Prospect Info: Hartford Wolf Pack/Bloomington Bison Thread: Part XV

[Ranger Ric]

Robertson playing with Jones.

Although the Pack doubled up on shots over Bridgeport the Islanders lead 1-0. Jones has trouble controlling the puck at the Pack blue line and the Islanders score on a 2-1.

Jones was very quiet. Tinordi very active just as he was in the last game. Robertson and Skinner also made nice plays. Up front the Khodorenko Pajuniemi and Ronning line continues to play very well. Barron centering with Fritz and Whelan. The coaches seem to love Whelan. I don't get it.

Which LD playing R side?
Jones?

 

[cwede]

Rl ... The coaches seem to love Whelan. I don't get it.

Played at nearby QU, maybe helps w local interest?

 

[bl02]

What a third for the Pack silky smooth Jones in the offensive zone primary assist on the 5-5 goal to tie it

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Wild game! 4-1 down and now tied at 5 each

 

[Ranger Ric]

I only saw the first period. Skinner and Reuschhoff with goals in back to back games. Skinner a blast and Reuschhoff a wrap around with that long reach. Pack have another wild comeback in the 3rd but lose in the shoot out. Bridgeport is not a good team and the Pack should not have had as much trouble with them.

The announcer gave no reason why Reunanen and Schneider did not play.

 

[gravey9]

I only saw the first period. Skinner and Reuschhoff with goals in back to back games. Skinner a blast and Reuschhoff a wrap around with that long reach. Pack have another wild comeback in the 3rd but lose in the shoot out. Bridgeport is not a good team and the Pack should not have had as much trouble with them.

The announcer gave no reason why Reunanen and Schneider did not play.

I think Reunanen and Schneider didn't play in part because they have so many D right now and perhaps because they just played 3 in 3 they gave them a rest. But that's just a guess.

Jones just makes a few plays every game where he shows he's head and shoulders above the rest in regards to how he processes the game. Made a whole bunch of interceptions and I think got 2 assists but could have had a few goals too. Just fantastic player. His D could still use some refining, but what young D's couldn't?

They gave up 5 today in part because of screen shots from the point. Kinkaid was screened on a bunch of the goals. The D needed to help him see the shots better. But also he didn't quite cover enough net, like Georgy sometimes is guilty of. That said, Kinkaid also made a whole host of saves in the OT that were spectacular.

Barron may be banged up. I dunno. Or maybe he had COVID and is recovering. Since they came back he's lacked jump. He's not having the same impact he had earlier in the season when he was quicker to the puck and forcing more board battles -- battles he almost never loses. He will make his living along the walls and in front of the net if he can have an NHL career -- but in order for that to happen he needs to show he can get to spots on the ice quicker. Again, I don't want to be too hard on him as I think he looks a little sluggish compared to earlier in the year. I know he's naturally got another step that he's not able to show right now for whatever reason.

I thought Paju didn't have as good of a game, but there are shifts where he is always around the puck. And unlike some of the guys on the team that are similar sized, he shows a fair amount of grit and forecheck. He has a nose for the puck and can drive play at times at this level. I think he's got a bunch of Fast in his game. And as a result, I think it has a shot of translating. He's guilty of the occasional lazy play or risky pass. I just think he needs to continue to prove he has the strength to win the battles he creates on the forecheck and just continue pushing the pace as much as possible.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

Who is the better prospect Jones or Othmann? I assume they're our two best prospects now, right. Maybe Schneider rounds out the top 3.

 

[Ola]

Who is the better prospect Jones or Othmann? I assume they're our two best prospects now, right. Maybe Schneider rounds out the top 3.

Good question, but I think its a topic about who is top 2/3 and that Schneider is ahead of both. I would go Schneider, Othman and Jones.

 

[chosen]

Good question, but I think its a topic about who is top 2/3 and that Schneider is ahead of both. I would go Schneider, Othman and Jones.

