Prospect Info: Cliff Pu (2016, 69th) – '18-19: Traded to Carolina

[Thorton02]

I've only watched highlights so I can't really get a good feed on this guy. How does he project to the NHL? Potential Jason Pominville? Clark McArthur?

 

[truthbluth]

I've only watched highlights so I can't really get a good feed on this guy. How does he project to the NHL? Potential Jason Pominville? Clark McArthur?

Despite his scoring rate, he doesn't have the hands for a top line scorer in the NHL. His speed and defensive awareness are actually his best qualities. He projects to a ceiling of 3rd line center that can put up decent points. Think Mike Fisher or Shawn Horcoff.

 

[Paxon]

Despite his scoring rate, he doesn't have the hands for a top line scorer in the NHL. His speed and defensive awareness are actually his best qualities. He projects to a ceiling of 3rd line center that can put up decent points. Think Mike Fisher or Shawn Horcoff.

Yep. I don't see a ton of overall offensive potential, but he's loaded with NHL tools. He should be a good player. I definitely wouldn't compare him with Poms or McArthur as his speed kills the comparison right off the bat.

 

[Ethan Edwards]

I don't know, "no hands" sounds like a draft day scouting report. Maybe. He's come a long way since last year, regardless if this holds true. I'll give my take. I saw a good number of his games last year and about half this year, so take that for what it's worth.

I called him a 3rd round steal on draft day, mostly based on his endless motor, and I think he's gone way beyond that this year. Score!

Forget about the points, which are impressive, but he's taken over a team that won the Cup last year and has had them right at or near the top all year. How has he done it? Again, forget the points. This is the forward Hunter puts out there with two Dmen to kill a 5-on-3. He's the guy Hunter puts out there in the key defensive situations, particularly when you need to win a draw (he's excellent at the dot)...or the key offensive situations for the same reason, plus, well, he scores points. But I said to forget about the points! He's got speed, a great 2-way game, he wins draws, he's on the top PP and PK units, and I heard anecdotally he's a great teammate. Some of those sound like Ryan O'Reilly traits. Oh, and yeah, last I checked he led the team in scoring and was among the top OHL scorers. Okay, I said it. On a defending team that lost a good chunk of its stars. Even when he had his little goal drought a couple weeks ago and that motor was revving down a bit, he was still playing the solid 2-way game and was setting up his teammates.

There are parts of his game he could improve, sure, like consistency (a Sabres theme), and I think a 3rd line C/W who is fully capable of scoring is an accurate prediction. I don't see him as a 1/2 C, but he could slot in as a Top 6 winger. He's also got some size, which isn't always evident when watching him. There's a good mix of skills and real versatility there, but yes, it starts with this all-ice game, speed, and motor. Projecting out a 3rd line with him and Asplund should make us smile. I could see them as very complementary players, though I'm admittedly not nearly as familiar with Asplund. Considering where he went in the draft, this was a major get. And that was my opinion BEFORE he started going bonkers on the score sheet.

 

[Thorton02]

I don't know, "no hands" sounds like a draft day scouting report. Maybe. He's come a long way since last year, regardless if this holds true. I'll give my take. I saw a good number of his games last year and about half this year, so take that for what it's worth.

I called him a 3rd round steal on draft day, mostly based on his endless motor, and I think he's gone way beyond that this year. Score!

Forget about the points, which are impressive, but he's taken over a team that won the Cup last year and has had them right at or near the top all year. How has he done it? Again, forget the points. This is the forward Hunter puts out there with two Dmen to kill a 5-on-3. He's the guy Hunter puts out there in the key defensive situations, particularly when you need to win a draw (he's excellent at the dot)...or the key offensive situations for the same reason, plus, well, he scores points. But I said to forget about the points! He's got speed, a great 2-way game, he wins draws, he's on the top PP and PK units, and I heard anecdotally he's a great teammate. Some of those sound like Ryan O'Reilly traits. Oh, and yeah, last I checked he led the team in scoring and was among the top OHL scorers. Okay, I said it. On a defending team that lost a good chunk of its stars. Even when he had his little goal drought a couple weeks ago and that motor was revving down a bit, he was still playing the solid 2-way game and was setting up his teammates.

There are parts of his game he could improve, sure, like consistency (a Sabres theme), and I think a 3rd line C/W who is fully capable of scoring is an accurate prediction. I don't see him as a 1/2 C, but he could slot in as a Top 6 winger. He's also got some size, which isn't always evident when watching him. There's a good mix of skills and real versatility there, but yes, it starts with this all-ice game, speed, and motor. Projecting out a 3rd line with him and Asplund should make us smile. I could see them as very complementary players, though I'm admittedly not nearly as familiar with Asplund. Considering where he went in the draft, this was a major get. And that was my opinion BEFORE he started going bonkers on the score sheet.

