Prospect Info: Blues 2021 draft

[Beauterham]

And they still didn’t make the frozen 4.

If I remember correctly Michigan was removed from the tournament due to positive Covid-19 results.

You know what is crazy the Blues have had a key defensemen in each of the last three finals. I think they have won all three.

True, although it's 2 Blues defensemen that appeared (and won) the last 3 finals. Scotty Perunovich in 99 and 00 and Matt Kessel in 01.

 

[DatDude44]

Hey guys, i'm in the process of downloading prospect video for the draft, anyone in particularly you'd be interested in hearing my analysis of feel free to let me know!

 

[Beauterham]

Hey guys, i'm in the process of downloading prospect video for the draft, anyone in particularly you'd be interested in hearing my analysis of feel free to let me know!

I'm mostly interested in guys who potentially could be available for our pick in the 3rd round or even later. A couple of the guys I have on my watchlist:

- Olen Zellweger - Left defenseman (we might need to trade up for him, but he seems hugely underrated due to underexposure)
- Ben Gaudreau - Goalie
- Tristan Lennox - Goalie
- Aidan Hreschuk - Left defenseman
- Red Savage - Left winger
- Ty Gallagher - Right defenseman
- Conner Roulette - Left winger
- Jalen Luypen - Left winger (teammate of Neighbours/Guenther)

 

[DatDude44]

I'm mostly interested in guys who potentially could be available for our pick in the 3rd round or even later. A couple of the guys I have on my watchlist:

- Olen Zellweger - Left defenseman (we might need to trade up for him, but he seems hugely underrated due to underexposure)
- Ben Gaudreau - Goalie
- Tristan Lennox - Goalie
- Aidan Hreschuk - Left defenseman
- Red Savage - Left winger
- Ty Gallagher - Right defenseman
- Conner Roulette - Left winger
- Jalen Luypen - Left winger (teammate of Neighbours/Guenther)

Funny u say that....i'm downloading zellweger video as i type this, Hreschuk and savage are on my list. I'm in a fun GM league where i have only 3rd and 4th rd picks so i'm really targeting players in that area. Another player i'd add Jacob Guevin to your list, super smart puck moving defenceman with a ton of poise and can find shot lanes well, getting better defensively with angles/physicality down low. His biggest issue is straight ahead skating for a player his size, but he's fantastic on his edges and has great escapability with the puck.

 

[stl76]

As much as I want the defense to be a priority, especially LHD, I think reaching for defesemen is the wrong idea. I'd much rather get a very good forward prospect than a high risk defenseman.

I get what you're saying, and generally speaking I completely agree. Don't think you'll find a single person anywhere who thinks reaching for a high risk defenseman is a good idea haha.

However, I don't think Kirsanov fits that description. If anything he seems like a safe pick high floor low ceiling type of player. There's a very good chance he ends up a solid all around 2nd paring LHD in the NHL, with potential for more. He has good size and plays a solid all around game that coaches love. It's super impressive that he held his own very nicely in 29 KHL games as an 18 year old, not many guys can do that at that age.

Not saying we necessarily SHOULD draft Kirasanov at 16 overall, but I don't think he would be a big reach there. He's been a riser in some rankings I've seen...FWIW Pronman has him at 16 in his prospect rankings - Top 151 Prospects for 2021 NHL Draft: Owen Power leads Corey Pronman's final rankings

All that said, I have no problem going with a higher upside forward or any other position in the first round!

 

[DatDude44]

I get what you're saying, and generally speaking I completely agree. Don't think you'll find a single person anywhere who thinks reaching for a high risk defenseman is a good idea haha.

However, I don't think Kirsanov fits that description. If anything he seems like a safe pick high floor low ceiling type of player. There's a very good chance he ends up a solid all around 2nd paring LHD in the NHL, with potential for more. He has good size and plays a solid all around game that coaches love. It's super impressive that he held his own very nicely in 29 KHL games as an 18 year old, not many guys can do that at that age.

