The Old Master
come and take it.
no team wants to admit they are going to be worse next year. bad marketing. imo
Prospect Info: Draft 2025: Is it too late to tank? Asking for a friend
- Thread starter Zirakzigil
- Start date
Randy Butternubs
Eat the Sock
I know people are down on McQueen but here's a number of scouting reports since his return:
Many have forgotten how good McQueen was at the start of the season, but this game was a strong reminder of his talent. He was a constant offensive threat, creating multiple scoring chances by beating defenders one-on-one with his high-end puck handling or drawing them in to create space for his teammates. He generated several dangerous looks by taking pucks to the net, using defenders as screens and catching opponents off guard with his quick release. McQueen also brought some physicality—while he does not play at the highest pace, he finished his checks and used his big frame effectively to protect the puck, even against other tall players. Although he spent most of the game in the offensive zone, he contributed defensively as well, locking down opponents and forcing turnovers with smart positioning.
It's safe to say that Roger McQueen is back. He was far and away the best player on the ice this game, bringing a complete three-zone effort with many high-end sequences. He was manipulating defenders and playing off their momentum regularly, reading opportunities to cut inside behind their feet for chances and freezing them in place with deceptive posture before hitting an open teammate. In one sequence, he absorbed contact down low, worked up the zone and shifted around a defender before looking to the point and ripping a cross-slot pass low. He worked give-and-gos to get open for chances, took the middle every opportunity, and beat opponents with first touches into cutbacks. And many of these offensive sequences started in the defensive zone, with McQueen using his reach to dislodge pucks, getting inside positioning, and tying up sticks. Lots of hits, as usual. There were a couple moments of awkwardness where he couldn't quite stack his weight and move the puck, and others where he couldn't get low enough to absorb contact going into the wall. The skating remains a work in progress, but he continues to show the mechanics, pace, and skills to become an NHL-calibre skater. The boom potential remains extremely high -- a potential No. 1 centre in the NHL -- but there's a lot of uncertainty.
Another great game from McQueen. He was dynamic in transition throughout the game, starting with a wide entry into a cut across the top, cut back, pass, and slot rush for a deflection goal. Later on, he faked in, drove wide, and slipped a puck behind the pivoting defender's heels for a chance. He drew a penalty dangling around traffic, hit slip passes up the middle on breakouts, took the middle every chance he got, and racked up three points in total. Though some dekes failed, the handling skills continue to shine. He uses his full reach at speed, beating opponents with a combination of to-space moves and occasional moves through their feet/sticks. He also brought defensive value, like a play where he blocked a chance, then won a short retrieval race and threw a reverse hit to secure possession. It wasn't the cleanest game, especially compared to yesterday's. The timing of some of his passes was a bit off, and he forced some plays that weren't there. But he continues to look like a potential top-line player in the NHL with his pace, ability to manipulate defenders, dual-threat scoring, and off-puck impact. Lots of uncertainty given the time missed, but he's back up to speed sooner than expected.
A complete game from McQueen, bringing consistent defensive impact with the usual highlights on the offensive side. Late in the game, he set up a goal by faking out back pressure, working behind the net, deceiving, and landing a perfect pass in the slot. The rush skills were visible throughout, with McQueen receiving tricky passes with his feet moving, attacking defenders at angles, and controlling his speed/route well. Takes the middle on passive defenders and works give-and-gos. Manipulates defenders with look-offs and deceptive body language. He also made several impressive quick-possession plays: Turnaround passes on recoveries, two-touch shots, etc. Several bursts that powered him past defenders and he continues to show lots of depth and upper-lower separation inside his cutbacks and turns. It's not consistent yet, but skating could become an advantage in time. Defensively, he made several big stops, threw a bunch of hits, and worked hard to get back above the play -- one such sequence leading to McQueen drawing a penalty. There were some difficulties here, like getting stuck to the outside on entries and some difficulty completing plays, particularly handling under pressure. Brandon play a very simple game off the rush, so options can be limited, but McQueen could've created more by attacking with more crossovers and changing directions more. At this stage, there isn't much reason to doubt that McQueen could end up as the best player in this draft: He's a complete player who makes high-end offensive plays, plays a mostly translatable style, and has a lengthy track record of this calibre of play, even with missing most of this season. But there's a lot of uncertainty with injury history.
