Draft and UDFA Thread 2018-19

[Joey Bones]

There are a few Russian kids I am checking out the next few weeks.

Ilya Nikolayev (Yaroslavl)
Sasha Chery (CSKA)
Semyon Astashevsky (Omsk)
Danil Zinovyev (Belye)

And then there's 2nd year eligible Danila Galenyuk. I am still surprised he went undrafteed but he has had a good season so far.

Please report back!! Very intrigued to see how they look live!!

Also, if you happen to spot anybody that impresses you within a drafting/free agency range (ie any overagers), report on them, too.

#HomeworkAssignments

 

[Edge]

Button gonna Button....

Turcotte still lingering with some unknown injury. Some have mentioned it was a hip flexor or lower abdomen injury, but it wasn't major. Hopefully he's back in the lineup soon.

Can't see how Newhook drops out of the top 15, let alone top 10. He's nearly at 1.5 PPG and has a relentless motor. Is it the league he's playing in? Can't really tell Button's reasoning behind that.

Lavoie has a great shot and skating ability. He sort of looks like Chytil out on the ice. Can skate strong 1-vs-1 and can board out the defender playing on him while stick handling and maintaining possession. What he makes offensively on his own, though, he lacks in passing, physical play and positioning (for a winger). Also, not a very stop-and-go type of player. I've noticed he lackadaisically forechecks then proceeds to turn with no momentum going the other way. He doesn't jam his edges into the ice and I don't think his acceleration, ATM, would translate to pro hockey, let alone the NHL. I'm seeing more negatives than positives to his game right now, but I still think he's a 1st round talent in a project pick sense.

I get the desire to give more value to talents like Dach and Cozens because of their level of competition. So in that sense, I can understand them being ranked higher than Newhook. But I’d have a hard time dropping Newhook from the top 10, let alone the top 20 at this point.

The one concern I can understand is the believe that maybe Newhook falls in line with other smaller players who never stop moving and the offense doesn’t translate to the NHL level. I get that — within reason.

As for Lavoie, my concern is that he’s an older and more physically mature player than some of his peers. As a result, he could be a kid whose offense is easy to over-project.

 

[Mac n Gs]

The more I see, the more I want to find a way to snag Zegras with another first rounder

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

Button gonna Button....

Turcotte still lingering with some unknown injury. Some have mentioned it was a hip flexor or lower abdomen injury, but it wasn't major. Hopefully he's back in the lineup soon.

Can't see how Newhook drops out of the top 15, let alone top 10. He's nearly at 1.5 PPG and has a relentless motor. Is it the league he's playing in? Can't really tell Button's reasoning behind that.

Lavoie has a great shot and skating ability. He sort of looks like Chytil out on the ice. Can skate strong 1-vs-1 and can board out the defender playing on him while stick handling and maintaining possession. What he makes offensively on his own, though, he lacks in passing, physical play and positioning (for a winger). Also, not a very stop-and-go type of player. I've noticed he lackadaisically forechecks then proceeds to turn with no momentum going the other way. He doesn't jam his edges into the ice and I don't think his acceleration, ATM, would translate to pro hockey, let alone the NHL. I'm seeing more negatives than positives to his game right now, but I still think he's a 1st round talent in a project pick sense.

I think with Newhook and Button it’s a mix of the league and getting cut from Team Canada for that tournament in the offseason (Hlinka or the Summer Showcase, I can’t remember which)

 

[Joey Bones]

I think with Newhook and Button it’s a mix of the league and getting cut from Team Canada for that tournament in the offseason (Hlinka or the Summer Showcase, I can’t remember which)

It was the Hlinka, which still shocks me because he has been head over heals better than both Xavier Parent and Josh Williams so far.

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

It was the Hlinka, which still shocks me because he has been head over heals better than both Xavier Parent and Josh Williams so far.

I don’t get it either, but all the bigger hockey countries always have really strict ideas that they put upon themselves in regards to roster building for national teams

 

[Joey Bones]

I get the desire to give more value to talents like Dach and Cozens because of their level of competition. So in that sense, I can understand them being ranked higher than Newhook. But I’d have a hard time dropping Newhook from the top 10, let alone the top 20 at this point.

