Player Discussion Jesse Puljujärvi 4th Overall 2016 Draft.

[Raoul Duke]

So are people really suggesting that we keep him in the AHL to save a year on his ELC and not dress the best possible NHL roster?

Are we going to waste a year of McDavid and Drai's ELC by having a AHL player like Pak, Pitlick or Hamilton in the NHL instead of an extremely talented player who would have gone #1 overall in RNH, Yak, and possibly Hall's draft? Please say that mentality doesn't still exist here.

I would assume that people who want him in the AHL, want him there for development purposes.
Properly development serves the team long term.
However, if he's ready, he's ready and should play.

As far as wasting those entry level deals, I couldn't agree more. Every effort should be made to compete while McDavid is on his entry level.

 

[McFlyingV]

So are people really suggesting that we keep him in the AHL to save a year on his ELC and not dress the best possible NHL roster?

Are we going to waste a year of McDavid and Drai's ELC by having a AHL player like Pak, Pitlick or Hamilton in the NHL instead of an extremely talented player who would have gone #1 overall in RNH, Yak, and possibly Hall's draft? Please say that mentality doesn't still exist here.

Thats definitely not my mentality. I think if he's ready for the NHL he should be there and I don't even think he'll see AHL time. If he's not ready then by all means keep him in the AHL as long as you need, my post was just to inform posters that his ELC wouldn't take a hit if he spent the whole year there.

 

[nabob]

Thats definitely not my mentality. I think if he's ready for the NHL he should be there and I don't even think he'll see AHL time. If he's not ready then by all means keep him in the AHL as long as you need, my post was just to inform posters that his ELC wouldn't take a hit if he spent the whole year there.

Yeah I feel the same way. I only really quoted your post because it answered my question well.

There does seem to be w few posters though who insist he play the whole season in the AHL no matter what. I just really don't get that.

 

[McFlyingV]

I saw on the Lucic thread someone wondering of what Lucic could do to Puljus game.

I hope he starts mentoring him like he did with Pasta, he had a huge impact on Pasta and Lucic is the best powerforward there is to learn from.
Damm if he develops his physical side more his ceiling would be crazy high.
My fear with that though is that Lucic is too in love with the idea of playing with McDavid that he doesn't notice Pulju

Waiting for Lucic-McDavid-Pulju line to see ice.

I could see him developing it in the coming years once he's up in that 220+lbs range that he should easily hit. I'd expect to see that line in the coming years, but I'd be perfectly fine with Lucic-McDavid-Eberle for the next couple, especially if they can get some chemistry. Could easily see all 3 of Lucic, Eberle and McDavid flirt with 30 goals if that line clicks early on and if the power play is top 10 in the league.

I honestly can also envision Puljujarvi running the 2nd line in the future with Draisaitl similar to what Hall did. In my mind Puljujarvi can be the line puck carrier just like Hall was, and actually has more dominant physical tools if he develops properly.

We'll see if Pulju can click right off the bat with a guy like Drai or Nuge as his centre, and its entirely possible that we might never need to put him with McDavid at 5 on 5 regularly unless we're trying to tie up a game. Thats one of the main reasons I've never been as down as some fans at the loss of Hall, is because I envision Puljujarvi being the same type of player in terms of driving the play forward and carrying the puck.

 

[Mr Positive]

I would assume that people who want him in the AHL, want him there for development purposes.
Properly development serves the team long term.
However, if he's ready, he's ready and should play.

As far as wasting those entry level deals, I couldn't agree more. Every effort should be made to compete while McDavid is on his entry level.

competing on McDavid's ELC is doable, but it's not like flipping a light switch. We don't have a Doughty or Pietrangelo. Those Dmen are just never for sale. Like all the great defenses, we have to develop our own. We have good raw materials like Klefbom and Larsson, as well as Nurse but they all have to take steps forward. Chiarelli did all he could by adding Larsson to that group, and also giving them a veteran D named Sekera to stabilize things, and also Lucic and Talbot are a big deal.

If we are talking about winning during McDavid's ELC, I think making the playoffs is possible, but if we're talking about contending for the cup, we need our defense to progress more first. It will happen during McDavid's 2nd deal. We'll see though. It could happen faster than that. It wouldn't be the first time something like that happened.

 

[McFlyingV]

Yeah I feel the same way. I only really quoted your post because it answered my question well.

There does seem to be w few posters though who insist he play the whole season in the AHL no matter what. I just really don't get that.

