I can't skate and I'd probably look good compared to that bunch of sad sacks.
That said, good for the kid. The good thing when there's a good coach is that most players can actually show their worth before the personal relationships take over. We saw it with Larsson in New Jersey and now with Rielly.
That said, good for the kid. The good thing when there's a good coach is that most players can actually show their worth before the personal relationships take over. We saw it with Larsson in New Jersey and now with Rielly.
EscapeGoat
We The North
Its amazing wat a little confidence can do to a young player.
Many Leafs fans were so impatient with him this year and forgot that he is just 20 years old.
Many Leafs fans were so impatient with him this year and forgot that he is just 20 years old.
Gardiner has also been playing much better under Horachek, which is the only positive Horachek has brought so far
yup, agreed. But hey, this is good in the long-run because the core will get dismantled and bring fresh and young blood in with the new coach, new GM with the right direction, and hopefully rebuild through.
BigDaddyLurch
Have some PRIDE, Eric...
...gotta agree, as much as I hate the Leafs, Rielly has looked damn good lately...on the flipside, Franson, who's never looked good in his own zone, has looked horrific under Horacek's more structured defensive style...
gretskidoo
Registered User
- Nov 26, 2011
- 4,794
- 395
He is 20 years old. and if you have been actually watching the game, Rielly is playing better defensively than he has been offensively. This is supposedly his sophomore year as well.
Look at players like MacKinnon, even he is under performing this year point wise.
Drew311
Makes The Pass
- Oct 29, 2010
- 11,902
- 2,381
He could get 35 points, but then his defensive game would be terrible. Then geniuses like you would be be ripping on him for being a "bottom pairing PP specialist".
MasterDecoy
Who took my beer?
613Leafer
Registered User
- May 26, 2008
- 13,021
- 3,960
Rielly's defensive game is night and day better from last season. And while his shot needs work, he's definitely shown flashes of great offensive potential.
Looking around the league, guys like Hedman, OEL, McDonagh, Subban, Keith, Shattenkirk, etc all took 4-5+ seasons after being drafted before they broke 40 points in a single season. No reason to be worried about Riellys offence at this stage.
Looking around the league, guys like Hedman, OEL, McDonagh, Subban, Keith, Shattenkirk, etc all took 4-5+ seasons after being drafted before they broke 40 points in a single season. No reason to be worried about Riellys offence at this stage.
WTFMAN99
Registered User
- Jun 17, 2009
- 34,136
- 12,265
Defensive play has improved tremendously from last year.
A big problem in why his point totals aren't better is simply our team isn't scoring a lot. He isn't going out of his way to break away from the system just to put up points and he's not Erik Karlsson and likely won't break 70+ points.
What I see from Reilly is someone smart enough to use his speed and close gaps, and has a good first pass and wheels. I think you have a 35-50 pt guy if things work out in another 3-5 years (he's only 20!!!) who can play on the top pairing (if he continues to progress at this rate) and defend well. He's also apparently a gym rat, handles physical battles "okay" right now as a 20 year old, but I think in 3-5 years if he keeps it up, he's gonna be a strong guy.
We do need a RHD to play with him though and be a true #1 like an Ekblad, Weber, Pietrangelo...hopefully as we rebuild we're able to draft one and really develop our blueline.
Also, kind of OT but it was touched on, Gardiner has been looking better under Horachek since Carlyle has left too.
Franson has looked worse lately, although I think he was playing above his capability. He's not a top pairing guy. More like a 2nd pairing guy who's good on the PP.
A big problem in why his point totals aren't better is simply our team isn't scoring a lot. He isn't going out of his way to break away from the system just to put up points and he's not Erik Karlsson and likely won't break 70+ points.
What I see from Reilly is someone smart enough to use his speed and close gaps, and has a good first pass and wheels. I think you have a 35-50 pt guy if things work out in another 3-5 years (he's only 20!!!) who can play on the top pairing (if he continues to progress at this rate) and defend well. He's also apparently a gym rat, handles physical battles "okay" right now as a 20 year old, but I think in 3-5 years if he keeps it up, he's gonna be a strong guy.
We do need a RHD to play with him though and be a true #1 like an Ekblad, Weber, Pietrangelo...hopefully as we rebuild we're able to draft one and really develop our blueline.