The one concern I can understand is the believe that maybe Newhook falls in line with other smaller players who never stop moving and the offense doesn’t translate to the NHL level. I get that — within reason.

As for Lavoie, my concern is that he’s an older and more physically mature player than some of his peers. As a result, he could be a kid whose offense is easy to over-project.

Cozens and Dach are a given seeing how they've exploded from the start. It's hard not to knock them from the top 5, ATM....

Newhook showed last season that he's more than capable of keeping up in the BCHL. Would it have been better for him to go the CHL route? I think his mindset is on NCAA hockey, which shouldn't derail his draft status, despite the "lesser" development junior league.

What do you mean by "more physically mature"? Are you stating as in filling out his frame? If that's the case then I could agree with the ease of offensive flair he possesses. I've seen very minimal amount of physicality from him against the opposition so far.

 

[Joey Bones]

I don’t get it either, but all the bigger hockey countries always have really strict ideas that they put upon themselves in regards to roster building for national teams

Would be interesting to see if there has been any other comparable players that haven't made preliminary World Junior teams that went on to have excellent careers!!

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

Would be interesting to see if there has been any other comparable players that haven't made preliminary World Junior teams that went on to have excellent careers!!

Big NHL names who never made the cut for a world junior team | The Star
I found this really confusingly worded article about Canadian players (seems like goalies are more common), DeBrincat is a more recent example off the top of my head

 

[Edge]

Cozens and Dach are a given seeing how they've exploded from the start. It's hard not to knock them from the top 5, ATM....

Newhook showed last season that he's more than capable of keeping up in the BCHL. Would it have been better for him to go the CHL route? I think his mindset is on NCAA hockey, which shouldn't derail his draft status, despite the "lesser" development junior league.

What do you mean by "more physically mature"? Are you stating as in filling out his frame? If that's the case then I could agree with the ease of offensive flair he possesses. I've seen very minimal amount of physicality from him against the opposition so far.

Yeah, you simply can't take anything from any of the WHL kids at the moment --- including Byram.

In Newhook's case, there's the possibility of some bias against the BCHL. Not necessarily because it's a bad league, but because the expectation becomes almost unrealistic when the kids play in the "lesser" leagues.

On the one hand you hear a lot of people talk about how a player should be dominating at the highest level in those leagues --- and I "get" where that's coming from. But on the other hand, people don't often take into account that players are sometimes surrounded by lesser talent while playing in those leagues. Similar to what people are seeing with Kravtsov in the KHL this season --- in which the stat sheet doesn't tell the complete story --- they also need to keep that in mind when talking about higher-end talent playing in leagues like the BCHL. There are a lot of opportunities created by kids like Newhook that simply aren't buried. Just something for people to keep in mind.

With the physically mature line, are you referring to my thoughts on Lavoie?

If so, I meant that he's a bigger kid who is stronger than a lot of his competition and a year further into his development. To me, when I see his game, I see a lot of that coming out. I see a kid whose advantage is less about being the most skilled guy on the ice, and more about being further along at this point.

That's not say he couldn't have a good NHL career, so much as it's to say that I'm not really convinced in his upside like I am when I look at some of the top talents in this draft.

There are a number of guys who you can look at this year and say, "this guy has the potential to drive a line at the NHL level."

I don't know necessarily see that with Lavoie. I see a guy who could find his way into a support role, albeit a good support role. But I think he's going to need someone else to be the focal point of whatever line he's on at the NHL level.

And frankly, if I'm going down that path, I like someone like Boldy better for that type of role.

 

[Edge]

Big NHL names who never made the cut for a world junior team | The Star
I found this really confusingly worded article about Canadian players (seems like goalies are more common), DeBrincat is a more recent example off the top of my head

Likewise, there are a number of players who we don't given second thoughts to who were once on their respective country's WJC roster.

Tournaments can provide great windows to see how a player performs against other top prospects. But it's not the end-all, be-all that some make it out to be.

While we're on the subject of names who never made a WJC squad, I immediately thought of Marc Savard.

In the days before the message boards, I had many a debate while hyping Savard's ability and potential.

Had those conversations occurred in 2018 and not 1995 or 1996, there would literally be volumes.

