Player Discussion Drew Helleson

[bsu]

Drew Helleson on his bond with Trevor Zegras, and an update from Ducks GM Pat Verbeek as the trade deadline nears

Zegras believes Helleson, his former teammate, is ready for the NHL, but nobody knows what the Ducks' roster will look like next week.

theathletic.com

 

[Leonardo87]

Drew Helleson on his bond with Trevor Zegras, and an update from Ducks GM Pat Verbeek as the trade deadline nears

Zegras believes Helleson, his former teammate, is ready for the NHL, but nobody knows what the Ducks' roster will look like next week.

theathletic.com

Great story, hope he can make the big club next season. SD could really use an upgrade on D this season.

 

[bsu]

Zegras saying he could play in the NHL right now but it's not his decision

 

[GunnarStahl]

Zegras saying he could play in the NHL right now but it's not his decision

Z is also a bit of a serial tire pumper for his buddies lol, probably best to let him marinate in the A for at least a bit before calling him up.

 

[Kalv]

Still excited about having him, checking some stuff occasionally.

I checked some of his stats from the WJC championship team. In the playoffs he seemed to be their #3 (sometimes #4) D based on Ice time. For comparison, Thrun was #5/6 and LaCombe was definitely their #7.
In the finals, he was the one who shot the puck to the net nicely (after Z's pass) that Turcotte redirected for 1:0. In the Zegras goal Helly was on the ice, but from highlights, it seemed he had no impact, at least offensively in that play.

Again, in the Olympics, he was far behind Faber (who is younger), but it is what it is. Seems like could be a solid player, but I wouldn't expect much more than potentially a #4.

 

[Zegs2sendhelp]

Still excited about having him, checking some stuff occasionally.

I checked some of his stats from the WJC championship team. In the playoffs he seemed to be their #3 (sometimes #4) D based on Ice time. For comparison, Thrun was #5/6 and LaCombe was definitely their #7.
In the finals, he was the one who shot the puck to the net nicely (after Z's pass) that Turcotte redirected for 1:0. In the Zegras goal Helly was on the ice, but from highlights, it seemed he had no impact, at least offensively in that play.

Again, in the Olympics, he was far behind Faber (who is younger), but it is what it is. Seems like could be a solid player, but I wouldn't expect much more than potentially a #4.

I mean if you get a top 4 dmen + 2nd for a top 4 dmen…. It’s a pretty solid value

 

[Zegs2sendhelp]

Great story, hope he can make the big club next season. SD could really use an upgrade on D this season.

Yep San Diego potentially about to get thrun helleson and lacombe…. Hopefully these 3 pan out better than larsson guhle mahura

 

[Leonardo87]

Yep San Diego potentially about to get thrun helleson and lacombe…. Hopefully these 3 pan out better than larsson guhle mahura

Those last 3 you mentioned should never be in a Ducks jersey again, maybe Mahura if he is like the #8

 

[Zegs2sendhelp]

Those last 3 you mentioned should never be in a Ducks jersey again, maybe Mahura if he is like the #8

Will prob keep 1 or 2 of them specially if Manson and lindholm are gone (crosses fingers and shatt).

 

[Leonardo87]

Will prob keep 1 or 2 of them specially if Manson and lindholm are gone (crosses fingers and shatt).

Are we too harsh on Shatty? I’d like to see some advance stats on him, but the eye test suggests he would be an addition by subtraction.

 

[WhatTheDuck]

Are we too harsh on Shatty? I’d like to see some advance stats on him, but the eye test suggests he would be an addition by subtraction.

Some may be overly harsh but at best I'd call him an imperfect fit for this roster, especially since Drysdale arrived. He's best suited for third pairing offensive sheltered minutes and those should be going to to JD and whatever other young D. Shatt isn't able to babysit on any of our three pairings and therefore just shouldn't be there. He can still have value to a contending team who lacks his skillset on the bottom pairing and can balance him out with a steady defensive guy.

 

[Leonardo87]

Some may be overly harsh but at best I'd call him an imperfect fit for this roster, especially since Drysdale arrived. He's best suited for third pairing offensive sheltered minutes and those should be going to to JD and whatever other young D. Shatt isn't able to babysit on any of our three pairings and therefore just shouldn't be there. He can still have value to a contending team who lacks his skillset on the bottom pairing and can balance him out with a steady defensive guy.

