Prospect Info: Charlie Stramel, C, 21st Overall, 2023 NHL Draft
- Thread starter Minnesota
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- Dec 10, 2012
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Look, you guys are saying the exact same thing, I think we all agree here
BagHead
Registered User
Is this a dig at them drafting for size, or is it a super deep James Sheppard reference? I'm hoping for the latter, for nostalgia's sake.
I get you're acting like a child now repeating me cause you don't have a valid argument, but saying Boldy is more skilled is an absolute hot take. If Boldy had the same skill as Caufield he would literally be Ovechkin.
- Dec 10, 2012
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My suspicion based off of nothing is that this wasn't just drafting a center because they need a center, but drafting a center that they can comfortably project out as a center (featuring size). There were other higher upside center picks that might not project as centers at the NHL level, but they're seeing what's happening with Rossi right now, and they wanted someone they feel comfortably can be a center in the NHL.
So that is to say, drafting for positional need doesn't always have to be such a "reach", but they've basically backed themselves into a corner by drafting so many wingers and defensemen the last couple of years, they need to get centers from the draft. So it's a safety pick in that sense.
So that is to say, drafting for positional need doesn't always have to be such a "reach", but they've basically backed themselves into a corner by drafting so many wingers and defensemen the last couple of years, they need to get centers from the draft. So it's a safety pick in that sense.
He's a better passer, has better vision, has higher IQ, has a very good shot, is a decent skater.
Caufield has a better shot and is a better skater... that's it.
Boldy is the more skilled player.
Which is exactly the problem. Safe picks in the 1st are how we got where we are today.
BuiumSaveUs
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BagHead
Registered User
I agree... specifically about the safe picks part, but also about Boldy, I just don't want to open that can of worms right now.
Safe picks are usually anything but safe. They really mean "low ceiling", and if players don't approach that ceiling, they tend not to make it at all. Think Colton Gillies, a super safe pick that had size and speed, meaning he would be, for sure, able to play bottom 6. So much for that. Safe picks usually end up being as risky as taking a flier on a guy with a high skill ceiling, but other large flaws in his game. People seem to forget that a low ceiling IS a risk.
All you've told me is you've never actually seen Caufield play. Having actually watched these players for over 60 games a piece, it's pretty clear that Caufield is the more skilled and dynamic player.
You'll get a bunch of Minnesota fans to agree with you because Boldy is our player. Anyone who is impartial knows better.
Circulartheory
Registered User
I generally agree that the "safe pick" label is often not used correctly.
With that said, as I watch Stramel more, I actually don't see him as a safe pick, quite the opposite, I see him as quite raw. Alot of tools, big frame, some skill in there too but will need time to put it together. Just because he has the NHL size does not mean it's been fully polished and he doesn't play this "quiet safe game" either that you run into these generic safe picks. He's a bull with alot of tools.
BagHead
Registered User
To be honest, I do too. I think that, if he finds a way to put his tools together, he'll be a force to be reckoned with. People are calling this a safe pick, but I think it's closer to boom-or-bust territory than "safe". We'll see if he has the head to turn the parts into a whole.
Above, I was speaking more about the nomenclature of "safe" than I was about Stramel specifically.
- Dec 10, 2012
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Safe is a relative term. Size is one of the few tools you can actually know before they step foot on NHL ice. Having size doesn't guarantee a guy makes it, but when your guy is 6'3 220lbs, it's safe because you know size isn't going to be what holds him back. Without knowing any of the other variables 4-5 years in advance, the one variable you can know is a + in his favor.
I watch Caufield plenty. I watch s much hockey as possible, including Big10 and out of town NHL games. Sorry you're so shocked someone has a different opinion than you. I've always thought Boldy was more skilled. I had no horse in the race in that draft, and thought Boldy would end up top 5-6 due to his size/skill/IQ etc... going into that draft, I was thinking we'd end up with someone like Caufield, but as Boldy dropped I started to get excited... when he was still there I lost it. That was like when the Islanders and Atlanta passed on Gaborik... couldn't have worked out better for us!
Somehow I doubt that very much.
Your secondary points seem to be conflating "better player" with "more skilled."
Boldy is the "better player."
Caufield is "more skilled."
Put it this way, if Boldy was Caufield's size he would not be an NHL player. Why? Because his skill level wouldn't be high enough to push past his size limitations.
Passing is a skill, vision is a skill, IQ is a skill, puck handling is a skill. Boldy is better at all of these.
Skating and shooting aren't the only skills, and those are the only things Caufield does better.
You and I clearly will never agree on this. All we're doing at this point is derailing the Stramel thread.
This is how I know you have seen little of Caufield. You claim to have watched him, but you can't even figure out he is about equivalent to Boldy in almost all of these categories (minus hockey IQ points for defensive awareness). Caufield's passing and vision is stupid underrated because he is always the guy in a position to shoot the puck. And I don't consider that a knock because his shot is world's better than Boldy's. That's just being smart about his best skill.
The argument you are making is like saying that Stramel has more skill than Rossi. Anyone brave enough to say that at this point?
Dr Jan Itor
Registered User
Is Stramel slated to be the #1C this year? #2C?
I know it might be a bit hard to tell with a new coach, but where did he play last year, and how many centers above him left?
I know it might be a bit hard to tell with a new coach, but where did he play last year, and how many centers above him left?
MuckOG
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- May 18, 2012
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It sounds like last few seasons were tough for him with his dad dying at a young age the year before last. That could be a contributing factor to his play last season. I couldn't imagine losing my dad at the age of 17 and then trying to focus on hockey.
Minnewildsota
He who laughs last thinks slowest
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I posted numerous times that there *might* have been outside circumstances that contributed to having a bad year statistically. Those were basically dismissed but I agree with you. Hockey was probably one of the last things on his mind. Since his dad got him into hockey, it is/was probably a stark reminder that his dad is no longer there
There are a ton of transfers/outgoing players and recruits so I might be a little off in this.
My guess is 1C will be the 24 year old Mankato transfer David Silye. I'm wondering if they are going to make an all Mankato line with him, Tassy and Fitzgerald. All of them are over 21 years old and should be good tone setting forwards.
I imagine Stramel will be the 2C with Cruz Lucius and Carson Bantle. I thought I read somewhere that De St Phalle transferred, but I can't confirm that. If he didn't, then he should take Bantle's spot.
Centers that left above Stramel: Brock Caufield.
Edit: I don't know if Lindmark is considered "above" Stramel. He was a pretty good player early in his college career and then got injured. I believe he will be back for a fifth season next year. Should be the 3C.
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Circulartheory
Registered User
Whitelaw is coming in as well and he is highly touted offensive prospect, curious where he fits into the fold.
Very tough for Charlie, even tougher for the two younger kids. 46 is too young.
He is pretty small, but very solid offensive skill. There could be a decent chance he beats Lindmark out for 3rd line center spot. My guess is he starts the year as a third line winger.
Depending on Tassy, everything could shift upwards too. Which could put Whitelaw on a line with Lucius and Stramel. That would be an interesting line.
