Im always a little nervous about these giant kids in the junior ranks. Is it a Sean Day case where the physically mature and dominate smaller and weaker competition or is there legit NHL skill there. Ive never seen more than highlights but like you say if you can get an NHLer with that frame it can be extremely valuable. Big guys dont always like being big guys so they are somewhat of a "gentle giant" but if he can develop some form of mean streak, even what Voronkov has shown it could be yet another layer of value.
Prospect Info: CBJ Prospect Thread XI
- Thread starter CBJWerenski8
- Start date
Doggy
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- Oct 11, 2011
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Normally I'd agree with you...I had serious questions about Quniton Byfield as the #2 overall pick in his draft year because of this. But according to Dolzhenkov's profile, of course his size gets mentioned but its his other skills that get the most attention.
The Hockey Writers: shown solid offensive instincts along with a great shot
Elite Prospects: His handling skills are his main creation tools on the ice. He can play keep away in tight spaces, beat defenders with between-the-legs moves off the rush, and feed teammates in open areas in a variety of ways, with saucer, backhand, slip, and hook feeds. His passes are well set up, too. Their deceptiveness often has the opposition covering the wrong option. Dolzhenkov is capable of anticipating the rotations of teammates and of supporting them in a timely fashion
Pronman: I wouldn’t call him a dynamic playmaker but I’ve seen him make tough plays that show strong hockey sense.
IOW, it sounds like he's not just a big bodied meathead standing in front of the net deflecting pucks. The kid has skills. Skating seems to be the biggest concern and with big guys that is often the biggest issue.
Traverse City getting closer - Stars announced their roster. (Only really know Stankoven and maybe the other Kyrou from that but I guess that's no surprise...) So 2/5 down for rosters, CBJ, Leafs and Blues to go.
Then add in 128 point in 68 game Wyatt Johnston and over 2PPG Maverick Bourque and you potentially have the top team in the tournament. Dallas has had some beauty picks at the end of the 1st and 2nd rounds
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Makes me not feel so bad for the unfair CBJ squad from 2021. Shame we don't play against that Dallas team this year, would be a good matchup to be honest.
cslebn
80 forever
- Feb 15, 2012
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Johnston is a very interesting prospect. Some Dallas fans value him higher than Stankoven
koteka
Registered User
Double-Shift Lasse
Just post better
I think a lot of people in Canada are high just in general if what I learned watching this documentary series is any indication.
- Dec 31, 2017
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We were just in Toronto last weekend and walking around the city we kept getting strong whiffs of weed. There were quite a few dispensaries around. So I have to agree, a lot of Canadians are high in general.
Hey watch what you say about Canadians, just remember what comes around is all around
Double-Shift Lasse
Just post better
koteka
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Just on special occasions. You think we look that good all the time?
barriers
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CBJWerenski8
Rest in Peace Johnny
- Jun 13, 2009
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Byrral
Registered User
It was best that they sent Mateychuk down quickly so he could get back to playing games with his junior team. At this point there is a big gap between his peer age group where he excels and the pros where he is a few steps behind. Still have very high hopes for him.
Will be interesting to see if by the next fall he's developed enough in the eyes of FO to earn that 9-game stint in the NHL. For comparison, somewhat similar frame and style dman Olen Zellweger was among first cuts at Anaheim's camp this year (=already sent back to Everett for D+2 year) despite making the allstar team at the WJC and being awarded WHL defenseman of the year title in his D+1 season.
I wouldn't say Mateychuk has nearly as much of a size issue. He just needs to work on D technique and learn to pick his spots vs pros. That last part might have to involve playing him through some rough patches in the NHL next year (or maybe AHL the following season). Jr really is too easy for him in some ways.
CBJWerenski8
Rest in Peace Johnny
- Jun 13, 2009
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Interesting to note that Mateychuk is playing RD for Moose Jaw so far this season
Yeah, there just isn't much CBJ can do about that CHL rule, it is what it is. On a positive note however people say he seems to have mature pro mentality towards the game and his personal growth as a player which makes me hopeful that he will concentrate on getting better everyday throughout his junior career instead of starting to "coast" in his final year(s) because he knows he can afford to do it at that level.
Making the WJC team this winter would be beneficial for him in the sense that he would presumably face more near-NHL-level forwards. I got the impression he impressed Team Canada brass at the summer camp so he should at least have a good shot at it as long as he avoids injuries and major scoring slumps.
I know watching videos may be a little artificial method to improve D technique and such matters but I'm sure that going through the tapes of "Hockey Defending 101 With Nick Blankenburg" would also be a good way to prepare for NHL competition.
He played on both sides last year as well. I think they still have more LHDs than RHDs on their roster which has probably caused them to move one or more LHD on the right. Mateychuk is pretty interchangeable rover-type anyways thanks to his puck skills and mobility so all things considered that move possibly makes most sense for the team.
Dumais with 0+3 in a 5-4 opening night win. I'm confident he'll break some loser's the QMJHL scoring record with a 283 point season
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