C/LW Cole Perfetti - Saginaw Spirit, OHL (2020, 10th, WPG)

[bsu]

I personally have him at #14.

I don't really know how to project him up. I see a 5'9" grinder with average to below average skating. He is quite physically developed and older than most of the class. I don't see a guy that can lineup in the middle of the ice. I don't think a lot of what he does well he will do as well when more gifted athletes are hanging all over him. As a very developed player that trains right and already has tons of good on and off ice behavior how much of a ceiling really exists? I think it's to Rossi's credit that people are debating him here in a position I can think of nobody gambling on his kind of talent at that high for a reason. He lacks elite gifts. I get that he works his backside off, but most of those guys in the league have elite speed or size to help them play their physically demanding games. I think it works beautifully for Rossi at a lower level.

But I cannot think of the player that is making it like him, certainly not at center. Now lets shift him out to the wing, he isn't really elusive, his skating needs a lot of help, his strength in junior is going to be really put to the test when NHL monsters are trying to root him out on the wall and below the goal-line. I don't even really know that he is as safe as people like to make him out to be. I mean people remember Jordan Schroeder and Nic Petan right? Dynamic young scorers on powerhouse junior teams that didn't skate well enough to get separation and weren't actually skilled enough to pick apart NHL defenses. Rossi's defensive ability should translate, but what if he is a middle six tweener winger that is a positive on on your special teams. I just am not a fan of investing a top 5 or even top 10 pick in a player like Rossi. I ask myself if I think he is the outlier and I have to answer no.

Perfetti on the other hand looks to have tons of development left in him. He has a dual-treat ability with a legitimate NHL shot in terms of release and power. He also very effectively sees the different levels of defense in my opinion. He has a really strong offensive IQ, quick hands and the ability to attack in a variety of ways. He processes the game and at times controls tempo. I can see the risks here, will he be able to play at the pace of the NHL, but there is nothing inherently wrong with his stride. He needs more power and explosion but that should come and there are already some encouraging reports out, who really knows how true those might be. But to me he has more intriguing tools, he has elite NHL gifts in his bag. As a Wings fan I am much more interested in that package.

Yikes.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

 

[PizzaAndPucks]

I personally have him at #14.

I don't really know how to project him up. I see a 5'9" grinder with average to below average skating. He is quite physically developed and older than most of the class. I don't see a guy that can lineup in the middle of the ice. I don't think a lot of what he does well he will do as well when more gifted athletes are hanging all over him. As a very developed player that trains right and already has tons of good on and off ice behavior how much of a ceiling really exists? I think it's to Rossi's credit that people are debating him here in a position I can think of nobody gambling on his kind of talent at that high for a reason. He lacks elite gifts. I get that he works his backside off, but most of those guys in the league have elite speed or size to help them play their physically demanding games. I think it works beautifully for Rossi at a lower level.

But I cannot think of the player that is making it like him, certainly not at center. Now lets shift him out to the wing, he isn't really elusive, his skating needs a lot of help, his strength in junior is going to be really put to the test when NHL monsters are trying to root him out on the wall and below the goal-line. I don't even really know that he is as safe as people like to make him out to be. I mean people remember Jordan Schroeder and Nic Petan right? Dynamic young scorers on powerhouse junior teams that didn't skate well enough to get separation and weren't actually skilled enough to pick apart NHL defenses. Rossi's defensive ability should translate, but what if he is a middle six tweener winger that is a positive on on your special teams. I just am not a fan of investing a top 5 or even top 10 pick in a player like Rossi. I ask myself if I think he is the outlier and I have to answer no.

Perfetti on the other hand looks to have tons of development left in him. He has a dual-treat ability with a legitimate NHL shot in terms of release and power. He also very effectively sees the different levels of defense in my opinion. He has a really strong offensive IQ, quick hands and the ability to attack in a variety of ways. He processes the game and at times controls tempo. I can see the risks here, will he be able to play at the pace of the NHL, but there is nothing inherently wrong with his stride. He needs more power and explosion but that should come and there are already some encouraging reports out, who really knows how true those might be. But to me he has more intriguing tools, he has elite NHL gifts in his bag. As a Wings fan I am much more interested in that package.

