Prospect Info: Devils Win #2 Overall -- Slafkovsky vs. Jiricek vs. Nemec

[StevenToddIves]

Nemec's major weakness at the moment is his slap shot. Do you really want to run your PP with a guy who can use only wrist shot?

Nemec's passing is absolutely elite. He is simply a beautiful passer, with the high-end vision and creativity of an all-star forward. He's going to produce points, but I'm not sure if he'll ever be more than a 10-15 goal guy.

I'd say Nemec has only a handful of weaknesses. His shot is below average, but because of the accuracy I wouldn't say it's necessarily a "weakness". My only concerns about him is that Nemec can have difficulty defending against high-speed forwards and can be outmuscled by power forwards, though not for lack of effort. He's going to be a very good defender at the NHL level, but I don't see him as the potential shut-down beast in his own zone like a Jiricek can be.

 

[Monsieur Verdoux]

Again, I'm not saying I would draft Jiricek over Slafkovsky. But, as much as I agree with a great deal of your prospect scouting, I feel you're trying to undersell him as some sort of 'ordinary' player, and the potential here is simply enormous. To say you would like him to be faster (he skates as well as Nemec, btw) or show a bit more finesse with the puck is one thing. But this is absolutely a rare combination of power, offensive potential, defensive acumen and intangibles.

Well, I'm not an expert, but that part I don't agree. No way he skates as well as Nemec.

 

[Captain3rdLine]

Nemec has a bit of trouble defending against speed and strength. Jiricek is better with his gaps and does not. Jiricek is ridiculously difficult to outmuscle and more aggressive.

Jiricek is a good but not great skater, and a good but not great puck handler. He's a terrific passer -- the only way we can say he's not is by directly comparing him to Nemec, who is the best passing defender in the draft.

Jiricek is not a "big defenseman with a heavy shot who gets around decently". He's a high-intensity, high-IQ and high-impact shut-down defender who plays with a menacing mean streak and plays faster than his skates because of his high-end compete and anticipation. His shot is not "heavy", it's elite. He's the rare defender with 20+ goal upside. I've seen him beat goalies without a screen from the blueline in the Czech men's league.

Jiricek is not Cale Makar or Luke Hughes -- he's not a player who will back up opposing defenders when he gets the puck with one foot of space because he can turn you inside out in a flash and leave you on your ass wondering what just happened. He's not a player who will add lightning to your transition game.

What Jiricek is is closer to something like a young Rob Blake. He's a guy who will make opposing forwards fight for every inch in the zone, a guy who will win virtually every board-battle and crease-battle. Jiricek is a guy who will break opposing cycles and then start the rush with his very good outlet passing.

In the offensive zone, Jiricek is a guy who will make smart passes when he doesn't have time, and when he does -- look out because that shot has the potential to be one of the best 2 or 3 point blasts in the NHL. Opposing defenses will always have to be aware of him and keep a forward up high so Jiricek isn't able to wind it up. On the power play, this will be a particularly effective weapon.

David Jiricek's talents are also a perfect compliment to Luke Hughes in every sense. You pair these two up, and you could be talking about the best defense pair in the world one day.

Again, I'm not saying I would draft Jiricek over Slafkovsky. But, as much as I agree with a great deal of your prospect scouting, I feel you're trying to undersell him as some sort of 'ordinary' player, and the potential here is simply enormous. To say you would like him to be faster (he skates as well as Nemec, btw) or show a bit more finesse with the puck is one thing. But this is absolutely a rare combination of power, offensive potential, defensive acumen and intangibles.

I think you’re massively overselling him. His defensive game isn’t that good nor is he quite the physical beast you’re describing him as. He’s big and strong but he doesn’t dominate people in the corners and certainly loses a fair share of battles.

And I don’t agree that he’s as good of a skater as Nemec nor do I think he’s close to as good of a “shut-down defender” as you’re saying or even as good defensively as Nemec. Watching thse WC games, you can clearly see that Nemec is a better skater.

But we’ll just have to agree to disagree here. I think he could turn into a very good defensmen if things go right but if I had to bet on which defensmen I think will be better 6 years from now I would take Nemec without even blinking.

 

[StevenToddIves]

I've just watched the Slovakia v. Canada game, and I'm going to say that Slafkovsky is definitely closing the gap between himself and Shane Wright at #1 overall. He played a fast, high-compete, high-skill game. He lacked a bit of the finish he showed in the Olympics, but this Team Canada was the most talented and experienced team he has ever stepped out on the ice against, and he single-handedly dominated multiple shifts. He could've had four assists if his linemates could finish.

