Same here, while researching him for my upcoming pick, I received many indications that he was predominantly known for his defensive ability. But besides his slap shot, nothing showed of Ragulin being a very good puck mover. He was massive (especially in his era), knew how to play the physical aspect of the game. But I'd need to see some proof in order to determine whether he is what some of you make him out to be.
Chidlovski says: "He was an established organizer of both defensive and offensive team efforts and had excellent tactical and puck handling skills. Due to his amazing sense of hockey, he was famous for a quick and accurate one-timer from the defense zone sending his teammates into a counter-attack. "
Pelletier says: "His weakness was his skating, but that wouldn't have been as exposed in the old NHL days. He made up for that with excellent positional play, and great puck movement out of the zone."
Interesting, now I'm really starting to wonder why I never traded up for him. Minus skating he's like the perfect package in a defenseman. Although to reiterate, he should never go before Kasatonov.
I question the wisdom of drafting a third liner as one's third or fourth forward.
And if he's not a third liner, well then I question drafting Gainey so soon for a top-6 role.
Ragulin usually goes too early in this (he should never be picked ahead of Kasatonov), but he's a very good pick this late.
Definitely another guy I was considering for my last pick.
Not only are the first two in Henri's profile, but there are some more quotes about Flaman, as well. Flaman was mentioned in articles I read about Henri, more than any other player. It seems like little Henri Richard was the constant thorn in the side of big bad Fern Flaman.
Right back at you:
I'd also question whether Ragulin was the best puck mover of his time.
With the 174th pick in the 2011 ATD the New Haven Nighthawks select Bob Gainey, LW.
It isn't unusual at all to use a LW as the defensive conscience of an offensive line, as well as the guy who is the mucker and grinder to win pucks for finesse duos.
Gainey can do all of those things and pot 20.
...Gainey would be the best defensive 3rd liner in this.
He could barely do all those things and pot 20 in real life, why would he be able to do it at an ATD level?
He should be on the 3rd line, but when all is said and done if you look at 3rd line forwards he'll likely be one of the few best defensively, but one of the 20 worst offensively.
That has been, and will continue to be debatable in my opinion. Of course he's certainly up there....Gainey would be the best defensive 3rd liner in this.
It's more about getting the best defensive forward ever. Gainey is a weak 2nd liner if thats where he plans to use him.
It isn't unusual at all to use a LW as the defensive conscience of an offensive line, as well as the guy who is the mucker and grinder to win pucks for finesse duos.
Gainey can do all of those things and pot 20.
I don't think with 40 teams everyone is going to have the depth they are used to from previous drafts and we'll need to focus more on how players will integrate together and with a team concept.
Then again, this is my first draft so what do I know.
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...Gainey would be the best defensive 3rd liner in this.
I completely agree, FWIW.The thing with Gainey is, I thought he deserved to slip because he just isn't a good top-6 player in this and I don't find drafting a third liner as your third forward a good idea. Thogh maybe that's just me.
Nighbor and Clarke wouldn't be used in a 3rd line capacity, LOL.
...Gainey would be the best defensive 3rd liner in this.
Yeah, Bob Gainey could barely do those things... lol
I guess he's a hall of famer and won a Conn Smythe on a dynasty team cup run because he was an average 3rd liner...
Except a good consience on an offensive line can chip in reasonably well. In an offensive ATD context, Gainey is quite probably gong to be one of the worst forwards offensively in the draft.