- Sep 29, 2016
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C Samuel Honzek - Vancouver Giants, WHL (2023, 16th, CGY)
- Thread starter alko
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- Sep 29, 2016
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I'm also not sure how you can understand this any other way. I like both of these guys a lot and I think they would absolutely justify a top10 pick but neither of them will or should play NHL next season...at least not to the point of burning a year of the ELC. This is a good draft year but as always, the guys who become NHL regulars in their D+1 season you'll be able to count on one hand. Easily.
Re the WHL I'm not enough of an expert to say if such trade would even make sense. From where I stand I think both teams should be similarly built. Both could make the playoffs but I'm not sure if they're gonna be true contenders. Of course the way the CHL works, this trade has zero percent chance of happening unless one team is a contender while the other one is either a bottom feeder or a fringe playoff team at the very best.
Re the WHL I'm not enough of an expert to say if such trade would even make sense. From where I stand I think both teams should be similarly built. Both could make the playoffs but I'm not sure if they're gonna be true contenders. Of course the way the CHL works, this trade has zero percent chance of happening unless one team is a contender while the other one is either a bottom feeder or a fringe playoff team at the very best.
Sergei Shirokov
Registered User
Yeah I get it now. I thought it was a tongue in cheek thing about drafting for need given someone posted the Province article about the Canucks looking at him. My bad
And I think your right about that, could see the Giants moving him over.
And what? Many players are tried at the centre position, but that doesn't mean they are one. Additionally, there are many players drafted every single year that are naturally-born centres that become wingers in the NHL (Newhook is one of the latest examples). The centre position is the most coveted position in hockey because it is the hardest position and is intended to be saved for the most talented players. The probability of Honzek becoming a centre in the NHL is low, but he definitely has the talent and frame to be a good one. However, the same things can be said of Mikko Rantanen and he has never successfully made it out as a centre. Honzek reminds me a lot of Rantane and I mean that in a good way.
- Sep 29, 2016
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There's no reason why he shouldn't play Center in the NHL. He's tall and very responsible defensively at a young age already. Once he fills out he'll be a force. He'll never be an elite playmaker but I'm not sure he has to in order to play Center. He's got other qualities like his game against the puck, strong skating, size and a very good shot.
To be fair, not all centers who are moved to the wing are moved because they can’t play the position. Part of the truth is that there are twice as many wing roster spots open compared to center. There are tons of examples for high-end centers that were moved to the wing because of their team’s center depth or because they needed time to develop first. Tyler Seguin and Nathan MacKinnon played on the wing before they were moved back to center.
For all we know youbcould end up with Honzek at 9 and Benson at 17
MMC
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Antiillafire
Registered User
Sergei Shirokov
Registered User
Really good pick for Calgary, hate that Calgary took him as now I have to cheer against him but good for them
Reading this thread has me hyped, looking forward to seeing him in action.
Credit to this post.
Craig Conroy specifically mentioned Rantanen as who they think they drafted here
He reminded me a bit of Martin Hanzal when he played in Red Deer back in the day, tall and rangy, superb at puck protection. Hanzal was already in his D+2 year at that point though and I think Honzek almost matched him offensively this year so I think its obvious Honzek has more offensive upside whereas Hanzal was stronger in his own zone. I'd say Honzek's ability to solidify his play in his own zone will likely dictate whether he stays on the wing at the NHL level.
- Sep 29, 2016
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Most importantly, Honzek is a much better skater.
Also, it's his offensive game in need of work, not his game against the puck which is fine already. Honzek doesn't have to be an elite playmaker but a bit more poise and better vision for open ice couldn't hurt. Right now he's opting for safe plays too often. As I said I'm not worried though and think that this will come automatically. Once he fills out, that should boost his confidence and he'll be stronger on pucks, allowing hin to hold onto them for longer. He's still a rather lanky dude as we speak.
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Figgy44
A toast of purple gato for the memories
- Dec 15, 2014
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Honzek has an interesting toolbox to say the least and it looks like he's still figuring out and developing the tools he wants to use.
In limited highlights, there's weird facets of his game around the net that reminds me of Matthew Tkachuk. I think his choppy stride contributes to this, but it seems like his positioning and playmaking decisions reminds me a little bit of Matthew Tkachuk as well. I attribute this to hockey IQ and good positioning. He is also pretty good at identifying seams.
It looks like he has slow and awful acceleration, but he has impressive top speed. I see what some comments mean when they say he's a raw and intriguing package. I noticed his decision making more than his size in the clips I saw.
I like it!
In limited highlights, there's weird facets of his game around the net that reminds me of Matthew Tkachuk. I think his choppy stride contributes to this, but it seems like his positioning and playmaking decisions reminds me a little bit of Matthew Tkachuk as well. I attribute this to hockey IQ and good positioning. He is also pretty good at identifying seams.
It looks like he has slow and awful acceleration, but he has impressive top speed. I see what some comments mean when they say he's a raw and intriguing package. I noticed his decision making more than his size in the clips I saw.
I like it!
Bounces R Way
Registered User
Maybe someone who watched more of his season can clarify if he was playing C or LW for most of it. Seen kind of conflicting things.
Hopefully the Flames see him more as a C. They're C prospect depth is.. not great.
Hopefully the Flames see him more as a C. They're C prospect depth is.. not great.
Flamesfan62
Registered User
Have you ever watched him play? His size has very little to do with his performance
This is sad considering who you took at 9
Umingmak
Registered User
Oh I agree.
Honzek and Danielson were equally “please don’t draft this guy” on my list.
- Sep 29, 2016
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I had them both in my top10. Just because they're good players now it doesn't mean they don't have any potential.
Flamesfan62
Registered User
I think Honzek has a much higher ceiling
You had Danielson top 10? Honzek is fair but I wouldn’t touch Danielson until early 20s
Wing. But Vancouver’s GM has already said they want to give him a shot at center next season.
*OvechKiN*
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- Nov 29, 2005
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Everyone is probably saying this about their FRPs this time of the year, but kid looks disgustingly good at Development camp. Shot looks elite and skating is actually great despite awkward. He looks very skinny though. Apparently, he was in Calgary top 8 and they turned down many trade down offers and even tried to trade up to get him. But this also seems like the usual messaging for everyone FRP right after the draft.
Either way, lots to be excited about. Moving to Center and getting the captaincy for the Giants next year has Calgarys management very excited for his development.
Either way, lots to be excited about. Moving to Center and getting the captaincy for the Giants next year has Calgarys management very excited for his development.
Antiillafire
Registered User
Jerome Iginla working with a prospect with great size, good skating, and a lethal shot? Iginla’s job this year might just be “make another Iginla”.
Backlund
Registered User
How are you a Flames fan and you spell his name wrong? The correct spelling is in the tweet you quoted.
