PocketNines
Cutter's Way
Bramptfordon-Boulangerie visits Kelowna tonight 705pm PACIFIC
Stancl is the only prospect in action today Tues Jan 21
Stancl is the only prospect in action today Tues Jan 21
Prospect Info: Blues 2024-2025 Prospect Thread
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PocketNines
Cutter's Way
STANCL time
1st shift rings the crossbar, later on the PP another grade A left wing break in, the goalie made a great save. Another wraparound chance on the same crossbar shift and a dangerous assist attempt to the crease. no points, but the kind of period where if you watched it you're seeing a player on a level above the other players.
He is so detailed. On the PP he is over in the right circle ala Dvorsky, and they are looking for him, but he loves the LW attacking shot on the goaltender ala Schenn. Great shot, great release. Good reverse hitter, makes well timed hits, knows when to lift sticks. Very aware out there, always ready to turn up and attack but will be the first forward deep in his own zone to help out his defender getting pressured. it's like watching an NHL player play with 16-19 year olds.
DETAILS is the word with this one. That's why I am pumped to see him end of March with Springfield, I think he is details ready.
He kept a puck from being cleared out of the ozone but took it off the right knee, that stung but he stayed out there and got a chance later in the shift
oh wow he just had a breakaway and then had a rebound of it, both saved by the goalie. he basically streaked by his defender and took the pass at the blue line and was in alone from there. he does this a lot. like multiple times a game at this competition level
Kelowna is getting smoked in the game, 5-1 late in the second. Bramptfordon with multiple PP goals. now 6-1 another PP goal. this is like the 10-0 game the other night, they can't get a save
another chance for Stancl right out of the gate in the 3d, again from the left wing attack
STANCL scores with 1:49 left in the game. Gorgeous shot from the RW circle.
they did get SOME saves, like 48 of them. but the problem was there were 55 shots. I mean it's unsustainable to allow 107 shots in the last two games, even if they did win one of them. Kelowna loses 7-3
6 goals in 5 games since the WJC, where he had 7 goals in 7 games. Very confident right now, chances galore. Goals in ten of his last dozen games played. Sweden and Seattle Thunderbirds each shut him out once but he scored on them each in another game
1st shift rings the crossbar, later on the PP another grade A left wing break in, the goalie made a great save. Another wraparound chance on the same crossbar shift and a dangerous assist attempt to the crease. no points, but the kind of period where if you watched it you're seeing a player on a level above the other players.
He is so detailed. On the PP he is over in the right circle ala Dvorsky, and they are looking for him, but he loves the LW attacking shot on the goaltender ala Schenn. Great shot, great release. Good reverse hitter, makes well timed hits, knows when to lift sticks. Very aware out there, always ready to turn up and attack but will be the first forward deep in his own zone to help out his defender getting pressured. it's like watching an NHL player play with 16-19 year olds.
DETAILS is the word with this one. That's why I am pumped to see him end of March with Springfield, I think he is details ready.
He kept a puck from being cleared out of the ozone but took it off the right knee, that stung but he stayed out there and got a chance later in the shift
oh wow he just had a breakaway and then had a rebound of it, both saved by the goalie. he basically streaked by his defender and took the pass at the blue line and was in alone from there. he does this a lot. like multiple times a game at this competition level
Kelowna is getting smoked in the game, 5-1 late in the second. Bramptfordon with multiple PP goals. now 6-1 another PP goal. this is like the 10-0 game the other night, they can't get a save
another chance for Stancl right out of the gate in the 3d, again from the left wing attack
STANCL scores with 1:49 left in the game. Gorgeous shot from the RW circle.
they did get SOME saves, like 48 of them. but the problem was there were 55 shots. I mean it's unsustainable to allow 107 shots in the last two games, even if they did win one of them. Kelowna loses 7-3
6 goals in 5 games since the WJC, where he had 7 goals in 7 games. Very confident right now, chances galore. Goals in ten of his last dozen games played. Sweden and Seattle Thunderbirds each shut him out once but he scored on them each in another game
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PocketNines
Cutter's Way
The scouting reports on Stancl all say the same things I am saying about the completeness of his game, his awareness, his details all over the place. They say things like if the skating improves then this is player could have a bigger impact than middle 6.
