Player Discussion: Cole Perfetti 10th OA pick

[gojetsgo]

Don't mean to spoil the love-in, and agree about all the great things that have been said about Perfetti...but he still needs to work on his foot speed. There is not much he can do about his size, but being quick and small is much more likely to lead to success at C. It will also help him avoid trouble and injury in both ends of the ice. As he becomes known for skill don't think opposing players won't start targeting him.

I said the same thing about Heinola in his NHL debut and got a lot of pushback, but I continue to worry about it 3 years later.

he reminds me of stastny, not the fastest guy but his ability to read the game allows him to get to places faster, if he could add more speed to his game he could end up being the best player from that draft

 

[Gm0ney]

I think all 3 had to sort out the chemistry - it's not like one of them is driving this bus.

Sure, but there were instances in their early time together when Dubois or Connor were unprepared for the puck when Perfetti somehow got it on their sticks. Perfetti is pretty new to everyone and a bit different from the linemates they're accustomed to.

 

[LowLefty]

Sure, but there were instances in their early time together when Dubois or Connor were unprepared for the puck when Perfetti somehow got it on their sticks. Perfetti is pretty new to everyone and a bit different from the linemates they're accustomed to.

And I'm sure PLD and KC are pretty new to Perfetti - they all need to adapt
But I get your point

 

[ps241]

Don't mean to spoil the love-in, and agree about all the great things that have been said about Perfetti...but he still needs to work on his foot speed. There is not much he can do about his size, but being quick and small is much more likely to lead to success at C. It will also help him avoid trouble and injury in both ends of the ice. As he becomes known for skill don't think opposing players won't start targeting him.

I said the same thing about Heinola in his NHL debut and got a lot of pushback, but I continue to worry about it 3 years later.

The good news is I have heard him discuss this as his number 1 priority as far as development goes. We also know he had a dedicated coach for this development opportunity. He seems to have a high level of self awareness and drive. He’s never going to be a burner nor does he have to be but I am looking forward to watching the growth in his skating.

The good news is he is already stronger on his skates and better at puck shielding than Laine or Scheif were at that age. He needs to be faster but he has good edges and he’s sturdy.

 

[ps241]

And I'm sure PLD and KC are pretty new to Perfetti - they all need to adapt
But I get your point

PLD and Connor can both finish and they will adapt quickly to the Perfetti’s surprise packages he delivers nicely gift wrapped. Not only will they be expecting it they will also be able to run more ambitious routes that are tougher to defend knowing they have an elite playmaker that will find them.

On the flip side Perfetti has never played on a line with piers. When he was 18 in his draft year in Saginaw he put up 111 points and the next closest kid on his team put up 80 points. Even on the Moose his teammates were ok but he is now playing with elite talent that have the power to get net front. This opportunity could bring out another level from a smart creative player.

 

[LowLefty]

PLD and Connor can both finish and they will adapt quickly to the Perfetti’s surprise packages he delivers nicely gift wrapped. Not only will they be expecting it they will also be able to run more ambitious routes that are tougher to defend knowing they have an elite playmaker that will find them.

On the flip side Perfetti has never played on a line with piers. When he was 18 in his draft year in Saginaw he put up 111 points and the next closest kid on his team put up 80 points. Even on the Moose his teammates were ok but he is now playing with elite talent that have the power to get net front. This opportunity could bring out another level from a smart creative player.

It's a great line for Perfetti - and I agree with your points.
He needs linemates that rely on puck movement, play making, and positioning - he's getting that with the other two who like to drive play as a group and less on individual effort.
The hard work is paying off for him - he's set up with a couple of elite players that fit his game like a glove - they need to stay together.
Keep an eye out for JoMo when playing behind these guys - he's another guy that will fit in well with what's evolving here.

 

[LowLefty]

Don't mean to spoil the love-in, and agree about all the great things that have been said about Perfetti...but he still needs to work on his foot speed. There is not much he can do about his size, but being quick and small is much more likely to lead to success at C. It will also help him avoid trouble and injury in both ends of the ice. As he becomes known for skill don't think opposing players won't start targeting him.

