C Leon Draisaitl (2014, 3rd, EDM) II

[Lacaar]

I don't understand why it's that hard for you to believe he would prefer to stay in the NHL. With that logic, why didn't MacKinnon, Drouin and Ekblad go play for Canada at the WJC? Could it be because they would rather be in the NHL? How does that not make sense to you?QUOTE]

I don't understand how you don't understand it should not matter what Draisaitl wants - it should matter what is best for the player and the organization.

What would have been best would be him playing 9 games in the NHL, going back to junior (somewhere) and playing a big role in the WJC.

Who would not want to earn an NHL paycheck? I would but that is not my call and there is no way it was Draisaitl's call to make either.

I don't think playing a big role in the WJC teaches a player how to be a better hockey player.

two weeks of your life isn't so mind bendingly awesome that you all of a sudden learn what it takes to win.. lose.. shoot? pass? and skate?

this tournament doesn't do pee diddly crap for player development.

 

[kickaction]

can someone please explain to me why prince albert would trade him to kelowna?

it seems like the raiders would really need him based on how they've played as of late

They likely thinking that LD would not come be coming back to Prince Albert, or that the chances were growing less and less likely that he'd come back. Therefore, they figured they may as well get something in return than nothing.

I don't understand how you don't understand it should not matter what Draisaitl wants - it should matter what is best for the player and the organization.

What would have been best would be him playing 9 games in the NHL, going back to junior (somewhere) and playing a big role in the WJC.

Who would not want to earn an NHL paycheck? I would but that is not my call and there is no way it was Draisaitl's call to make either.

NHL teams don't make their players go play in the World Championships. It shouldn't change if you're 20, 22 or 25. Besides, the development experience of playing in the WJC's is so overrated, especially for someone like LD who has already been there twice and would be playing for a relegation team.

I posted this on the main boards as well, but if LD was sent after 9 games, he would likely have been stuck in Prince Albert, a bottom team in the WHL, all season. They only just recently traded his rights to Kelowna, which is where he is now.

 

[Stud Muffin]

can someone please explain to me why prince albert would trade him to kelowna?

it seems like the raiders would really need him based on how they've played as of late

Oilers or any other team for that matter would not want to send their player to the raiders

 

[PBandJ]

The WJC is so overrated in regards to "prospect development".

Leon would have learned nothing playing on a soon to be relegated German team.

 

[PanniniClaus]

NHL teams don't make their players go play in the World Championships. It shouldn't change if you're 20, 22 or 25. Besides, the development experience of playing in the WJC's is so overrated, especially for someone like LD who has already been there twice and would be playing for a relegation team.

I posted this on the main boards as well, but if LD was sent after 9 games, he would likely have been stuck in Prince Albert, a bottom team in the WHL, all season. They only just recently traded his rights to Kelowna, which is where he is now.

You cannot compare the World Juniors to the World Championships and that is the first time i have ever seen that comparison made in this light.

That he did not play in the WJC does not bother me like it does some - what should bother Oiler fans is the fact they have gotten off on the wrong foot with yet another top draft pick. The incompetence that oozes from every pore of that organization is amazing and frankly a little bit upsetting seeing as it is one of only 7 Canadian teams.

I don't know what the answer is but organizations are rarely bad for a generation by accident.

Even the middling Panthers signed a few vets, got a goalie and voila - playoff contention.

 

[kickaction]

You cannot compare the World Juniors to the World Championships and that is the first time i have ever seen that comparison made in this light.

That he did not play in the WJC does not bother me like it does some - what should bother Oiler fans is the fact they have gotten off on the wrong foot with yet another top draft pick. The incompetence that oozes from every pore of that organization is amazing and frankly a little bit upsetting seeing as it is one of only 7 Canadian teams.

I don't know what the answer is but organizations are rarely bad for a generation by accident.

Even the middling Panthers signed a few vets, got a goalie and voila - playoff contention.

If you're going to claim that I cannot make a comparison, please provide some support to said claim.

 

[PanniniClaus]

If you're going to claim that I cannot make a comparison, please provide some support to said claim.

Underage players, those with Junior eligibility, have multiple development options. The team generally has more say and control in the formative years. The WJC has long been seen as a great experience for a young player and a small part of the development process.

The Senior Worlds are played while the NHL playoffs are on and most players have just endured a long grind. The teams will rarely offer an opinion other than to suggest a player out of the Worlds if they have had a long injury filled season.

Senior Players tend to have more control over their affairs and will play for their country if they feel passionate about it, play for their country if they think it may help their Olympic hopes or not play at all if they just don't think it is the best thing for them.

I just don't see how these tournaments are comparable at all but maybe others feel differently.

 

[DudeWhereIsMakar]

I he got the nine games, Prince Albert would've had him and Morrissey. Prince Albert would've went all in into being Memorial Cup contenders and would've added as much as they could.

 

[nowhereman]

I he got the nine games, Prince Albert would've had him and Morrissey. Prince Albert would've went all in into being Memorial Cup contenders and would've added as much as they could.

Even with Draisaitl, I don't think Prince Albert would have been Memorial Cup contenders. They're 16-23, even with Morrissey on the roster all season, and I doubt Draisaitl's production would vault them to the level of a team like the 31-6 Rockets, who are destroying the WHL.

But with Draisaitl and Morrissey, the Rockets have gone from WHL championship favorites to a team that will likely annihilate every team in their path, on route to the Memorial Cup. Draisaitl is in the best position possible.

 

[BoldNewLettuce]

The WJC is so overrated in regards to "prospect development".

Leon would have learned nothing playing on a soon to be relegated German team.

I disagree entirely.