I'm not saying Rossi has a higher ceiling than Perfetti but judging from the highlights I've seen of Rossi , he looks like a polished player that would be challenging for a top 5 spot in any draft year. You can factor in his age and how physically developed he is but I think he is a safe pick with a ton of upside. People are forgetting Laffreniere is close to the city off for being drafted in 2019 too but it doesnt seem to hamper his ranking much. Rossi seems like a coaches dream player just in a shorter build. Regardless if he winds up a center or a wing longterm you can argue the same with Perfettis subpar skating. Tough choice between Rossi or Perfetti bith players should not be slept on though.

 

[Hen Kolland]

Yikes.

Scintillating breakdown here. I mean point for point you addressed every point he made flawlessly.

I have made this comment previously on the Wings board...if Rossi's ceiling sniffed the level of Perfetti, he would be a lottery pick. Period, end of discussion. The reality is he just isn't the same tier of elite talent, and that is why he is held down draft boards a bit. Wouldn't you think that a player who seems like a safer bet to be in the NHL, with stronger two way habits, and may a step or two behind Perfetti as an offensive player, would be like a runaway selection at 2 or 3?

I think when you look at Perfetti vs Rossi, it comes down to the ease of which you can see them developing. By all accounts, Perfetti is one of the brightest and best minds in the draft class, if not the very best. I'd bet a large sum of money that him learning what is expected and rounding out his 200ft game is more easily achieved than Rossi developing an multi-dimensional, elite NHL offensive package. Further, with Rossi training like a pro, and Perfetti's camp openly stating that he is behind the curve in terms of physical development, it's easier to see Perfetti filling out and packing on strength and improving his explosiveness moreso than it is to see Rossi doing the same. That's not to discredit Rossi, because his mindset is one of his most appealing traits, but it's just easier to see a larger strides out of Perfetti.

What I think this comes down to, and I am guilty of this as much as anyone, is a true underdog story. Rossi doesn't have the prototypical size, he doesn't have the elite toolkit, he isn't an athletic marvel; he endears himself to people who watch him through his effort level, the completeness to his game, the off ice commitment level, and enough skill to produce numbers "against all odds". People want to believe that somehow we've found the one who bucks the trend, and that itself carries risk.

Speaking from the perspective of a Red Wings fan, we needed Lafreniere, we needed Quinton Byfield. Missing out on those guys hurts the rebuild a lot because simply put, we need elite talent. If the Wings can't find an impact first line player in this draft, you've essentially reached the point of no return, where you tear it down and rebuild the rebuild. So when we get into the discussion of risk/reward, I think the emphasis on "risk" should shift. I could not give a single f*** about who the safer bet is to be in the NHL, I care about who is the safer bet is to be an elite talent in the NHL. When I shift the emphasis of risk in that fashion, Rossi just doesn't move the needle the way that Perfetti does.

 

[nbwingsfan]

I personally have him at #14.

I don't really know how to project him up. I see a 5'9" grinder with average to below average skating. He is quite physically developed and older than most of the class. I don't see a guy that can lineup in the middle of the ice. I don't think a lot of what he does well he will do as well when more gifted athletes are hanging all over him. As a very developed player that trains right and already has tons of good on and off ice behavior how much of a ceiling really exists? I think it's to Rossi's credit that people are debating him here in a position I can think of nobody gambling on his kind of talent at that high for a reason. He lacks elite gifts. I get that he works his backside off, but most of those guys in the league have elite speed or size to help them play their physically demanding games. I think it works beautifully for Rossi at a lower level.

But I cannot think of the player that is making it like him, certainly not at center. Now lets shift him out to the wing, he isn't really elusive, his skating needs a lot of help, his strength in junior is going to be really put to the test when NHL monsters are trying to root him out on the wall and below the goal-line. I don't even really know that he is as safe as people like to make him out to be. I mean people remember Jordan Schroeder and Nic Petan right? Dynamic young scorers on powerhouse junior teams that didn't skate well enough to get separation and weren't actually skilled enough to pick apart NHL defenses. Rossi's defensive ability should translate, but what if he is a middle six tweener winger that is a positive on on your special teams. I just am not a fan of investing a top 5 or even top 10 pick in a player like Rossi. I ask myself if I think he is the outlier and I have to answer no.

