Prospect Info: Leon Draisaitl: Memorial Cup MVP

[KidAnger]

More like a week actually, but he's been arguably our best player in that time. No matter who he's played with, and the fact that he's played every game (please correct me if I'm wrong on that, as I may be) shows to me that he's ready. He's also showed some nice chemistry with McDavid, and been solid as a RW while still being stellar on the dot.

He's played every game he could possibly play - missing only the split squad game against Calgary. (He's good, but not 2 places at once good)

 

[LTIR]

More like a week actually, but he's been arguably our best player in that time. No matter who he's played with, and the fact that he's played every game (please correct me if I'm wrong on that, as I may be) shows to me that he's ready. He's also showed some nice chemistry with McDavid, and been solid as a RW while still being stellar on the dot.

Nope not a week ..a day..
After the WPG game friday many here were writing him off as NHL ready and 24hrs later he is the preseason MVP..

The truth is somewhere in the middle.

 

[McBooya42]

Nope not a week ..a day..
After the WPG game friday many here were writing him off as NHL ready and 24hrs later he is the preseason MVP..

The truth is somewhere in the middle.

Going by this thread (which is where you made your comment), it went from the 18th to yesterday - 8 days.

 

[Aceboogie]

More than ready, however might start slow

 

[TheGuyInTheChair]

Memorial Cup MVP
Preseason MVP

What's next for Leon?

 

[AM]

I disagree with your assessment of his development in the NHL, but so be it. What I will say though is that it's a cliché to say the NHL is not a development league. It is and always will be in the sense that virtually every young player steps into the league with lots to learn.

In Draisailt's case it is adjusting to the pace of the game and to the space you have to make plays. In that respect the AHL is not the NHL so regardless of when he makes the jump that learning curve will be in front of him.

You're splitting hairs. The NHL isnt a development league based on the main goal is to win games as opposed to developing players to go onto a better league.

Seeing as there is no better league, the only way your thought works is if you are implying the NHL is developing players for the national teams.

Something Katz would probably not agree with.

 

[Quality Oil]

Memorial Cup MVP
Preseason MVP

What's next for Leon?

Team Germany World Championship MVP.

 

[UnrefinedCrude]

You're splitting hairs. The NHL isnt a development league based on the main goal is to win games as opposed to developing players to go onto a better league.

Seeing as there is no better league, the only way your thought works is if you are implying the NHL is developing players for the national teams.

Something Katz would probably not agree with.

You are nitpicking here. I agree the NHL isn't a "development league" as it's primary function isn't to develop players or other leagues.

But players indeed develop in the NHL, in fact I would suggest every single player, who makes it and finally sticks, finishes his development in the NHL.

 

[SupremeTeam16]

You're splitting hairs. The NHL isnt a development league based on the main goal is to win games as opposed to developing players to go onto a better league.

Seeing as there is no better league, the only way your thought works is if you are implying the NHL is developing players for the national teams.

Something Katz would probably not agree with.

Most guys aren't the same player ten years into their career that they we're in year one of their careers. They develop and learn and get better at least the good ones do. Even the best players in the world are constantly evolving and developing areas they might be weak in.

Draisaitl is as ready as he is going to be. I mean 40 games in the AHL isn't going to hurt him but he looks confident and ready so far and as long as he is properly supported and put in a position to succeed he can make that jump.

 

[dustrock]

Nope not a week ..a day..
After the WPG game friday many here were writing him off as NHL ready and 24hrs later he is the preseason MVP..

The truth is somewhere in the middle.

Very true. But a great performance less than 24 hours since the last game.

 

[McOvechking]

A year older, experience playing in the AHL, less pressure on being asked to play as a top 6/9 center, and a competent head coach.

I think Draisaitl will be way more successful this year as compared to last year.