One of the big reasons I like Drai as a prospect is because when allowed he will be the leader of the german team (mens or juniors). He will have an entire national program behind him...however bushleague it is.

That develops leadership. IT should make him a better player. Not to mention the experience of having to put a team together in a few weeks/months and learning a new system, new coach, and then playing in an all stakes tournament.

 

[hototogisu]

Mark Spector ‏@SportsnetSpec 1m1 minute ago
Draisaitl dealt to Kelowna. Import Kris Schmidli, defenceman Dalton Yorke and a 1st round WHL bantam draft pick in 2015 to the P.A. Raiders.

 

[GuillaumeLetsundress*]

Wow there are some absolute powerhouses in the CHL this year, mem cup is going to be a doozy!

 

[R S]

Mark Spector ‏@SportsnetSpec 1m1 minute ago
Draisaitl dealt to Kelowna. Import Kris Schmidli, defenceman Dalton Yorke and a 1st round WHL bantam draft pick in 2015 to the P.A. Raiders.

That deal isn't correct.

The Raiders also get a pair of 4th round picks, one being conditional.

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

Am actually impressed with what PA got in return. PA was in a crappy situation cause it was almost like he was forced to be traded to Kelowna and only Kelowna. I thought it was going to be pretty much Schmidli and a some conditional picks. Good job Raiders

 

[R S]

Am actually impressed with what PA got in return. PA was in a crappy situation cause it was almost like he was forced to be traded to Kelowna and only Kelowna. I thought it was going to be pretty much Schmidli and a some conditional picks. Good job Raiders

I agree.

While it's tough that their hand was essentially forced here, by the sounds of it, they did quite well. Pretty decent haul considering they basically get the assets for nothing because Draisaitl wasn't even on their roster this year.

 

[IHaveNoCreativity]

Man Kelowna is stacked.

 

[Ohashi_Jouzu*]

I disagree entirely.

One of the big reasons I like Drai as a prospect is because when allowed he will be the leader of the german team (mens or juniors). He will have an entire national program behind him...however bushleague it is.

That develops leadership. IT should make him a better player. Not to mention the experience of having to put a team together in a few weeks/months and learning a new system, new coach, and then playing in an all stakes tournament.

Against the cream of the crop of his age group, too, not just his age group (and younger) with good players leading otherwise average competition roster-wise.

 

[sabresEH]

Bruce will not be happy if Kelowna doesn't win the Memorial cup. He hates giving up first rounders.

 

[Icebreakers]

Can anyone post Kelownas lineup with Draisaitl and Morrissey in the line up.

 

[R S]

Can anyone post Kelownas lineup with Draisaitl and Morrissey in the line up.

I will once it happens, which it won't until Saturday by the sounds of things.

I post daily WHL line combos for all teams on Twitter. @DubFromAbove

 

[McMozesmadness]

Can anyone post Kelownas lineup with Draisaitl and Morrissey in the line up.

Took a stab at what the lines may look like:

T.Goulbourne - R.Chartier - N.Merkley
J.Kirkland - L.Draisaitl - T.Baillie
G.Quinney - C.Linaker - D.Dube
T.Coughlin - T.Soustal - R.Southam

J.Morrissey - M.Bowey
L.Johansen - C.Martin
R.Stadel - J.Gatenby
M.Wheaton

J.Whistle
J.Morrissey

And if they get Olsen back, which I thought they were but now I'm unsure.

T.Goulbourne - R.Chartier - N.Merkley
J.Kirkland - L.Draisaitl - R.Olsen
G.Quinney - C.Linaker - T.Baillie
D.Dube - T.Soustal - R.Southam

J.Morrissey - M.Bowey
L.Johansen - C.Martin
R.Stadel - J.Gatenby
M.Wheaton

J.Whistle
J.Morrissey

 

[Paxon]

Lots of interesting movement going on. The Sabres alone have had 4 prospects traded at the CHL level this season, but none compare to Draisaitl returning to the Dub on a new team. It's unfortunate he wasn't released to play in the WJC's first. Kelowna's team looks disgusting now. Barring some playoff upsets, the Memorial Cup should be overloaded this year.

 

[covfefe]

Bruce will not be happy if Kelowna doesn't win the Memorial cup. He hates giving up first rounders.

I don't blame him. Kelowna has become the Detroit of the Bantam draft

2011 - Chartier
2012 - Merkley
2013 - Dube

Pretty incredible to get the first two in the late 1st; not sure what Dube will amount to but he absolutely has NHL potential.

Can't wait to see Leon in person! Going to be a treat to watch so many future NHLers. This team is vastly more skilled than the Gorges, Weber, Comeau incarnation of the Rockets that won the Memorial Cup way back when.

 

[R S]

Took a stab at what the lines may look like:

T.Goulbourne - R.Chartier - N.Merkley
J.Kirkland - L.Draisaitl - T.Baillie
G.Quinney - C.Linaker - D.Dube
T.Coughlin - T.Soustal - R.Southam

J.Morrissey - M.Bowey
L.Johansen - C.Martin
R.Stadel - J.Gatenby
M.Wheaton

J.Whistle
J.Morrissey

This is about what I would expect, too. Just a note, you're missing Devante Stephens...a guy who was playing top pairing minutes with Bowey pre-WJC. Not sure where he might fit into things...maybe trade bait.

Also have to wonder if they consider pulling the trigger on a deal to get more insurance in goal. Just a crazy thought, but maybe even trading a guy like Stephens, Gatenby or Johansen in a package to get Jarry from Edmonton.

 

[hototogisu]

That deal isn't correct.

The Raiders also get a pair of 4th round picks, one being conditional.

Thanks for the correction, it seems the picks were added later (the Rockets' official twitter account originally reported the same pieces as Spector).