Draft Draft 2020 Draft & Undrafted Free Agent Thread: Part VIII

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They actually do look pretty similar lol
I've seen a few people call him a sorta "throwback" player before, he is pretty unique in todays age. I don't recall seeing such a highly touted prospect with multiple suspensions, game misconducts, etc :laugh:

The crown jewel of the 2020 draft class, Lafreniere delivered a season for the ages of any major junior player, let alone one who is only 18 years old. After dominating the under-18 Ivan Hlinka and winning the 2019 CHL Player of the Year Award, Lafreniere won the QMJHL scoring title and earned MVP honors at the U20 world junior championship (10 points in 5 games) in leading Canada to gold. Not only is he a virtual lock to become the first French-Canadian skater to go first overall since Vincent Lecavalier in 1998, but he joined Sidney Crosby as the only two pre-draft prospects to win CHL MVP more than once. Lafreniere also is a team-first leader who has made a profound impact on Rimouski, turning them from a 59-point doormat in 2016-17 to back-to-back playoff seasons of 90+ points.
A gifted and versatile scoring winger with outstanding hockey sense and the ability to elevate his game when the situation calls for it, Lafreniere possesses many traits that scream elite and potential NHL superstar. From his deadly wrist shot to his superior playmaking and vision, the St. Eustache native checks every block imaginable when it comes to possessing the puck. What makes Lafreniere unique, however, is his insanely high compete level, tenacity on the puck, physicality, and selflessness. Play him on a line with equally heralded or accomplished prospects, and he’ll make it a point to tap into their strengths rather than make himself the center of attention.
Lafreniere is an excellent skater in all directions, but his powerful stride allows him to separate from opponents in open ice. It’s rare to see a winger nearing 200 pounds of any age to be able to turn on the jets immediately following a physical battle, but Lafreniere’s foot speed, long stride, and expert anticipation places him in open ice with a numbers advantage multiple times a period, let alone an entire game. Playing in a junior league has something to do with that, but there no reason to believe his escapability in close contact won’t translate to success within the trenches of NHL warfare, where time and space are earned the hard way. Lafreniere can tailor his game to fit any style of play, and his ability to play physical causes significant matchup problems for smaller opponents.
Lafreniere can be used in every situation, and his ability to dominate the puck no matter the in-game environment creates swaths of open ice for his mates. Lafreniere is an incredibly unselfish player, and his youthful exuberance when coupled with his physicality reveal a player of the throwback variety. Lafreniere seems to understand and execute set-plays on or off the puck, and he can be counted on as a reliable and tenacious forechecker who creates turnovers in the neutral zone. Although the volume of high-end prospects being developed out of the QMJHL has slowed down, Lafreniere is at the very top of an elite crop of Quebec Leaguers poised to garner the attention of scouts from all over North American and Europe. The top slot among 2020 draft hopefuls was Lafreniere’s to lose for several years, and never once did he relinquish it.
Yeah but how’s his edge work?
 
They actually do look pretty similar lol
I've seen a few people call him a sorta "throwback" player before, he is pretty unique in todays age. I don't recall seeing such a highly touted prospect with multiple suspensions, game misconducts, etc :laugh:

The crown jewel of the 2020 draft class, Lafreniere delivered a season for the ages of any major junior player, let alone one who is only 18 years old. After dominating the under-18 Ivan Hlinka and winning the 2019 CHL Player of the Year Award, Lafreniere won the QMJHL scoring title and earned MVP honors at the U20 world junior championship (10 points in 5 games) in leading Canada to gold. Not only is he a virtual lock to become the first French-Canadian skater to go first overall since Vincent Lecavalier in 1998, but he joined Sidney Crosby as the only two pre-draft prospects to win CHL MVP more than once. Lafreniere also is a team-first leader who has made a profound impact on Rimouski, turning them from a 59-point doormat in 2016-17 to back-to-back playoff seasons of 90+ points.
A gifted and versatile scoring winger with outstanding hockey sense and the ability to elevate his game when the situation calls for it, Lafreniere possesses many traits that scream elite and potential NHL superstar. From his deadly wrist shot to his superior playmaking and vision, the St. Eustache native checks every block imaginable when it comes to possessing the puck. What makes Lafreniere unique, however, is his insanely high compete level, tenacity on the puck, physicality, and selflessness. Play him on a line with equally heralded or accomplished prospects, and he’ll make it a point to tap into their strengths rather than make himself the center of attention.
Lafreniere is an excellent skater in all directions, but his powerful stride allows him to separate from opponents in open ice. It’s rare to see a winger nearing 200 pounds of any age to be able to turn on the jets immediately following a physical battle, but Lafreniere’s foot speed, long stride, and expert anticipation places him in open ice with a numbers advantage multiple times a period, let alone an entire game. Playing in a junior league has something to do with that, but there no reason to believe his escapability in close contact won’t translate to success within the trenches of NHL warfare, where time and space are earned the hard way. Lafreniere can tailor his game to fit any style of play, and his ability to play physical causes significant matchup problems for smaller opponents.
Lafreniere can be used in every situation, and his ability to dominate the puck no matter the in-game environment creates swaths of open ice for his mates. Lafreniere is an incredibly unselfish player, and his youthful exuberance when coupled with his physicality reveal a player of the throwback variety. Lafreniere seems to understand and execute set-plays on or off the puck, and he can be counted on as a reliable and tenacious forechecker who creates turnovers in the neutral zone. Although the volume of high-end prospects being developed out of the QMJHL has slowed down, Lafreniere is at the very top of an elite crop of Quebec Leaguers poised to garner the attention of scouts from all over North American and Europe. The top slot among 2020 draft hopefuls was Lafreniere’s to lose for several years, and never once did he relinquish it.

Kinda givea me a little Messier vibe in the write up.
 
Look, of course I hope you are right but I do not see the level of sheer meanness that Forsberg played with.

Eh I dunno, he's thrown some really heavy reverse hits and then there was the suspension he had due to the messier esque elbow this year.

The game today isn't as mean as it was and you won't get the leeway to do things the way you could in Foppa's day though so yeah its not a great 1 to 1 comparable. He does play a hybrid power/skill game though.
 
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I’d be interested to see the reaction by casual fans if Georgiev gets moved.

We know here that Hank and Georgiev moves are/were being made independent of each other, but I assume most casuals just think the Rangers got rid of Hank to keep Georgiev. Moving Georgiev two weeks after Hank gets bought out is sure to draw some interesting reactions
 
Just have to feel that the offers JG has received for Georgiev have been trash and probably won't get better. I would be really surprised if Georgiev is dealt. He's certainly not being dealt for a late 2nd or 3rd. Does us very little good at this point. And if Edmonton is really that in love with Georgiev to drop 8 spots then I guess JG has to make the decision. It would just nice to hit on #22 and add another forward talent to the prospect pool that can really contribute in 2-3 years.
 
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Just saw SIs mock...

22. New York Rangers (from CAR): Braden Schneider, D, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL): When you already have an elite forward in the draft, you might as well add elsewhere. Schneider is a rock-solid two-way defenseman who plays physical and skews more towards the defensive side of things. But he does skate well and has 'pro' written all over him.
 
Just saw SIs mock...

22. New York Rangers (from CAR): Braden Schneider, D, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL): When you already have an elite forward in the draft, you might as well add elsewhere. Schneider is a rock-solid two-way defenseman who plays physical and skews more towards the defensive side of things. But he does skate well and has 'pro' written all over him.
I'd be all over him if he fell, but he's not making it to 22, IMO.
 
I don’t care who is on the board, if you can move up 8 spots in the 1st round by trading your backup goalie, you have to do it.

This would make a short term implication for NYR, but luckily this free agent class is littered with goalies.

Maybe Lundqvist comes back on a shorter deal *Knowing that it's a pipedream*
 
This would make a short term implication for NYR, but luckily this free agent class is littered with goalies.

Maybe Lundqvist comes back on a shorter deal *Knowing that it's a pipedream*

since we bought him out, i believe he can't sign with us for a year.
 
There isn't a market for Georgiev. Supply and demand brothers and sisters. So with that and to keep this post relevant, it looks like pick 22 will be made by the Rangers.

If it comes down to Schneider/Guhle/Lapierre/Bourque things are going to get very interesting here.

I'm all about Lapierre I think the Rangers have enough DMen in the pipeline for the next 3-5 years. Boom or bust.
 
laf has some messier in him. he reminds me of a throw back type player who plays in every situation. hes unique.

the single thing that stands out to me however is his mind. he has all the skills for sure but he has the motor and the drive and the effort that separates him from everyone else. the term hockey iq is frequently over used but in his case, its what defines him.
 