Very cool. Sabres are lacking a 3rd line center with wheels that can take minutes away from ROR and still put up a few points. I've never been a fan of Larsson so hopefully Pu can do it. Still, probably 3 years before we see him in a Sabres uni.

 

[truthbluth]

I don't know, "no hands" sounds like a draft day scouting report. Maybe. He's come a long way since last year, regardless if this holds true. I'll give my take. I saw a good number of his games last year and about half this year, so take that for what it's worth.

I called him a 3rd round steal on draft day, mostly based on his endless motor, and I think he's gone way beyond that this year. Score!

Forget about the points, which are impressive, but he's taken over a team that won the Cup last year and has had them right at or near the top all year. How has he done it? Again, forget the points. This is the forward Hunter puts out there with two Dmen to kill a 5-on-3. He's the guy Hunter puts out there in the key defensive situations, particularly when you need to win a draw (he's excellent at the dot)...or the key offensive situations for the same reason, plus, well, he scores points. But I said to forget about the points! He's got speed, a great 2-way game, he wins draws, he's on the top PP and PK units, and I heard anecdotally he's a great teammate. Some of those sound like Ryan O'Reilly traits. Oh, and yeah, last I checked he led the team in scoring and was among the top OHL scorers. Okay, I said it. On a defending team that lost a good chunk of its stars. Even when he had his little goal drought a couple weeks ago and that motor was revving down a bit, he was still playing the solid 2-way game and was setting up his teammates.

There are parts of his game he could improve, sure, like consistency (a Sabres theme), and I think a 3rd line C/W who is fully capable of scoring is an accurate prediction. I don't see him as a 1/2 C, but he could slot in as a Top 6 winger. He's also got some size, which isn't always evident when watching him. There's a good mix of skills and real versatility there, but yes, it starts with this all-ice game, speed, and motor. Projecting out a 3rd line with him and Asplund should make us smile. I could see them as very complementary players, though I'm admittedly not nearly as familiar with Asplund. Considering where he went in the draft, this was a major get. And that was my opinion BEFORE he started going bonkers on the score sheet.

I think you and I are on the same page. I don't think he has the hands to be a top 6 centerman. But I think his ceiling is that of a 40 point 3rd line, defensive specialist. He's not a sure fire NHLer, but he's got a good shot. He, Asplund and Hagel all look like great picks to me.

 

[Ethan Edwards]

I think you and I are on the same page. I don't think he has the hands to be a top 6 centerman. But I think his ceiling is that of a 40 point 3rd line, defensive specialist. He's not a sure fire NHLer, but he's got a good shot. He, Asplund and Hagel all look like great picks to me.

Yeah, he's one of several reasons to be super excited about that draft. I'm a little biased because pre-draft I was higher than most on Nylander and Pu, plus now I'm getting to know Murray. But Hagel and Fitzgerald to boot? Lots of reasons for optimism...and I'm probably forgetting one or two.

 

[Dingo44]

Yeah, he's one of several reasons to be super excited about that draft. I'm a little biased because pre-draft I was higher than most on Nylander and Pu, plus now I'm getting to know Murray. But Hagel and Fitzgerald to boot? Lots of reasons for optimism...and I'm probably forgetting one or two.

We Glotov

 

[hizzoner]

Pu seems to have it all-decent size, good skater, good positional play, great on PK and face-offs. But he leaves me wanting more! He does not score as often as he should on his chances--and he makes his own or gets in position to do this a lot-and I wish he had more of an edge--though not like Max Jones! He can be a good second line or great third line depending on his personal drive.

 

[hizzoner]

And he gets the winner tonight with 6 seconds left in the game. Also an assist. His usual game and just missed potting another after he made a great play on the PK earlier but could not bury the return pass into a gaping cage.

 

[Dex]

And he gets the winner tonight with 6 seconds left in the game. Also an assist. His usual game and just missed potting another after he made a great play on the PK earlier but could not bury the return pass into a gaping cage.

Bad hands

 

[CaseyMitts37]

Pu's game-winner from last night

 

[LaxSabre]

@GoLondonKnights - PUUUUUU!!!!! With 40 seconds left in the game @cliffp_28 fires it home with the backhand! 5-4 KNIGHTS!!!
@GoLondonKnights - The @Jack_Astors play of the game goes to @cliffp_28 for his GWG and completing the comeback!!!