I haven't seen any of them this season. What has caused Schneider to surpass Jones?

 

[Ola]

I haven't seen any of them this season. What has caused Schneider to surpass Jones?

Not to take anything away from Jones, who — if anything — I still think is a bit underrated, I just think that Schneider is a really good prospect who in my opinion is very liklely to become like a solid top 4 D.

Othman probably has higher upside, but his challenges will be bigger.

 

[HFsNumber1Heel]

Why was Schneider out last game? Healthy scratch, minor injury, covid protocol?

Honestly, it may not hurt to try him on the third pair this season. That would save Drury some time and assets when beefing up for the stretch run.

 

[cwede]

...What has caused Schneider to surpass Jones?

was Schneider ever 'behind' Jones?
Jones time on NHL team last spring was as much about circumstance/contract as merit
Not dissing Jones, love his skill and upside,
but Schneider been seen as bluechip all along, - team traded up in 1st for him, best D in WHL last, included on Canada's WC team despite only experience being Junior ..

 

[jay from jersey]

was Schneider ever 'behind' Jones?
Jones time on NHL team last spring was as much about circumstance/contract as merit
Not dissing Jones, love his skill and upside,
but Schneider been seen as bluechip all along, - team traded up in 1st for him, best D in WHL last, included on Canada's WC team despite only experience being Junior ..

Yea. I doubt he ever was/is. Schneider was considered to be one of the top blue liners in the draft.
All he’s done since has improve his status since being drafted.
Jones may likely out score him in the NHL, especially if he’s running a teams PP.
Jones stock has shot up since his last year of college. He’s been a consistent riser and continues to impress. But as far as ceilings go, Schneider has the total package to be an excellent all around D with size that likes to hit.
If Schneider’s offensive game keeps developing he could have 1St pair potential. That was his biggest question. He moves the puck well, but no one knew exactly how his offense would translate to the NHL.
He’s got physical god given gifts that Jones will never possess. That’s why a guy like Schneider is sought after by almost every team when inquiring a trade with NYR.
Jones may process the game a little better or faster currently. That might be the only edge I give him over Schneider at this point. But Schneider isn’t far behind in that regard for a young kid.
When he matures and grows into his body a bit more, he’s gonna be a stud. That’s why I’ve been saying rangers likely trade Lundkvist/Jones way before they think of moving Schneider.
Having Fox locked up and Both Jones/nils in the system, and having basically no one that compares to the style Schneider plays is the main thing.
And finding a guy like Jones/Nils even fox’s size ( not specifically fox, we all know he’s super special) that plays a PMD 2-way still is easier to find in the draft and via trade then getting a player like Schneider.

 

[jay from jersey]

I think Reunanen and Schneider didn't play in part because they have so many D right now and perhaps because they just played 3 in 3 they gave them a rest. But that's just a guess.

Jones just makes a few plays every game where he shows he's head and shoulders above the rest in regards to how he processes the game. Made a whole bunch of interceptions and I think got 2 assists but could have had a few goals too. Just fantastic player. His D could still use some refining, but what young D's couldn't?

They gave up 5 today in part because of screen shots from the point. Kinkaid was screened on a bunch of the goals. The D needed to help him see the shots better. But also he didn't quite cover enough net, like Georgy sometimes is guilty of. That said, Kinkaid also made a whole host of saves in the OT that were spectacular.

Barron may be banged up. I dunno. Or maybe he had COVID and is recovering. Since they came back he's lacked jump. He's not having the same impact he had earlier in the season when he was quicker to the puck and forcing more board battles -- battles he almost never loses. He will make his living along the walls and in front of the net if he can have an NHL career -- but in order for that to happen he needs to show he can get to spots on the ice quicker. Again, I don't want to be too hard on him as I think he looks a little sluggish compared to earlier in the year. I know he's naturally got another step that he's not able to show right now for whatever reason.