Slafkovsky's strength, skill and vision were giving the Canadians fits all game. I'd say he was clearly the line-driver for his line and the best forward on his team in transition. His defensive play was also excellent. This kid is for real.

 

[Devs3cups]

From what I've read and watched, I fully expect Slaf to make it to the top 6. On the other hand, if we have Nico, Hughes and Cooley, or for better argument sake somehow get Wright. One of those top of the draft guys is playing on the third line, is that a fail? Not trying to put words in your mouth, just trying to figure out your justification.

Because from what it seems, selecting Wright or Cooley would be a fail be default.

Salivating at the thought of having a top 3 of Hughes, Nico, Wright. I would have NO problem having the moost stacked 3rd line in the league. Talk about a good problem to have lol. This pick is truly gravy. If we get Slaf, great. If we get Wright, great. If we move back and draft Jiricek or Nemec, great.

I've just watched the Slovakia v. Canada game, and I'm going to say that Slafkovsky is definitely closing the gap between himself and Shane Wright at #1 overall. He played a fast, high-compete, high-skill game. He lacked a bit of the finish he showed in the Olympics, but this Team Canada was the most talented and experienced team he has ever stepped out on the ice against, and he single-handedly dominated multiple shifts. He could've had four assists if his linemates could finish.

Slafkovsky's strength, skill and vision were giving the Canadians fits all game. I'd say he was clearly the line-driver for his line and the best forward on his team in transition. His defensive play was also excellent. This kid is for real.

I'm still VERY suspicious Montreal will pass on the Canadian center here, who is no slouch. Either way, we're golden.

 

[Captain3rdLine]

I've just watched the Slovakia v. Canada game, and I'm going to say that Slafkovsky is definitely closing the gap between himself and Shane Wright at #1 overall. He played a fast, high-compete, high-skill game. He lacked a bit of the finish he showed in the Olympics, but this Team Canada was the most talented and experienced team he has ever stepped out on the ice against, and he single-handedly dominated multiple shifts. He could've had four assists if his linemates could finish.

Slafkovsky's strength, skill and vision were giving the Canadians fits all game. I'd say he was clearly the line-driver for his line and the best forward on his team in transition. His defensive play was also excellent. This kid is for real.

Pretty much the entire Canadiens front office has been at every single one of his games. Making me nervous because I’m really hoping we get him.

 

[TrufleShufle]

Salivating at the thought of having a top 3 of Hughes, Nico, Wright. I would have NO problem having the moost stacked 3rd line in the league. Talk about a good problem to have lol. This pick is truly gravy. If we get Slaf, great. If we get Wright, great. If we move back and draft Jiricek or Nemec, great.


I'm still VERY suspicious Montreal will pass on the Canadian center here, who is no slouch. Either way, we're golden.

Oh I agree, I don't think it would be a problem at all. But used it to address the "if top picks turn out as 3rd liners it's a massive fail" argument.

 

[StevenToddIves]

Pretty much the entire Canadiens front office has been at every single one of his games. Making me nervous because I’m really hoping we get him.

Yeah, Slafkovsky is the guy the Devils need. I was on the fence before the WC, but I'm off that fence now. The idea of pairing him with Jack Hughes for a decade is just ridiculous. I don't see how any team could defend them.

 

[TrufleShufle]

Yeah, Slafkovsky is the guy the Devils need. I was on the fence before the WC, but I'm off that fence now. The idea of pairing him with Jack Hughes for a decade is just ridiculous. I don't see how any team could defend them.

Could be like the Seguin and Benn line at their peak but for muuuuuucch longer.

 

[StevenToddIves]

Could be like the Seguin and Benn line at their peak but for muuuuuucch longer.

Better. Hughes will be far superior to Seguin.

 

[Devs3cups]

Pretty insane to me how much Wright's stock has dropped in the last 2-3 weeks. Kid is a really good player and will be really good for a long time. I want Slaf, but I'd be GLAD to add Wright to our prospect pool. Also, him not going first will put a MAJOR chip on his shoulder lol. Honestly, this feels like fatigue based off years of hearing about him and Slaf having a few good tourneys.

With all that being said, I'm very convinced Montreal won't pass on him.

Videos - NHL, NBA, NFL, Super Bowl, CFL, MLB, Golf, Tennis, Soccer

TSN's latest highlights and features from around the sporting world. NHL, NBA, NFL, CFL, MLB, PGA, LPGA, MLS, EPL, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, La Liga, Serie A, FIFA World Cup, Euro, ATP Tennis, WTA Tennis, Curling, Scotties, Brier, World Juniors.

www.tsn.ca

 

[Triumph]

Supposedly Ray spent his time in between jobs scouting with USA Hockey

And so why would he be scouting 17 and 18 year olds in this instance? This seems like the last people he would be scouting, unless he was doing it for the WJCs. I suppose this is a response to 'Ray's not a scout', but my point was that he wasn't likely approaching the major tournaments with the notion of specifically watching player X and player Y for the purposes of the 2015 draft in the way that scouts often attend games.

