Prospect Info: Liam Ohgren LW, 19th Overall, 2022 NHL Draft

[Circulartheory]

I thin k that we are underestimating how difficult it is to have a career like MoJo's, which has been long and relatively distinguished. At the age of 20, Ohgran had 2 pts. MJ, 27. Age 21, MJ 46 pts. Ohgren isn't even a sure thing to make the team.

Agree on this point and very much prepared for him to go to Iowa. I'm in the position that the NHL isn't a great place to develop offensive skills - its a place to polish the rough edges and become efficient within a team system. So while he could play on the 4th line, it'll also be nice to play top line minutes in the AHL to get some goal scoring experience.

But I'm more arguing that stylistically, they are very distinct. One's a speedy one-dimensional player,, the other is a slower but stronger powerforward with a shot first mentality and play in the dirty areas.

 

[MNRube]

I disagree with the overstatement. I think the differences in their game make distinctively players than the skating styles make by similar. And both being Swedish.

They are both straight-line skaters, sure. But Ohgren is much stronger, plays a power game, is noticeable strong along the boards, willing to set up in front of the net, will shoot from any angle, has a very powerful shot. Can play both PP and PK.

All the things MoJo can't do.

Their playstyles are obviously completely different, but they both have a hunched over style of skating that is similar. Doesn’t need to be more complicated than that. People on this board have been saying that for years

 

[Circulartheory]

Their playstyles are obviously completely different, but they both have a hunched over style of skating that is similar. Doesn’t need to be more complicated than that. People on this board have been saying that for years

Oh I agree with this 100%. I think it's a simple as similar skating and Swedish. That's as far and as complicated the comparable goes.

 

[BerthMania]

On DailyFaceoff Ohgren isn't in the NHL lineup anymore. So he'll play in the AHL to start the season?

 

[AKL]

On DailyFaceoff Ohgren isn't in the NHL lineup anymore. So he'll play in the AHL to start the season?

Unless I missed something, he's still with the team, though it seems like he'll probably start in Iowa still. I think he'll be the first call up if they need a top 9 guy.

 

[Obvious Fabertism]

On DailyFaceoff Ohgren isn't in the NHL lineup anymore. So he'll play in the AHL to start the season?

Still two preseason games to go and he is with the main roster still so nothing definitive at this time. He could very easily have a good game and knock MarJo to the 4th and Freddy to the popcorn machine, but it’s reasonably likely he is down in IA to start until they want a change.

 

[Eye of Ra]

How did he look in the 4 nhl games?

 

[Puhis]

How did he look in the 4 nhl games?

He's played 4th line minutes and has been mostly forgettable, sadly. Not bad, mind; just failing to really stand out. I was watching yesterday's game vs. Florida from start of 2nd and it took real concentration to figure out that yes, it is indeed Öhgren on that line.

As to why that is? Could be multiple reasons. Training camp was only okay, talks of him thinking about his game too much and as such playing slower surfacing. Also, NHL isn't an easy league to just jump into; he had some games last spring but this is the start of what should be his first full season. Obviously there's pressure, too, as well as getting used to a new environment. Maybe his expectations were different and he's just caught in a difficult situation, unable to find his rhythm. In any case, that's all speculation.

I don't think NHL is necessarily a bad place for him to be in right now. Iowa (our AHL affiliate) is struggling, while we're soaring so far. He's learning things every game, surrounded by experienced teammates and compatriots who are most likely helping him along. Obviously 4th line minutes ain't great in the long run, but ultimately the onus is on him to elevate his game and earn those bigger minutes.

To conclude: I'd say not terrible, not even bad, just below expectations. Check back in a few games, though.

 

[57special]

A work in progress. Good news is that he doesn't look outmatched tools wise. His speed and physicality, while not outstanding, is good enough for the league. I think more experience will lead to him processing things better and faster, which will help his overall game.

He's flashed a good shot a couple of times, and made a couple of nice passes.

On the negative side, he has either whiffed on, or fumbled passes numerous times. I don't think he was known for that before this, so I am assuming that will get fixed, but it's definitely a trait that is noticeable right now. He and Trenin are neck and neck as to who is the clumsiest with the puck on the team.

 

[Minnesota]

I could see him taking a couple of years to hit his stride, similar to Ek.

 

[Circulartheory]

I could see him taking a couple of years to hit his stride, similar to Ek.

That's why I'm not disappointed bc it's well with range of my expectations.

Despite being his biggest fan, he isn't an overly skill player nor a line driver. He's a responsible powerforward with a dangerous shot, much like JEE. These types usually take some time massaging their way into the NHL. They learn through repetition and experience.

However, to piggy back on the other thread, I also wouldn't be against him going to Iowa. Nothing against his game - but I think putting him in a place where he can experiment, takes more risks and push his boundaries offensive could be help longterm. With some experience doing that, he can return to the NHL then finetune/polish his game.

 

[57special]

I think he will be Marcus Johansson with less speed and a better shot

 

[DANOZ28]

I could see him taking a couple of years to hit his stride, similar to Ek.

JEE changed my judgement of giving players with talent & skill time to develop and learn the pro game. i believe ohgren can turn into a 20G scorer with time, not unlimited of coarse. if he struggles send him down to iowa like rossi.

 

[thestonedkoala]

JEE changed my judgement of giving players with talent & skill time to develop and learn the pro game. i believe ohgren can turn into a 20G scorer with time, not unlimited of coarse. if he struggles send him down to iowa like rossi.

JEE's development was only stagnated because he had Staal and Koivu to compete with and Koivu should have been dropped down a line. I think Ohgren should be in the AHL at the moment honestly.