Not saying we necessarily SHOULD draft Kirasanov at 16 overall, but I don't think he would be a big reach there. He's been a riser in some rankings I've seen...FWIW Pronman has him at 16 in his prospect rankings - Top 151 Prospects for 2021 NHL Draft: Owen Power leads Corey Pronman's final rankings

All that said, I have no problem going with a higher upside forward or any other position in the first round!

Do u prefer Kirsanov to Lambos?

 

[stl76]

Do u prefer Kirsanov to Lambos?

Probably Lambos, but I honestly haven't seen enough of either player to really develop an informed preference for one or the other. My impression from scouting reports/highlights is that Lambos has a higher ceiling but maybe higher risk due to injuries and a weaker D-1 season. Kirsanov on the other hand seems to have a high floor and had a sneaky strong D-1 season.



I was watching this shift by shift video of Kirsanov and wasn't blown away by any means. The thing that stood out to me was that nothing really stood out (if that makes any sense). His skating seems adequate but not really a plus attribute, same with his shot. He does make a lot of nice touch bases along the boards and crisp tape to tape break out passes. He's usually in the right place at the right time and makes the right decision. Good offensive instincts but doesn't cheat on defense to create offense, good body position and an excellent stick defensively.

I don't know if he has the elite potential to make a good pick for us at 16, but I think somebody will be happy they drafted Kirsanov in a couple years. The fact that He played 35 KHL games on a good team as an 18 year old (including 6 playoff games) says a lot IMO. Again tho, haven't seen a ton of Kirsanov's play, and I've seen even less of Lambos so take it with a grain of salt.

 

[tfriede2]

Probably Lambos, but I honestly haven't seen enough of either player to really develop an informed preference for one or the other. My impression from scouting reports/highlights is that Lambos has a higher ceiling but maybe higher risk due to injuries and a weaker D-1 season. Kirsanov on the other hand seems to have a high floor and had a sneaky strong D-1 season.



I was watching this shift by shift video of Kirsanov and wasn't blown away by any means. The thing that stood out to me was that nothing really stood out (if that makes any sense). His skating seems adequate but not really a plus attribute, same with his shot. He does make a lot of nice touch bases along the boards and crisp tape to tape break out passes. He's usually in the right place at the right time and makes the right decision. Good offensive instincts but doesn't cheat on defense to create offense, good body position and an excellent stick defensively.

I don't know if he has the elite potential to make a good pick for us at 16, but I think somebody will be happy they drafted Kirsanov in a couple years. The fact that He played 35 KHL games on a good team as an 18 year old (including 6 playoff games) says a lot IMO. Again tho, haven't seen a ton of Kirsanov's play, and I've seen even less of Lambos so take it with a grain of salt.

So, basically Kirsanov could be another Gunnarsson?

 

[stl76]

So, basically Kirsanov could be another Gunnarsson?

I mean, who knows?

Stystic comparison might be someone like Slavin (very good all around non-flashy game, excellent stick defensively)...purely style comparison tho, I think Slavin is a top 10 dman in the league and it's a long shot for ANY dman in this entire draft to ever reach that level.

 

[Celtic Note]

Probably Lambos, but I honestly haven't seen enough of either player to really develop an informed preference for one or the other. My impression from scouting reports/highlights is that Lambos has a higher ceiling but maybe higher risk due to injuries and a weaker D-1 season. Kirsanov on the other hand seems to have a high floor and had a sneaky strong D-1 season.



I was watching this shift by shift video of Kirsanov and wasn't blown away by any means. The thing that stood out to me was that nothing really stood out (if that makes any sense). His skating seems adequate but not really a plus attribute, same with his shot. He does make a lot of nice touch bases along the boards and crisp tape to tape break out passes. He's usually in the right place at the right time and makes the right decision. Good offensive instincts but doesn't cheat on defense to create offense, good body position and an excellent stick defensively.

