Bill Peckerskull
Fargin' Icehole
I agree, but the problem is neither of those two are gonna be playing anytime soon, and they don't have anyone else other than Soda, Sherwood, or O'Brien.
Confirmed with Link: Avs Sign Alex Newhook to ELC
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Richard88
John 3:16
- Jun 29, 2019
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I guess you just use Donskoi in a 3rd/4th line role in rotation with Nichuskin, while managing their minutes depending on who is playing better along with what the score is.
Northern Avs Fan
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- May 27, 2019
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I think he’s been about what I expected.
He’s not dominating, or anything, but he’s added some extra skill to the lineup. I like the toughness he’s playing with as well.
He’s not dominating, or anything, but he’s added some extra skill to the lineup. I like the toughness he’s playing with as well.
SoundwaveIsCharisma
Moderator
You can tell he's still a little hesitant and hasn't gotten comfortable with the speed of the game just yet. As you mentioned, he plays with toughness and is willing to get into the dirty areas. Also really like how he keeps his feet moving and doesn't just stand still like some of our skilled players tend to do.
Bill Peckerskull
Fargin' Icehole
So how does this work, why is it burnt already? What's the "nine (?) game limit"?
klozge
Avs
And these guys aren't even the worst in Avs' history. Altitude needs to go away badly.
Newusername
Registered User
- Jun 26, 2013
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If i remember correctly the 9 game limit only applies to 18/19 year old seasons. once a player is 20, the contract plays out. Again could be wrong on that but that's how i understand it.
Bill Peckerskull
Fargin' Icehole
I believe burning his 1st year was part of the negotiations to get him to sign this year. It takes a year off his 3-year deal, and gets him closer to Free Agency and a bigger $ deal. I believe they did the same with Ranta too (not sure about others).
The typically 9 games (it was only 6 this year because of the shorter schedule) is for a player who hasn't started his ELC yet. Once he plays in a 10th game, his ELC kicks in and he burns a year of his 3-year deal.
Newusername
Registered User
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Entry-Level Slide Candidates - CapFriendly - NHL Salary Caps
This is a helpful link explaining why & how ELC’s “slide”
As for Newhook, anyone else get Brayden Point vibes? I know that’s lofty. But I see it. Stocky, speedy, smart.
This is a helpful link explaining why & how ELC’s “slide”
As for Newhook, anyone else get Brayden Point vibes? I know that’s lofty. But I see it. Stocky, speedy, smart.
Point is maybe 180lbs soaking wet after a late offseason bender. He plays around 170-175 (he was in the 160s 2-3 years ago). He's not at all stocky. Point is a much better skater (he's top 5 in the NHL level) and his game is about being slippery. Newhook has some jam and power to his game that Point doesn't have.
I'm not really concerned about Newhook's skating. I get that he doesn't have elite straight-line speed but he's already shown in short bursts he can get to loose pucks and achieve separation. He's also maneuverable enough to make plays in tight areas. I'd say the aspects of his game that need the most work surround his shooting. In terms of accuracy and release he has some work to do, but I'm not remotely worried. So far he looks very comfortable at the NHL level. Really excited to see his game evolve.
SoundwaveIsCharisma
Moderator
Newhook is more similar to a Cirelli in my opinion, willing to get into the dirty areas with a commitment to two-way play. The defensive side seems to come very naturally to Cirelli, where as it seems more like a conscientious effort for Newhook. I do think Newhook has more natural offensive talent, and you can see that with the chances that he is getting.
I think the numbers are going to come for Newhook, right now he's trying too hard for that perfect shot. He gets himself open so many times, it's only a matter of time before those chances start resulting in goals.
Newusername
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Yeah maybe stocky was a bad word choice. Points no slouch physically though. I’m standing by my comparison!! Even if it is wishful thinking haha
I'm not worried at all about Newhook's skating on being a NHL player. He's way more than good enough in that area to be a NHL player. He's not an elite skater and I don't think he's going to be a high end guy either. Certainly in that good category. I worry a bit about him working at center and being a two way guy with it and his size, but that answer will come in due time. Plus MacK's transformation into being much better defensively has lowered the need for the 2C to absolutely be a 2 way guy. If the Avs could grab a 3C with some punch on each end, or Jost develops into that... he could work there even with some limitations. His offensive skill shows enough there to build around.
I know people hate this comparison... but Jordan Eberle is who he really reminds me of. A smaller guy who has a great shot, knows spacing and positioning in the offensive zone, has a hands/skating combo that can create space but skating isn't a massive plus, and a player who can handle some physicality despite being on the smaller side (Newhook will dish out more). I hope Newhook is a bit more consistent in his effort and more like the Eberle under Tortz than the Eberle in Edmonton.
My only diss on Eberle is that he tends to be a perimeter guy, Newhook has a little more jam in his game IMO, but I see where you're coming from. If he ends up similar to that I'm not too worried, especially if they give him some good linemates, it could work.
Yeah that's why I said Newhook will dish out more. Both tend to be soft spot guys, but Newhook playing center and his natural tendency attack the middle more. Eberle was like that more in junior and he got pushed to the edges while in Edmonton. I think he has been much better in that area since he got paired up with Barzal who can be a bit all over the ice and Eberle has to play off that. Trotz also has raised his effort level a lot. If Eberle played how he does now, with his skills at 23... he would have been a 35-50 winger.
SoundwaveIsCharisma
Moderator
From what I've seen of him from some of his NCAA games, the WJC and while on the Avs, I don't think effort will be an issue. He's always moving, and keeps his head on a swivel.
Avsfan1921
Registered User
- Oct 5, 2019
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I think he's looked ok. He hasn't really brought a whole lot that others don't already provide but if he isn't hurting them, which he isn't so far, I like the idea of him getting the experience to help prepare for next year.
Yeah I don't foresee it being an issue. That is more of a statement on how good Eberle could have been if he tried harder in his early 20s. Eberle now is actually a solid worker... not perfect, but he's not a lazy player.