I think a lot of posters have just been conditioned to think that way because of what we've seen in the past with a lot of our 1st overalls. I know a lot think that Nuge and Yak's development were ruined by coming in too early (not that I agree that being the reason) and that Draisaitl should have been sent down after 9 (I'd agree), but I just don't think many realize the difference in situation. Puljujarvi is coming into a team where he can be sheltered a ton, while still playing with very good players, and he's not being asked to be the saviour of the team like many of those before him were. He's also the most physically ready of any prospect we've drafted aside from McDavid in the past 10 years to jump in. He has all the physical tools: size, speed, shot; as well as the hockey iq, vision, and playmaking that he'll need to succeed in the NHL. The other main difference is that he's played in a mens league for 2 years while not a single one of the Oilers top picks in the last 6 years had any experience playing against anyone other than teenagers.

The only concern I see reasonable is that he might have an adjustment period getting used to having less time and space on the smaller ice. However, to that I would argue that playing against men in Finland, which I believe is hybrid ice size (not full olympic size), is no different in terms of time and space as playing in the CHL on NA ice size, because there is a ton of space in junior hockey compared to the NHL level. For that reason, I don't see him having any more trouble adapting than a player coming out of the CHL or NCAA would.

 

[snipes]

I think a lot of posters have just been conditioned to think that way because of what we've seen in the past with a lot of our 1st overalls. I know a lot think that Nuge and Yak's development were ruined by coming in too early (not that I agree that being the reason) and that Draisaitl should have been sent down after 9 (I'd agree), but I just don't think many realize the difference in situation. Puljujarvi is coming into a team where he can be sheltered a ton, while still playing with very good players, and he's not being asked to be the saviour of the team like many of those before him were. He's also the most physically ready of any prospect we've drafted aside from McDavid in the past 10 years to jump in. He has all the physical tools: size, speed, shot; as well as the hockey iq, vision, and playmaking that he'll need to succeed in the NHL. The other main difference is that he's played in a mens league for 2 years while not a single one of the Oilers top picks in the last 6 years had any experience playing against anyone other than teenagers.

The only concern I see reasonable is that he might have an adjustment period getting used to having less time and space on the smaller ice. However, to that I would argue that playing against men in Finland, which I believe is hybrid ice size (not full olympic size), is no different in terms of time and space as playing in the CHL on NA ice size, because there is a ton of space in junior hockey compared to the NHL level. For that reason, I don't see him having any more trouble adapting than a player coming out of the CHL or NCAA would.

Excellent post. I agree.

I love the idea (if he's ready) of Maroon/Pouliot-Drai-Pulju as our 3rd line. Pulju is coming into a completely different situation than in years past. He's also physically bigger and most importantly not expected to be "the guy". He could get some serious mismatches on the 3rd line with Drai.

Give Pulju some PP time with McDavid and 3rd line minutes with easier match ups with Drai at centre. This could be a good way to shelter him and help him build confidence at the same time picking up some PP points.

 

[McFlyingV]

Excellent post. I agree.

I love the idea (if he's ready) of Maroon/Pouliot-Drai-Pulju as our 3rd line. Pulju is coming into a completely different situation than in years past. He's also physically bigger and most importantly not expected to be "the guy". He could get some serious mismatches on the 3rd line with Drai.

Give Pulju some PP time with McDavid and 3rd line minutes with easier match ups with Drai at centre. This could be a good way to shelter him and help him build confidence at the same time picking up some PP points.

Thats probably the best way to start him off. If he proves he can handle more and keeps progressing then I'd have no problem with him getting a promotion up the lineup later into the season. Lets remember after all that Slepyshev started this season with Hall and McDavid, so McLellan is not afraid to put players up the lineup if they earn it. Slepyshev earned it in preseason, but after a couple games he was demoted because it became clear he didn't deserve to stay there.

I think the fact that he knows Eberle or Yak can work on McDavid's right side so he won't make that mistake in training camp with Puljujarvi, but I could definitely see him working his way up the lineup as the season goes if he earns it.

Pouliot-Draisaitl-Puljujarvi would be a fast and big line, although I'm a little scared of leaving Nuge with Maroon and one of Yakupov or Kassian. I could even see Puljujarvi start on Nuge's line with Maroon and then throw Yakupov and Pouliot with Draisaitl.

And just to be clear, to me it doesn't matter which line is the 2nd or 3rd line as they'd both likely get fairly equal ice time with McDavid's line being the #1 that gets close to 20 minutes a night (with PP time included in that).

 

[snipes]

Thats probably the best way to start him off. If he proves he can handle more and keeps progressing then I'd have no problem with him getting a promotion up the lineup later into the season. Lets remember after all that Slepyshev started this season with Hall and McDavid, so McLellan is not afraid to put players up the lineup if they earn it. Slepyshev earned it in preseason, but after a couple games he was demoted because it became clear he didn't deserve to stay there.