Perfetti on the other hand looks to have tons of development left in him. He has a dual-treat ability with a legitimate NHL shot in terms of release and power. He also very effectively sees the different levels of defense in my opinion. He has a really strong offensive IQ, quick hands and the ability to attack in a variety of ways. He processes the game and at times controls tempo. I can see the risks here, will he be able to play at the pace of the NHL, but there is nothing inherently wrong with his stride. He needs more power and explosion but that should come and there are already some encouraging reports out, who really knows how true those might be. But to me he has more intriguing tools, he has elite NHL gifts in his bag. As a Wings fan I am much more interested in that package.

You don’t score 120pts in 56 games in your draft season if you’re just a “grinder”. He has a TON of skill to go with his work ethic. I also prefer Perfetti but I’d be very fine with Rossi as well

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

You don’t score 120pts in 56 games in your draft season if you’re just a “grinder”. He has a TON of skill to go with his work ethic. I also prefer Perfetti but I’d be very fine with Rossi as well

Opening up with that ... I just went with the tldr.

 

[SensFactor]

There is zero chance Rossi isn't taken in the top 10. Heck I will argue he will be gone by 4 or 5 by Detroit or Ottawa. If he falls to Ottawa at 5 that is who I want the Sens to take. I have him ahead of Perfetti for sure. If the Wings take Perfetti at 4, I would be running to the stage at 5 to grab Rossi.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

I personally have him at #14.

I don't really know how to project him up. I see a 5'9" grinder with average to below average skating. He is quite physically developed and older than most of the class. I don't see a guy that can lineup in the middle of the ice. I don't think a lot of what he does well he will do as well when more gifted athletes are hanging all over him. As a very developed player that trains right and already has tons of good on and off ice behavior how much of a ceiling really exists? I think it's to Rossi's credit that people are debating him here in a position I can think of nobody gambling on his kind of talent at that high for a reason. He lacks elite gifts. I get that he works his backside off, but most of those guys in the league have elite speed or size to help them play their physically demanding games. I think it works beautifully for Rossi at a lower level.

But I cannot think of the player that is making it like him, certainly not at center. Now lets shift him out to the wing, he isn't really elusive, his skating needs a lot of help, his strength in junior is going to be really put to the test when NHL monsters are trying to root him out on the wall and below the goal-line. I don't even really know that he is as safe as people like to make him out to be. I mean people remember Jordan Schroeder and Nic Petan right? Dynamic young scorers on powerhouse junior teams that didn't skate well enough to get separation and weren't actually skilled enough to pick apart NHL defenses. Rossi's defensive ability should translate, but what if he is a middle six tweener winger that is a positive on on your special teams. I just am not a fan of investing a top 5 or even top 10 pick in a player like Rossi. I ask myself if I think he is the outlier and I have to answer no.

Perfetti on the other hand looks to have tons of development left in him. He has a dual-treat ability with a legitimate NHL shot in terms of release and power. He also very effectively sees the different levels of defense in my opinion. He has a really strong offensive IQ, quick hands and the ability to attack in a variety of ways. He processes the game and at times controls tempo. I can see the risks here, will he be able to play at the pace of the NHL, but there is nothing inherently wrong with his stride. He needs more power and explosion but that should come and there are already some encouraging reports out, who really knows how true those might be. But to me he has more intriguing tools, he has elite NHL gifts in his bag. As a Wings fan I am much more interested in that package.

hard to take any of this seriously... definitely getting the cram this loose , very unsubstantiated opinionated "analysis" crammed down one's throat feeling.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

hard to take any of this seriously... definitely getting the cram this loose , very unsubstantiated opinionated "analysis" crammed down one's throat feeling.

It's an opinion site and I don't have a high one on Rossi's NHL future, especially in terms of being a true impact guy. Sorry a bunch of you disagree, time will tell. Quoting his stats to me doesn't shift my argument. Which are concerns about his play style and physical limitations.

Perfetti has elite projectables, he also might not work out. But I prefer his NHL toolkit massively in the argument between those two.

I have asked for months for a comparable player to Rossi, there hasn't been a good one yet. Like I said maybe he is the outlier smurf center with poor skating that makes it work, I really doubt it. I will watch him in the NLA and see if there is reason to elevate him. For me he is where he is and it isn't because I haven't seen him play and cannot read a stat line, it is because I don't see a high impact player at the NHL level.