Reminder - Cool! Cliff Pu is the London Knight thats in the picture! If you are in the United States you can watch the game LIVE on NHL Network. Go Pu! Go Knights!

 

[LaxSabre]

@SabresProspects - Cliff Pu named 2nd Best Skater - 2nd Best on Faceoffs (Western Conference) in this year's OHL Coaches Poll.

Best Skater - Western Conference -

#1 - Zach Senyshyn - Soo Greyhounds - 32 votes.
#2 - Cliff Pu - London Knights - 15 votes.
#2 - Jordan Kyrou - Sarnia Sting - 15 votes.

Best on Face-Offs - Western Conference -
#1 - Kyle Pettit - Erie Otters - 33 votes.
#2 - Cliff Pu - London Knights - 15 votes.
#2 - Drake Rymsha - Sarnia Sting - 15 votes.

http://ontariohockeyleague.com/article/ohl-announces-2016-17-coaches-poll-winners

 

[Thorton02]

@SabresProspects - Cliff Pu named 2nd Best Skater - 2nd Best on Faceoffs (Western Conference) in this year's OHL Coaches Poll.

Best Skater - Western Conference -

#1 - Zach Senyshyn - Soo Greyhounds - 32 votes.
#2 - Cliff Pu - London Knights - 15 votes.
#2 - Jordan Kyrou - Sarnia Sting - 15 votes.

Best on Face-Offs - Western Conference -
#1 - Kyle Pettit - Erie Otters - 33 votes.
#2 - Cliff Pu - London Knights - 15 votes.
#2 - Drake Rymsha - Sarnia Sting - 15 votes.

http://ontariohockeyleague.com/article/ohl-announces-2016-17-coaches-poll-winners

So he has the potential to be a better skating Gaustad.

 

[Ralonzo]

Hopefully more like a poor man's Mike Fisher. A speedy draw-taking 15/15 3C would be a very good get from that draft slot.

 

[Man of Principles]

I know he's a center..but I kind of hope he can be to Buffalo what Cogliano is for the Ducks.

 

[LaxSabre]

 

[Team Cozens]

Hopefully more like a poor man's Mike Fisher. A speedy draw-taking 15/15 3C would be a very good get from that draft slot.

I was thinking Asplund would be our 3C. Nice to have options!

 

[LaxSabre]

LaxSabre - Unfortunately for us Pu fans here in the United States - NHL Network is televising the Islanders-Penguins game Friday night.
Game #1 can been seen on the NHL Network - Tape Delay - Saturday, March 25 - 12:00 pm ET.

LaxSabre - Game #2 will also be televised LIVE on Sportsnet 360 in Canada - Sunday, March 26 - 2:00 pm ET.
There is good news for us Pu fans in the United States there - NHL Network will be televising Game #2 LIVE.

 

[LaxSabre]

LaxSabre - Game #2 will also be televise LIVE on NHL Network in the United States. Go Pu! Go London!

 

[cybresabre]

Pu scored the first of the game, Juolevi put London up 2-0, but Windsor made it 2-1 on the pp (Sergachev with an assist) and then Sergachev drew it even at 2.

London just scored to make it 3-2 Knights as I turned the game on. Obnoxiously, Time Warner's guide doesn't list this as a game so I didn't set it to record.
There are 4 minutes left in the third and the Spits are putting on a lot of pressure.

 

[Ralonzo]

Pu, apart from the goal, has been having another rough night. Bad decisions on the PP, and his line has getting bottled up in the D zone for withering pressure by the Spits. Max Jones has been great.

Edit: And of course as soon as I talk down his performance, Pu is instrumental in the insurance goal, gaining possession in the d zone, skating it out, chipping it past a rather disinterested-looking Sergachev and chasing it down, setting up Max Jones.

 

[Revelate]

Pu scored the first of the game, Juolevi put London up 2-0, but Windsor made it 2-1 on the pp (Sergachev with an assist) and then Sergachev drew it even at 2.

London just scored to make it 3-0 Knights as I turned the game on. Obnoxiously, Time Warner's guide doesn't list this as a game so I didn't set it to record.
There are 4 minutes left in the third and the Spits are putting on a lot of pressure.

must have been some kind of goal to move the knights up to 3 and cancel out the Windsor goals.

 

[cybresabre]

must have been some kind of goal to move the knights up to 3 and cancel out the Windsor goals.

oy. It was a super goal!