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Ontario Reign 20-21 part II Growing Pains

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WhatTheFox said:
On the flip side, I've been a huge proponent of Byfield, but his game is kind of regressing the last 3 games or so. Regressing is probably not the right word, but he's been less noticeable. The one thing he has been doing more of though is getting in opposition players faces. Was good to see him come to Fagemo's defense after the hit he took.
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driller1 said:
I enjoy watching him rush the puck up ice- amazing how much ice he covers in 2 strides.

He's also hustling on the back check, but I've noticed that once he draws even with the man he's marking, he starts to coast. Wish he'd take one extra stride and get better position.
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yankeeking said:
By field for some reason almost never takes the shot only one shot in both of last two games he does engage on the walls ,hopefully as the team gets better his confidence will improve.....turcotte looked like the player we saw at the WJC tonite and does play with abandon lol hope he lives to play in LA he will definitely bring some excitement
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These have all been regular criticisms of his game over the last year or so...but these are fantastic development opportunities for him. Watching him get in that dude's face after Fagemo was a "whoa" moment. The backchecking observation is a good one and one I know our coaches will get out of him, the guy is going to be an absolute FORCE in the middle of the ice with that one extra positioning stride and he can catch just about anyone. And the lack of shots reminds me of the WJC a little...it's like he's trying TOO Hard to be a good teammate/deferential because he played with non-nhlers in juniors. I'm not worried--that part will come and when it does, watch out.
 
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No Name The Nameless said:
I almost prefer Turcotte at Winger.
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I don't really disagree in some ways, because he's awesome there too--but i'd rather not limit his game to winger rails. The guy is a monster on all 200 feet and taking that part of his game away doesn't sit well with me. He is our highest pace, fastest thinking C prospect so I'd rather get him off the wall personally.
 
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I am not sure Byfield will ever be great but I seriously like he is in the AHL.

This would only have been possible in 2022! without Covid. Do not forget that and on top of that, he is born late august too.
 
cyclones22 said:
Kupari is looking like a play driver. I would've never thought that last season. Kid is looking like a keeper.
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He’s a great example of why patience is needed when developing these guys. It’s not a linear process, it’s an individual one and the model used for development is at best a guideline. There were a number of posters that wrote Kupari off even before his injury. It would have been crazy to write him off NOW, had he instead had a slow start to this season, so I genuinely don’t understand why those people felt as they do. Hopefully people will start to understand it, but I’m not holding my breath. Whilst I know everyone wants the Kings to succeed there is a real tendency to jump to proclamations of “we’re all doomed!!!” far, far too quickly.
 
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Raccoon Jesus said:
I don't really disagree in some ways, because he's awesome there too--but i'd rather not limit his game to winger rails. The guy is a monster on all 200 feet and taking that part of his game away doesn't sit well with me. He is our highest pace, fastest thinking C prospect so I'd rather get him off the wall personally.
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Like you I’m mixed on it. You have to feel that one of Vilardi or Turcotte will slide to wing ultimately and whilst at C I don’t think there will be that much between them, I really think Turcotte makes the much better winger.

However Turcotte just brings a smart, intensity to his game that, like you, I think is wasted on the wing. I think it will end up the most fascinating thread of this team’s development.
 
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If Vilardi's skating doesn't improve, I think he is the one that ends up at wing (provided the other two come close to their potential which is still a question-mark). Right now 90% of his value comes from offensive zone play, you'd lose the least of Vilardi's qualities if you move him to wing compared to Turcotte or Byfield. Of course, unless he manages to improve his skating and become more of a factor across the ice.
 
Raccoon Jesus said:
I don't really disagree in some ways, because he's awesome there too--but i'd rather not limit his game to winger rails. The guy is a monster on all 200 feet and taking that part of his game away doesn't sit well with me. He is our highest pace, fastest thinking C prospect so I'd rather get him off the wall personally.
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I love him at center for all of the reasons you mentioned, however, I think as a winger he can fly around and do all of the things that he is special at. He is so good without the puck. It may help him in the injury department. Obviously Center is first priority but winger is a real option.
 
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Frolov 6'3 said:
I am not sure Byfield will ever be great but I seriously like he is in the AHL.

This would only have been possible in 2022! without Covid. Do not forget that and on top of that, he is born late august too.
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"Not sure Byfield will ever be great"

Aw yes, not even 20 games into his first pro season, and before the man is even 19 years old, we are significantly lowering his ceiling.

Sounds about right
 
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No Name The Nameless said:
If you don't say he will be good to great to superstar you are a villian. But if you say he will be good to great to superstar after 20 games it's ok. These are the rules. Live by them or be attacked.
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Thats actually incorrect..
You're wrong if you're wrong
You're wrong if your right
You're wrong if you disagree
You're wrong if you Breath

You're always wrong... thems are the rules of the HFB..:sarcasm:
 
kings11 said:
Thats actually incorrect..
You're wrong if you're wrong
You're wrong if your right
You're wrong if you disagree
You're wrong if you Breath

You're always wrong... thems are the rules of the HFB..:sarcasm:
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You could always try being right for a change...
 
Statto said:
He’s a great example of why patience is needed when developing these guys. It’s not a linear process, it’s an individual one and the model used for development is at best a guideline. There were a number of posters that wrote Kupari off even before his injury. It would have been crazy to write him off NOW, had he instead had a slow start to this season, so I genuinely don’t understand why those people felt as they do. Hopefully people will start to understand it, but I’m not holding my breath. Whilst I know everyone wants the Kings to succeed there is a real tendency to jump to proclamations of “we’re all doomed!!!” far, far too quickly.
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I think he was written off because we had a bunch of shiny new toys. He got lost in the mix. Anderson-Dolan was similar. That's what it was for me anyway.
 
Great Hustle by Turcotte cross ice pass to Kaliyev who centers it to Kupari with a tap in. 2-0 Ontario. Kupari from Kaliyev and Turcotte.
 
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