 

[None Shall Pass]

With the talk of trading down, I feel like there's only two scenarios where that's a possibility:

1. Montreal takes Slaf #1, which gives us a perfect opportunity to trade down and let Seattle and Arizona fight each other as to who gets Wright, and we take Nemec or Jiricek with the 3rd or 4th pick. I think it's unlikely that Montreal takes Slaf at #1, but I also think this is the most likely way a tradedown works,

2. The Devils's scouts are deadset on one of the RD, and trade down one or two spots and pick up an asset or two. This depends on how badly Seattle and Arizona want Slaf, and it's a bit riskier too.

I get the sense (I'm not nearly as well versed as most of you) that Slaf will likely pull away with the #2 ranking (if not #1) after his WC performance so far. Despite my earlier Zacha joke, I absolutely love the kid's game and would happily draft him at #2. But we also need some high-end RD prospects. Glad I don't get paid to make these decisions.

 

[Triumph]

With the talk of trading down, I feel like there's only two scenarios where that's a possibility:

1. Montreal takes Slaf #1, which gives us a perfect opportunity to trade down and let Seattle and Arizona fight each other as to who gets Wright, and we take Nemec or Jiricek with the 3rd or 4th pick. I think it's unlikely that Montreal takes Slaf at #1, but I also think this is the most likely way a tradedown works,

2. The Devils's scouts are deadset on one of the RD, and trade down one or two spots and pick up an asset or two. This depends on how badly Seattle and Arizona want Slaf, and it's a bit riskier too.

I get the sense (I'm not nearly as well versed as most of you) that Slaf will likely pull away with the #2 ranking (if not #1) after his WC performance so far. Despite my earlier Zacha joke, I absolutely love the kid's game and would happily draft him at #2. But we also need some high-end RD prospects. Glad I don't get paid to make these decisions.

This makes the most sense to me, and both Seattle and Arizona are loaded with 2nd rounders, they both have 7 2nd round picks over the next 2 drafts. Picking up a high 2nd and moving down to 4th to select either Jiricek or Nemec makes a lot of sense. Not sure either team would pay to move up, you'd think Arizona would not be interested.

 

[Blackjack]

I'm highly skeptical that Wright doesn't go first, but if he doesn't I lean toward taking him second versus trading down unless someone is willing to overpay.

 

[JrFischer54]

You mean the man who delivered three Stanley Cups and a dynasty to New Jersey? That guy??

Yeah while conveniently not mentioning the other half of his time here.

 

[Mike27Devils]

I honestly think if Slavkovsky is taken #1 (I think there is a really good chance), I think the Devil's just take Nemec. He looks like a safe bet to be a top pairing D. I'm a little concerned that he doesn't really have the flash of a Makar or Burns but really gives off Heiskanen vibes for me. He looked very impressive vs Canada. I'm really not a big fan of Wright. I think the Devil's rather have Cooley or Nemec too.

People who say than we just take Wright.... Whatever makes you feel good I guess but 1. We don't need a center and Wright might not even really be open to being moved to wing 2. He hasn't looked great as of late and Nemec, Slavkovsky, and Cooley have all outplayed him in recent viewings and all seem to be trending up while Wright has been trending down 3. Scouts are getting concerned that Wright doesn't play with enough pace and the concern only gets amplified when scouts and management watch the playoffs this time of year. Cooley and Nemec look to have elite or close to elite skating ability which as we have seen, is very translatable to the NHL and Slavkovsky has an extremely rare combination of size, skill, and compete that has NHL teams drooling. All 3 could easily surpass Wright, he's not a slam dunk #1 and is looking less like one by the day compared to these other players

 

[JrFischer54]

From what I've read and watched, I fully expect Slaf to make it to the top 6. On the other hand, if we have Nico, Hughes and Cooley, or for better argument sake somehow get Wright. One of those top of the draft guys is playing on the third line, is that a fail? Not trying to put words in your mouth, just trying to figure out your justification.

Because from what it seems, selecting Wright or Cooley would be a fail be default.

Yes it is a fail if they can’t beat nico out for the second line center role. Perfect world would be draft a center he plays better then nico then you can look to move nico instead of putting him on the 3c making 7+ Still stand by what I said the devils have to come out with the best player given realistic range of possibly players they can take at 2.