I think the fact that he knows Eberle or Yak can work on McDavid's right side so he won't make that mistake in training camp with Puljujarvi, but I could definitely see him working his way up the lineup as the season goes if he earns it.

Pouliot-Draisaitl-Puljujarvi would be a fast and big line, although I'm a little scared of leaving Nuge with Maroon and one of Yakupov or Kassian. I could even see Puljujarvi start on Nuge's line with Maroon and then throw Yakupov and Pouliot with Draisaitl.

And just to be clear, to me it doesn't matter which line is the 2nd or 3rd line as they'd both likely get fairly equal ice time with McDavid's line being the #1 that gets close to 20 minutes a night (with PP time included in that).

Yup. And that's the point of the top 9 wave after wave approach. You just keep rolling those 3 lines and work the 4th line in every now and again.

The wave after wave of top 9 ensures all the guys get their minutes, plus load those guys up on the PP. One of Nuge/Drai's line is going to get a mismatch, when one of those lines gets hot, then they'll get the better matchup. This will help the other line get going and allows them to face another teams bottom 6. It could create matchup nightmares not only next year, but especially in the years to come.

Play the 4th line sparingly at even strength. Ask them to play on the PK units with fresh legs. Have Nuge centering one of Kassian/Hendo and Letestu centering the other.

 

[McFlyingV]

Yup. And that's the point of the top 9 wave after wave approach. You just keep rolling those 3 lines and work the 4th line in every now and again.

The wave after wave of top 9 ensures all the guys get their minutes, plus load those guys up on the PP. One of Nuge/Drai's line is going to get a mismatch, when one of those lines gets hot, then they'll get the better matchup. This will help the other line get going and allows them to face another teams bottom 6. It could create matchup nightmares not only next year, but especially in the years to come.

Play the 4th line sparingly at even strength. Ask them to play on the PK units with fresh legs. Have Nuge centering one of Kassian/Hendo and Letestu centering the other.

Yeah its more of a 1 and then a 2A, 2B and a 4 imo if they go with the 3 centre approach. I'm sure we'll see the line grinder out at times as well like last season where we could see the bench shortened to 3 lines in the 3rd period with Drai sliding to wing and Letestu sliding up onto the 3rd line. I also wouldn't be surprised to see all of Lucic, Pouliot, Maroon on the left side, and Eberle, Yak, Puljujarvi, and Kassian sliding up and down if one of them is having an off night or one of them really has some jump. All of them have enough skill to play in the top 9 if they're on their game that night. Could even see McDavid get double shifted at times with the 3rd line if they move Drai onto the wing in the middle of the game, I know we saw him get double shifted at times last year with the 4th line.

I also really like limiting the 4th lines even strength minutes, and even swapping Pakarinen in for Hendricks or Kassian throughout the year to keep everyone fresh. I feel like Hendricks age started to show a bit last year and if you can limit him to 50-60 games to keep him fresh, you will get a much more effective 4th line out there.

 

[Mr Positive]

Yup. And that's the point of the top 9 wave after wave approach. You just keep rolling those 3 lines and work the 4th line in every now and again.

The wave after wave of top 9 ensures all the guys get their minutes, plus load those guys up on the PP. One of Nuge/Drai's line is going to get a mismatch, when one of those lines gets hot, then they'll get the better matchup. This will help the other line get going and allows them to face another teams bottom 6. It could create matchup nightmares not only next year, but especially in the years to come.

Play the 4th line sparingly at even strength. Ask them to play on the PK units with fresh legs. Have Nuge centering one of Kassian/Hendo and Letestu centering the other.

imo it's better just to have two scoring lines and two checking lines. That's the proven formula to win in the league, and we aren't so special that we can be one of the exceptions. We are a team that struggles to tilt the ice in our favour already, so it's not like we have enough prime scoring opportunities for two lines even, much less 3. Going by who is hottest basically turns it into a carousel of whose turn it is to get slapped by the tough assignment. It's better to form two checking lines that have the right players for that job from day one, and get used to that role. Our two scoring lines should be allowed to get into a rhythm of scoring goals.

 

[snipes]

Yeah its more of a 1 and then a 2A, 2B and a 4 imo if they go with the 3 centre approach. I'm sure we'll see the line grinder out at times as well like last season where we could see the bench shortened to 3 lines in the 3rd period with Drai sliding to wing and Letestu sliding up onto the 3rd line. I also wouldn't be surprised to see all of Lucic, Pouliot, Maroon on the left side, and Eberle, Yak, Puljujarvi, and Kassian sliding up and down if one of them is having an off night or one of them really has some jump. All of them have enough skill to play in the top 9 if they're on their game that night. Could even see McDavid get double shifted at times with the 3rd line if they move Drai onto the wing in the middle of the game, I know we saw him get double shifted at times last year with the 4th line.

