Prospect Info: (C) David Gustafsson (2018, 60th overall pick)

[MrBoJangelz71]

Yes, very, very, very subtle.

At the risk of repeating myself, the jury is still out on this kid. Not enough of a sample size.

True, and I wasn't trying to be facetious. I see some really strong skills with this kid, mostly his awareness, but not enough to be able to determine if he should stick this season.

 

[DannyGallivan]

True, and I wasn't trying to be ferocious. I see some really strong skills with this kid, mostly his awareness, but not enough to be able to determine if he should stick this season.

That's fine. I don't see anything that can be described as "strong" with him - yet. I guess "strong" isn't a word I'd ever use often with a bottom three forward. I prefer forwards that at least have the ability to create... even defensive forwards need an offensive upside. He's only 19, though. Maybe the only difference in our views are semantics... easy marker versus more demanding marker.

Perhaps he can be crafted into a PK specialist at one point (of course, we'd need a PK strategy that worked first).

 

[GumbyCan2]

That's fine. I don't see anything that can be described as "strong" with him - yet. I guess "strong" isn't a word I'd ever use often with a bottom three forward. I prefer forwards that at least have the ability to create... even defensive forwards need an offensive upside. He's only 19, though. Maybe the only difference in our views are semantics... easy marker versus more demanding marker.

Perhaps he can be crafted into a PK specialist at one point (of course, we'd need a PK strategy that worked first).

He actually had some verystrongshiftsagainst the leagueleading Oilers last night. He looked very much in the play and comfortable, breaking upplays in his end and neutral zone. He actually controlled the puck with savvy and purpose a few times. Not out of his element at all, I M O. Good signs he is adjusting and I liked his compete. Wish he had more ice-time to evaluate more.
I think he shown potential as an NHL player.

 

[GumbyCan2]

That's fine. I don't see anything that can be described as "strong" with him - yet. I guess "strong" isn't a word I'd ever use often with a bottom three forward. I prefer forwards that at least have the ability to create... even defensive forwards need an offensive upside. He's only 19, though. Maybe the only difference in our views are semantics... easy marker versus more demanding marker.

Perhaps he can be crafted into a PK specialist at one point (of course, we'd need a PK strategy that worked first).

Maybe it's my Swedish heritage influencing my oinion but I see some offensive potential there. More so than "cement-hands"Lowry. I love Adam Lowry and his role, game. But he is not very offensive-skilled at the NHL level!

 

[Ducky10]

He’s a clear upgrade to Letestu. I’m satisfied with that for now.

 

[DannyGallivan]

He’s a clear upgrade to Letestu. I’m satisfied with that for now.

Can the bar be any lower?

 

[Ducky10]

Can the bar be any lower?

Fortunately that’s as high as it needs to be right now.

 

[DannyGallivan]

Fortunately that’s as high as it needs to be right now.

Well, I guess "limited effectiveness" is better than "zero effectiveness".

 

[Ducky10]

Well, I guess "limited effectiveness" is better than "zero effectiveness".

Only so much you can accomplish in 5 minutes.

 

[DannyGallivan]

Only so much you can accomplish in 5 minutes.

That might be a good thing.

 

[Ducky10]

That might be a good thing.

For Letestu? Sure, although why even bother?
For Gus? Nah, either play him 8-10 minutes or not at all. He can contribute, I’d rather play him at 4C than Rosie with that kind of ice time. But you need to at least give him that, for a few reasons.

 

[DannyGallivan]

For Letestu? Sure, although why even bother?
For Gus? Nah, either play him 8-10 minutes or not at all. He can contribute, I’d rather play him at 4C than Rosie with that kind of ice time. But you need to at least give him that, for a few reasons.

I'd be okay with that, but probably more in the "not at all" category. Lots of marking on the curve here... some of these young players are better than average AHLers currently on our team, but the young guys STILL need to develop in the AHL. At least, they should. It's not like we're going to be a contender or even a playoff team with Heinola or Gustafsson, so let them get better in a much more "agreeable" environment.

 

[Jet]

I've really liked his shifts - very encouraging for a youngster. Looks like he has the hockey iq you need, and being a hulking beast doesn't hurt

 

[Zhamnov5GoalGame]

I know Maurice is dead set on no play on the wing for Gus but I'd like to see him get a couple of the shifts after a PP with Lowry and Copp instead of Bourque.