I said the same thing about Heinola in his NHL debut and got a lot of pushback, but I continue to worry about it 3 years later.

Your comments surprise me a bit and I won't get into why - but I agree 100%

 

[Jets 31]

I would way rather have Perfetti on the PP with Dubois and Connor than Copp that's for sure.

 

[scelaton]

Your comments surprise me a bit and I won't get into why - but I agree 100%

Haha--I know why and appreciate your restraint!

I have been a Heinola booster since his first pre-season as an 18 year old, but always knew his foot speed and size would be challenges. But his hIQ, skills and success at all other levels convinced me he would overcome them, with time and opportunity.

His most recent pre-season disappointed for sure and his play last night was no different, but the only way to know whether this is a confidence issue or small sample size variance is to give him a decent opportunity with a stable partner--not Beaulieu, ffs!
10+ games with DeMelo would be a minimum.

There is no guarantee with any NHL draft choice, but I will be surprised and very disappointed if Heinola doesn't eventually succeed in the NHL. Perfetti seems more of a sure thing already, but he hasn't played a full season and playoffs yet. There will be challenges for both of them still.

 

[gojetsgo]

 

[Snot Rocket]

Side note: Nelson sounds like he might have a coaching/analyst/colour job when his playing days are over.

 

[ps241]

Side note: Nelson sounds like he might have a coaching/analyst/colour job when his playing days are over.

I was going to post on the same topic. Nelson sounds pretty bright.

 

[snowkiddin]

So how long until someone makes a “Would Perfetti go first overall in a redraft?” thread on the main boards?

 

[Romang67]

So how long until someone makes a “Would Perfetti go first overall in a redraft?” thread on the main boards?

Let's wait for his percentages to normalize.

It wouldn't surprise me if he's one of our best players two seasons from now.

 

[snowkiddin]

Let's wait for his percentages to normalize.

It wouldn't surprise me if he's one of our best players two seasons from now.

Getting a Perfetti jersey is definitely a goal this offseason.

 

[surixon]

Getting a Perfetti jersey is definitely a goal this offseason.

One of mine as well. Just waiting to see of we get a new jersey design or if I'm going blue heritage.

 

[surixon]

Let's wait for his percentages to normalize.

It wouldn't surprise me if he's one of our best players two seasons from now.

His game last night was better then anything I've seen from Lafreniere but the same could be said about a number of 2020 draft picks like Raymond, Drysdale, Lundell, Stutzle. To me there are a number of real good looking young players from it so far. I think we will get a large number of impact players from that first round.

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

So how long until someone makes a “Would Perfetti go first overall in a redraft?” thread on the main boards?

Maybe we should wait until he actually scores a bit more?

 

[Jets 31]

That pass from our blue line right on Copp's stick was a thing of beauty, if Copp had hands that would have been a beautiful goal.

 

[Howard Chuck]

He seems to have a 'highlight reel' play almost every night.

 

[DRW204]

 

[Finster8]

JMO I see Cole develop every year. We all know he needs to get his feet moving quicker out of the gate. As long as it keeps getting better every year it is not an issue. His IQ and ability to read the ice will make him a force for many years. His size and strength will only get better. A couple good games and he passes guys like Lowry in points playing less than half the games. Cole has the skills to be a main factor in the Jets quest for a Cup in the future. He needs to get his confidence up and could be just me but times the older guys don't seem to see him wide open and are not giving him the chances. He could have at least 5 or more points. You have to be ready at anytime in the offensive zone his ability to get the puck to his guys and they have to be ready. These are the growing pains with his teammates that will progress as they get used to each other.

 

[Heldig]

Do folks see Perfetti as a C in the future or stay on the wing?

 

[FonRiesen]

Do folks see Perfetti as a C in the future or stay on the wing?

He has enough defensive awareness and the smart/skills to be a top 6 C.

 

[ps241]

He has enough defensive awareness and the smart/skills to be a top 6 C.

In fairness if he is productive enough at centre the Jets have shown defensive commitment is optional.