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

Likewise, there are a number of players who we don't given second thoughts to who were once on their respective country's WJC roster.

Tournaments can provide great windows to see how a player performs against other top prospects. But it's not the end-all, be-all that some make it out to be.

While we're on the subject of names who never made a WJC squad, I immediately thought of Marc Savard.

In the days before the message boards, I had many a debate while hyping Savard's ability and potential.

Had those conversations occurred in 2018 and not 1995 or 1996, there would literally be volumes.

I think around the time when I started following prospects was when Brayden Schenn set the record for points at the WJC and he was the concensus best prospect in the world. He’s become a good player, but definitely not up to the heights everyone thought he was capable of then. Him and one time consensus best goalie prospect in the world Jacob Markstrom really set the tone for me not take the WJCs and consensus rankings with a huge grain of salt

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Please report back!! Very intrigued to see how they look live!!

Also, if you happen to spot anybody that impresses you within a drafting/free agency range (ie any overagers), report on them, too.

#HomeworkAssignments

This is not what I had in mind but I guess I will do it. Only because it's you, Joey!

 

[Edge]

The 2018 draft was an important draft for the Rangers.

The 2019 draft has a chance to be just as important, albeit in a slightly different manner.

The 2017 draft is seen as the start of the draft re-stocking, and that's understandable. Though it is easy to forget that after Chytil the Rangers didn't pick again until the 4th round.

But the one draft we seem to be somewhat overlooking is the 2016 draft. While the Rangers didn't pick until the third round, 2016 is shaping up to be pretty important to what they're trying to do. When you factor in trades you essentially have Howden as a first round pick, Hajek and Lindgren as second round picks, Day as a third rounder, Reunanen in the fourth, Rykov and Gettinger in the fifth, Fontaine in the sixth, and Ronning in the seventh.

The Rangers have already had 7 players player in the AHL or NHL from that draft, and should have their 8th next season.

It was also a draft where they were eyeing Keller and started to shift their focus towards futures.

 

[redwhiteandblue]

I think around the time when I started following prospects was when Brayden Schenn set the record for points at the WJC and he was the concensus best prospect in the world. He’s become a good player, but definitely not up to the heights everyone thought he was capable of then. Him and one time consensus best goalie prospect in the world Jacob Markstrom really set the tone for me not take the WJCs and consensus rankings with a huge grain of salt

I was at the Canada-Russia game 5 rows from the glass in Buffalo. I think he had 5 points that game or something. He was unreal. Just absolutely dominated the play. I knew at the very least he would be the player he is now. WJC in Buff was one of the best weekends of drinking and hockey I had ever had.

 

[HFsNumber1Heel]

There's actually a DMan named Broberg. Bro-berg. That would be a jersey that sells big in certain parts of NYC and the Jersey Shore. #Protein #SickPump #Gainz

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

There's actually a DMan named Broberg. Bro-berg. That would be a jersey that sells big in certain parts of NYC and the Jersey Shore. #Protein #SickPump #Gainz

There is also a Hoglander.

The names in this draft are amazing.

 

[offdacrossbar]

jack hughes is the only #1 in my opinion and its not even close. hes a true 1c.

best skater by far.
best playmaker
best pure skill
best hockey iq

hes undersized but with training and added strength, he will be even faster stronger and more dangerous. that size doesnt worry me at all.

adding this kid in ny would make an enormous impact on this organization and the league as a whole.

 

[Joey Bones]

Big NHL names who never made the cut for a world junior team | The Star
I found this really confusingly worded article about Canadian players (seems like goalies are more common), DeBrincat is a more recent example off the top of my head

Man, I remember being so pissed that Sean Couturier was falling in the draft. I easily had him in the same category as Landeskog and Nugent-Hopkins!! Really wanted him for NYR if he was gonna fall further.

Was still fine with Miller, though!!

 

[Joey Bones]

Yeah, you simply can't take anything from any of the WHL kids at the moment --- including Byram.

In Newhook's case, there's the possibility of some bias against the BCHL. Not necessarily because it's a bad league, but because the expectation becomes almost unrealistic when the kids play in the "lesser" leagues.

