Prospect Info: Caps Top Prospects General Discussion Thread - 2024

[DWGie26]

I mean, he is 20, 210lbs, playing against some 16 year old kids. If he keeps it up in the AHL, then I'll get excited.

Yes, there are lots of CHLers who don’t translate to the next level. Hofer is a prime example to a lesser extent. They both have size and hands and can score. It will take time. Still think he could be a good black ace for Hershey this year.

 

[ClevelandCapsfan]

The Washington Capitals have assigned 2023 second-round pick Andrew Cristall to the AHL’s Hershey Bears, following the end of his WHL season. This kicks off the pro career of one of 2023’s most divisive prospects – with Cristall’s 280 points in 191 career WHL games clearly showing his scoring ability, but skeptics pointing out his lack of explosivity and off-puck fundamentals. He recorded 111 points in 62 games this season alone, the most of any Kelowna Rocket since 1996, and will now hope to translate his flashy style into a tougher scene.

 

[Cush]

Saskatoon and PG in action tonight

 

[trick9]

I was a bit disappointed at how Suzdalev looked for the Blades during the regular season but he's finally starting to heat up. He had a great game 5 with 3 assists, including 1 on the OT winner to put the Blades up 3-2 in the series. 3-game point streak going now.

 

[bacchist]

I was a bit disappointed at how Suzdalev looked for the Blades during the regular season but he's finally starting to heat up. He had a great game 5 with 3 assists, including 1 on the OT winner to put the Blades up 3-2 in the series. 3-game point streak going now.

That's good to hear. I've all but given up on him as a legitimate Capitals prospect at this point. If he can figure it out, I'd love to see him succeed.

 

[Random schmoe]

Leonard joining the US team for the World Championships.

 

[Lou Sassole]

I'm excited to see how he does with actual NHL players against this competition. Hopefully he gets some decent playing time.

 

[bacchist]

Can't wait!

 

[DWGie26]

This will be a great experience for Leonard playing against NHL talent. On three college players on the USA roster. He’ll get a chance to see how ready he is for the NHL. I don’t think it will change his mind about next year, but he will get an instant measuring stick of what he needs to work on.

 

[Hivemind]

Kinda weird that they invited Leonard and Smith, but not Perreault.

 

[Kuz]

Kinda weird that they invited Leonard and Smith, but not Perreault.

Leonard and Smith are ahead and more NHL ready so not that weird.

 

[Hivemind]

Leonard and Smith are ahead and more NHL ready so not that weird.

Given the history of the three playing together, including for the USNTDP, just seems like it would have been a good opportunity for the line to stay together for another tournament. Could essentially be the third line for the team. But I guess they needed room for Shane Pinto and Luke Kunin....

 

[Kuz]

Given the history of the three playing together, including for the USNTDP, just seems like it would have been a good opportunity for the line to stay together for another tournament. Could essentially be the third line for the team. But I guess they needed room for Shane Pinto and Luke Kunin....

Could see the arguement for Kunin, but Shane Pinto is a good hockey player. 27 points in 41 games this year.

 

[trick9]

Given the history of the three playing together, including for the USNTDP, just seems like it would have been a good opportunity for the line to stay together for another tournament. Could essentially be the third line for the team. But I guess they needed room for Shane Pinto and Luke Kunin....

Imagine laughing at Shane Pinto. He's a good player. Dumb as bricks evidently but he scored at 54-point pace this season.

Pinto doesn't even play the same position as Leonard or Perreault. Your point would have made the sense if you would have just said Kunin and Eyssimont.

What's interesting is that Trevor Zegras is there... usually the guys who miss a lot of time don't go and he played only 31 of 82 games this season. Then again there are all kinds of rumours that either he wants out or Verbeek wants to get rid of him so makes sense to go play here if he doesn't exactly enjoy playing hockey in Anaheim right now. Fuel the trade rumours.

 

[Hivemind]

Could see the arguement for Kunin, but Shane Pinto is a good hockey player. 27 points in 41 games this year.

Imagine laughing at Shane Pinto. He's a good player. Dumb as bricks evidently but he scored at 54-point pace this season.

Pinto doesn't even play the same position as Leonard or Perreault. Your point would have made the sense if you would have just said Kunin and Eyssimont.

Pinto is a fine player, but he's just fine. If you're creating the US National Team, do you think Pinto might ever be the type of player that you turn to in a best-on-best tournament like the Olympics? He did play for the US in the U20s, but he wasn't a guy targeted for the USNTDP or even the U18s previously.

Conversely, look at Perreault, who came up thru the USNTDP program, played on the U17 team, the U18 team, and the WJHC at both the U18 and U20 level. He's a guy who's been in the US feeder system ever since he was 15 years old. If the US brass was willing to take these junior aged players, it's surprising they spurned Perreault, who they've invested a lot into developing and looks a lot like someone who could be an Olympian in the future.

As for position, Pinto plays both Center and Wing. You can include Eyssimont as well, if you'd like. Doesn't really change what I was saying. I figured Kunin and Eyssimont might figure more into a traditional "4th line," but all that kind of stuff usually gets thrown into a blender at international tournaments anyway.

With Perreault missing, it seems a lot more that Leonard and Smith are likely to be in 12th/13th forward positions, rather than guys who will have a regular gig.

 

[Lou Sassole]

Larkin had to bail, due to injury.

 

[Cush]

Prince George eliminated

 

[AlexModvechkin8]

Leonard starting on the third line with Joel Farabee (PHI) and Will Smith, because of course he's with Will Smith. Going to be awesome when Smith refuses to sign in San Jose and forces his way to Washington

 

[Cappy76]

Going to be awesome when Smith refuses to sign in San Jose and forces his way to Washington

Yes please!!

 

[kicksavedave]

Leonard starting on the third line with Joel Farabee (PHI) and Will Smith, because of course he's with Will Smith. Going to be awesome when Smith refuses to sign in San Jose and forces his way to Washington

Super helpful that they include the phonetic pronunciation for names like Will Smith and Seth Jones.

I always find the mix of players interesting on these tourney's. Lenny and Smith getting their Christian Laettner moment. Pretty cool for them.

 

[RedRocking]

Super helpful that they include the phonetic pronunciation for names like Will Smith and Seth Jones.

I always find the mix of players interesting on these tourney's. Lenny and Smith getting their Christian Laettner moment. Pretty cool for them.

Also - Johnny Gaudreau still plays hockey?!

 

[Hivemind]

Also - Johnny Gaudreau still plays hockey?!

Depends on if you think playing for Columbus counts

 

[Cush]

Saskatoon was eliminated last night

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Super helpful that they include the phonetic pronunciation for names like Will Smith and Seth Jones.

I always find the mix of players interesting on these tourney's. Lenny and Smith getting their Christian Laettner moment. Pretty cool for them.

Not quite the Dream Team lol…but still cool. Would love for them to do well and convince each other to make the jump…

 

[Cush]

US-Sweden tomorrow at 2pm on the NHL Network