CBJ Board Summer '16 Prospect Rankings: #1

[Fro]

I think Anderson has more than 3rd line upside, more so than guys like Zaar, Tynan, Moutrey, Kolesar etc...I look at the group as a whole and right now with guys we've traded or have moved out of "prospect" I see him as a 6-8 guy, for me along same lines of what we saw in playoffs from Forsberg. Still not sure what we have in Carlsson until he comes over and I can see more than just clips of him.

I also rely on having CBJP as a good friend that I can discuss this sort of thing with.

I think you're going to see anywhere from about 8th or so to 20 guys all over the place with picks...there's a group bunched that we don't know enough about to say one is a better prospect than the others right now.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

Why do so many want Anderson added? This is why I usually only vote for a few rounds. A gu who will likely be a third liner at best is not a top 10 prospect.

Honestly, are any of our prospects other than the ones already on the board going to be much better than that? Anderson seems like a sure fire NHLer. That in my eyes is a valuable prospect.

 

[Sstroh84]

I think there is still some backlash against Dubois based on how the draft went down. The kid is a top 3 Center prospect in the NHL.

My top 3 (in order):
Dubois
Werenski
Bjorkstrand

 

[Jackets16]

Honestly, are any of our prospects other than the ones already on the board going to be much better than that? Anderson seems like a sure fire NHLer. That in my eyes is a valuable prospect.

We will just have to agree to disagree. I rank guys based on where they will be if they reach their potential. I only use how close they are to the NHL or their likelihood of making it to the NHL if there are two prospects who are even. Btw, I think guys like Bittner and Kolesar have more potential than Anderson (who I really like).

 

[Jackets16]

I think there is still some backlash against Dubois based on how the draft went down. The kid is a top 3 Center prospect in the NHL.

My top 3 (in order):
Dubois
Werenski
Bjorkstrand

I voted for Werenski, because I think he is better. It has nothing do do with ow the draft went down.

 

[Nanabijou]

Add Forsberg.

 

[Nanabijou]

I think there is still some backlash against Dubois based on how the draft went down. The kid is a top 3 Center prospect in the NHL.

My top 3 (in order):
Dubois
Werenski
Bjorkstrand

I have the same top 3 order.

 

[Cowumbus]

I have the same top 3 order.

Been watching videos of his highlights all morning. I think ceiling wise he is the highest, however Bjorki and Werenski I have seen more of and seen them in LEM so I feel safe having them before him considering they have proven they belong in my eyes.

Voted
Bjork
Werenski
Dubois

Based on Potential
Dubois
Werenski
Milano
Bjorkstrand
Carlsson
Bittner

However based on likelihood of playing multiple seasons in the NHL
Anderson
Dubois
Werenski
Carlsson
Bittner
Bjorkstrand
Milano

 

[Fro]

We will just have to agree to disagree. I rank guys based on where they will be if they reach their potential. I only use how close they are to the NHL or their likelihood of making it to the NHL if their are two prospects who are even. Btw, I think a guys like Bittner and Kolesar have more potential than Anderson (who I really like).

and that's the beauty of opinions...b/c Bittner maybe, but I don't agree that Kolesar does...but that's my personal opinion...I don't think its so egregious to put Anderson in the top 10 or even top 6...he has an ability to score and do things some of our other prospects can't...

 

[major major]

Why do so many want Anderson added? This is why I usually only vote for a few rounds. A guy who will likely be a third liner at best is not a top 10 prospect.

That's generally my line of thinking but I think things fall off after the big 3 and none of our prospects are that great after that. And Anderson might be more than a third liner. That was his scouting report a year ago and since then his scoring touch is much improved.

Kolesar is one of the few who I'd consider picking over him.

\
However based on likelihood of playing multiple seasons in the NHL
Anderson
Dubois
Werenski
Carlsson
Bittner
Bjorkstrand
Milano

Weird to see Bittner on there. He could be something or be a total bust, who knows.

 

[major major]

Werenski, add Anderson.