I really would like Verbeek to go after another RHD this summer to eventually replace Shatty, even if they are a little older like pushing 30 yo. Would even maybe go after a LHD for the bottom pairing, unless he thinks Benoit can take the next step. Benoit plays a very physical game which is really needed, but being paired with Shattenkrik has not been good for his development, imo. Cannot put Drysdale down there, other teams would have a field day with the young duo.

I know the forward depth is an issue as well but I think the D is a priority concern especially if he cannot re-sign Lindholm. Helleson fills one hole for the D next season but there are still other Issues.

 

[WhatTheDuck]

I really would like Verbeek to go after another RHD this summer to eventually replace Shatty, even if they are a little older like pushing 30 yo. Would even maybe go after a LHD for the bottom pairing, unless he thinks Benoit can take the next step. Benoit plays a very physical game which is really needed, but being paired with Shattenkrik has not been good for his development, imo. Cannot put Drysdale down there, other teams would have a field day with the young duo.

I know the forward depth is an issue as well but I think the D is a priority concern especially if he cannot re-sign Lindholm. Helleson fills one hole for the D next season but there are still other Issues.

I'm so much more confident that we can go out and add impact forwards through free agency and trades. Quality D are more difficult to come by, it's a concern.

Fowler - _______
______ - Drysdale
_______ - Helleson/young D

In my mind we need all three blanks filled with at least a steady, reliable contributor. One to take on top minutes with Fowler, one to help carry the load with Drysdale and one to do the same for whatever kid cracks the bottom pairing on a given night. Shatt just isn't suited for any of it.

 

[Kalv]

I'm so much more confident that we can go out and add impact forwards through free agency and trades. Quality D are more difficult to come by, it's a concern.

Fowler - _______
______ - Drysdale
_______ - Helleson/young D

In my mind we need all three blanks filled with at least a steady, reliable contributor. One to take on top minutes with Fowler, one to help carry the load with Drysdale and one to do the same for whatever kid cracks the bottom pairing on a given night. Shatt just isn't suited for any of it.

In my mind it's

Fowler - _______
_______ - Drysdale
Benoit - Shattenkirk
Mahura

And those Top4 fill-ins could be realy meh. But we might struck something semi-decent in FA (Lydman-like would be ideal )

If we sign Thrun and LaCombe, I wouldn't expect them to do much damage in the NHL next year, same with Helleson. Maybe some games here and there, but they are not ready, imo.

 

[WhatTheDuck]

In my mind it's

Fowler - _______
_______ - Drysdale
Benoit - Shattenkirk
Mahura

And those Top4 fill-ins could be realy meh. But we might struck something semi-decent in FA (Lydman-like would be ideal )

If we sign Thrun and LaCombe, I wouldn't expect them to do much damage in the NHL next year, same with Helleson. Maybe some games here and there, but they are not ready, imo.

Well if we are to believe Zegras scouting report, Helleson is ready to go haha. But honestly I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility. I don't think we can safely pencil any of the young D in for next year as of now, other than Benoit who I should have included there. But I also wouldn't put it past any of the top tier guys to earn significant NHL time next year either.

Regardless, I think in an ideal world we have a steady vet partner for each of Fowler (who will have enough responsibility without having to babysit), Drysdale who still needs a fair propping up defensively, and also whichever young or depth D happen to be in the lineup whether it's Benoit, Mahura or any of the prospects. I truly don't believe Shattenkirk fits into any of those roles if we are trying to put those younger D and Cam in a position to succeed. He's closer to opposite of what I'd be seeking to fill those spots, because in each case I think we could use someone whose game bends more towards defense.

 

[Leonardo87]

Well if we are to believe Zegras scouting report, Helleson is ready to go haha. But honestly I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility. I don't think we can safely pencil any of the young D in for next year as of now, other than Benoit who I should have included there. But I also wouldn't put it past any of the top tier guys to earn significant NHL time next year either.

Regardless, I think in an ideal world we have a steady vet partner for each of Fowler (who will have enough responsibility without having to babysit), Drysdale who still needs a fair propping up defensively, and also whichever young or depth D happen to be in the lineup whether it's Benoit, Mahura or any of the prospects. I truly don't believe Shattenkirk fits into any of those roles if we are trying to put those younger D and Cam in a position to succeed. He's closer to opposite of what I'd be seeking to fill those spots, because in each case I think we could use someone whose game bends more towards defense.