Agreed on not taking him with our first pick this draft.
March 14th, 2025 - Brandon Wheat Kings vs. Moose Jaw Warriors
By Simon Desjardins2025-03-21Many have forgotten how good McQueen was at the start of the season, but this game was a strong reminder of his talent. He was a constant offensive threat, creating multiple scoring chances by beating defenders one-on-one with his high-end puck handling or drawing them in to create space for his teammates. He generated several dangerous looks by taking pucks to the net, using defenders as screens and catching opponents off guard with his quick release. McQueen also brought some physicality—while he does not play at the highest pace, he finished his checks and used his big frame effectively to protect the puck, even against other tall players. Although he spent most of the game in the offensive zone, he contributed defensively as well, locking down opponents and forcing turnovers with smart positioning.
March 14th, 2025 - Brandon Wheat Kings vs. Moose Jaw Warriors
By Mitchell Brown2025-04-01It's safe to say that Roger McQueen is back. He was far and away the best player on the ice this game, bringing a complete three-zone effort with many high-end sequences. He was manipulating defenders and playing off their momentum regularly, reading opportunities to cut inside behind their feet for chances and freezing them in place with deceptive posture before hitting an open teammate. In one sequence, he absorbed contact down low, worked up the zone and shifted around a defender before looking to the point and ripping a cross-slot pass low. He worked give-and-gos to get open for chances, took the middle every opportunity, and beat opponents with first touches into cutbacks. And many of these offensive sequences started in the defensive zone, with McQueen using his reach to dislodge pucks, getting inside positioning, and tying up sticks. Lots of hits, as usual. There were a couple moments of awkwardness where he couldn't quite stack his weight and move the puck, and others where he couldn't get low enough to absorb contact going into the wall. The skating remains a work in progress, but he continues to show the mechanics, pace, and skills to become an NHL-calibre skater. The boom potential remains extremely high -- a potential No. 1 centre in the NHL -- but there's a lot of uncertainty.
March 15th, 2025 - Moose Jaw Warriors vs. Brandon Wheat Kings
By Mitchell Brown2025-04-02Another great game from McQueen. He was dynamic in transition throughout the game, starting with a wide entry into a cut across the top, cut back, pass, and slot rush for a deflection goal. Later on, he faked in, drove wide, and slipped a puck behind the pivoting defender's heels for a chance. He drew a penalty dangling around traffic, hit slip passes up the middle on breakouts, took the middle every chance he got, and racked up three points in total. Though some dekes failed, the handling skills continue to shine. He uses his full reach at speed, beating opponents with a combination of to-space moves and occasional moves through their feet/sticks. He also brought defensive value, like a play where he blocked a chance, then won a short retrieval race and threw a reverse hit to secure possession. It wasn't the cleanest game, especially compared to yesterday's. The timing of some of his passes was a bit off, and he forced some plays that weren't there. But he continues to look like a potential top-line player in the NHL with his pace, ability to manipulate defenders, dual-threat scoring, and off-puck impact. Lots of uncertainty given the time missed, but he's back up to speed sooner than expected.
March 21st, 2025 - Brandon Wheat Kings vs. Regina Pats
By Mitchell Brown2025-04-04A complete game from McQueen, bringing consistent defensive impact with the usual highlights on the offensive side. Late in the game, he set up a goal by faking out back pressure, working behind the net, deceiving, and landing a perfect pass in the slot. The rush skills were visible throughout, with McQueen receiving tricky passes with his feet moving, attacking defenders at angles, and controlling his speed/route well. Takes the middle on passive defenders and works give-and-gos. Manipulates defenders with look-offs and deceptive body language. He also made several impressive quick-possession plays: Turnaround passes on recoveries, two-touch shots, etc. Several bursts that powered him past defenders and he continues to show lots of depth and upper-lower separation inside his cutbacks and turns. It's not consistent yet, but skating could become an advantage in time. Defensively, he made several big stops, threw a bunch of hits, and worked hard to get back above the play -- one such sequence leading to McQueen drawing a penalty. There were some difficulties here, like getting stuck to the outside on entries and some difficulty completing plays, particularly handling under pressure. Brandon play a very simple game off the rush, so options can be limited, but McQueen could've created more by attacking with more crossovers and changing directions more. At this stage, there isn't much reason to doubt that McQueen could end up as the best player in this draft: He's a complete player who makes high-end offensive plays, plays a mostly translatable style, and has a lengthy track record of this calibre of play, even with missing most of this season. But there's a lot of uncertainty with injury history.