I also really like limiting the 4th lines even strength minutes, and even swapping Pakarinen in for Hendricks or Kassian throughout the year to keep everyone fresh. I feel like Hendricks age started to show a bit last year and if you can limit him to 50-60 games to keep him fresh, you will get a much more effective 4th line out there.

Yeah we have lots of options to create serious mismatches using the 3 centre approach. If we get into crunch time in a game and need to load up the top 6 we can do that too. We have far more balance up front than we have had in a long time. Pulju is coming into a good situation.

Two major benefits of the top 9 approach are:
1. Mismatches. In the Pacific we face top flight D. Elite Dmen can be played every other shift for half the game. With proper management, a teams top Dman in our conference (i.e. Doughty, OEL, Brodie, etc.) can at most play against 2 of the 3 lines in a game at a time. One of McDavid-RNH-Drai's line will be on the ice when those top guys are on the bench.

2. Special teams. Rolling the top 9 and giving the 4th line limited 5 v 5 minutes keeps them fresh to kill penalties with lots of energy. We also have tons of options to load up the PP (i.e. McDavid, Klef, Lucic, Eberle, Pulju on one unit. Drai, Sekera, Yak, Maroon, Pouliot on the second unit or something along those lines). Use Nuge on the 1st team PK with one of the 4th line guys and the other 2 on the second PK unit. Work Nuge into the PP if needed as well.

 

[Cam98]

Jesse Puj reminds me of Voracek, but i hope he turns out way better.

 

[snipes]

imo it's better just to have two scoring lines and two checking lines. That's the proven formula to win in the league, and we aren't so special that we can be one of the exceptions. We are a team that struggles to tilt the ice in our favour already, so it's not like we have enough prime scoring opportunities for two lines even, much less 3. Going by who is hottest basically turns it into a carousel of whose turn it is to get slapped by the tough assignment. It's better to form two checking lines that have the right players for that job from day one, and get used to that role. Our two scoring lines should be allowed to get into a rhythm of scoring goals.

I don't necessarily think there is a "one size fits all" approach. I mean, the Pens just won with 3 scoring lines. I think it's more about playing to your strengths.

If we load the top 6, then Letestu and Lander? would be our 3rd and 4th line centre. Our strength is our depth at centre mixed with size and skill at the wing. Having RNH and McDavid at centre also helps shelter Drai. To me, a top 9 approach balanced with size and skill plays to our strengths better.

Lucic-McDavid-Yak
Pouliot-RNH-Eberle
Maroon-Drai-Pulju
Hendo-Letestu-Kassian/Pak

 

[Mr Positive]

I don't necessarily think there is a "one size fits all" approach. I mean, the Pens just won with 3 scoring lines. I think it's more about playing to your strengths.

If we load the top 6, then Letestu and Lander? would be our 3rd and 4th line centre. Our strength is our depth at centre mixed with size and skill at the wing. Having RNH and McDavid at centre also helps shelter Drai. To me, a top 9 approach balanced with size and skill plays to our strengths better.

Lucic-McDavid-Yak
Pouliot-RNH-Eberle
Maroon-Drai-Pulju
Hendo-Letestu-Kassian/Pak

You're right that we don't have ideal personnel to do the standard setup, and that's a huge problem with the forward core. If we go to that 3 center system, the RNH line will become the defacto 3rd line and will be buried statistically because of it. My ideal is that RNH and Draisaitl playing on the 2nd line together, with RNH helping out our young centers by playing with them. For 3C, we make a trade. Get a guy like Bozak or whoever would be good. That's another thing, we should have another right shot center. All the even strength minutes going to three left handed centers is a bad idea, not just for faceoffs but for setting up your lines right. Again, most successful teams do it this way. We aren't special enough to be an exception.

And no, until we prove we can play as well as the Penguins we should not be looking to duplicate their system and hope to win games that way. They have a group of fantastic elite veteran centers to make that work. If we try that, it will fail.

 

[snipes]

You're right that we don't have ideal personnel to do the standard setup, and that's a huge problem with the forward core. If we go to that 3 center system, the RNH line will become the defacto 3rd line and will be buried statistically because of it. My ideal is that RNH and Draisaitl playing on the 2nd line together, with RNH helping out our young centers by playing with them. For 3C, we make a trade. Get a guy like Bozak or whoever would be good. That's another thing, we should have another right shot center. All the even strength minutes going to three left handed centers is a bad idea, not just for faceoffs but for setting up your lines right. Again, most successful teams do it this way.