 

[newfy]

You don’t score 120pts in 56 games in your draft season if you’re just a “grinder”. He has a TON of skill to go with his work ethic. I also prefer Perfetti but I’d be very fine with Rossi as well

Rossi abslutely plays like a skilled grinder. Crosby does the same thing but hes bigger and stronger so he can get away with it. I dont have Rossi at 14 by any stretch but if people arent concerned about his upside then I wonder whether they watch him much at all. The guy loves drawing a defender in down low, protecting the puck with his body and then dishing. I just dont see the puck protection aspect of his game working in the NHL at his size. I picture him going into a corner with Shea Weber and I dont see it working at all. Then you look at the skating and I dont think it has that gear to skate around Weber when the puck protection thing doesnt work.

I still think he should be a top 7 pick. Hes probably the second most polished prospect in the draft. Its a safe pick that youll get a useful NHLer. But his upside is absolutely questionable based on how he plays offensively. Perfettis upside blows him away, but Rssi is the safer pick. If I'm detroit I swing for the high upside because without winning the lottery they need a star from somewhere. With Rossi you get a solid player, but I doubt a star player based on his upside. With Perfetti you have the chance to get a star level talent, its just riskier.

But for the record, guys who put up points in the OHL definitely do become grinders in the NHL sometimes. Maybe not 120 but there hasnt been a lot of years with a stacked team like ROssis in his draft year playing in that bad of a conference either

 

[TopTenPlayz]

It's an opinion site and I don't have a high one on Rossi's NHL future, especially in terms of being a true impact guy. Sorry a bunch of you disagree, time will tell. Quoting his stats to me doesn't shift my argument. Which are concerns about his play style and physical limitations.

Perfetti has elite projectables, he also might not work out. But I prefer his NHL toolkit massively in the argument between those two.

I have asked for months for a comparable player to Rossi, there hasn't been a good one yet. Like I said maybe he is the outlier smurf center with poor skating that makes it work, I really doubt it. I will watch him in the NLA and see if there is reason to elevate him. For me he is where he is and it isn't because I haven't seen him play and cannot read a stat line, it is because I don't see a high impact player at the NHL level.

I see a ton of skill in Rossi with good speed. Maybe his first steps could be s little improved but his speed is fine. Much much better than Perfetti's. I see Rossi to be the same type of player as a Brad Marchand (minus the peskiness bs). Rossi is gonna be a star in the NHL. I don't see major flaws in his game unlike Perfetti's....

 

[bsu]

I see a ton of skill in Rossi with good speed. Maybe his first steps could be s little improved but his speed is fine. Much much better than Perfetti's. I see Rossi to be the same type of player as a Brad Marchand (minus the peskiness bs). Rossi is gonna be a star in the NHL. I don't see major flaws in his game unlike Perfetti's....

Same.

 

[LarKing]

The skating thing is so overstated on Perfetti. He’s got an ugly looking stride but he’s really not slow.

 

[SlapJack]

It's an opinion site and I don't have a high one on Rossi's NHL future, especially in terms of being a true impact guy. Sorry a bunch of you disagree, time will tell. Quoting his stats to me doesn't shift my argument. Which are concerns about his play style and physical limitations.

Perfetti has elite projectables, he also might not work out. But I prefer his NHL toolkit massively in the argument between those two.

I have asked for months for a comparable player to Rossi, there hasn't been a good one yet. Like I said maybe he is the outlier smurf center with poor skating that makes it work, I really doubt it. I will watch him in the NLA and see if there is reason to elevate him. For me he is where he is and it isn't because I haven't seen him play and cannot read a stat line, it is because I don't see a high impact player at the NHL level.

I like your take on Rossi, he is not a guy I would take in the top 5; more like the lower end of the top 10 at best.

Maybe not the best comparable, but what I see is Saku Koivu. Now Saku was a fantastic NHL player and that's not an insult in any way to be mentioned in the same breath. But he could never be that dominant #1 centre because of his size. It was amazing that he did what he did at 5'9", but being able to compete, and being able to dominate are not the same.

Rossi might end up as a #1C...but for some team that will always fall short. Size still matters in hockey and I'd be hesitant of drafting a sub 70 inch centre much in the same that you wouldn't even think about picking a goalie under 6 feet.

 

[eulatron]

Lot of people highlighting why I would want Stevie Y to snag Perfetti over Rossi. You gotta shoot for the stars when you're in a spot like the Wings are, missing out on Lafrienere, Byfield and to a lesser extent (personally) Stutzle. Go for the prospect that has a higher ceiling, and will be dynamite if he can enhance the areas he's lacking in (Perfetti). Not the one who seems to have figured it all out and seems to have plateaued in his skills/strength (Rossi).

