Gonna grade players based on my expectations for them this season let me know what you guys think. (Just because a grade is higher then another it doesn’t not mean that player is better just that I feel they are performing better to what I expected out of them this season so far.
#1- Although he hasn't been given a ton of opportunity he seems to be regressing. With him being a 4th year player:
C
#4 looks to have lots of potential. Earned the role over vellaris for the most part being a training camp signing. Exceeded my expectations just lacks confidence and seems scared at times.
A-
6 will not grade, not fair with the trade and travel. Looks to be very simple steady d man with better skill than I thought.
7- elite offence more so then I thought of him being more a 2 way guy. Lacks compete and urgency at times.
B+
8- What a steal. Elite shot, great speed, heavy body. Lazy on the track most often and poor d zone awareness keeping him from a A+++
A
9- plays hard,doesn’t cheat the game, leader all expected from him. more production then expected despite a slow January.
B+
10- 200ft player, good stick, hard on pucks. Good offensive awareness. Expected out of a main commit
B
11- really turned up his offensive play. When he chooses to take over he can. For McGowan it’s all about when does he choose to put the effort in and when does he take shifts off. When he wants it this kid takes the ice over and lays punishing hits. Extremely impressed with his jump from last season I just wish they could get this kid to care more.
A
12- another steal. To think barrie cut this kid to start the year. Finishes every check, good PK, has scored some big goals. Knows his role and executes it (team player)
A+
14- again not gonna grade. Kid must be gassed from world juniors trade and road trip. wasn’t big on his games this weekend with how much we gave up for him
15- getting some more production out of him. Being his last year to sign with Buffalo I expected way more compete and physicality. Still wants to make soft skilled plays. Way too many turnovers caused by soft selfish plays. This team needs him to buy in to the team not his stats.
C+
17- great pick up out of junior a. Plays hard finishes checks has produced a bit on the fourth line
B+
22- can see the potential, for a second round pick I’d like to see a bit more despite his lack of opportunity
C
27- big jump playing more minutes then ever. Playing very well offensively. Has struggled at times with his d zone shares but a massive improvement from last year
A
31 wont comment yet till after this weekend
41- wasn’t a massive fan last year. Taken a step as the captain of this team plays hard offensive game has grown has had a scoring touch recently. Playing a insane amount of minutes the past month without letting his game take a fall.
A
43- the future of this franchise. Not saying he will be George but I see some of that 16 year old confidence and swagger similarities in them. Very exited for his future
A+
44- Diving infront of pucks, wins way more puck battles than he should being so small amazing gap and transition game. The definition of a competitor. offensive game still hasn’t taken the next step but isn’t killing offensive plays like we saw at times last year
B+
47- 5th rounder good skill could see him breaking out into a 40-50 point player years to come Playing with more pace and grit latley
B+
68- love his game great addition he’s a real gamer
88- had an great start. Turning over way to many pucks playing way to selfish I still see him as the same player as last year
Amazing hands and puck skills.
B-
91 - another great start plays the right way. Very responsible 200ft game. As a fourth overall pick In his second year I have high expectations but starting to accept he may be more of a reliable Patrice Bergeron type player than your typical 4th overall hi octane skilled forward.
B+
92- has had his moments competes hard on pucks but I am not seeing much improvement in his game from last year
C+
93 taking the next step on pace for almost 100 points . Really feel like he’s the most consistent forward we have every night. Good speed great shot very good long range passer. 200ft player
A
all about OHL success.