 

[theoptimist]

Zacha comparisons are kinda silly . Zacha was drafted by us because he was the most NHL ready C . Going in to that draft , we had literally zero NHL calibre C’s . Zajac hurt himself ( ruptured achilles? ) and we were almost forced to take the most NHL ready C no matter what . Zacha was seen as “ok” defensively and had somewhat of a two way game ( according to scouts ) . Devils couldn’t take someone like Barzal as he was simply not close to NHL ready . I remember the draft well and was disappointed we didn’t go Rantanen but immediately afterwards , I felt “ok”with the pick because we absolutely needed a C for that upcoming season . We had NOBODY to play C . I’m not going to get into it , but we were forced into that pick because of a complete lack of depth at C . I’m certain had we had any decent options at C at all we would have drafted someone else .I’m still pissed about it because of how short sighted “ management “ was .

I also said Zacha would turn out better than Barzal

 

[TrufleShufle]

Yes it is a fail if they can’t beat nico out for the second line center role. Perfect world would be draft a center he plays better then nico then you can look to move nico instead of putting him on the 3c making 7+ Still stand by what I said the devils have to come out with the best player given realistic range of possibly players they can take at 2.

If they beat Nico out, Nico was a 1OA, Nico would be a fail and a 7m fail at that. Who would want him?

Again, just going by your rules, if we pick one of the centers, we are failing by default, not matter what we do.

 

[Saugus]

I'm highly skeptical that Wright doesn't go first, but if he doesn't I lean toward taking him second versus trading down unless someone is willing to overpay.

I doubt Arizona or Seattle would make that overpayment if Wright slipped to #2. Cooley is there as a plausible pick and I'm not sure they'd see such a big difference between him and Wright to justify giving up valuable assets to move up just 1-2 draft slots.

If Montreal takes Slafkovsky, my guess is we pick Wright and figure out which of our 3 top line centers we should shift to the wing.

 

[Captain3rdLine]

If they beat Nico out, Nico was a 1OA, Nico would be a fail and a 7m fail at that. Who would want him?

Again, just going by your rules, if we pick one of the centers, we are failing by default, not matter what we do.

He has unrealistic expectations and probably thinks Nico is a big failure. Probably not even worth arguing.

 

[JrFischer54]

The devils need talent no one should be off the table for this draft because we have this guy or that guy. So just discounting for example Cooley because we have jack and Nico is really stupid. So we take this winger because we have two centers and Cooley goes on to be a legit top line center while this winger ends up being a 20 goal scorer is going to he infuriating and can already see the “we had nico and jack” excuses. Same goes for d just because we have Luke or Hamilton or whoever else doesn’t mean you avoid drafting the best possible player. You can always trade the player they are replacing for need

That’s is what I mean whoever they draft has to end up being better then whoever they realistically leave on the board. I already mentioned as much in the past with Nico and makar

 

[Lou is God]

Yeah while conveniently not mentioning the other half of his time here.

Good God

The devils need talent no one should be off the table for this draft because we have this guy or that guy. So just discounting for example Cooley because we have jack and Nico is really stupid. So we take this winger because we have two centers and Cooley goes on to be a legit top line center while this winger ends up being a 20 goal scorer is going to he infuriating and can already see the “we had nico and jack” excuses. Same goes for d just because we have Luke or Hamilton or whoever else doesn’t mean you avoid drafting the best possible player. You can always trade the player they are replacing for need

That’s is what I mean whoever they draft has to end up being better then whoever they realistically leave on the board. I already mentioned as much in the past with Nico and makar

No, we'd be taking a winger because he's better than Cooley and the two defensemen. Simple concept.

And if they're on the same level as Slaf, then you still go Slaf because he fits a need more than the other two.

 

[Captain3rdLine]

The devils need talent no one should be off the table for this draft because we have this guy or that guy. So just discounting for example Cooley because we have jack and Nico is really stupid. So we take this winger because we have two centers and Cooley goes on to be a legit top line center while this winger ends up being a 20 goal scorer is going to he infuriating and can already see the “we had nico and jack” excuses. Same goes for d just because we have Luke or Hamilton or whoever else doesn’t mean you avoid drafting the best possible player. You can always trade the player they are replacing for need

I actually agree with this for the most part.

I don’t think just trading the player is as easy as you make it sound. But yes it can be figured out after and is a good problem to have.

At this point though Slafkovsky looks like the BPA if Wright goes first. If the Devils scouts sit there and are confident that Cooley is better than yes they should take him but that’s seeming less and less likely.