Then again drafting is always a bit of a crapshoot, sometimes everyone gets it wrong!

I would probably be the happiest with Raymond, however.

 

[majormajor]

I like your take on Rossi, he is not a guy I would take in the top 5; more like the lower end of the top 10 at best.

Maybe not the best comparable, but what I see is Saku Koivu. Now Saku was a fantastic NHL player and that's not an insult in any way to be mentioned in the same breath. But he could never be that dominant #1 centre because of his size. It was amazing that he did what he did at 5'9", but being able to compete, and being able to dominate are not the same.

Rossi might end up as a #1C...but for some team that will always fall short. Size still matters in hockey and I'd be hesitant of drafting a sub 70 inch centre much in the same that you wouldn't even think about picking a goalie under 6 feet.

I think Koivu would have had an even better career if he began after 2006 when the league opened up and waterskiing was banned. Some of his best seasons were in his 30s after things changed. He wasn't far off from being a guy you'd be thrilled to have as a #1C and thrilled to get at #4 or #5 in the draft.

It's really not unthinkable to take a short center anymore, not like goalies at all. Brayden Point is Tampa's top center and he is smaller than Rossi.

Also not necessarily in response to the same poster, it does feel a little rich for people to knock Rossi's size in the course of praising Perfetti, a guy who is built like Kyle Wellwood. What is he, one inch taller than Rossi? Perfetti could get a lot stronger and still be the one getting dumped on his ass. I do like Perfetti but in the size and strength department he isn't better than Rossi.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

I think Koivu would have had an even better career if he began after 2006 when the league opened up and waterskiing was banned. Some of his best seasons were in his 30s after things changed. He wasn't far off from being a guy you'd be thrilled to have as a #1C and thrilled to get at #4 or #5 in the draft.

It's really not unthinkable to take a short center anymore, not like goalies at all. Brayden Point is Tampa's top center and he is smaller than Rossi.

Also not necessarily in response to the same poster, it does feel a little rich for people to knock Rossi's size in the course of praising Perfetti, a guy who is built like Kyle Wellwood. What is he, one inch taller than Rossi? Perfetti could get a lot stronger and still be the one getting dumped on his ass. I do like Perfetti but in the size and strength department he isn't better than Rossi.

Rossi is pretty tapped out in the getting stronger department that is why he can bully junior level players in my opinion. Perfetti has a lot of room to grow, he isn't already eating and training like a pro. He has nothing fundamentally wrong with his stride, it should improve as he gets stronger, rumors are that is already happening this summer.

The centers you're naming all skate better than Rossi, might he continue to get a lot better? Possibly, he is an older guy that has been on a pro training regiment for multiple off-seasons though... That couple of inches still means a lot in the slot and it will mean a lot when a guy can cover that ground at the NHL level. Guys like Marchand and Johnny Hockey they are elusive, they are hard to cover, they lose themselves in coverage. By the way these are all traits Perfetti has over Rossi offensively, he finds the softer areas, he weaves in and out of coverage. He uses both his shot and passing ability to stress the seems of the defense. Will he be quick enough to gain separation or so smart to still find it at the NHL level? We will see. I like Perfetti a lot. I prefer him or Raymond for the Wings because they are homerun dynamic offensive threats if they work out. They can drive a line in my opinion, I want the higher upside.

 

[majormajor]

Rossi is pretty tapped out in the getting stronger department that is why he can bully junior level players in my opinion. Perfetti has a lot of room to grow, he isn't already eating and training like a pro. He has nothing fundamentally wrong with his stride, it should improve as he gets stronger, rumors are that is already happening this summer.

The centers you're naming all skate better than Rossi, might he continue to get a lot better? Possibly, he is an older guy that has been on a pro training regiment for multiple off-seasons though... That couple of inches still means a lot in the slot and it will mean a lot when a guy can cover that ground at the NHL level. Guys like Marchand and Johnny Hockey they are elusive, they are hard to cover, they lose themselves in coverage. By the way these are all traits Perfetti has over Rossi offensively, he finds the softer areas, he weaves in and out of coverage. He uses both his shot and passing ability to stress the seems of the defense. Will he be quick enough to gain separation or so smart to still find it at the NHL level? We will see. I like Perfetti a lot. I prefer him or Raymond for the Wings because they are homerun dynamic offensive threats if they work out. They can drive a line in my opinion, I want the higher upside.