 

[Da McBomb]

I predict Draisaitl to outscore Bennett this year

 

[Sweetpotato]

I predict Draisaitl to outscore Bennett this year

He could outscore his entire draft class and Bennett/Nylander/Reinhart would still be seen as better

 

[dustrock]

I predict Draisaitl to outscore Bennett this year

Possible. It doesn't matter to me so long as he helps us win.

 

[Beerfish]

I think he was slotted to be sent down this year but he seems to be forcing his way on to the team with not only good play but consistent play.

 

[Spawn]

I think he was slotted to be sent down this year but he seems to be forcing his way on to the team with not only good play but consistent play.

He really does. I was skeptical he'd make it this year, but he's been much better than he was last training camp. Based on what we've seen right now, I donno how you can't have him in the top 9. Looking forward to seeing if he can keep it up once teams start dressing more complete rosters.

 

[MoneyGuy]

I haven't watched any preseason games and I'm not he's a better player than McDavid but some reporters are saying that Drai has outplayed McDavid so far. If he's as good as has been reported, how can you send him down?

 

[Aceboogie]

I haven't watched any preseason games and I'm not he's a better player than McDavid but some reporters are saying that Drai has outplayed McDavid so far. If he's as good as has been reported, how can you send him down?

Not really. Hes been in more games and looked good in all but 1. McDavid has been in 2 games, 1 was his first ever and pretty nervous. The 2nd he was clearly better.

Drasaitl has exceeded expectations and been a top player, but not as good.

If they are both in next game, well see a clear gap

 

[doulos]

One player is fighting to make the team and the other is on cruise control and knows he's a lock. No surprise that Draisaitl is showing well.

I have to laugh when media are stating that McDavid has not been dominant. He's looked awfully good, has 3 assists in 2 games, and barely looks like he's breaking a sweat. In preseason mode. Scary.

 

[Jimmi McJenkins]

One player is fighting to make the team and the other is on cruise control and knows he's a lock. No surprise that Draisaitl is showing well.

I have to laugh when media are stating that McDavid has not been dominant. He's looked awfully good, has 3 assists in 2 games, and barely looks like he's breaking a sweat. In preseason mode. Scary.

Yeah, it really does look surprisingly easy to him, plus, he's looked good in his own zone, which is just a big plus.

 

[Crabapple]

One player is fighting to make the team and the other is on cruise control and knows he's a lock. No surprise that Draisaitl is showing well.

I don't think McDavid is the type of player to ever go on cruise control. Especially at his first NHL training camp

 

[Bryanbryoil]

Leon is doing what Leon does best, I am so glad that management picked him over Bennett, one of the few things that MacT did right IMO.

 

[McDeathbyCheerios*]

Leon is doing what Leon does best, I am so glad that management picked him over Bennett, one of the few things that MacT did right IMO.

Absolutely. Bennett is good don't get me wrong, but Leon to me I just...he has that extra something

 

[Aceboogie]

Leon is doing what Leon does best, I am so glad that management picked him over Bennett, one of the few things that MacT did right IMO.

I agree too. When the pick was made I supported it because LD was picked for need. My thought process was Bennett is BPA and more likely to be better, however LD fits a massive need. Bennett would just be more of the same. Bennett had isnane hype and LDs kind of wore down because of Eakins affect. However he went down to WHL and destroyed CHL and then looked good in preseason

Now after their training camps Im not convinced at all Bennett is better. i think Drasaitl is better right now and will be better. His hockey IQ is off the charts and his physical tools like skating and puck protection is only getting better. He keeps adding small little things to his game, so I dont think we should expect to see the best of him till 3 or 4 years down the road

I think theyll be similar in their NHL careers, however LD is exact fit for this team.

 

[doulos]

I don't think McDavid is the type of player to ever go on cruise control. Especially at his first NHL training camp

I doubt he would do it intentionally, but I don't believe for a second that any players, aside from the pure bubble players, are playing anywhere near their best. Including McDavid. Too difficult to get fully 'up' for a preseason game unless a job is on the line.