His confidence compared with earlier in the season is through the roof. It's because he knows he's improved his skating. When he gets interviewed and asked what is different right now he says confidence and skating are improved. Apparently whoever he's texting with on the Blues is full of praise and occasional detail comments, he knows the Blues are very happy with him.
I want to see his skating in the AHL, I think he is ready. But you don't know until you see it. If he gets to the AHL and does not look slow, I will straight up be penciling him into the Blues top 6, absolutely.
In fact if this player overcomes the skating question I think he is the #1 prospect in the organization. His total 200' pro style game is already past Dvorsky, Stenberg and Snuggy, it really is
btw last night's goal is at the 3:57 mark
His confidence compared with earlier in the season is through the roof. It's because he knows he's improved his skating. When he gets interviewed and asked what is different right now he says confidence and skating are improved. Apparently whoever he's texting with on the Blues is full of praise and occasional detail comments, he knows the Blues are very happy with him.
I want to see his skating in the AHL, I think he is ready. But you don't know until you see it. If he gets to the AHL and does not look slow, I will straight up be penciling him into the Blues top 6, absolutely.
In fact if this player overcomes the skating question I think he is the #1 prospect in the organization. His total 200' pro style game is already past Dvorsky, Stenberg and Snuggy, it really is
btw last night's goal is at the 3:57 mark
greybush314
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- Dec 23, 2020
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PocketNines
Cutter's Way
I don't see why not if Dvorsky can. But I suspect he would go to the AHL first since Kelowna may not make its playoffs and their season would end March 23, there being 10 games left for Springfield. Especially if they call Dvorsky up at the end
PocketNines
Cutter's Way
StLewis11
Registered User
Wow, that's a bold statement from you. But it excites me. Thanks for posting your insights. I'm looking forward to following Stancl's progress, you've given me high hopes for him.
PocketNines
Cutter's Way
Below is what others were saying before we drafted him 18+ months ago. You'll read a lot of what I've been observing. You can tell in those 18 months he has worked a ton on his skating. That's why I want to see it in Springfield asap. He produced in back to back WJCs including making the all tournament team not looking slow against his elite, same-age peers. When a guy is a pouncer like he is you don't tend to think "too slow" his mind makes him look faster. But that's also the thing against pros they will process the game faster than his current competition so his IQ will give him less of an advantage than it does right now. I am not saying he will take this large skating leap, but I do see evidence of a lot of progress, and it's the only real limitation on his game. I still have him 5th on my prospect list but IF his skating looks like it has no issues in the AHL, the completeness of the rest of his game is above those other forwards
From the Hockey Writers capsule:
Inside the Rink:
Lines.com, Bill Placzek
Last Word on Sports
From the Hockey Writers capsule:
Jakub Stancl is a prospect whose impact on the game goes beyond the scoresheet. Known for his two-way game, he is strong in his own zone and can be trusted on the penalty kill or late in games when trying to protect the lead. A player that does not make a ton of mistakes, it is clear that he is ready for whatever challenge coaches throw at him.
The first thing that jumps out when watching Stancl is his size. At 6-foot-3, 201 pounds, he sticks out on the ice, especially when playing against other U18 players. One common issue with prospects that are bigger is that they don’t know how to use their size to their advantage. That is not the case here, as when the puck is on his stick, it is extremely difficult for defenders to steal it away, thanks to his puckhandling skills and body positioning. He also can play a physical brand of hockey and isn’t afraid to throw a big hit if presented with the opportunity.
A smart player, Stancl is great at facilitating breakouts from his own zone. He makes life easy for his defenders by staying close and understands when it is best to carry the puck over the blue line or make a pass to his wingers. Once he has the puck in the offensive zone, he is not afraid to shoot but also is good at scanning the ice to try and find open teammates. When he is in the offensive zone without the puck, he is always moving around, trying to find the open ice so his teammates can get him the puck in scoring positions. Overall, he understands where the holes in the opposing defence are and looks to exploit them every chance he can.