Agreed on not taking him with our first pick this draft.
Uhhh…what do you mean our first pick? You mean our only first round pick Lol…because right now the Rangers are playing as if they desperately want their first round pick back this year…it’s definitely going to be #13 or above…
Ugene Magic
EVIL LAUGH
Good results tonight, need pens to put up a stinker tomorrow
Ryder71
Registered User
- Nov 24, 2017
- 23,253
- 12,427
I have no faith Sullivan will throw a game, that's a huge problem. Crap EDM just scored.
Gurglesons
Registered User
Tasty Biscuits
with fancy sauce
Ugene Magic
EVIL LAUGH
BusinessGoose
Registered User
I've got new material though!
"What brings you continued success?"
*deadpan*
"Mike Sullivan Lifelong Contract"
*thunderous applause*
Ryder71
Registered User
- Nov 24, 2017
- 23,253
- 12,427
This team is a bunch of cowards, so them winning would just be in their nature. Winning meaningless games.
I’d sign up for 6 right now but wish we would have lost to Dallas and not received a point vs the blues or we’d be almost guaranteed 4th-6th
A loss tonight would be huge.
A loss tonight would be huge.
Jacob
as seen on TV
- Feb 27, 2002
- 49,449
- 29,076
Looks like Buffalo might jump us with 2 in hand and owning the tie-breaker.
Empoleon8771
Registered User
I think that loss by the Rangers last night basically guarantees that their 1st is going to slide to next year. They're now projected to finish with the #11 pick and a good 5-6 points behind Utah for the #14 pick. Was hoping that the Rangers would play well enough to have that pick come this year, but I think that's pretty unlikely.
Buffalo is already ahead of the Penguins in the standings, the Penguins are currently sitting in the #6 position in the draft.
After all of the complaining here, it would be hilarious if their draft position ended up at #6 when it was #6 before the deadline.
Buffalo is already ahead of the Penguins in the standings, the Penguins are currently sitting in the #6 position in the draft.
After all of the complaining here, it would be hilarious if their draft position ended up at #6 when it was #6 before the deadline.
Randy Butternubs
Eat the Sock
Jesse's vid on Desnoyers makes me feel better about him but the Q still has me concerned.
edit: after Emp's post I realize it was the EP vid and not Jesse
edit: after Emp's post I realize it was the EP vid and not Jesse
Last edited:
Empoleon8771
Registered User
I've been thinking about how my draft opinions would change if the Penguins do end up picking #6, because I think it adds most likely Desnoyers to the draftable options list with O'Brien and Eklund. I was saying that O'Brien as a 6'2" playmaking center would be tough to pass up on, but Desnoyers is also a 6'2" center who seems to have a substantially more developed all-around game.
Elite Prospects' Youtube channel did an good upload on him here from a few months ago:
What really stands out is just how high of an IQ player he is, he doesn't seem to have the natural talent that other guys high in the draft seem to have but he thinks the game at an elite level. I think that lack of natural talent caps his upside as more likely a complementary player, kinda like a center version of McGroarty without the skating concerns.
I think O'Brien still probably has the highest upside of the guys they can take at #6, but Eklund and Desnoyers feel pretty comparable in terms of upside that I may pick Desnoyers based on him being a center.
Elite Prospects' Youtube channel did an good upload on him here from a few months ago:
What really stands out is just how high of an IQ player he is, he doesn't seem to have the natural talent that other guys high in the draft seem to have but he thinks the game at an elite level. I think that lack of natural talent caps his upside as more likely a complementary player, kinda like a center version of McGroarty without the skating concerns.
I think O'Brien still probably has the highest upside of the guys they can take at #6, but Eklund and Desnoyers feel pretty comparable in terms of upside that I may pick Desnoyers based on him being a center.
Tasty Biscuits
with fancy sauce
That only supports the argument. They’ve played in that range all year and it wasn’t going to change unless talent was offloaded.