 

[nobody imp0rtant]

Maybe it's my Swedish heritage influencing my oinion but I see some offensive potential there. More so than "cement-hands"Lowry. I love Adam Lowry and his role, game. But he is not very offensive-skilled at the NHL level!

My Swedish heritage is not helping me in the slightest to see the offensive potential in Gus. I think he will take over the low-scoring checking role in a couple of years when Lowry leaves as a UFA. Assuming we haven't found a coach by then that doesn't feel the 3rd line centre need only prevent goals, not score them.

 

[Adam da bomb]

How many more NHL games do you think he gets this year?

 

[CorgisPer60]

No idea, but I think he's not helping the team enough to warrant staying on the club. Sure, he's better than the other options, but as a 19 year old, defensively sound player, his development should call for more ice time and stronger minutes. Playing less than 8 minutes a night on the 4th line with no special teams play is terrible for his development. He can't go to the A, so send him back to Sweden.

 

[Adam da bomb]

No idea, but I think he's not helping the team enough to warrant staying on the club. Sure, he's better than the other options, but as a 19 year old, defensively sound player, his development should call for more ice time and stronger minutes. Playing less than 8 minutes a night on the 4th line with no special teams play is terrible for his development. He can't go to the A, so send him back to Sweden.

Definitely not well enough to blow a year on his elc. I agree he needs more playing time. Also, Perrault looks like he deserves some 3rd line minutes. I'd go, PCR and Lowry, Bourque(ugh) Shaw/Appleton/ insert name.

 

[lanky]

No idea, but I think he's not helping the team enough to warrant staying on the club. Sure, he's better than the other options, but as a 19 year old, defensively sound player, his development should call for more ice time and stronger minutes. Playing less than 8 minutes a night on the 4th line with no special teams play is terrible for his development.

Agreed

He can't go to the A,

Why not?

 

[CorgisPer60]

Agreed



Why not?

NHL transfer agreements. Non-first round picks that are younger than 20 years old must be loaned back to their overseas clubs. That's what I remember hearing about Gustafsson's eligibility.

 

[lanky]

NHL transfer agreements. Non-first round picks that are younger than 20 years old must be loaned back to their overseas clubs. That's what I remember hearing about Gustafsson's eligibility.

Kylington played D+1 in the A. That's just the first example that popped into my head.

I'll consider Gus Moose-eligible until I see evidence to contradict.

 

[Whileee]

I think he might stick with the Jets this year. Maurice has indicated that they are grooming him for a 3rd or 4th line role, so he doesn't need to be playing big minutes in another league.

 

[Adam da bomb]

I think he might stick with the Jets this year. Maurice has indicated that they are grooming him for a 3rd or 4th line role, so he doesn't need to be playing big minutes in another league.

That 4th line needs to play more minutes. Just assumed it was a lack of trust in Gus. With only 6 minutes doesn't play who plays on that line.

 

[CorgisPer60]

Kylington played D+1 in the A. That's just the first example that popped into my head. Did he and Gus have different Swedish contract types that would explain the difference?

*furiously researching*

So, Kylington signed a 2 year extension with AIK in 2015, but stayed in NA at the request of the Flames organisation. I guess I didn't hear correctly. If he can be sent down, I hope they do so.

 

[voyageur]

I think he might stick with the Jets this year. Maurice has indicated that they are grooming him for a 3rd or 4th line role, so he doesn't need to be playing big minutes in another league.

He actually reminds me quite a bit of Eriksson-Ek in his first season, except the Wild didn't have the top end talent to shelter him, through his first season, so he played in some tougher matchups.

With Letestu out, Suess struggling in his first pro game, and no real depth down the lineup (Spacek doesn't have the defensive awareness), I think he sticks it out. Perreault-Gustafsson-Bourque is a strong enough 4th line to play at the NHL level (in that 6-9 minute comfort zone). Gustafsson has the smarts to play in the NHL. Thing we saw when those two wingers were forced up the lineup, is that the talent is thin at forward. The injured Appleton is good enough to stick, but not breaking the door down. It would be nice for Luoto or Chibisov to make the leap, not sure who else on the Moose is really knocking on the door. Maybe Suess does better in his 2nd game. Vesalainen needs to push his way onto the team.

I think optimally if you want to manage Scheifele's ice time, you might look at a guy who can take draws on the PK, behind Lowry and Little (Copp is usually first unit). But it's far from a crisis now. I want to see the Gustafsson get his 1st NHL goal on the homestand, he was in the right place yesterday, but the hands were a little slow.