Sure but the strengthening argument for Perfetti is that it will help him continue to develop overall and be less of a pushover. My point is that it's not a case where strengthening makes Perfetti the physically stronger player and therefore an easy pick over lil' Marco. Perfetti will likely end up marginally bigger than Rossi but probably never be as strong. You pick him if you think he's the homerun swing, he's not going to have a size/strength advantage over Rossi.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

Sure but the strengthening argument for Perfetti is that it will help him continue to develop overall and be less of a pushover. My point is that it's not a case where strengthening makes Perfetti the physically stronger player and therefore an easy pick over lil' Marco. Perfetti will likely end up marginally bigger than Rossi but probably never be as strong. You pick him if you think he's the homerun swing, he's not going to have a size/strength advantage over Rossi.

or Skating. Just because you paint one guy black, and worst case further development , and one guy rainbows and clear sky all his development doesn't mean that's the way it will happen. Its a lot of smoke and mirrors for cutting down a player to justify liking another one more. If it there was something substantive in the projection beyond throwing shade in one direction and sunshine in the other .. I would like to see it. Perfetti has issues to overcome , moreso than Rossi. If Rossi stalls and Perfetti continues to develop sure Perfetti will be better. But really why is Rossi stalling? Oh his work ethic .. lack of drive to succeed... His quad muscles and maximus gluteus are complete maxed out.. Fine motor skills at their limit. Comical

 

[Michoulicious]

I like your take on Rossi, he is not a guy I would take in the top 5; more like the lower end of the top 10 at best.

Maybe not the best comparable, but what I see is Saku Koivu. Now Saku was a fantastic NHL player and that's not an insult in any way to be mentioned in the same breath. But he could never be that dominant #1 centre because of his size. It was amazing that he did what he did at 5'9", but being able to compete, and being able to dominate are not the same.

Rossi might end up as a #1C...but for some team that will always fall short. Size still matters in hockey and I'd be hesitant of drafting a sub 70 inch centre much in the same that you wouldn't even think about picking a goalie under 6 feet.

If you get a Saku Koivu at #5-10 OA, you should be pretty happy.

 

[newfy]

Sure but the strengthening argument for Perfetti is that it will help him continue to develop overall and be less of a pushover. My point is that it's not a case where strengthening makes Perfetti the physically stronger player and therefore an easy pick over lil' Marco. Perfetti will likely end up marginally bigger than Rossi but probably never be as strong. You pick him if you think he's the homerun swing, he's not going to have a size/strength advantage over Rossi.

He plays a different game. He doesnt need to be as strong to be a better player and the fact that he has so much more room to get stronger just shows another dimension he could add to his game.

or Skating. Just because you paint one guy black, and worst case further development , and one guy rainbows and clear sky all his development doesn't mean that's the way it will happen. Its a lot of smoke and mirrors for cutting down a player to justify liking another one more. If it there was something substantive in the projection beyond throwing shade in one direction and sunshine in the other .. I would like to see it. Perfetti has issues to overcome , moreso than Rossi. If Rossi stalls and Perfetti continues to develop sure Perfetti will be better. But really why is Rossi stalling? Oh his work ethic .. lack of drive to succeed... His quad muscles and maximus gluteus are complete maxed out.. Fine motor skills at their limit. Comical

I absolutely could see Perfetti becoming a better skater. Theyre both solid skaters right now in their own ways. Perfetti just has a lot more room to add muscle and get better. Why are you acting like people dont mature at different rates? Everyone knows a kid in elementary school that looked 25. Rossi is just way closer to his final product. I dont know why people cant see hes more developed already, even NHL scouts think it... " scouts wonder how much more untapped potential there might be versus some of the younger, less physically developed prospects, that Rossi might be more of a what-you-see-is- what-you-get player. "

 

[majormajor]

He plays a different game. He doesnt need to be as strong to be a better player and the fact that he has so much more room to get stronger just shows another dimension he could add to his game.

I think Perfetti has more need to get stronger. He's not in the corners as much but he is getting tossed around in open ice by junior players that are not even that big.

