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Prospect Info: Official 2014 NHL Draft Discussion, Suck for Sam or Play Bad For Ekblad?

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Reinhart, Nylander or Draisaitl this years, McDavid (which is impossible) next year ... yup we'd be in good shape then.

I totally agree what this team needs is top end scoring talent ...
 
mike14 said:
Assuming you meant Crawford instead of Neimi? However the fact that the Hawks have managed 2 cups with what I would consider 'average' NHL goal tending helps show that a good goalie getting hot is likely to be just as good as an excellent goalie playing to standard, but it gives you more room in the cap to bolster other areas.

To look at it another way:
Crawford v Rask - winning team had the 'lesser' goalie
Quick v Brodeur - 2 very good goalies (one a HHOF player on the way out)
Thomas v Loungo - I'd have Thomas pegged as the 'lesser' goalie if you are talking careers
Niemi v Leighton - average vs less than average, again showing that you don't need a brilliant goalie
MAF v Osgood - both good goalies with some obvious flaws

Of that list, Lou is the best goalie (not counting Brodeur at this point of his career) right now, although Quick could surpass him. Regardless, you don't need a top 3 goalie to playoff for the cup, you need a well balanced side and if you cut a few corners with the G position it probably won't bite you in the arse as much as else where in the roster
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Career wise those classifications might be right, but on their ways to the cup (or finals), the play of most goalies was very good to exceptional. Without such level of play their teams don't make it. Sure you can be lucky and your average goalie has a good run, but the chances are much better with a truly good goalie.

Of course in the end your team needs to be great to win the cup, but you won't win anything if your goalie plays sub par in the playoffs.
 
The way to look at it is how much money were those goalies making as a cap hit relative to the rest of the team. I believe Thomas was the highest paid. The rest if the post lockout goalies that won the cup did not eat up a big percentage of the team's salary cap
 
NYRFAN88 said:
Reinhart, Nylander or Draisaitl this years, McDavid (which is impossible) next year ... yup we'd be in good shape then.

I totally agree what this team needs is top end scoring talent ...
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In terms of Swedish forwards I might like Karlsson over Nylander. Also, Sam Bennett is growing on me.
 
Savant said:
The way to look at it is how much money were those goalies making as a cap hit relative to the rest of the team. I believe Thomas was the highest paid. The rest if the post lockout goalies that won the cup did not eat up a big percentage of the team's salary cap
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Exactly, if Crawford was making $7M (an example) I would rather have a truly elite goalie (Hank) for a little more. It's all about getting a goalie that will handicap the team the least.
 
KreidertheGlider said:
Exactly, if Crawford was making $7M (an example) I would rather have a truly elite goalie (Hank) for a little more. It's all about getting a goalie that will handicap the team the least.
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For the record, Crawford's cap hit last year was 2.667ish
 
What's more likely, an average/cheap goalie getting hot in the playoffs and carrying a team, or an average/cheap forward doing the same? Also, is the drop off in skill/performance more from a $8m player to a $3m player in the net or up front?

Bottom line, it is next to impossible to ice a balanced, deep roster with 12% of the cap sitting between the pipes.
 
Can we just suck for two year so we can get Reinhart and McDaivd pls

McDavis - Reinhart - Stepan would be an insane center depth.

tank tank tank tank tank tank tank tank boom
 
Synergy27 said:
What's more likely, an average/cheap goalie getting hot in the playoffs and carrying a team, or an average/cheap forward doing the same? Also, is the drop off in skill/performance more from a $8m player to a $3m player in the net or up front?

Bottom line, it is next to impossible to ice a balanced, deep roster with 12% of the cap sitting between the pipes.
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I agree, and I hope Lundqvist recognizes this, is willing to leave money on the table, and re-signs. The Jets went through this with Darelle Revis (though Lundqvist is infinitely more likeable). You need offensive firepower (talking like 6 guys who can put up 40+ points). Especially so in the playoffs when one or two go down with injuries.
 