I thought Paju didn't have as good of a game, but there are shifts where he is always around the puck. And unlike some of the guys on the team that are similar sized, he shows a fair amount of grit and forecheck. He has a nose for the puck and can drive play at times at this level. I think he's got a bunch of Fast in his game. And as a result, I think it has a shot of translating. He's guilty of the occasional lazy play or risky pass. I just think he needs to continue to prove he has the strength to win the battles he creates on the forecheck and just continue pushing the pace as much as possible.

damn that sucks. It would be a shitty time for Barron to be banged up/covid and have a little dip in his play just when the possibility exists of him maybe getting a call up.
I would love to see him at least get a couple of games with the rangers to gauge how he plays before trades are made, and guys return from injury and the spots become tighter.

 

[chosen]

Not to take anything away from Jones, who — if anything — I still think is a bit underrated, I just think that Schneider is a really good prospect who in my opinion is very liklely to become like a solid top 4 D.

Othman probably has higher upside, but his challenges will be bigger.

Does this mean your opinion is based on your previous expectations as opposed to what you've seen this season?

 

[chosen]

If Schneider will be better than Jones I think he'll have to be a top pair guy, which he might be. Jones has already shown enough to be a 2nd pair guy who will also be an asset on a power play.

 

[wafflepadsave]

F Scott Stevens.

Never saw a player who tried to end people's careers more than him.

True but played great defense as well.

 

[jay from jersey]

If Schneider will be better than Jones I think he'll have to be a top pair guy, which he might be. Jones has already shown enough to be a 2nd pair guy who will also be an asset on a power play.

I think for Jones to be a good 2nd pair D, he’ll need a partner like Schneider. Someone who would Anchor the pair defensively that makes him comfortable try to skate the puck up the ice or go coast to coast.
Jones is A smart kid and also a good skater, so getting back on D When he picks and Chooses to join the rush shouldn’t be too big of a problem.
However, if you pair him with another smaller PMD style guy, I think they would likely get taken advantage of a bit down low, and in front of the net.
To play high end 2nd pair, he needs a mobile guy that’s plays a physical style, that’s also good with the puck on his stick as well.
Basically a lindgren to his Fox role.
Lindgren is a bit undersized, but he knows his role and is very good at it. He plays a big mans game. It’s a big reason why I expect him here for 1 more deal after this 3 years. Probably a 5-6 year that will take him to around 32 years old before they cut bait from him.
So many teams are looking for that Guy that can play that Limdgren/Schneider game and they pay a premium for it.
Tor needed 1 for Reilly, Van looking for 1 for Hughes, etc the list goes on and on......

a Jones-Lundkvist 2nd pairing would get physically abused over the next 2-3 seasons. Both guys are seasoned or very strong at this point in time.
I do think Jones-Schneider would be absolutely dynamite together if they start in NY next season as 3rd pairing.
Starting and all Rookie pairing is uncommon, but I’m sure there will be a vet signed cheap in case if Nemeth is moved...
15-20 games is a big difference between 3-5

 

[jay from jersey]

Robertson playing with Jones.

Although the Pack doubled up on shots over Bridgeport the Islanders lead 1-0. Jones has trouble controlling the puck at the Pack blue line and the Islanders score on a 2-1.

Jones was very quiet. Tinordi very active just as he was in the last game. Robertson and Skinner also made nice plays. Up front the Khodorenko Pajuniemi and Ronning line continues to play very well. Barron centering with Fritz and Whelan. The coaches seem to love Whelan. I don't get it.

hey Ric what do you think of Skinner And his Play? Has he been progressing? Especially on the defensive side??
Obviously he still prob a minimum 2 years off, probably closer to 3. But the kid is a worker.
He continues to surprise at every level.
I still think he’s got what it takes to be a solid cheap 3rd pair all around D.
A bit undersized, but doesn’t shy away from physical play, not bad with the puck, good shot, good skater, etc Kind of a jack of all trades, master of none back there. He flies under the radar, but in a good way, kind of like Stralman used to for us IMO.
I know he’s buried behind a lot more high end guys, especially this year with Robertson, Schneider, Jones, and even Renunnen all there. But I still say he could be a solid 3rd pair guy for us in the future.
My best comp would be a more physical, less offensive version of Dunn perhaps. There’s probably a more accurate compatible player, but that’s all that comes to mind at this time.