Also, kind of OT but it was touched on, Gardiner has been looking better under Horachek since Carlyle has left too.
Franson has looked worse lately, although I think he was playing above his capability. He's not a top pairing guy. More like a 2nd pairing guy who's good on the PP.
LeafsLegendAkiBerg
The original great 8
- Oct 12, 2006
- 3,982
- 2,127
Rielly really needs to work on his shot. I think he's taking pointers from Phaneuf cause the kid can't hit the net. He's definitely been better lately though.
Darth Milbury
Registered User
I make absolutely nothing of those totals. Defense is a hard position to learn and the kid is trying to round out his game. Once he develops a bit and the team stabilizes around him, the points should come.
Nice young player for sure, with fantastic upside.
613Leafer
Registered User
- May 26, 2008
- 13,021
- 3,960
Hedman had 23 points at age 20.
OEL had 32 points at age 20.
Subban wasn't in the NHL at age 20.
Keith wasn't in the NHL at age 20.
McDonagh wasn't in the NHL at age 20.
Suter had 16 points at age 20.
Seabrook had 32 points at age 20.
Green had 12 points at age 20.
Shattenkirk wasn't in the NHL at age 20.
Carlson wasn't in the NHL at age 20 (6 points in 22 games, mostly in AHL that year)
Hamilton had 25 points at age 20.
Yandle had 12 points at age 20 (only 43 games).
etc
Doughty, Karlsson, Ekblad, etc are VERY much the exception. Defencemen, even those who go on to become 40-50+ point guys, typically aren't in the NHL, or put up somewhere between 15-30 points at Rielly's age.
Aceboogie
Registered User
- Aug 25, 2012
- 32,649
- 3,896
Looked solid, but he was rushed and ruined to an extent by Carlyle and the Leafs. Cant help but imagine how good hed be on a team with proper development. Hell be a solid #2 or really good #3 in the future. Defensively he is still horrible but looking better with the puck
Not sure why all the hype...
He won't be anything special...He's already behind his class and other young dman...
It's not like he's going to win Norris or break some records or win conn Smyth. ...
He won't be anything special...He's already behind his class and other young dman...
It's not like he's going to win Norris or break some records or win conn Smyth. ...
Hedman had 23 points at age 20.
OEL had 32 points at age 20.
Subban wasn't in the NHL at age 20.
Keith wasn't in the NHL at age 20.
McDonagh wasn't in the NHL at age 20.
Suter had 16 points at age 20.
Seabrook had 32 points at age 20.
Green had 12 points at age 20.
Shattenkirk wasn't in the NHL at age 20.
Carlson wasn't in the NHL at age 20 (6 points in 22 games, mostly in AHL that year)
Hamilton had 25 points at age 20.
Yandle had 12 points at age 20 (only 43 games).
etc
Doughty, Karlsson, Ekblad, etc are VERY much the exception. Defencemen, even those who go on to become 40-50+ point guys, typically aren't in the NHL, or put up somewhere between 15-30 points at Rielly's age.
Not to mention he had 27 points at age 19.
you know, it really makes me laugh when some people no idea what they are talking about. I mean for **** sake, at least admit u haven't been paying attention to him or haven't caught Leafs on more than one or two ocassions. The kid is been pleasantly good in his own end. You won't find one single rational Leafs fan who will complain one bit about his defensive game. In fact, most people have turned on him because for a supposed gifted player with boat loads of offensive instincts, he hasn't nearly created as much offense as he is capable of or he was hesistant to join rushes as much he could until Carlyle was fired.
Please, if u have no idea what u are talking about or basing things over past reputation. It would be better if u can just leave the false information out.
Note - I am not calling him a defensive stalwart but putting words such as still horrible or terrible defensively is simply laughable because at the very least, people should describe his defensive game as decent.
Maplebeasts
I See Demons!!!!!
You mean he's only behind Trouba and Lindholm from his draft class in terms of dmen? Murray, and Reinhart aren't even in the show right now. Dumba is behind him. God forbid a 20 year old doesn't light the world on fire as a dman.
HarrisonFord
President of the Drew Doughty Fan Club
Yeah, like that bust Victor Hedman who had 26 points at that stage in his career.
Or that other bust Duncan Keith who didn't break 30 points until he was 24 years old.