Was watching the u18 highlights of McDavid. Yes, he's pretty much going to be the next superstar. Can dangle the puck like Kovalchuk. He makes plays all over the ice.
 
mike14 said:
Assuming you meant Crawford instead of Neimi? However the fact that the Hawks have managed 2 cups with what I would consider 'average' NHL goal tending helps show that a good goalie getting hot is likely to be just as good as an excellent goalie playing to standard, but it gives you more room in the cap to bolster other areas.
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Great point. On some level, NHL goalies are a bit like NFL running backs. Very good is "good enough" - you just don't need great. Locking up so much salary in a position that requires B+ performance is not the best strategy. The caveat being, you can't win consistently with C+ performers (Pitt and Philly can attest). Find a solid goalie for under $5 mil and use the $3-4 mil leftover for a 50 pt player or spend $7-8 on an elite player.
 
Figured I'd give this a bump.

Nikolaj Ehlers should be on our radar. Absolutely tearing up the Q as a first year player.
 
I Eat Crow said:
Figured I'd give this a bump.

Nikolaj Ehlers should be on our radar. Absolutely tearing up the Q as a first year player.
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And, you also drafted his father - http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=1618

Why not keep up the traditon?

Btw, his father was the first EVER Dane to be drafted.. Was invited over, but declined and stayed in Europe.

Heinz moved to Switzerland and played, later coached. This means Nikolaj grew up in Switzerland and played most of his life there breaking a few records on the way.

One of, if not THE youngest to score in a competitive NLA match as a 16 year old.

Played in the same Swiss Jr. League as Sven Bärtschi, with very comparable numbers.

Has always been a point leader in the league he plays :)

Article about Ehlers:

http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/jr...olaj-ehlers-halifax-mooseheads-181505777.html
 
ImGoingNucks said:
And, you also drafted his father - http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=1618

Why not keep up the traditon?

Btw, his father was the first EVER Dane to be drafted.. Was invited over, but declined and stayed in Europe.

Heinz moved to Switzerland and played, later coached. This means Nikolaj grew up in Switzerland and played most of his life there breaking a few records on the way.

One of, if not THE youngest to score in a competitive NLA match as a 16 year old.

Played in the same Swiss Jr. League as Sven Bärtschi, with very comparable numbers.

Has always been a point leader in the league he plays :)

Article about Ehlers:

http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/jr...olaj-ehlers-halifax-mooseheads-181505777.html
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We know Sather loves the legacy guys.

In November it's tougher to project what range the Rangers will be drafting in so harder to zero in on players. Just when I start getting excited about Sam Bennett the Rangers go one a win streak. Go figure. What range do you think Ehlers is picked? Top 15 lock?
 
Savant said:
We know Sather loves the legacy guys.

In November it's tougher to project what range the Rangers will be drafting in so harder to zero in on players. Just when I start getting excited about Sam Bennett the Rangers go one a win streak. Go figure. What range do you think Ehlers is picked? Top 15 lock?
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It's hard to say, the 14 draft is looking a lot deeper than first anticipated.

But I would say top 25 lock, with a possibility to go anywhere from late 1st to top 10.

Ive seen predictions go from early 2nd round to top 9.

He was an unknown prospect before coming over, the media only just started noticing him. But if he keeps his current form up, it would not be out of bounce to say top 15 lock.

But as you know, it's hockey, a lot can change :P
 
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ImGoingNucks said:
It's hard to say, the 14 draft is looking a lot deeper than first anticipated.

But I would say top 25 lock, with a possibility to go anywhere from late 1st to top 10.

Ive seen predictions go from early 2nd round to top 9.

He was an unknown prospect before coming over, the media only just started noticing him. But if he keeps his current form up, it would not be out of bounce to say top 15 lock.

But as you know, it's hockey, a lot can change :P
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Thanks for the insight cheers.
 
http://www.tsn.ca/draftcentre/feature/?id=49649

A new Craig's List was put up. Couple of notables...