 

[chosen]

True but played great defense as well.

The play was a success except for Lincoln getting shot.

 

[chosen]

I think for Jones to be a good 2nd pair D, he’ll need a partner like Schneider. Someone who would Anchor the pair defensively that makes him comfortable try to skate the puck up the ice or go coast to coast.
Jones is A smart kid and also a good skater, so getting back on D When he picks and Chooses to join the rush shouldn’t be too big of a problem.
However, if you pair him with another smaller PMD style guy, I think they would likely get taken advantage of a bit down low, and in front of the net.
To play high end 2nd pair, he needs a mobile guy that’s plays a physical style, that’s also good with the puck on his stick as well.
Basically a lindgren to his Fox role.
Lindgren is a bit undersized, but he knows his role and is very good at it. He plays a big mans game. It’s a big reason why I expect him here for 1 more deal after this 3 years. Probably a 5-6 year that will take him to around 32 years old before they cut bait from him.
So many teams are looking for that Guy that can play that Limdgren/Schneider game and they pay a premium for it.
Tor needed 1 for Reilly, Van looking for 1 for Hughes, etc the list goes on and on......

a Jones-Lundkvist 2nd pairing would get physically abused over the next 2-3 seasons. Both guys are seasoned or very strong at this point in time.
I do think Jones-Schneider would be absolutely dynamite together if they start in NY next season as 3rd pairing.
Starting and all Rookie pairing is uncommon, but I’m sure there will be a vet signed cheap in case if Nemeth is moved...
15-20 games is a big difference between 3-5

It works both ways. Lindgren could never be a good 2nd pair guy unless paired with an offensive dman or they'd be pinned in the D zone.

I'm not certain a Jones-Nils pair would be taken advantage of defensively. That is certainly the conventional wisdom, but to me, every dman must play well around his own net or he would be a giant detriment to his team.

 

[jay from jersey]

It works both ways. Lindgren could never be a good 2nd pair guy unless paired with an offensive dman or they'd be pinned in the D zone.

I'm not certain a Jones-Nils pair would be taken advantage of defensively. That is certainly the conventional wisdom, but to me, every dman must play well around his own net or he would be a giant detriment to his team.

Kinda true. It’s optimum to have a stay at home guy and a more offensive D paired together. But the days of the true stay at home bruisers like Foote and Beukaboom are few and far between.
It lindgren was on 2nd pairing and had a partner like a Girardi/Staal/Klein or even a Trouba with the way he has adapted his style to a more defense 1st kind of guy, you can effectively form a very good Shutdown pair.
Neither guy would be slow. In Girardi/Staal example, lindgren would actually be the faster player. But as long as both guys can play D and move the puck, They wouldn’t have a problem with the transition game at all. They likely wouldn’t be a huge threat to produce offensively, but they would still join the play and help on the rush.
As long as they were rock solid defensively, you take that and run. They also wouldn’t get abused physically.
My biggest worry with a Jones-Lundkvist pair currently would be down behind the goal, along the boards, and in front of the net.
Neither guy has any real weight behind them, and I have my doubts how good they would be blocking shots and clearing the front of the crease.
When going against a large 2nd/3rd line that knows how to forecheck and cycle, they’d also likely be exposed.
If I were the opposing coach going against those 2, I’d keep dumbing the puck deep and telling my Fwds to hit them every single time.
For sure they wouldn’t always be first to the puck and the constant beating on them would no doubt cause mistakes/turnovers to happen.
Lindgren and Fox lack size as far as top 4 minute eating pairing go, but Fox being other worldly good and Lindgren playing a Bigger more abrasive style for a guy his size, while still being mobile and good with the puck on his stick make that pair work.
Lindgren is more physical then either Jones or Lundkvist can hope to be, and sometimes he and fox have trouble with big players who cycle well and get in fast on the forecheck.