And no, until we prove we can play as well as the Penguins we should not be looking to duplicate their system and hope to win games that way. They have a group of fantastic elite veteran centers to make that work. If we try that, it will fail.

Well if we did use a top 9 approach, I doubt RNH would get "buried statistically" on the 3rd line. Essentially all 3 lines get huge minutes because you keep rolling those 3 lines. The 4th line gets very limited 5 v 5 time.

It's more about playing to our personnel and adapting to strengths. All good teams do that, not just in hockey. Heck, Bill Belichick is the master of this with the Patriots. Adapt your strategy to the personnel you have.

It's not about "duplicating their system" when I mentioned the Pens. It was more of a counterpoint saying it's not necessarily a one size fits all approach. It would be rigid thinking to believe we have to be constrained by a "top 6 and bottom 6" approach.

I do agree with you regarding adding another centre. If we had a good veteran centre who could play on the 3rd line and keep Letestu on the 4th, then I'm all for loading up the top 6. However, our current situation would result in Letestu bumping up to the 3rd line and probably Lander on the 4th. To me, that would be a mistake and we would be misusing our current roster.

 

[Mr Positive]

Well if we did use a top 9 approach, I doubt RNH would get "buried statistically" on the 3rd line. Essentially all 3 lines get huge minutes because you keep rolling those 3 lines. The 4th line gets very limited 5 v 5 time.

It's more about playing to our personnel and adapting to strengths. All good teams do that, not just in hockey. Heck, Bill Belichick is the master of this with Patriots. Adapt your strategy to the personnel you have.

It's not about "duplicating their system" when I mentioned the Pens. It was more of a counterpoint saying it's not necessarily a one size fits all approach. It would be rigid thinking to believe we have to be constrained by a "top 6 and bottom 6" approach.

I do agree with you regarding adding another centre. If we had a good veteran centre who could play on the 3rd line and keep Letestu on the 4th, then I'm all for loading up the top 6. However, our current situation would result in Letestu bumping up to the 3rd line and probably Lander on the 4th. To me, that would be a mistake and we would be misusing our current roster.

Idk, I could be wrong about the top 9 approach too. This is just reminding me of the MacT philosophy after we drafted Yakupov (him not GM at the time) and he kinda said that we would have so much offense that we wouldn't have to worry about defense. If we're talking about more balanced usage for everyone, I don't think our young centers are ready yet, much less our wingers. I'd prefer we just win the normal way at least at first, and it just makes sense to me to give these very, very young players an easier time with more offensively tilted usage.

My ideal would be something like this:

Scoring:
Lucic McDavid Yakupov (I prefer Ebs here but whatever)
RNH Draisaitl Eberle

Checking:
Pouliot (Bozak?) Maroon
Hendricks Letestu Kassian
Pakarinen/Khaira

But I guess that RNH as 3C will work. That's what McLellan did last year and it helped Draisaitl and Hall get their amazing run. Once RNH was injured, the Drai line got cold, and I think it's because Drai isn't ready for balanced usage.

When you look at how RNH got injured, that's exactly why I don't want him in that role. He blocked a shot off his wrist. He's a good two way player, but I would prefer to let him support snipers in an offensive role rather than throw his small frame in front of pucks. He's just not made for it, and it's a waste of a #1 overall talent.

 

[BB88]

I could see him developing it in the coming years once he's up in that 220+lbs range that he should easily hit. I'd expect to see that line in the coming years, but I'd be perfectly fine with Lucic-McDavid-Eberle for the next couple, especially if they can get some chemistry. Could easily see all 3 of Lucic, Eberle and McDavid flirt with 30 goals if that line clicks early on and if the power play is top 10 in the league.

I honestly can also envision Puljujarvi running the 2nd line in the future with Draisaitl similar to what Hall did. In my mind Puljujarvi can be the line puck carrier just like Hall was, and actually has more dominant physical tools if he develops properly.

We'll see if Pulju can click right off the bat with a guy like Drai or Nuge as his centre, and its entirely possible that we might never need to put him with McDavid at 5 on 5 regularly unless we're trying to tie up a game. Thats one of the main reasons I've never been as down as some fans at the loss of Hall, is because I envision Puljujarvi being the same type of player in terms of driving the play forward and carrying the puck.

My dream scenario right now for next year is to see Pulju start the season on a line with Dra.
I really hope he makes the team, makes it by earning it and showing he is ready, if not then AHL is fine.

