’s the anti-Sprong. He’s pretty responsible.

question with Koivunen is— is he too average of a skater/athlete for his size? Spezza mentioned conditioning as well.

Get him a summer with Andy O'Brien or Gary Roberts. Now that he's in NA and has some clout around him, I think getting access to the S&C programs needed to take that next step gets a lot easier. I don't know what's available to a 18-19yo in Finland but it's probably not as good as NA.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

Get him a summer with Andy O'Brien or Gary Roberts. Now that he's in NA and has some clout around him, I think getting access to the S&C programs needed to take that next step gets a lot easier. I don't know what's available to a 18-19yo in Finland but it's probably not as good as NA.

I’m sure they have a specific plan for him.

I will say there’s a bit of a fallacy with these kids we all fall into. It seems like they can add a gear, weight, etc. But we forget the vast majority of them have been extremely active and healthy and focused on training for a while now. Theres a chance that if they could’ve added the extra weight, step, strength, etc they would have already.

Koivunen is 21 going on 22. He’s been a NHL draft pick for 4 years and probably very focused on hockey for longer than that. There’s a chance he’s pretty much physically maxed out no matter what type of training he engages in. Hopefully not. But it’s possible.