On the one hand you hear a lot of people talk about how a player should be dominating at the highest level in those leagues --- and I "get" where that's coming from. But on the other hand, people don't often take into account that players are sometimes surrounded by lesser talent while playing in those leagues. Similar to what people are seeing with Kravtsov in the KHL this season --- in which the stat sheet doesn't tell the complete story --- they also need to keep that in mind when talking about higher-end talent playing in leagues like the BCHL. There are a lot of opportunities created by kids like Newhook that simply aren't buried. Just something for people to keep in mind.

With the physically mature line, are you referring to my thoughts on Lavoie?

If so, I meant that he's a bigger kid who is stronger than a lot of his competition and a year further into his development. To me, when I see his game, I see a lot of that coming out. I see a kid whose advantage is less about being the most skilled guy on the ice, and more about being further along at this point.

That's not say he couldn't have a good NHL career, so much as it's to say that I'm not really convinced in his upside like I am when I look at some of the top talents in this draft.

There are a number of guys who you can look at this year and say, "this guy has the potential to drive a line at the NHL level."

I don't know necessarily see that with Lavoie. I see a guy who could find his way into a support role, albeit a good support role. But I think he's going to need someone else to be the focal point of whatever line he's on at the NHL level.

And frankly, if I'm going down that path, I like someone like Boldy better for that type of role.

Perfect analysis on Newhook and I agree that, although he's at 1.5 PPG, the game is more the story than the stat sheet. If he ends up sliding out of the top 10, somebody is getting a steal of a centerman.

Yes, I was referring to Lavoie and I agree with that assessment. Seems very one dimensional that could end up more in a support role than a scoring role. With that said, though, there are still some holes in his game that could deter him from being a pro.

I would 10/10 take Boldy over Lavoie, ATM.

 

[Joey Bones]

This is not what I had in mind but I guess I will do it. Only because it's you, Joey!

 

[Joey Bones]

I don't usually start talking about next year's class until after the draft, but holy shit is it gonna be good!! Potential players inside the top 15 looking like....

Alexis Lafreniere, Alexander Holtz, Lucas Raymond, Justin Barron, Quinton Byfield, Cole Perfetti, Marco Rossi, Kasper Simontaival, Noel Gunler, Roni Hirvonen, Anton Lundell, Veeti Miettinen, Jake Neighbours, Vasili Ponomarev, Ryder Rolston, Ivan Zivlak!! That's insane!!

 

[Joey Bones]

2019 NHL Mock Draft & Simulator | Tankathon

Tankathon currently has NYR with the No. 3 pick (pre-lottery) in the draft selecting Cozens. If this were the case come April, the Rangers would have a legitimate chance at winning either pick No's. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6!!

 

[Mac n Gs]

I don't usually start talking about next year's class until after the draft, but holy **** is it gonna be good!! Potential players inside the top 15 looking like....

Alexis Lafreniere, Alexander Holtz, Lucas Raymond, Justin Barron, Quinton Byfield, Cole Perfetti, Marco Rossi, Kasper Simontaival, Noel Gunler, Roni Hirvonen, Anton Lundell, Veeti Miettinen, Jake Neighbours, Vasili Ponomarev, Ryder Rolston, Ivan Zivlak!! That's insane!!

Byfield is a late birthday (Aug, 2002) and is almost at a ppg already with Sudbury. Kid is going to be ridiculous if he keeps going. The three Swedes (Raymond, Holts, and Gunler) are having really solid years relative to their age groups too, especially Raymond/Holts as 16 y/o.

We should draft Sean Dhooge for shits and giggles. He’s 5’3 and maybe weighs a buck forty, but the kid has been scoring for Wisconsin

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

Byfield is a late birthday (Aug, 2002) and is almost at a ppg already with Sudbury. Kid is going to be ridiculous if he keeps going. The three Swedes (Raymond, Holts, and Gunler) are having really solid years relative to their age groups too, especially Raymond/Holts as 16 y/o.

We should draft Sean Dhooge for ****s and giggles. He’s 5’3 and maybe weighs a buck forty, but the kid has been scoring for Wisconsin

On Dhooge, can we not just offer him a contract? I’d be fine using a like 6th or 7th pick on him. But even though he’s scoring, from what I’ve seen, he doesn’t impress me all that much