Has looked outstanding so far. Leonard at 8 and Cristall at 40 has the makings of a really good draft class for Washington.
F Andrew Cristall - Kelowna Rockets, WHL (2023, 40th, WSH)
- Thread starter Bubbles
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Cush
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Intangir
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Yep.
I watched his game today for the Caps, and he was very good.
I'd like Cristall to be a smidge faster/more explosive, win more battles along the boards, he lost his man a couple times defending the cycle, and he did get outmuscled/fell a little easily from contact a couple times out there. But I still really liked what I saw.
Cristall's anticipation of the play was good, his passes crisp, his defensive game better than advertised, he found holes in defensive coverages to get open, kept control of the puck even when receiving tough-to-corrall passes (which is in my opinion an underrated skill to have), and his shot and release look better than they did last year in junior. He was just plain good and dangerous out there.
Him and Leonard look like potential future top-6 guys for Washington.
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MichaelFarrell
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Based on his draft ranking by nearly everybody I saw on this site and all of the pundits on independent scouting websites, the only people that didn’t believe in him were NHL teams. It’s crazy. I had him ranked 9th overall and Leonard ranked 7th. There is just no way Washington should’ve been allowed to get them both lol.
Cush
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Misery74
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Based on his play, Cristall has earned at least 9 games in Washington this year.
Liam Smith
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Fun player to watch and seemingly a likable kid. He’s going to be a great player eventually.
Skinnyjimmy08
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Kevin Musto
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I had Leonard and Cristall 3rd and 4th
WADEugottaBELAKthat
Nikishin turning heads.
Carbery seems to be hinting that Cristall is likely to get a 9 game look in the NHL. Seems like a good call based on his camp. The Caps have a solid lineup, but lack true skill. If he can translate fully to NHL level it would be a huge boon for them.
I don’t see him sticking around the whole year, but he’ll definitely be fighting for a full time spot as soon as next year. Could have him and Leonard joining the team in the same season.
I don’t see him sticking around the whole year, but he’ll definitely be fighting for a full time spot as soon as next year. Could have him and Leonard joining the team in the same season.
Hockeyville USA
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Gonna make the roster and get the 9 games at least. Falling under the radar since it's Washington, it's preseason, and his draft slot
FourQuarters
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895
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FourQuarters
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Why?
Rockets bid for M-cup. they won the bid in the covid year and sold their farm to form a strong team, but the tournament was canceled due to covid. They want to win what they've lost this year and I wouldn't be surprised if they sell their farm again this year to improve the squad.
895
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FourQuarters
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Haha look at the standing, Rockets is in trouble, but the context is:
1) AC hasn't returned
2) Iginla suffered some injuries this summer, just back to ice maybe 2 weeks
3) Max Graham, their physical guy just returned from NJ camp few days ago(played NHL preseason games, long flight, played back to back games in a row)
4) For Stancl, it's the first season he plays in the NA, he needs time to adjust, and has looked more and more comfortable.
I know what you concerned, but I still believe in my boys haha. Thank you for understanding.
Bubbles
Die Hard for Bedard 2023
1G, 4A and it's only the end of the 2nd period. 
Gonna be a fun year, eh @FourQuarters?
Gonna be a fun year, eh @FourQuarters?
FourQuarters
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Yeah their coach finally played AC with Tij1G, 4A and it's only the end of the 2nd period.
Bubbles
Die Hard for Bedard 2023
Yeah, they're both going to put up huge numbers. Tij with a hatty already. Cristall might set a record tonight lol
FourQuarters
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Usually Mally isn't a guy will spoil his players to chase the record. He may rest the first line a little bit, give rookie more ice time in the third
FourQuarters
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My standard is a little bit high for him this season, and I feel like he played his "old game" tonight, instead of playing like he did in the NHL preseason games.
But it's still a good game for him
But it's still a good game for him
WADEugottaBELAKthat
Nikishin turning heads.
4 point game puts him at 16 points in 6 games. But we all know Cristall can produce in the dub. Hope he and Iggy get to continue to play together.