The team and situation has turned 180, I look at the situation in Edmonton as pretty perfect for forward prospect to jump in, they can shelter him, while lining him up with another 3rd overall pick from few years ago.
They can give him easier minutes to develop his game, chance to play in offensive situations thanks to playing with highly skilled C and let him play his game, let him use his strenghts, confidence is everything for prospects.
He wouldn't be put in a role where he'd be asked to play with 4th liners, in a defensive role like Rantanen was last year, he was playing under 10mins per game with 4th liners who had no idea what to do with the puck, no icetime in special offensive situations.

I'm also guessing Puljus shot could be an asset for powerplay, they'd have a right handed shooter with a 100mph shot, while also bringing high level playmaking skills on the table.

Edit,
And I could see Pulju return the favour for Dra, give him a winger who has elite potential. Winger who works all over the ice giving 100% in every shift and who skates like Hall.
Pulju was the top possession player for Karpat last season.

I don't necessarily think there is a "one size fits all" approach. I mean, the Pens just won with 3 scoring lines. I think it's more about playing to your strengths.

If we load the top 6, then Letestu and Lander? would be our 3rd and 4th line centre. Our strength is our depth at centre mixed with size and skill at the wing. Having RNH and McDavid at centre also helps shelter Drai. To me, a top 9 approach balanced with size and skill plays to our strengths better.

Lucic-McDavid-Yak
Pouliot-RNH-Eberle
Maroon-Drai-Pulju
Hendo-Letestu-Kassian/Pak

Chicago also won the Cup with Sharp-Vermette-TT being their 3rd line, it was a difference maker against Tampa.

 

[McFlyingV]

You're right that we don't have ideal personnel to do the standard setup, and that's a huge problem with the forward core. If we go to that 3 center system, the RNH line will become the defacto 3rd line and will be buried statistically because of it. My ideal is that RNH and Draisaitl playing on the 2nd line together, with RNH helping out our young centers by playing with them. For 3C, we make a trade. Get a guy like Bozak or whoever would be good. That's another thing, we should have another right shot center. All the even strength minutes going to three left handed centers is a bad idea, not just for faceoffs but for setting up your lines right. Again, most successful teams do it this way. We aren't special enough to be an exception.

And no, until we prove we can play as well as the Penguins we should not be looking to duplicate their system and hope to win games that way. They have a group of fantastic elite veteran centers to make that work. If we try that, it will fail.

I don't understand the obsession with having different shot centres tbh. Pittsburgh has 3 left shot centres, Anaheim has 3 right shot centres (when Rakell plays centre).

Its not even about trying to mimic Pittsburgh because thats not what we'd be doing. Pittsburgh doesn't really play a size skill mix in their top 9, they play a speed game. Our team has shown in the past that we struggle against the western conference when we play all our smaller skilled guys on the same lines, so the 3 centre approach is more about spreading the size out to make our skilled guys more effective.

If you stack the top 6 you're looking at:

Lucic-McDavid-Eberle (sure that works, McDavid works with anyone and Lucic gives the line some size).

Pouliot-Nuge-Draisaitl (size is alright I suppose, no real physical or huge puck protection monsters though. Drai probably will be in his prime but he still has some serious strength he need to put on to dominate in that regard)

Maroon-???-Puljujarvi/Yak (well we'd have to give up assets to even get the centre you suggest, and Yakupov really isn't well suited for playing with a big cycle guy and a centre with average skill level and Puljujarvi being thrown into a grinder role doesn't seem ideal for him building confidence and developing proper).

To me the approach of running our 3 centres at their natural positions seems better because it allows us to keep 2 skilled players on each line, as well as a bigger complementary piece that has proven capable in a top 9 role. Also are we even sure that Draisaitl is better suited at wing? He played about 5 or 6 games there and produced extremely well, but that is about as small of a sample size as you could have, and he's also our best face-off guy of the 3, wouldn't we rather let him develop in his natural position and continue to improve his face-offs?

 

[Mr Positive]

I don't understand the obsession with having different shot centres tbh. Pittsburgh has 3 left shot centres, Anaheim has 3 right shot centres (when Rakell plays centre).

Its not even about trying to mimic Pittsburgh because thats not what we'd be doing. Pittsburgh doesn't really play a size skill mix in their top 9, they play a speed game. Our team has shown in the past that we struggle against the western conference when we play all our smaller skilled guys on the same lines, so the 3 centre approach is more about spreading the size out to make our skilled guys more effective.

If you stack the top 6 you're looking at:

Lucic-McDavid-Eberle (sure that works, McDavid works with anyone and Lucic gives the line some size).

