Prospect Info: 6th Overall Pick: Pavel Zacha

[Emperoreddy]

If a player with Zacha's skill, size, speed, and physicality was NHL-ready, he'd have gone #3. Matteau has NHL size and plays a much simpler game, and even he needed a few years.

He didn't go three because of his point totals among some other things. Many thought he would go earlier when the year began. He was ranked 6 by Bob in what was supposed to be a very deep draft. Monahan took off running in a thinner draft where he went 6th.

So you never know.

And I'm with Unseen as you have to at least consider that it might be better for him to fill the holes in his game and be taught by our NHL coaches over the Sarnia coaches.

 

[MNDevilsfan]

If he isn't ready, then absolutely return him to Sarnia. If he needs to run out his junior eligibility and climb the ranks through the AHL, then that is what they should do. I don't mind them leaving the door open though, because given the overall message from Shero and Hynes I trust that if they keep him up, it's because they decide it's best for his development. I don't think they're going to rush him into the NHL to try to win a few more games next season.

 

[tycobb]

If a player with Zacha's skill, size, speed, and physicality was NHL-ready, he'd have gone #3. Matteau has NHL size and plays a much simpler game, and even he needed a few years.

Zacha could have gone 3 if he didn't have such a poor year in the minors. 2 suspensions, and didn't even put up a PTS per game.

Strome nearly put up 2 PTS per game.

Matteau was a #30 pick. Shouldn't really compare the two.

 

[Unknown Caller]

Ruutu was a former top 10 pick and for good reason. Would have been a helluva player if he weren't such a reckless player. Lead the Hawks im goals his rookie year. http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=50514

If Zacha becomes a Holik type center, there's a lot to look forward to im thos kid.

I just don't see his style being comparable at all to Holik or Ruutu. The physical element to their game is similar, but Zacha has elite skating, which neither of those players had. He has an elite shot which neither of those players had. His hands are off the charts compared to those two. When I watch his game, he's a slightly more physical and slightly less dynamic version of Kovalchuk who can play a strong two-way game at center. Conte's Malkin comparison is correct.

 

[TheUnseenHand]

I just don't see his style being comparable at all to Holik or Ruutu. The physical element to their game is similar, but Zacha has elite skating, which neither of those players had. He has an elite shot which neither of those players had. His hands are off the charts compared to those two. When I watch his game, he's a slightly more physical and slightly less dynamic version of Kovalchuk who can play a strong two-way game at center. Conte's Malkin comparison is correct.

He reminds me a bit of Kovy and a bit of Ovy. Like a lesser version of a cross between those two. I don't think he has the playmaking skills or vision of Malkin.

 

[Emperoreddy]

He reminds me a bit of Kovy and a bit of Ovy. Like a lesser version of a cross between those two. I don't think he has the playmaking skills or vision of Malkin.

Ya. He is more a scorer then any kind of playmaker to me as well. A very talented and dynamic one.

His playmaking could improve but I don't see him being elite at it. Guys are going to feed him and any assets he gets will be other cleaning his garbage up.

 

[MadDevil]

Wasn't he drawing comparisons to Eric Staal at one point?

 

[HenriquesJawLine]

Zacha reminds me of Nichushkin a little bit, just by his size and strong skating

 

[NJD Kula]

I think he's a lot like Viktor Kozlov

 

[Marshal Rochambeau]

He is the best prospect since Neidermayer.

 

[glenwo2]

Ya. He is more a scorer then any kind of playmaker to me as well. A very talented and dynamic one.

His playmaking could improve but I don't see him being elite at it. Guys are going to feed him and any assets he gets will be other cleaning his garbage up.

Don't you hate auto-correct?


I'm sure you meant "assists".

 

[Missionhockey]

He is the best prospect since Neidermayer.

Adam Larsson?

 

[Emperoreddy]

Don't you hate auto-correct?


I'm sure you meant "assists".

Apple's auto correct is literally the worst.

 

[Classic Devil]

I think he's a lot like Viktor Kozlov

That is the nightmare scenario, but I can't deny the plausibility of the comparison.

 

[njdevils1982]

Apple's auto correct is literally the worst.

auto correct is akin to cars that park themselves.

useless


sorry for rant

 

[MadDevil]

I think he's a lot like Viktor Kozlov

Well, at least he'll help us in the shootout then.

 

[Emperoreddy]

That is the nightmare scenario, but I can't deny the plausibility of the comparison.

I can't find enough no and NOPE gifts because I refuse to even entertain this scenario.

 

[njdevils1982]

That is the nightmare scenario, but I can't deny the plausibility of the comparison.

but imagine the shootout wins!


/edit

 

[Devilsfan992]

Adam Larsson?

This

 

[OmNomNom]

avs did this: http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?t=1920193

wheres RG? can we get one?

 

[Marshal Rochambeau]

Adam Larsson?

True completely forgot for some reason.

 

[HenriquesJawLine]

 

[NJDevs26]

Zacha definitely uses his body more than Kozlov....right there the comparison ends. EJ at the STH questionaire even alluded to the fact he's no stranger to playing physical.

 

[theoptimist]

You're brilliant for this GIF.

But it was at this moment, with this move, that I realized that Zacha had to be our pick. Absolutely wicked stuff.

 

[MadDevil]

I'm not sure if that's more impressive by Zacha or an indictment on the Swiss defense.

Kid definitely has a lot of tools. I loved when he said he tries to play like Getzlaf. If he can even come close to that, I think I'm gonna like him just as much as that other guy we had who had "Zach" in his name.