I think it is...

Lindholm/Chychrun - Drysdale
Fowler - Helleson
Benoit - Anyone not named Shattenkirk

LOL! In all seriousness, I think Helleson will be ready next season, let him play with the Gulls the rest of this season to marinate, has a good summer and camp, and feel confident.

 

[Kalv]

I think it is...

Lindholm/Chychrun - Drysdale
Fowler - Helleson
Benoit - Anyone not named Shattenkirk

LOL! In all seriousness, I think Helleson will be ready next season, let him play with the Gulls the rest of this season to marinate, has a good summer and camp, and feel confident.

From what I've seen Helleson is not nearly strong or fast enough for top4 or any significant role. And it didn't look like he can fix that in 6 months. He was not relied upon even in the Olympics vs some meh teams.

So I wouldn't count on that, but obviously Im not a professional scout

 

[OCSportsfan]

Not sure Helleson is ahead of Thrun to be honest.

 

[Leonardo87]

From what I've seen Helleson is not nearly strong or fast enough for top4 or any significant role. And it didn't look like he can fix that in 6 months. He was not relied upon even in the Olympics vs some meh teams.

So I wouldn't count on that, but obviously Im not a professional scout

I think Verbeek saw that he is able to make the NHL next year or he wouldn't have made the trade, he knew what he wanted. We have Shattenkirk for one year, so will have one more year to develop down in SD if he needs to. But I'd like to see him make the team even if it is a bottom pairing D. Start small, unlike with Drysdale, throwing him right to the wolves.

Here is another issue, who is the other RHD? You have Drysdale, Shattenkirk, and I doubt they are keeping Sustr next season.

 

[bsu]

Everyone loves rushing prospects...

I hope Verbeek stays true to his word.

 

[Kalv]

I think Verbeek saw that he is able to make the NHL next year or he wouldn't have made the trade, he knew what he wanted. We have Shattenkirk for one year, so will have one more year to develop down in SD if he needs to. But I'd like to see him make the team even if it is a bottom pairing D. Start small, unlike with Drysdale, throwing him right to the wolves.

Here is another issue, who is the other RHD? You have Drysdale, Shattenkirk, and I doubt they are keeping Sustr next season.

We could sign or trade for someone. As I mentioned in another thread, I wouldn't mind Guddy back. But he's far from the only option.

The thing with the 3rd pair role is he could not be getting enough important ice time. Rather him playing all situations in San Diego.

Btw I don't think there is any indication Verbeek wanting him in the NHL next season. I think for all of us there is a bit of "shiny new toy" syndrome.

 

[Leonardo87]

We could sign or trade for someone. As I mentioned in another thread, I wouldn't mind Guddy back. But he's far from the only option.

The thing with the 3rd pair role is he could not be getting enough important ice time. Rather him playing all situations in San Diego.

Btw I don't think there is any indication Verbeek wanting him in the NHL next season. I think for all of us there is a bit of "shiny new toy" syndrome.

So yeah makes me think, we should see another addition to the right side either at the TDL or this summer. Give Helleson at least another year to develop in SD, and when the Shattenkirk contract is over, see if he makes the leap to the NHL.

Next year looking at...

???? - Drysdale
Fowler - ????
???? - Shattenkirk
Mahura

Good times, lol. Connor Bedard is ours!!!

 

[The Midnight Burrito]

So yeah makes me think, we should see another addition to the right side either at the TDL or this summer. Give Helleson at least another year to develop in SD, and when the Shattenkirk contract is over, see if he makes the leap to the NHL.

Next year looking at...

???? - Drysdale
Fowler - ????
???? - Shattenkirk
Mahura

Good times, lol. Connor Bedard is ours!!!

I predict a round of acquisitions of veterans between now and October, some with chunky price tags, that will lead to accusations of management thinking the rebuild is already over.

 

[Static]

I predict a round of acquisitions of veterans between now and October, some with chunky price tags, that will lead to accusations of management thinking the rebuild is already over.

Erik Johnson leader in the clubhouse as one.

 

[WhatTheDuck]

Erik Johnson leader in the clubhouse as one.

This one makes a ton of sense, ties to the area, Avs pretty much have to unload his cap and can pay us handsomely to take it. But he can also still eat minutes and provide a stop gap while we are looking to replenish the back end.