Folks going with Bjork over Werenski, that I just don't get. You can have your own way of weighing out present strength vs upside, but in this case Bjorkstrand and Werenski were about equally effective in the Cup run. Only Werenski has two+ more development years to come!

 

[Sstroh84]

Werenski, add Anderson.

Folks going with Bjork over Werenski, that I just don't get. You can have your own way of weighing out present strength vs upside, but in this case Bjorkstrand and Werenski were about equally effective in the Cup run. Only Werenski has two+ more development years to come!

I am more confused how Dubois is this underrated from our own fanbase. I love Bjokstrand and Werenski as well, but Dubois is going to be a beast in this league.

 

[WannabeFinn]

Werenski, add Anderson

 

[CBJWerenski8]

I am more confused how Dubois is this underrated from our own fanbase. I love Bjokstrand and Werenski as well, but Dubois is going to be a beast in this league.

Dubois is a fine player. However, Werenski and Bjorkstrand are clearly better prospects IMO. Hopefully the rest of the board agrees.

 

[major major]

I am more confused how Dubois is this underrated from our own fanbase. I love Bjokstrand and Werenski as well, but Dubois is going to be a beast in this league.

Dubois is clearly the better prospect than Bjorkstrand. 3 entire years on him - and he'll have the ability to be much more than just a goal scorer.

I think Dubois is close to Werenski but not better. Not a better player currently and there isn't that much age difference.

 

[Cowumbus]

That's generally my line of thinking but I think things fall off after the big 3 and none of our prospects are that great after that. And Anderson might be more than a third liner. That was his scouting report a year ago and since then his scoring touch is much improved.

Kolesar is one of the few who I'd consider picking over him.



Weird to see Bittner on there. He could be something or be a total bust, who knows.

I just see Bittner similar to Jenner as a prospect.

 

[Cowumbus]

Dubois is a fine player. However, Werenski and Bjorkstrand are clearly better prospects IMO. Hopefully the rest of the board agrees.

If A team were picking 1OA in the draft and Bjorkstrand/Werenski/Dubois were on the board, and those were the only players available I think the hockey world would take Dubois/Werenski depending on team need. Dubois=Werenski. People say Werenski would go 4-5 in this years draft.

Tbh I think that you are still bitter about not getting Puljujarvi (me too a little) and are not giving him credit where it is due. Similar to your evaluations on Jones/Johansen.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

If A team were picking 1OA in the draft and Bjorkstrand/Werenski/Dubois were on the board, and those were the only players available I think the hockey world would take Dubois/Werenski depending on team need. Dubois=Werenski. People say Werenski would go 4-5 in this years draft.

Tbh I think that you are still bitter about not getting Puljujarvi (me too a little) and are not giving him credit where it is due. Similar to your evaluations on Jones/Johansen.

I don't doubt your assumption. However, I am going to disagree with them. I believe Bjorkstrand is our best prospect, Werenski 2nd, and Dubois 3rd. Just like when I posted my list in the prospect page. I base my opinion on current skill, potential, and likelihood to get there (Just had to say that to add background).

I am not bitter about it at all anymore. However, I still believe it is a mistake and I believe it will be a move the front office (if they still have their jobs) will regret once its all said and done in the next few years, just like I feel they will do the same with the Joey/Jones deal. Dubois is a very good prospect. Will at minimum be a third line player in the league one day (will likely be better, but thats his floor) with a very high ceiling.

I gave Jones more than fair evaluations for his time in Columbus thus far. I think just because I was outspoken in my support with both Johansen and Puljujarvi people don't believe I can have an open mind and fair criticism on their replacements, and that's just not the case. This isn't pointed at you per se.

 

[JohnnyJacket13]

Here is my list (not including the goalies)

1. Dubois
2. Werenski
3. Bjorkstrand
4. Anderson
5. Milano
6. Carlsson
7. Bittner

This takes into account career projections, where they are at now, how high their ceilings are, and how likely they are to reach their ceiling.

Dubois, imo, is for sure #1. He is going to be a sure-fire #1C in the league, whether it is in 2 years or 5.