Pouliot-Nuge-Draisaitl (size is alright I suppose, no real physical or huge puck protection monsters though. Drai probably will be in his prime but he still has some serious strength he need to put on to dominate in that regard)

Maroon-???-Puljujarvi/Yak (well we'd have to give up assets to even get the centre you suggest, and Yakupov really isn't well suited for playing with a big cycle guy and a centre with average skill level and Puljujarvi being thrown into a grinder role doesn't seem ideal for him building confidence and developing proper).

To me the approach of running our 3 centres at their natural positions seems better because it allows us to keep 2 skilled players on each line, as well as a bigger complementary piece that has proven capable in a top 9 role. Also are we even sure that Draisaitl is better suited at wing? He played about 5 or 6 games there and produced extremely well, but that is about as small of a sample size as you could have, and he's also our best face-off guy of the 3, wouldn't we rather let him develop in his natural position and continue to improve his face-offs?

the handedness is not the major issue. It's not insignificant, but at least with Pittsburgh they have established, elite, veteran centers to make up for lots of different deficiencies and are better equipped to handle tougher assignments because they are in their primes and loads of experience to fall back on. We are a young team. Our team is inconsistent. The handedness factor is just one factor of many that we have to overcome. My main point is that we want Drai and McDavid to get easier assignments for even strength while they are young.

You do have a good point about having the right role players for the right lines. That doesn't trump the facts about our centers though. If we did make a major trade like Yakupov for instance (not a stretch), then it would actually balance the roster to the complementary relationships you are talking about. Maroon or Pouliot could be on the 2nd line, with Draisaitl on RW, sharing the center spot with RNH.

 

[McFlyingV]

the handedness is not the major issue. It's not insignificant, but at least with Pittsburgh they have established, elite, veteran centers to make up for lots of different deficiencies and are better equipped to handle tougher assignments because they are in their primes and loads of experience to fall back on. We are a young team. Our team is inconsistent. The handedness factor is just one factor of many that we have to overcome. My main point is that we want Drai and McDavid to get easier assignments for even strength while they are young.

You do have a good point about having the right role players for the right lines. That doesn't trump the facts about our centers though. If we did make a major trade like Yakupov for instance (not a stretch), then it would actually balance the roster to the complementary relationships you are talking about. Maroon or Pouliot could be on the 2nd line, with Draisaitl on RW, sharing the center spot with RNH.

Fair enough, to me the only reason I would see us wanting a RH centre is for the PP because our 2 biggest shots from the point (Klefbom and Davidson) are LH shots. Not that it really matters though, McDavid will be running the 1st PP regardless of any RH centres that could be brought in, and likewise with Nuge or Draisaitl on the 2nd PP.

I don't think anyone's willing to give up much of anything for Yakupov and that means we'd likely be better off just keeping him and trying to fit him in a spot where he can succeed (whether thats 30 points in a sheltered role or 50 in a bigger role).

I'll agree that Drai could use some easier assignments, although we'll see how his consistency looks this season. He's already almost 21 and his consistency should just continue to improve. There were numerous nights where he outplayed guys like Kopitar, Toews, Carter, Getzlaf etc. last year, but then there were also nights where he looked completely off. I'd like to keep him at centre so he can work on his 2-way game as I think he has the potential to be a 2-way beast in the future, as well as his face-offs, another area I think he could dominate in with more experience.

As for McDavid. Trying to find him sheltered minutes imo is pointless. He's going to be the targeted player on the road every single game and even at home I'm not 100% convinced that Todd will try to hide him from other teams best lines. He's going to have 2 very good wingers in Lucic and Eberle (assuming thats who he plays with) that will help him succeed, and in reality he's already one of the best players in the league and will only get better. Crosby and Malkin didn't need sheltering in Pittsburgh when they were 19, 20, 21, and I really doubt McDavid will be any different. He seemed to do just fine last year without sheltering, and he's only going to get better in every facet of his game.

 

[McFlyingV]

My dream scenario right now for next year is to see Pulju start the season on a line with Dra.
I really hope he makes the team, makes it by earning it and showing he is ready, if not then AHL is fine.

The team and situation has turned 180, I look at the situation in Edmonton as pretty perfect for forward prospect to jump in, they can shelter him, while lining him up with another 3rd overall pick from few years ago.
They can give him easier minutes to develop his game, chance to play in offensive situations thanks to playing with highly skilled C and let him play his game, let him use his strenghts, confidence is everything for prospects.
He wouldn't be put in a role where he'd be asked to play with 4th liners, in a defensive role like Rantanen was last year, he was playing under 10mins per game with 4th liners who had no idea what to do with the puck, no icetime in special offensive situations.