Strengths
- Size
- Transition game
- Vision
- Puckhandelling
Under Construction – Improvements to Make
- Skating
- Staying focused in games
- Movement in the defensive zone
Inside the Rink:
Weakness’s
Stancl definitely needs some work on his skating, especially in tight quarters. He also has a tendency to float and seem disengaged from time to time. He needs to find a spark to bring it every night and shift.
Summary
If he continues to improve his skating and work ethic, Stancl should find a home in the NHL as a good bottom-six center to someone in the third-fourth round area. If his skating improves dramatically, he may even have some higher potential than that.
Lines.com, Bill Placzek
Every draft class has a few kids you in the past were definitely off the radar and then show up unsuspectedly as dominant late bloomers. A year ago, this big framed winger who knew hockey, but lumbered to get back and forth down the sheet, having difficult in being involved in each end, unless he sacrificed getting down the other way at the end of the shift. No miracles were involved in the loss of his heavy boots and lazy feet, but hard work and adjusting to his growing into his body, adding serious leg strength, and improved stop/starts exponentially has transformed him to a force who plays heavy, scores and plays on both the power play and penalty kill. The stagger leap was witnessed in the Five Nations tourney where he captained Czechia's team. His skating power has transformed into hard driving tank who bulls his way to the net. He is aggressive and forceful all over the ice and has a heavy shot to go along with his heavy game. His on ice shifts cause problems with his physical forecheck. On the penalty kill, he pressures point men into giveaways and at equal strength he can hammer attackers in possession of pucks into turnovers. Some team may fall in love with the new improved version and take him in the top 60.
Last Word on Sports
One of the options for a reliable and defensive forward in the later rounds is Jakub Stancl. The Czech forward from the Swedish team Växjö Lakers is a player that uses his great size to his advantage. He uses his weight well to both shield the puck when it’s on his stick and to make a hit when he has the chance to do so. He plays to his strengths and makes use of his control and balance to be an option for stability in all three zones. His skating needs a ton of work as it’s very slow and mechanically very flawed. It takes him ages to get going and he lacks a lot of power in his acceleration.
This lack of speed does limit his offensive translatability as most of his offense comes from his physicality and hockey sense. He will spot a weakness or try to create one with his size, which works in the junior leagues but won’t in the NHL. His passing is excellent, and his shot is fine, but getting open requires much better skating and off-the-puck movement. However, if this is worked on, his defensive skillset and size could make him a very strong middle-six player in the future.
BlueMed
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That's a massive claim. I'd like to see how he does in the AHL next year compared to a healthy Zach Dean. That will be telling because I can safely see one of those two as a future 3C based on potential. It's possible Stancl becomes something more but putting him above Dvorsky is wild at this point. Glad you're excited about him though.
ChicagoBlues
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Beauterham
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PocketNines
Cutter's Way
As long as you're clear why I'm saying it.
Aside from skating, the rest of his game is more complete than Dvorsky's. Certainly you don't watch them both and think Dvorsky is better on the defensive side of the puck? So you can then understand the if-then conditional, and understand why it's reasonable.
It's a little annoying to be so clear about the if-then and then have it so quickly misunderstood tbh, but it's a given, people are going to skim and conclude a different thing than what I am saying, then go after that thing.
Jiricek runs a better power play than anyone in St. Louis. What incredible vision and passing by him at the point. I was not pleased on draft night, but I'm a believer in him now that I've watched more of him this season. He may well be the 1D we have been seeking.
shpongle falls
Ass Möde
Snuggerud earns big 10 first star of the week for the second tine this year, is in second place in scoring in college hockey right now.
I can’t wait to see him play for the Blues, Jimmy is the sniper Thomas needs on his line, it’s his destiny lol.
I can’t wait to see him play for the Blues, Jimmy is the sniper Thomas needs on his line, it’s his destiny lol.
shpongle falls
Ass Möde
I’ve liked what l’ve seen from the clips of him so far, could be a blessing in disguise he got injured his draft year. If he was healthy no way the Blues get him at 16th overall.