 

[maris]

Kinda true. It’s optimum to have a stay at home guy and a more offensive D paired together. But the days of the true stay at home bruisers like Foote and Beukaboom are few and far between.
It lindgren was on 2nd pairing and had a partner like a Girardi/Staal/Klein or even a Trouba with the way he has adapted his style to a more defense 1st kind of guy, you can effectively form a very good Shutdown pair.
Neither guy would be slow. In Girardi/Staal example, lindgren would actually be the faster player. But as long as both guys can play D and move the puck, They wouldn’t have a problem with the transition game at all. They likely wouldn’t be a huge threat to produce offensively, but they would still join the play and help on the rush.
As long as they were rock solid defensively, you take that and run. They also wouldn’t get abused physically.
My biggest worry with a Jones-Lundkvist pair currently would be down behind the goal, along the boards, and in front of the net.
Neither guy has any real weight behind them, and I have my doubts how good they would be blocking shots and clearing the front of the crease.
When going against a large 2nd/3rd line that knows how to forecheck and cycle, they’d also likely be exposed.
If I were the opposing coach going against those 2, I’d keep dumbing the puck deep and telling my Fwds to hit them every single time.
For sure they wouldn’t always be first to the puck and the constant beating on them would no doubt cause mistakes/turnovers to happen.
Lindgren and Fox lack size as far as top 4 minute eating pairing go, but Fox being other worldly good and Lindgren playing a Bigger more abrasive style for a guy his size, while still being mobile and good with the puck on his stick make that pair work.
Lindgren is more physical then either Jones or Lundkvist can hope to be, and sometimes he and fox have trouble with big players who cycle well and get in fast on the forecheck.

Consider trading Lindgren at his peak and bringing up the two kid bruisers. wouldn't that be better for Fox long term? And you might be able to package lindgren for a center??

 

[jay from jersey]

Consider trading Lindgren at his peak and bringing up the two kid bruisers. wouldn't that be better for Fox long term? And you might be able to package lindgren for a center??

which kids?? Miller/Robertson?

I don’t think either guy is or will be as physical as Lindgren is. They won’t be soft, but they aren’t going to look to hit and mix it up like Lindy does.
I think his importance to this team flies under the radar a little bit. He’s a hard one to replace.
When you have a young pair like lindgren-Fox that plays heavy first pair minutes well, with 1 guy your PP QB and the other a staple on your PK, I’d be really really hesitant to break that up.
The only way I would is if Lindgrens next contract demands are insanely high. Both guys are only 23-24.
I’d wager Drury offers Lindgren 1 more deal here. Likely a 5-6 year deal that’s takes him to 32-33 years old that’s massively frontloaded.
Similar to a Girardi deal, but Lindgren will be younger and more proven plus have chemistry with Fox when he signs it.
I wouldn’t want to give lindgren a 7-8 year deal. That’s asking for trouble and Staal/Girardi x2.
But a 5-6 year deal that takes him to his early 30’s, similar to how Trouba’s deal is, is a good idea imo.
Lindy is a guy that loves his situation here and loves the rangers. He loves his role, and paired with his best friend.
No way in hell do I see him not accepting a 5-6 year deal at 5.5-6 mill per. No clauses, probably massively front-loaded.
Very easy to move if need be, or if Robertson proves he can fill that role down the line.
I’m not too optimistic about a Miller-Fox or a Jones-Fox pairing going against the other teams best players night in and night out anytime soon.
If Robertson proves capable in 2-3-4 years down the road, Lindy is still a very valuable tradable asset

 

[wafflepadsave]

The play was a success except for Lincoln getting shot.

One of your relatives shot him I guess.