I'm also guessing Puljus shot could be an asset for powerplay, they'd have a right handed shooter with a 100mph shot, while also bringing high level playmaking skills on the table.

Edit,
And I could see Pulju return the favour for Dra, give him a winger who has elite potential, elite offensive potential. Winger who works all over the ice giving 100% in every shift and who skates like Hall.
Pulju was the top possession player for Karpat last season.



Chicago also won the Cup with Sharp-Vermette-TT being their 3rd line, it was a difference maker against Tampa.

I can definitely see Pulju getting a bunch of pp time this year, likely on the 2nd unit on the left half wall with Nuge set up on the right one. If he excels in that position I could even see him overtaking Eberle in that spot as the year goes on, but we'll have to wait and see in that regard. I think one other option for him is playing with Nuge and Pouliot instead of Drai because I think Yakupov fits better with Draisaitl than Nuge. I also think it would compliment Nuge's game a lot playing with those 2. Nuge's biggest asset is his IQ and his playmaking, but he's also a great skater and good forechecker. Where he suffers a bit is in board battles where he can't consistently win them on his own, and he lacks elite finishing ability despite him possessing a good deceptive wrist shot. Thats where Pouliot and Puljujarvi come in. It gives him 2 big, fast possession players, both with good shots. The other benefit with that line is you'd have a pretty good 2-way line in the making as all 3 of those players are committed to being defensively responsible.

However it shakes down, Puljujarvi will be put into a good spot in an offensive role to succeed. I'm quite excited to see him in camp and to see what he can do this year.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

The issue isn't so much starting Pulju at the NHL level, I'm sure he could start at the #3RW, but why?

A bit like Nurse this past year, sure he could survive on the bottom pairing, but was barely keeping his head above water really the best thing for him?

Let Pulju get consistent big minutes in the AHL. Odds are he's going to take time to adjust to NA ice, so give him that time where he can still play big minutes. Just because he can take a lower role in the NHL, doesn't mean that's best for him in order to develop into a high impact player, which is ultimately what you what.


Plus you've already got two RW'ers on the team that should get/need favourable offencively minutes to be effective, adding a third is going to be overkill.

 

[BB88]

I can definitely see Pulju getting a bunch of pp time this year, likely on the 2nd unit on the left half wall with Nuge set up on the right one. If he excels in that position I could even see him overtaking Eberle in that spot as the year goes on, but we'll have to wait and see in that regard. I think one other option for him is playing with Nuge and Pouliot instead of Drai because I think Yakupov fits better with Draisaitl than Nuge. I also think it would compliment Nuge's game a lot playing with those 2. Nuge's biggest asset is his IQ and his playmaking, but he's also a great skater and good forechecker. Where he suffers a bit is in board battles where he can't consistently win them on his own, and he lacks elite finishing ability despite him possessing a good deceptive wrist shot. Thats where Pouliot and Puljujarvi come in. It gives him 2 big, fast possession players, both with good shots. The other benefit with that line is you'd have a pretty good 2-way line in the making as all 3 of those players are committed to being defensively responsible.

However it shakes down, Puljujarvi will be put into a good spot in an offensive role to succeed. I'm quite excited to see him in camp and to see what he can do this year.

Yep, there's 3 great options, nice situation to work with.
I went back to listen post draft comments/development camp comments and the feeling I definitely get is that they see Pulju as NHL ready.

I believe NHL style fits better for Pulju than Karpats style, don't know how often I got frustated when Pulju was ready to fly through the neutral zone but no one was giving him the puck, killed his biggest asset.

Maybe RNH could be a good C for him at some point of the season, atleast how you describe him. But if he is playing heavy minutes I wouldn't test Pulju with RNH right away.

The issue isn't so much starting Pulju at the NHL level, I'm sure he could start at the #3RW, but why?

A bit like Nurse this past year, sure he could survive on the bottom pairing, but was barely keeping his head above water really the best thing for him?

Let Pulju get consistent big minutes in the AHL. Odds are he's going to take time to adjust to NA ice, so give him that time where he can still play big minutes. Just because he can take a lower role in the NHL, doesn't mean that's best for him in order to develop into a high impact player, which is ultimately what you what.


Plus you've already got two RW'ers on the team that should get/need favourable offencively minutes to be effective, adding a third is going to be overkill.

I know it's small sample size but Pulju has looked dominating in the 2 NA tourneys I have seen him in, WJC 2015 and U18 this year.
I think he's going to surprise many on how he looks in the pre season.

 

[HockeyHistorian]

Personally I feel that the faster the game is the better Puljujärvi plays relative to competition. He has such great instincts and quick reactions.