Prospect Info: Gianni Fairbrother a.k.a. Giovanni Fairbrudder

[montreal]

how's his mobility? People were oddly comparing him to Mete and I know (or at least think) those comparisons were way off but is he at least a good skater? I get Dietz/Ellis vibes though I liked the little I saw from camp.

he's no Mete but looks to be a better skater/more mobile then Dietz/Ellis. I'm hoping for a more offensive/defensive player then Lernout.

 

[26Mats]

Kotka was a need pick. For sure. But was rising in the BPA list really fast. So maybe a good mix of both. But yes, if the Habs have plenty of C's, I will always believe that in no way would Kotka be a Hab. Romanov was not BPA has no other agencies had him that high. Yet, in that case, it might very well pay off, but he was a need pick. Ylonen was BPA. In 2019, Caulfield was CLEARLY BPA.

But I will repeat this....needs picks often don't work. People chanting Timmins name because Romanov and the fact that he will work out because we went with needs that time around just don't remember all these other times we did and it didn't work out.

Exactly. Just because need picks seem to have worked out recently (KK, Poehling, Romanov, and perhaps one of Struble, Norlinder, and Fairbrother) doesn't mean it's a good strategy long term, as our record indicates with McCarron, Crisp, Lernout, DLR, Fucale, etc...

Having said that, Timmins' strong suit is Dmen. If he tries to draft the best dmen available in the 2nd 3rd, and 4th rounds, chances are pretty good he'll find a good player, perhaps even higher than if he was also considering forwards.

P.S. again - the 4th and 5th rounds have been his rounds for undersized players (Gallagher, Grabovski, and now Pitlick (?!), plus Mete and Reway (??). The Timmins formula seems simple: 1st round BPA, 2nd and 3rd round best D available, 4th and 5th round, best undersized players available.

 

[viceroy]

I'm personally against drafting straight BPA. Maybe it's my Commerce background speaking but I personally think prospects' worths should be weighted position-wise. If you were rating players, let's say 0-100 pts in overall quality I think a Centre that ranks a 79 should outweigh a Wing that rates an 85. Or a D-man that gets a 71 should outweigh a Goalie that gets an 80.

Need should only be used if two players are very close in value. The Habs would then pick an LD or RW of 84 over another position at 86.

 

[HOPE]

I'm personally against drafting straight BPA. Maybe it's my Commerce background speaking but I personally think prospects' worths should be weighted position-wise. If you were rating players, let's say 0-100 pts in overall quality I think a Centre that ranks a 79 should outweigh a Wing that rates an 85. Or a D-man that gets a 71 should outweigh a Goalie that gets an 80.

Need should only be used if two players are very close in value. The Habs would then pick an LD or RW of 84 over another position at 86.

I know it’s easier said than done but personally after the first round i’d always go for BPA huge boom or bust player, the % of the player making it to the NHL after the first round is already low, might as well aim high, If you always apply that tactic you might end up with less player making it but the one who does will always be high talent and complimentary roles and depth is always easier to get via free market and trade. If you have excess at a certain position and the player is High end, chances are you can find a team and flip him for similar talent to fill your holes. But yes like you said position is pretty huge, for example having excess of talented center you’ll always be able to flip him for any other position!

 

[26Mats]

I'm personally against drafting straight BPA. Maybe it's my Commerce background speaking but I personally think prospects' worths should be weighted position-wise. If you were rating players, let's say 0-100 pts in overall quality I think a Centre that ranks a 79 should outweigh a Wing that rates an 85. Or a D-man that gets a 71 should outweigh a Goalie that gets an 80.

Need should only be used if two players are very close in value. The Habs would then pick an LD or RW of 84 over another position at 86.

Yes when people say BPA they tend to mean BAA (best asset available), which roughly takes into account a system similar to yours of, for example weighting centers above wingers as you did.

However, Montreal openly didn't take BAA. They were targeting LD's, and in particular LD's with size. They were ready to trade down in the 2nd round and twice in the 3rd round if their guy wasn't available each time (Struble, Norlinder, and Fairbrother). Thus, as it's hard to imagine there was only one player in a pool that had equal weighted values 3 times in a row, it's pretty clear they were targeting need and were ready to pass if they couldn't get a player that filled the need.

 

[viceroy]

I know it’s easier said than done but personally after the first round i’d always go for BPA huge boom or bust player, the % of the player making it to the NHL after the first round is already low, might as well aim high, If you always apply that tactic you might end up with less player making it but the one who does will always be high talent and complimentary roles and depth is always easier to get via free market and trade.

I hear ya but if you grab a 5-6 boom or bust players in your draft that have a let's say 10-15% chance of panning out you may be left with egg on your face and wind up rolling snake eyes and thus end up with jack squat for your draft.