There isn't a market for Georgiev. Supply and demand brothers and sisters. So with that and to keep this post relevant, it looks like pick 22 will be made by the Rangers.

If it comes down to Schneider/Guhle/Lapierre/Bourque things are going to get very interesting here.

I'm all about Lapierre I think the Rangers have enough DMen in the pipeline for the next 3-5 years. Boom or bust.

I think I'll only really be disappointed with the pick if they go with a defenseman. There are enough intriguing forwards that should be available at #22 that it seems almost hard to make a wrong choice. Everyone has their preference, but enough of them are clustered together that if they just walk away with 1 fwd in that range (Lapierre/Bourque/Perrault/Brisson/Holloway/Grieg etc.) I'll be happy.
 
Pronman did a full 7 round mock for the Athletic:

NHL Mock Draft 2020: Corey Pronman projects all seven rounds


NEW YORK RANGERS
1: Alexis Lafreniere, LW, Rimouski-QMJHL
22: Brendan Brisson, C, Chicago-USHL
72: Ian Moore, D, St. Mark’s-US High School
92: Joel Blomqvist, G, Karpat-Jr. A. Liiga
103: Ryder Rolston, RW, Waterloo-USHL
134: Jacob Flynn, D, Connecticut-Hockey East
165: Artem Shlaine, C, Shattuck St. Mary’s-US High School
196: Pavel Gogolev, LW, Guelph-OHL
197: Reid Valade, RW, Kithchener-OHL
206: Elliot Ekmark, C, Linkoping-J20 SuperElit
 
From what I've seen, Lafreniere can play on the Right Wing.

He's more than capable and his 'scout reel' has many plays from the rights side. HE has a great backhand and is phenomenal at creating angles/passing lanes. Stylistically his offensive game is very similar to Panarin. Being on your off-wing will work.
 
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That Pronman mock isn’t bad

Brisson is a good pick he’s probably my 2/3 after Marat. Moore, Blomqvist and Shlaine also very good picks

The rest I don’t know much about
 
I think Lafreniere could easily be Hossa-esq player if he commits to defensive side of the game with the same poise. He definitely got the attributes.
 
Just saw SIs mock...

22. New York Rangers (from CAR): Braden Schneider, D, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL): When you already have an elite forward in the draft, you might as well add elsewhere. Schneider is a rock-solid two-way defenseman who plays physical and skews more towards the defensive side of things. But he does skate well and has 'pro' written all over him.
He is never going to be available at 22, but yeah, I would jump all over him there.
 
I don’t care who is on the board, if you can move up 8 spots in the 1st round by trading your backup goalie, you have to do it.
I don’t really agree with this. You have to have a plan, you don’t move up just to move up especially if you have to create another roster hole. Need to be able to get a player you like there, and 14 is around where the draft is going to start getting murky, especially if one of those players good at that slot takes the deal off the table. Yeah you can theoretically get a better player but needs to be the right fit.
 
Pronman did a full 7 round mock for the Athletic:

NHL Mock Draft 2020: Corey Pronman projects all seven rounds


NEW YORK RANGERS
1: Alexis Lafreniere, LW, Rimouski-QMJHL
22: Brendan Brisson, C, Chicago-USHL
72: Ian Moore, D, St. Mark’s-US High School
92: Joel Blomqvist, G, Karpat-Jr. A. Liiga
103: Ryder Rolston, RW, Waterloo-USHL
134: Jacob Flynn, D, Connecticut-Hockey East
165: Artem Shlaine, C, Shattuck St. Mary’s-US High School
196: Pavel Gogolev, LW, Guelph-OHL
197: Reid Valade, RW, Kithchener-OHL
206: Elliot Ekmark, C, Linkoping-J20 SuperElit

I'd rather have Gunler at 24 than Brisson. Rather Powell at 72 than Moore. I think they will take a goalie; when, who knows.
 
I don’t care who is on the board, if you can move up 8 spots in the 1st round by trading your backup goalie, you have to do it.

Georgie is more than a back-up really.

We might have a 1A+++/1B situation up in here. Also I find it's bad value, waste of assets.

We are loaded, just make the picks and sniff around in FA.
 
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