OT: MN High School Hockey Thread
- Thread starter gopherman23
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TaLoN
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Dr Jan Itor
Registered User
Dr Jan Itor
Registered User
Minnewildsota
He who laughs last thinks slowest
- Jun 7, 2010
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Dr Jan Itor
Registered User
I'm going to say no here, pretty sure vanek was tearing up the ushl at 16, don't think the kid is at that level.
TaLoN
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TaLoN
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Just because he's in hs doesn't mean he's not that level. They can play both leagues these days. Go to the USHL after the HS season is over. Cullen's son Brooks is with the national development program when not in hs.
Edit: Just looked it up for Blake Vanek, he's also with the USND program when not in hs.
It used to be an either/or situation... not anymore. You can do both.
Mason Kraft is with the Sioux Falls Stampede in the USHL when not in hs.
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Dr Jan Itor
Registered User
I think he's just talking about translating the stats between the two leagues. Like, if he was capable of doing in the USHL what T. Vanek did back in the day, then he'd probably be a ~120 point HS player. Or something to that effect.
TaLoN
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I don't think it's that simple myself. I'll trust the scouts on this one.
Blake Wheeler was at or near Vanek's level, he topped out at 89pts in hs.
He just isn't as good and there is no harm in saying so, Thomas was insanely good. Two seasons above ppg in the ushl at 16 and 17, then dominating college for 62 points in his draft year.
Dr Jan Itor
Registered User
I have not read a single thing from a scout. I just found out there was a Vanek on the team 2 hours ago.
Wheeler was weird. Great in HS, mediocre in college, a 'fine' start to the NHL and then blew up right as he approached 30 years old.
TaLoN
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Which is my point. Each player develops on their own schedule is all. You can see the tools that show the potential. Trying to guess when/ if that potential is realized is the tough part. Blake by all accounts has better hands than his dad, and clearly is a better skater... that gives him tools to "possibly" be better than his dad. Will that be the result? Only time will tell.
Im not sure about the hands part. TV had insane skill. His vision and especially his patience were sublime
TaLoN
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Thomas himself said his son has far better hands than he had as a player. The scouts have said the same. I'm just passing along what they've been saying.
I'll say this... watching the tournament... Vanek does look good. That said, if I had to bet on the player who will have the best career? I'd bet on Mason Kraft right now. This kid looks SPECIAL!
I looked around and couldn't find much, any idea where the scouts rank him? I think I saw he was eligible for the 2025 draft but don't see him listed in the first couple of rounds of rankings.
Thomas went #5 overall in the absolutely loaded 2003 draft so why I said not on the same level.
TaLoN
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I'm aware of Vanek's history. I think they are talking about his level when he peaks. They're saying he could end up better than his father which is why I pointed out that every player develops differently.
Faber wasn't thought to be at his current level going into the draft, but he'd probably be the first D taken in a redraft at this point.
Curious where you are seeing this. Agreed on Kraft but I think West will be the best NHLer in the group due to his size, motor and athletic upside
TaLoN
Red 5 standing by
On the tournament broadcasts, they've been talking to scouts during intermission to get backgrounds and potential futures. (For all i know they're just audience pandering and full of shit, but scouting isn't a science either, with 17yros, who the hell knows?)
Very possible on West. His size helps for sure.
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West looked pretty darn good yesterday, kid is a beast and he can fly. Haven't seen the vanek kid yet but I see he has a big 6'4 frame.