Montreal openly didn't take BAA. They were targeting LD's, and in particular LD's with size. They were ready to trade down in the 2nd round and twice in the 3rd round if their guy wasn't available each time (Struble, Norlinder, and Fairbrother). Thus, as it's hard to imagine there was only one player in a pool that had equal weighted values 3 times in a row, it's pretty clear they were targeting need and were ready to pass if they couldn't get a player that filled the need.

Then again the Habs org. may have judged that LD's with size/grit may additionally have had extra value generally across the NHL especially after two large teams have won consecutive Cups. Thusly our now solid bank of LD prospects may be used to obtain whatever is deemed required to patch a few holes.

To be honest I'm quite excited with the upcoming draft and hope we're willing to trade several non-essential pieces for picks or climbing up a few spots. The Habs could, I believe, be a contender in 2-3 years.

One last thing, a lot of people seem to believe that having players all in the same age range is essential to build a Cup winner whereas I believe staggering players and their contracts is more important. Long term Franchise players signed for long contracts, whether young or old. A group of Entry level players with their cheap contracts. And solid utility or versatile players signed to shorter and decent contracts. Having too many prospects of similar age may create a salary Cap logjam as they hit RFA status. Teams such as Edmonton or Toronto are feeling that squeeze.

 

[HOPE]

I hear ya but if you grab a 5-6 boom or bust players in your draft that have a let's say 10-15% chance of panning out you may be left with egg on your face and wind up rolling snake eyes and thus end up with jack squat for your draft.

the Odds are lower than this even with safe picks after the first round... and most of these players are usually guys low impact players who aren't hard to get... it indeeds can come back at you pretty hard, but would you rather have 1 very good player who makes it or 3 depth fillers? these aren't the real odds, far from that but hypothetically talking?

 

[26Mats]

I hear ya but if you grab a 5-6 boom or bust players in your draft that have a let's say 10-15% chance of panning out you may be left with egg on your face and wind up rolling snake eyes and thus end up with jack squat for your draft.



Then again the Habs org. may have judged that LD's with size/grit may additionally have had extra value generally across the NHL especially after two large teams have won consecutive Cups. Thusly our now solid bank of LD prospects may be used to obtain whatever is deemed required to patch a few holes.

To be honest I'm quite excited with the upcoming draft and hope we're willing to trade several non-essential pieces for picks or climbing up a few spots. The Habs could, I believe, be a contender in 2-3 years.

One last thing, a lot of people seem to believe that having players all in the same age range is essential to build a Cup winner whereas I believe staggering players and their contracts is more important. Long term Franchise players signed for long contracts, whether young or old. A group of Entry level players with their cheap contracts. And solid utility or versatile players signed to shorter and decent contracts. Having too many prospects of similar age may create a salary Cap logjam as they hit RFA status. Teams such as Edmonton or Toronto are feeling that squeeze.

I think they went for bigger D out of need - Mete, Romanov, Brook, Juulsen, Harris, Fleury are not the biggest dcore...

I'm also excited about tgis past draft crop, on spote of drafting for need. I just still don't think it's a good strategy long term.

 

[Whitesnake]

I'm personally against drafting straight BPA. Maybe it's my Commerce background speaking but I personally think prospects' worths should be weighted position-wise. If you were rating players, let's say 0-100 pts in overall quality I think a Centre that ranks a 79 should outweigh a Wing that rates an 85. Or a D-man that gets a 71 should outweigh a Goalie that gets an 80.

Need should only be used if two players are very close in value. The Habs would then pick an LD or RW of 84 over another position at 86.

Yes....if you would live in a world where trades can't exist. But in a world where Drouin-Sergachev exist, or Johansen-Jones exist etc., it's a world that drafting BPA should prevail, and that once those kids really reach the NHL and you are able to know EXACTLY what your present needs are, THEN you trade a great young kid up front for a great young kid on D or vice versa.

 

[Stive Morgan]

4 assists and +6 in 2 games.

 

[Adam Michaels]

Everett won 3-2 in OT against Seattle last night. No points for Fairbrother. He had 2 PIM.

So he is now at 4 assists and +6 in 3 preseason games.

 

[viceroy]

would you rather have 1 very good player who makes it or 3 depth fillers?

The problem with shooting craps is leaving the casino empty-handed. It's kinda like letting go of players once they hit UFA. Sure once in a while it's okay but you're losing NHL Currency every time that happens.

I think they went for bigger D out of need - Mete, Romanov, Brook, Juulsen, Harris, Fleury are not the biggest dcore...

Juulsen's got decent size. Romanov is pretty rough and tumble. Brook and Fleury are both 6'1". And despite their size I still really like Mete and Harris.

Yes....if you would live in a world where trades can't exist. But in a world where Drouin-Sergachev exist, or Johansen-Jones exist etc., it's a world that drafting BPA should prevail, and that once those kids really reach the NHL and you are able to know EXACTLY what your present needs are, THEN you trade a great young kid up front for a great young kid on D or vice versa.

