FolignoQuantumLeap
Don't Hold The Door
I think I'd take my chances with Englund over McKeown. McKeown reminds me of a worse version of Slater Koekkoek, which is basically Tyler Cuma. Lots of tools, but none of them really stand out.
http://ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/nhl/senatorsextra/senators-go-to-sweden-to-get-englund said:Senators assistant general manager Pierre Dorion says the organization was “extremely happy” to acquire Englund. While Englund was ranked 46th in The Hockey News scouting lists, Dorion says the Senators had him in the top 20 of their own scouting lists.
“For us, we feel like we left this draft with a first round pick,” said Dorion. “I’ve been scouting for 20 years, I don’t think we could bring in a higher character person into our organization.”
Dorion believes Englund could and should eventually be among the Senators top four defencemen in a few years because he has quiet, natural leadership abilities and matches up well against top opposition players.
Meh, I don't think he'll be a top 4 dman but a bottom pairing of Englund - Jaros would be nice.
Regarding the strength of the 2014 draft, Sens had Englund in the first round, they had him at least as a top 20 prospect.
Maybe Dorion was just building up his pick when he said this, but he expects Englund to eventually be a top 4 defender.
Also, at the time of the draft Dorion said Englund could challenge for a spot in two (or three) years, which means maybe this off season. There's been a lot of talk about Chabot since he was drafted, but if Wiercioch is gone, there certainly is a spot on the team for someone to take whether that be Claesson, Englund, Chabot, or Wikstrand.
I think the hope is for Englund to replace Boro.
I thought Englund was very good during the WJC. I was impress. he was nasty, steady, he got Under the skin. Remind me of Phaneuf from that perspective.
He was moving the puck well ( not spectacular but well ). I think he wil be a good asset for this sens team. I think they need nasty talented player. Boro is nasty but not talented.
We're talking about 2 drafts ago (this summer it will be 3).
Lets wait another 2-3 years at least before we give up on any of the players.
This is like giving up on Hoffman at the end of the 2011-2012 NHL season... after he had played a total of 1 games in the NHL because of a callup due to injury.
Now people love the guy.
Defensemen take more time than forwards. Be patient.