F Drake Caggiula (2012 undrafted; 2016 signed, EDM)
- Thread starter Seachd
- Start date
Saw this in today's National Post from Jim Matheson:
'6. Drake Caggiula should make the team either at third-line centre or, at worst, as a 13th forward on the wing because he’s got a motor that doesn’t quit and his hockey IQ is very high. He’s also a quick study for the coaching staff. He’s one of those kids who will find a way to be a top nine NHLer for a long time.'
'6. Drake Caggiula should make the team either at third-line centre or, at worst, as a 13th forward on the wing because he’s got a motor that doesn’t quit and his hockey IQ is very high. He’s also a quick study for the coaching staff. He’s one of those kids who will find a way to be a top nine NHLer for a long time.'
McOvechking
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This kid is our version of Gallagher/Marchand. Chippy, plays with lots of speed and grit, but also tons of offensive skill and high IQ.
Aceboogie
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- Aug 25, 2012
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Suprised hes looking as good as he is at center. IIRC he played almost entirely as a winger in other levels. Hes held his own at center at rookie tourny and also in NHL games. So to potentially find a suitable 3c would be huge. Itd allow LD and RNH to play in top 6 but also give wingers on 3rdline an offensive threat
He was one of the best NCAA FA signings this year (albeit weaker year) but has certaintly showed well so far. He can handle himself, rarely out of position and loves to shoot. One drawback is that he hasnt wowed yet with amazing moves. Mainly just a solid showing
He was one of the best NCAA FA signings this year (albeit weaker year) but has certaintly showed well so far. He can handle himself, rarely out of position and loves to shoot. One drawback is that he hasnt wowed yet with amazing moves. Mainly just a solid showing
Too bad Benning screwed this up royally and couldnt get him to come home. Had Boeser begging Benning to get him too and still couldnt do it. Hes gonna be a keeper for the Oilers he is a HARD WORKING and SMART player
I want to reserve my judgement until the regular season, Lander looked real good last preseason aswell.
Aceboogie
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Aceboogie
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TBH I am not sure how Edmonton wound up with this kid. He had some pretty big teams going hard for him. Some of them included Philly (with his former coach), Chicago (with his former linemate), Vancouver (with his best friend linemate and other linemate). All better cities and teams.
Add to that the fact Edmonton has a pretty legit forward core with not much room for him (at time Hall was on team and Lucic was heavily rumored to be going there). So not like he saw a baron wasteland in his position like Schultz did. His path to NHL was really blocked. More so than almost any team going for him.
Oilers were barely a player until he actually signed. And it really caught me offguard. I would have loved to see the pitch to him
Skinnyjimmy08
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- Mar 30, 2012
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exactly this. Every team thinks they have a new rookie standout that will step into lineup right off the bat. I reserve judgement always until the final preseason game or 2 when teams have made a lot of cuts and actually dress NHL players.
He has looked pretty good so far though
Aceboogie
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Rookies are full of piss and vinegar fighting for careers. Vets are waking up from summer slumber. Usually by about game 4 of preseason we see vets awake and rookies start to look out of place again
Jesus Take the Wheel
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New Arena and Connor McDavid were the big two, albeit thats probably the same pitch they've given every player since the draft lottery last year
Aceboogie
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Arena is legit. McDavid factor is weird tho as hell likely never really play with him and im sure theyve pitched Hall, RNH, Yak etc etc for years before this (albeit they were far less heralded)
Honestly I would have picked Chicago if I had the choice. Almost same opp for playing time and you are on a proven winner. Although cant criticize his choice
lakai17
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- Aug 10, 2006
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He can skate at the nhl level and has a great I.q. for the game, he isn't letting up anytime soon.
I doubt thats why he didnt come here just because the arena is so old. I think Benning fudged it and the Oilers just said McDavid and it worked and Benning couldnt go a step further in convincing him
Aceboogie
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Hopefully not. Slepyshev looked same last preseason and fizzled out over time in NHL once real games started
Not saying hell follow suit but gotta wait and see. Looks promising but this is easy part. But he got a great shot with WHC and all top 3 centers gone and he rally took advantage
Skinnyjimmy08
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Ive actually found him less and less noticeable as these games have gone on.
First game he was a star and then ive just found he hasn't been quite as good now since opponents are dressing more and more veterans.
IMO he will be in the AHL to start the season
Still an unreal signing!!!
lakai17
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I understand the small sample size. The ahl will not be bad but he will tear it up there I think to only get noticed league wide for a call up sooner than later is what I predict if he's sent down to the ahl. He's been excelling with nhl talent thus far.
40oz
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Caggiula was actually an Erie Otters draft pick but chose the NCAA route. So it's possible he just wanted his turn with McDavid.
? He's from Pickering, Ontario. The only connection to the Canucks was that he played with Boeser and Stecher in College. You're probably thinking of Stecher who is from BC and was signed by Vancouver. Another great free agent signing.
Bank Shot
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Aceboogie
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McFlyingV
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He played centre growing up, but said he only played about 20% of his college career at centre. The only thing I was worried about with him at centre was his size and face-off ability, but he's proven those aren't issues. At least up until this point he's been good on the face-off, and he's shown very good hockey IQ both offensively and defensively, and has a real knack of slipping in and out of coverage with his elusive skating, so for me his size won't limit him at C. I saw a bit of him and college and thought he had some solid potential, but he's looked even better than I was expecting him to this preseason.