 

[docbenton]

Sure but the strengthening argument for Perfetti is that it will help him continue to develop overall and be less of a pushover. My point is that it's not a case where strengthening makes Perfetti the physically stronger player and therefore an easy pick over lil' Marco. Perfetti will likely end up marginally bigger than Rossi but probably never be as strong. You pick him if you think he's the homerun swing, he's not going to have a size/strength advantage over Rossi.

I personally think Perfetti's skill level and hockey sense are significantly higher than Rossi's, and that his upside is higher as a result. The precision in his hands and the quickness he thinks the game are superior to what Rossi is capable of. The skating is a problem, but I think if he improves that you're getting a Datsyuk-like player. Rossi is never going to be that, he doesn't have the elite level skill in my opinion. He can top out like a Brayden Point, however, which is still a terrific player. But, I feel like even Point was more skilled at the same age if not as productive.

Edit: just realized people were already saying the same thing, so I guess I agree!

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I personally have him at #14.

I don't really know how to project him up. I see a 5'9" grinder with average to below average skating. He is quite physically developed and older than most of the class. I don't see a guy that can lineup in the middle of the ice. I don't think a lot of what he does well he will do as well when more gifted athletes are hanging all over him. As a very developed player that trains right and already has tons of good on and off ice behavior how much of a ceiling really exists? I think it's to Rossi's credit that people are debating him here in a position I can think of nobody gambling on his kind of talent at that high for a reason. He lacks elite gifts. I get that he works his backside off, but most of those guys in the league have elite speed or size to help them play their physically demanding games. I think it works beautifully for Rossi at a lower level.

But I cannot think of the player that is making it like him, certainly not at center. Now lets shift him out to the wing, he isn't really elusive, his skating needs a lot of help, his strength in junior is going to be really put to the test when NHL monsters are trying to root him out on the wall and below the goal-line. I don't even really know that he is as safe as people like to make him out to be. I mean people remember Jordan Schroeder and Nic Petan right? Dynamic young scorers on powerhouse junior teams that didn't skate well enough to get separation and weren't actually skilled enough to pick apart NHL defenses. Rossi's defensive ability should translate, but what if he is a middle six tweener winger that is a positive on on your special teams. I just am not a fan of investing a top 5 or even top 10 pick in a player like Rossi. I ask myself if I think he is the outlier and I have to answer no.

Perfetti on the other hand looks to have tons of development left in him. He has a dual-treat ability with a legitimate NHL shot in terms of release and power. He also very effectively sees the different levels of defense in my opinion. He has a really strong offensive IQ, quick hands and the ability to attack in a variety of ways. He processes the game and at times controls tempo. I can see the risks here, will he be able to play at the pace of the NHL, but there is nothing inherently wrong with his stride. He needs more power and explosion but that should come and there are already some encouraging reports out, who really knows how true those might be. But to me he has more intriguing tools, he has elite NHL gifts in his bag. As a Wings fan I am much more interested in that package.

Very good post. I have Rossi at 13. I’m not a fan for the same reasons as you. The size+skating combo is something he’s going to have to overcome to stay in the middle of the ice. I’m not putting my money on this guy bucking the trend. A lot of people are with how they’re ranking him.

 

[nbwingsfan]

Rossi is pretty tapped out in the getting stronger department that is why he can bully junior level players in my opinion. Perfetti has a lot of room to grow, he isn't already eating and training like a pro. He has nothing fundamentally wrong with his stride, it should improve as he gets stronger, rumors are that is already happening this summer.

The centers you're naming all skate better than Rossi, might he continue to get a lot better? Possibly, he is an older guy that has been on a pro training regiment for multiple off-seasons though... That couple of inches still means a lot in the slot and it will mean a lot when a guy can cover that ground at the NHL level. Guys like Marchand and Johnny Hockey they are elusive, they are hard to cover, they lose themselves in coverage. By the way these are all traits Perfetti has over Rossi offensively, he finds the softer areas, he weaves in and out of coverage. He uses both his shot and passing ability to stress the seems of the defense. Will he be quick enough to gain separation or so smart to still find it at the NHL level? We will see. I like Perfetti a lot. I prefer him or Raymond for the Wings because they are homerun dynamic offensive threats if they work out. They can drive a line in my opinion, I want the higher upside.

Imagine thinking at 19 year old had maxed out his strength...