- Alex Nedeljkovic (G-Plymouth/OHL) is the only goalie to be ranked in the 1st by Craig, whereas I believe he'll get selected mid 2nd if anything. Currently ranked #26.
- Nikita Scherbak (LW-Saskatoon/WHL) is on absolute fire since coming over from Russia. In 22 GP he has 12 G, 18 A, and 30 PTS with a +7. Currently ranked #23.
- Nikolaj Ehlers (LW-Halifax/QMJHL) is another one who is rising very quickly. In 24 GP, he has 12 G, 18 A, and 30 PTS. Same as Scherbak, but instead has a whopping +19. Currently ranked #17.
- Alexis Pepin (LW-Charlottetown/QMJHL) has dropped drastically. Used to be a late 1st round projection, then dropped into mid 2nd round, to mid 3rd. I hope he can turn things around. Currently ranked #78.
- Vladimir Tkachyov (LW-Omsk/KHL) is scoring on precision in arguably the 2nd best hockey league in the world. Despite his lack of size being (5'9"/156), he has in 12 GP 6 G, 7 A, and 13 PTS with a killer +23. Not going to lie that's really ****ing good. Could be this years Tolchinsky? Currently ranked #51.
- Matt Mistele (C/LW-Plymouth/OHL) is another player who was ranked in the 1st round previous to this list and now (like Pepin) is in the early 3rd. I like this player too. Currently ranked #71.
- Haydn Fleury (D-Red Deer/WHL) is a given top 15 player now. Seriously love what he brings to Rebels team day in and day out. Currently ranked #10.

There are plenty of more to discuss, but those are a few from the list.

Players not on Craig's List that you should keep an eye on:
- Ondrej Kase (RW-Chomutov/CZR)
- Thatcher Demko (G-Boston College/Hockey East)
- Ville Huuso (G-HIFK/SMlliga) Eligible again
- Nikita Serebryakov (G-Saginaw/OHL)
- Alexander Mikulovich (D-Niagara/OHL)
- Brandon Prophet (D-Saginaw/OHL)
- Vaclav Karabacek (RW-Gatineau/QMJHL)
- Arkhip Nekolenko (LW-Spartak 2/Russia Jr.)
- Lucas Wallmark (C-Lulea/SHL) Eligible again
- J. J. Piccinich (RW-Youngstown/USHL)
- Colby Cave (C-Swift Current/WHL) Eligible again
- Roberts Lipsbergs (LW-Seattle/WHL) Eligible again
- Dane Fox (C-Erie/OHL) Eligible again
- Luka Gracnar (G-EC Salzburg/Austria) Eligible again
 
ImGoingNucks said:
Currently ranked #17 by TSN.

Not that this list is any good.. Vrana not in the 1st round, Josh Ho Sang not in the 1st round and Draisaitl at #15:facepalm:

Oh and Ehlers is a 96 born not 95. Wonder how much more he got wrong?

http://www.tsn.ca/draftcentre/feature/?id=49649
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Yes I agree that there is plenty of wrong in this list, too. To note...

- Draisaitl should be in the top 5, not 15. Switch him with Kempe or Nylander.
- That's another thing, Nylander is dropping stock so he should be around the #10 mark.
- McKeown should be around the #10 mark too, not at #21. Switch with Ritchie.
- He seriously put Nedeljkovic in the 1st round. Easy late 2nd round to maybe the early 4th if not early 5th round player. He's good, but not that good.
- Jacobs, Ollas-Mattsson, and Kamenev are not 1st round talents IMO where Vrana, Virtanen, and Ho-Sang are. Switch them.

There are more but those made me lol. :laugh:
 
Our prospect pool lacks a few things. A good goalie prospect, a high end skill forward. It also lacks a high end puck moving defenseman with offensive ability.

Anthony DeAngelo and Julius Honka are guys that should be scouted. Both are projected to go between the 2nd and 4th rounds. They are undersized (both are 5'9", yikes), but offensive potential is through the roof.
 
Nylander is not scoring consistently in the Swedish 2nd division, and is not known to be a defensive player.

He could drop, but because of his name he may still go earlier than he might otherwise.
 
Maybe this title needs changing now that we're not terrible anymore? :naughty:

I bet we draft a defenseman with our first pick. And there will probably be a sexy forward on the board, too, leading this place to meltdown.
 
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