What you just said but everything exactly opposite. The reason I would be skewing picks according to positional value is because I would always have an eye open towards trades. D-men and Centres simply have more value than Wings and Goalies and the former should be chosen over the latter if the players are anywhere near the same neighbourhood ballpark. I had no problems with the Habs picking Caufield over Newhook and Krebs because I was never a fan of Newhook and achilles tendon injuries can be tricky to come back from(see Kyle Chipchura's career).

p.s. Just watch Newhook turn into Pavelski 2.0 now.

 

[Whitesnake]

What you just said but everything exactly opposite. The reason I would be skewing picks according to positional value is because I would always have an eye open towards trades. D-men and Centres simply have more value than Wings and Goalies and the former should be chosen over the latter if the players are anywhere near the same neighbourhood ballpark. I had no problems with the Habs picking Caufield over Newhook and Krebs because I was never a fan of Newhook and achilles tendon injuries can be tricky to come back from(see Kyle Chipchura's career).p.s. Just watch Newhook turn into Pavelski 2.0 now.

Not saying C's and D's don't have more value. But going at the draft in the 4th round choosing a C because they have more value while your BPA is clearly a winger is just not the way to go. A C that won't make it won't have any value as great as we might think that C or D position has for value. The position has value. Players might not. Especially if you go with a guy clearly inferior to another. People say that goalies don't have value. Yet, Schneider was traded for a 9th overall pick. You have as much value as the other team interested in trading with you think you have. C's have more value...yet there,s also 8 positions to fill on the wings.

 

[montreal]

Don't know how much I'll get to see him this year but it should be his last season in the dub so I'll get to see a lot of him in Laval next season. Hopefully he has a breakout season offensively since we can use all the help we can get at LD.

 

[viceroy]

You have as much value as the other team interested in trading with you think you have.

One more advantage in getting a D-man is the fact they normally take longer to develop and thusly may keep their hypothetical value floating whereas scoring Wingers top out so soon that a 21yr old Wing may be considered a bust early on a la Puljujarvi.

Don't know how much I'll get to see him this year but it should be his last season in the dub so I'll get to see a lot of him in Laval next season. Hopefully he has a breakout season offensively since we can use all the help we can get at LD.

Hey buddy take your Fairbrother talk to some other thread we're debating Drafting philosophies up in this bitch.

 

[Hfbsux]

Fairbrother played his 2 first games since the habs camp. Had an assist in each game with a fight. Apparently KOd the guy.

 

[dackelljuneaubulis02]

Fairbrother played his 2 first games since the habs camp. Had an assist in each game with a fight. Apparently KOd a guy.

Liked what I've seen from him. I really think they should've gone after Dorothy with this pick but he actually seems like he has potential. Does he have another year of junior eligibility after this one?

 

[Hfbsux]

Liked what I've seen from him. I really think they should've gone after Dorothy with this pick but he actually seems like he has potential. Does he have another year of junior eligibility after this one?

Yep! Would be his 20yr old season. There's always the option for him to play in Laval.

 

[dackelljuneaubulis02]

Yep! Would be his 20yr old season. There's always the option for him to play in Laval.

but next year he'd be an over ager though?

 

[Hfbsux]

but next year he'd be an over ager though?

Correct. Will be interesting to see what kind of year he will have. He could surprise.

 

[montreal]

Liked what I've seen from him. I really think they should've gone after Dorothy with this pick but he actually seems like he has potential. Does he have another year of junior eligibility after this one?

he does but it's unlikely he would be back in the dub next year, he would need a poor season to go back as an overager. LeGuerrier is in the same boat but I'm not as confident he will be in Laval since I don't know much about him, I plan on watching him some time next week. They really took their sweet time signing Fleury as I never thought he would go back as an overager, not sure what took so long unless it had to do with the 50 as we were up against at the time if I recall correctly.

 

[Stive Morgan]

Meant to post the fight video in here, I'll do it when I get home from work.

 

[Adam Michaels]

he does but it's unlikely he would be back in the dub next year, he would need a poor season to go back as an overager. LeGuerrier is in the same boat but I'm not as confident he will be in Laval since I don't know much about him, I plan on watching him some time next week. They really took their sweet time signing Fleury as I never thought he would go back as an overager, not sure what took so long unless it had to do with the 50 as we were up against at the time if I recall correctly.

My prediction, like RHP, they'll return Fairbrother to the WHL next year for his overager year.

The reason being the Habs will sign Romanov, Ylönen, RHP, maybe Khisamutdinov, they'll have to choose among Houde, Hillis, McShane, and Fonstad on who to sign.

And seeing they have another year to sign him, they may opt to wait.

 

[HuGort]

Fairbrother played his 2 first games since the habs camp. Had an assist in each game with a fight. Apparently KOd the guy.

Sounds like good start. Which we needed as a lot of heat when he was chosen

 

[Stive Morgan]

I think I mentioned it in my big write-up but while he's not the most physical player, he's still tough and will stand up for his teammates.