Werenski is closer to making an impact, but he is still #2 on my list....mainly because I don't see him being a true #1D - I see him more as a complimentary top pairing guy...a more offensively minded Ryan Murray. (a side note, I cannot wait for the day that he, Jones and Murray all play to their potential. It'll be something special).

Bjorkstrand will for sure make an impact at the NHL level, but I don't think at the same elite level that Dubois/Werenski will be at. He's a bit small, but I think once he hits his prime he will consistently hit 25 goals a season. Hopefully one day, it will be like having 2 Cam Atkinsons on the team. His ceiling is sky high, but I don't see him as likely to reach it as the previous two guys in front of him.

Anderson will be a bottom-9 guy in the NHL, and there's nothing wrong with that. I sort of see him producing at a similar rate as Matt Calvert. Not nearly as high of a ceiling, but I think he will atleast reach it, if not exceed it.

Milano is a boom or bust kind of prospect. He is very gifted in the skills department, just needs to develop his game more. The second half of the past season was a big step forward for him. I think this next season will determine if he can reach his ceiling.

Not much is known about Carlsson, but scouting reports coming out of Europe so far sound good.

Bittner seems like a mix of Jenner and Hartnell. He's got size, grit, and some skill. I could see him taking over Hartnell's roster spot in the next year or two if he can make the jump to the NHL. Last season was a lost season for him, which hopefully did not hurt his development.

 

[major major]

I just see Bittner similar to Jenner as a prospect.

And why not Kolesar? Everything I've seen/read about Bittner suggests he is not one to use his size like Jenner.

Edit: I took another look - and Bittner might be more of a physical presence in the NHL than I thought. Does anyone know his height/weight from this year? Elite prospects has him getting taller but no added weight! I was reading perhaps too much off of Bittner's lanky build but I'm not sure it isn't at least somewhat of a deficiency.

 

[Jackets16]

I don't doubt your assumption. However, I am going to disagree with them. I believe Bjorkstrand is our best prospect, Werenski 2nd, and Dubois 3rd. Just like when I posted my list in the prospect page. I base my opinion on current skill, potential, and likelihood to get there (Just had to say that to add background).

I am not bitter about it at all anymore. However, I still believe it is a mistake and I believe it will be a move the front office (if they still have their jobs) will regret once its all said and done in the next few years, just like I feel they will do the same with the Joey/Jones deal. Dubois is a very good prospect. Will at minimum be a third line player in the league one day (will likely be better, but thats his floor) with a very high ceiling.

I gave Jones more than fair evaluations for his time in Columbus thus far. I think just because I was outspoken in my support with both Johansen and Puljujarvi people don't believe I can have an open mind and fair criticism on their replacements, and that's just not the case. This isn't pointed at you per se.

IMO, it is....

Weresnki
Dubois


Bjorkstrand

 

[TaketheCannoli]

Add Forsberg

 

[major major]

IMO, it is....

Weresnki
Dubois


Bjorkstrand

This is close to exactly how I put it, with an even bigger gap after Bjork.

 

[Cowumbus]

And why not Kolesar? Everything I've seen/read about Bittner suggests he is not one to use his size like Jenner.

I see Kolesar as a sure fire NHLer for the same reasons

Edit: I just realized he was not on my list. Should be above Milano. For reference I see Milano's odds of playing in the NHL as 55-60%

 

[Viqsi]

I, for one, consider the anticipated impact on the NHL team. Being closer and/or more of a sure-thing to play in the NHL is part of that consideration.

I personally view it as:
Guys with high upside + high likelihood of success > Guys with high likelihood of success and low upside > Guys with high upside + low likelihood of success > Guys with low upside + low likelihood of success.

That's pretty close to how I do it as well.

* * *​

I am more confused how Dubois is this underrated from our own fanbase. I love Bjokstrand and Werenski as well, but Dubois is going to be a beast in this league.

For my part, it's less "Dubois just isn't good enough" and more that I think the world of Werenski. I've got Dubois as a close #2 on my list, for the record.