Around the NHL - (Off-season edition)

Mr Rogers

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Jul 11, 2010
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I’ll be honest, and I know he scored tonite, but I was expecting Bedard to come screaming out of the gates and he hasn’t really yet. Probably will get hot soon but I feel a tad bit underwhelmed thus far.

Also is he a guy who can run a powerplay? I’m just not sure if he’s that or more of a cold-blooded finisher.
 

shach1

Registered User
Aug 12, 2023
91
112
I’ll be honest, and I know he scored tonite, but I was expecting Bedard to come screaming out of the gates and he hasn’t really yet. Probably will get hot soon but I feel a tad bit underwhelmed thus far.

Also is he a guy who can run a powerplay? I’m just not sure if he’s that or more of a cold-blooded finisher.
I think Leo might be more dominant and impactful honestly.
 

ohcomeonref

#FireCronin
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Oct 18, 2014
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Alberta, Canada
I’ll be honest, and I know he scored tonite, but I was expecting Bedard to come screaming out of the gates and he hasn’t really yet. Probably will get hot soon but I feel a tad bit underwhelmed thus far.

Also is he a guy who can run a powerplay? I’m just not sure if he’s that or more of a cold-blooded finisher.

He isn't a burner and he isn't big, he may end up having trouble in the game long-term (this guarantees I'll eat my words I'm sure).
 
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Mr Rogers

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Jul 11, 2010
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He isn't a burner and he isn't big, he may end up having trouble in the game long-term (this guarantees I'll eat my words I'm sure).
Haha I agree in all seriousness. I mean what he’s shown so far … will be a great player, but i mean is he really gonna have more of an impact than Matthews??

The way I see it, the blackhawks should be thrilled if he comes to have the impact of Joe Sakic but I mean it’s entirely possible he doesn’t come remotely close to that.

When I watch him, I almost feel like I’m expecting a lot just because the industry and media says I should be, but the vibes I’m getting from watching him are telling me something totally different.
 

shach1

Registered User
Aug 12, 2023
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Haha I agree in all seriousness. I mean what he’s shown so far … will be a great player, but i mean is he really gonna have more of an impact than Matthews??

The way I see it, the blackhawks should be thrilled if he comes to have the impact of Joe Sakic but I mean it’s entirely possible he doesn’t come remotely close to that.

When I watch him, I almost feel like I’m expecting a lot just because the industry and media says I should be, but the vibes I’m getting from watching him are telling me something totally different.
I'd love to hear how you compare that to Leo so far
 

Mr Rogers

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I'd love to hear how you compare that to Leo so far
Im not sure exactly what you mean, but I honestly could see Leo being the more impactful player and yes, potentially putting up more points even. The former I’d say is reasonably likely and the latter less so tho not nothing. Only time will tell.
 

shach1

Registered User
Aug 12, 2023
91
112
Im not sure exactly what you mean, but I honestly could see Leo being the more impactful player and yes, potentially putting up more points even. The former I’d say is reasonably likely and the latter less so tho not nothing. Only time will tell.
Just how do you think leo looks compared to Bedard?
 

Mr Rogers

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Just how do you think leo looks compared to Bedard?
I think it’s tougher for bigger guys to get going right away and Leo also had to deal with adjusting to the NA ice surface and style of play.

everyone knew Bedard would put up points right away and he has but idk he just doesn’t look dominant in any respect and he lacks explosiveness I feel like. He doesn’t really have speed or size. A great shot for sure and high IQ.

Leo probably will take longer to ramp up but in 2-3 years from now, it’ll be fascinating to see. I guess what I’m wondering is if Bedard truly will be a quarterback for his team’s offense. Is he gonna make other guys better by distributing? Is he gonna drive the PP or be a trigger man?
 

TheGoodShepard1

Dongle Digits.
Nov 26, 2017
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There’s a non-zero chance that the Sharks don’t crack 40 points this year. Just a bad, bad hockey team, that’s gonna be a painful rebuild
 
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StreetHawk

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Sep 30, 2017
29,164
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There’s a non-zero chance that the Sharks don’t crack 40 points this year. Just a bad, bad hockey team, that’s gonna be a painful rebuild
No doubt. I mean, you don't swap the 3rd pick in the draft for one in the teens a couple of years later. Plus all of the long term deals to 30 year olds they gave out, they had to wait for them to expire. Already used up all 3 retention spots.
Only started to miss the PO a year after Anaheim did. 5 years vs the 6 years for Anaheim.

And Anaheim has had 2nd worst, worst and 3rd worst overall finishes in 3 of the last 4 seasons. Sharks have been 2nd worst, worst the past 2. Very possible that SJ does not play a PO game in the 2020's. Don't expect them to make the PO in 25/26/27. Leaves them 28/29 only to have a shot and 28 if every goes right in that Askarov plays well when he arrives and the D that they will transition to have a couple of kids who play like Faber/Seider who figured it out early on. But, how likely is that?
 

2faded

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Jul 3, 2009
4,638
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Torrance, CA
There's a small chance if Ovechkin keeps his current pace, he can break the record during the Ducks game on 3/11/25. He needs 36 and I think if he keeps his current pace he'll have 32-33 goals before that game. A hot streak here or there. A hat trick during that game. It could happen.

And he scores right after I post this.
 
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Mr Rogers

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Jul 11, 2010
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Calgary
Big miss is quite a stretch imo.

Solid player, but not one to lose sleep over.
I mean relative to Drysdale’s impact, it’s quite material I’d say. Like I said, the Gauthier trade helps a lot. But it’s illustrative of the type of choices that add up over the years and leave you without depth.
 

mightyquack

eggplant and jade or bust
Apr 28, 2010
26,712
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I mean relative to Drysdale’s impact, it’s quite material I’d say. Like I said, the Gauthier trade helps a lot. But it’s illustrative of the type of choices that add up over the years and leave you without depth.
Eh, we have Gauthier as a result. Who has already outproduced Rossi's debut NHL season and he's over a year younger then Rossi was at that time.

Out of all the recent first round picks to use as an example, Drysdale isn't one for me. Compared to the Treacy's, Perreault's etc.

Drysdale looked like a top 4 defenceman early in his career, injuries have completely derailed him.
 

Mr Rogers

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Jul 11, 2010
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Calgary
Eh, we have Gauthier as a result. Who has already outproduced Rossi's debut NHL season and he's over a year younger then Rossi was at that time.

Out of all the recent first round picks to use as an example, Drysdale isn't one for me. Compared to the Treacy's, Perreault's etc.

Drysdale looked like a top 4 defenceman early in his career, injuries have completely derailed him.
i mean there’s always an element of hindsight in these types of things although I think there was a contingent that wanted Rossi. I guess what I’m saying is while I do think it was a miss, and one that would’ve impacted the team negatively without the opportunitistic/fortunate Gauthier trade, the more important point is it’s illustrative of what the team hasn’t done much of over the past decade - draft quality depth forwards. And we’re seeing the negative impacts of that this very season.

Sure it’s not most egregious instance but there were other situations. Just find 1 or 2 incremental players, and it makes a huge difference. By far my biggest gripe, and maybe only gripe, with our drafting.
 

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