I don't know if he has the elite potential to make a good pick for us at 16, but I think somebody will be happy they drafted Kirsanov in a couple years. The fact that He played 35 KHL games on a good team as an 18 year old (including 6 playoff games) says a lot IMO. Again tho, haven't seen a ton of Kirsanov's play, and I've seen even less of Lambos so take it with a grain of salt.

The thing that stood out to me is the lack of vision and slow response to developing plays. Maybe it wasn’t his best game, but I would call him a 3rd round pick in a quality draft (just based on the one viewing, which isn’t enough).

 

[Mike Liut]

Nikita Chibrikov Is still my choice

 

[sfvega]

We're almost up for the team board mock draft. Will be interesting to see what the majority is here. Notable vote getters from the Rangers voting include Svechkov, Raty, L'Heureux, and Pinelli. Sillinger, Coronato, and Lambos went in 3 of the last 4 picks which is what I'm worried about in the actual draft. Seems like the teams between us and Philly all have similar needs so I anticipate us getting a few war room dreams going up in smoke like they probably did with Barron last year. Svech is my choice pretty easily, but I can see Ceulemans getting some votes.

 

[Mike Liut]

Nikita Chibrikov Is still my choice

Game changing speed and is pretty physical. Needs to learn to back check and play D. He’s going to be a good one

 

[Domme90]

If Räty is availebel i take him.Still think he has Top 5 upside.

 

[Damian Frerker]

You guys think Red Savage will be there for us in the 3rd? Just reading about him sounds like a Blue.

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

You guys think Red Savage will be there for us in the 3rd? Just reading about him sounds like a Blue.

I had to look him up to make sure he was actual person and not cartoon villain.

 

[DatDude44]

You guys think Red Savage will be there for us in the 3rd? Just reading about him sounds like a Blue.

I think he goes in the middle to late 2nd, that being said if he's available in the 3rd i'd love it.

 

[DatDude44]

I'm mostly interested in guys who potentially could be available for our pick in the 3rd round or even later. A couple of the guys I have on my watchlist:

- Olen Zellweger - Left defenseman (we might need to trade up for him, but he seems hugely underrated due to underexposure)
- Ben Gaudreau - Goalie
- Tristan Lennox - Goalie
- Aidan Hreschuk - Left defenseman
- Red Savage - Left winger
- Ty Gallagher - Right defenseman
- Conner Roulette - Left winger
- Jalen Luypen - Left winger (teammate of Neighbours/Guenther)

Here's my initial notes on Zellweger watching him for the first time:
I actually liked him alot. There's definitely something there. Skates very well, reads and anticipates play well, especially away from the puck, he's the kind of D that see's what your going to try to do before you do it. (A personal trait I absolutely love in D and imo is a main translator to the NHL for D). He alwasy has his head up and does a great job of scanning the ice before hand on retrievals and making the smart usually easy play. Overall I would say he has above average smarts and instincts. He will need time to develop strength and comfortability engaging physically(the right way) below the dots defensively. I love him in the 3rd rd or late 2nd as project defenseman with top 4 upside. For a player comparison i would use Matt Grzelcyk(Not the sexiest name but a very effective and smart player for boston), in a 3rd rd pick that's fantastic value. Just for the sake of HFboards fantsy land, i'll say his ceiling is that of Torey Krug or a Gostisbehere(4-5 years ago)

 

[Beauterham]

Here's my initial notes on Zellweger watching him for the first time:
I actually liked him alot. There's definitely something there. Skates very well, reads and anticipates play well, especially away from the puck, he's the kind of D that see's what your going to try to do before you do it. (A personal trait I absolutely love in D and imo is a main translator to the NHL for D). He alwasy has his head up and does a great job of scanning the ice before hand on retrievals and making the smart usually easy play. Overall I would say he has above average smarts and instincts. He will need time to develop strength and comfortability engaging physically(the right way) below the dots defensively. I love him in the 3rd rd or late 2nd as project defenseman with top 4 upside. For a player comparison i would use Matt Grzelcyk(Not the sexiest name but a very effective and smart player for boston), in a 3rd rd pick that's fantastic value. Just for the sake of HFboards fantsy land, i'll say his ceiling is that of Torey Krug or a Gostisbehere(4-5 years ago)

Thanks for the notes.