PocketNines
Cutter's Way
Meh I'm watching the wrong game. The dark Brantford (third?) jerseys are so hard to read it's super tough to determine when Jiricek is out there outside of the opening PP of the period. Jiricek has 2 assists tonight, but Burns just scored. A goal an assist and a roughing against another Blues prospect
BlueMed
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No, I read the totality of your statement. I can concede that his defensive game is better than Dvorksy's, but I wouldn't put Stancl as the #1 prospect in the organization. I get why you're excited about him because I am too, but he has a lot more to prove offensively to put him above Dalibor, and I'm fairly certain the Blues' development staff would agree. We're talking a prospect who was nearly a goal per game player in the OHL and was rated as best shot, best stickhandler, and second smartest player in the league by the coaches. Of course Stancl plays in the WHL, but I don't think he would get that type of praise in the OHL.
PocketNines
Cutter's Way
I am just saying IF-THEN. Like I said I have Stancl at #5, behind Dvorsky Lindstein Stenberg and Snuggy as I sit here watching all his games today. I am agreeing with the scouts before me who see a complete player minus the skating (whatever "loses focus" was, that is not this player at all any more, he is like ROR focus out there).
"If he continues to improve his skating and work ethic, Stancl should find a home in the NHL as a good bottom-six center to someone in the third-fourth round area. If his skating improves dramatically, he may even have some higher potential than that"
I am agreeing with this assessment. IF his skating is something he can pull a Backes on (improves "dramatically" which nobody can 'expect'), this is a very very special player then, and it would make him #1. I am watching as many of these players as I possibly can right now and I definitely don't decide in advance which ones to get excited about, they have to show it. This one, in the beginning of this season, Oct and Nov, Stancl was good but more like a complementary player to a serious play driver on his line, so it's tougher to see his own driving ability. Now that he is by himself (they got a tall skilled draft eligible player in Hayden Paupanekis who is on his line now, #23) you can really see how much of it is him. In his team's games, they are getting caved. I watched all of a 10-0 loss and a 7-3 loss, and the game I saw in person they won but were outshot like 52-24. But when Stancl is out there, the play is generally going Kelowna's way. It's a ton of heavy lifting and he is getting a lot of practice at it.
I did not expect to see what I am seeing from him. I'm not convinced until I see him skate with pros. But every other thing he is doing on the ice is something we would want our prospect to be doing, and at this level his skating is definitely not an issue. It is very clear that he has both worked on it and the confidence he has is infusing him, both things. We are in a wait and see mode.
I'm trying to get across that the rest of his game is so good that in its total well roundedness, if he pulls a Backes then yes I think he is above those other forwards. The other forwards are great! No ding on them! None of them have Stancl's size, but Stancl has real offensive skills: passing, shooting, vision, IQ to go along with the 200' defensive responsibility that definitely is above the other three.
The Blues could so badly use another Michal Handzus. It's tantalizing with Stancl, you can see he has leveled up. The WJC was not a fluke.
BlueMed
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I do apologize for not acknowledging your conditional statement initially. Like you said, it's a hypothetical. What are we expecting that improvement to really look like? In theory, any player could improve an area and turn that weakness into a strength, but it's impossible to rank prospects in such a fashion because it's not only wishful, but we would lack any agreement regarding degree of improvement.
PocketNines
Cutter's Way
No worries I was bracing for it and holding back saying it for awhile because I was worried it would be mistaken, so I'm glad I got to explain it better
PocketNines
Cutter's Way
He is the most swiss army knife prospect that we have, he can play any forward position.
Also when I go here to Springfield's roster on the roster page they have him as a "forward" and they only have three centers listed, Peca, Alexandrov and Dickinson
Roster
Meet the Springfield Thunderbirds team! Check out player profiles, stats, and bios for your favorite AHL hockey stars.
springfieldthunderbirds.com
Maybe you should see whether they actually play him at center (which they haven’t yet) before you take a victory lap.
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