I think the team drafting Zellweger is definitely getting a good one. He's going a bit under the radar due to not having a lot of exposure but he didn't seem out of place compared to Clarke and Ceulemans at the WJC. I'd love him in the 3rd but I can't imagine him still being there, but if for some reason we pick in the 2nd round and we want a defender, I wouldn't mind picking either him or Ryan Ufko if we prefer a righty.

Talking about Ufko, apparantly I forgot to put him on my last list, but if you like Zellweger, you should really watch Ufko: undersized (like Olen) and needs to work on his skating but man... he's so much fun to watch.

 

[DatDude44]

Thanks for the notes.

I think the team drafting Zellweger is definitely getting a good one. He's going a bit under the radar due to not having a lot of exposure but he didn't seem out of place compared to Clarke and Ceulemans at the WJC. I'd love him in the 3rd but I can't imagine him still being there, but if for some reason we pick in the 2nd round and we want a defender, I wouldn't mind picking either him or Ryan Ufko if we prefer a righty.

Talking about Ufko, apparantly I forgot to put him on my last list, but if you like Zellweger, you should really watch Ufko: undersized (like Olen) and needs to work on his skating but man... he's so much fun to watch.

Oh believe me i watched him last year.....alot....hahah, he's very smart and poised, struggles defensively and greatly benefited from playing with chicago and the system they run (which is insane)

 

[BlueMed]

With Price playing so well, teams have to wonder how valuable it is to take a goaltender in the first round now.

 

[simon IC]

Thanks for the notes.

I think the team drafting Zellweger is definitely getting a good one. He's going a bit under the radar due to not having a lot of exposure but he didn't seem out of place compared to Clarke and Ceulemans at the WJC. I'd love him in the 3rd but I can't imagine him still being there, but if for some reason we pick in the 2nd round and we want a defender, I wouldn't mind picking either him or Ryan Ufko if we prefer a righty.

Talking about Ufko, apparantly I forgot to put him on my last list, but if you like Zellweger, you should really watch Ufko: undersized (like Olen) and needs to work on his skating but man... he's so much fun to watch.

Personal bias, but two things I hate to see together in a scouting report are "undersized" and "needs to work on his skating". Particularly for a defenseman. I am a little leary from what I have read, but I haven't watched either of them. I'll try and find some videos.

 

[Beauterham]

Personal bias, but two things I hate to see together in a scouting report are "undersized" and "needs to work on his skating". Particularly for a defenseman. I am a little leary from what I have read, but I haven't watched either of them. I'll try and find some videos.

Undersized... well, both are 5'10, the same as Perunovich and slightly taller than Krug. And from what I've read/seen Ufko's skating isn't bad, but there is some room for improvement. To be fair if they didn't had any warts they would go top 15 instead of being available in the 2nd/3rd.

 

[Ranksu]

I hope our amateur scouts have learn lesson. If there is talented prospect and even he is small you take him, height cant be excuse.

In Blues we have bad habit to draft tall players (Blues type of player) and not go after best player available.

Let DeBrincat, Aho, Point and Caufield be good examples why you draft talented small forward.

And yes I'm talking only for forwards not dmens.

 

[sfvega]

I hope our amateur scouts have learn lesson. If there is talented prospect and even he is small you take him, height cant be excuse.

In Blues we have bad habit to draft tall players (Blues type of player) and not go after best player available.

Let DeBrincat, Aho, Point and Caufield be good examples why you draft talented small forward.

And yes I'm talking only for forwards not dmens.

Lol, so you're out on Lane Hutson next year?