Prospect Info: Owen Pickering, 21st Overall, 2022 NHL Draft

[Big Friggin Dummy]

I am cautiously optimistic about this pick, which means we'll be trading him for a washed up vet any day now.

*Waiving him

 

[hockeykid87]

Two more assists for Pickering last night. Has had at least a point in all 8 games he's played since returning to Swift Current (2-9-11). Previous career-high point streak was 5.

 

[SomeDude]

Sounds like he just needs 5 years of simmering in WBS and he’ll be ready for the big time.

 

[BlindWillyMcHurt]

Sounds like he just needs 5 years of simmering in WBS and he’ll be ready for the big time.

And perhaps they trade him to another team for a year or two to let them take care of some of that pesky coaching stuff then re-acquire them for another first round pick.

 

[Big Friggin Dummy]

And perhaps they trade him to another team for a year or two to let them take care of some of that pesky coaching stuff then re-acquire them for another first round pick.

Only after it's made blatantly obvious he's the cap casualty.

In all seriousness, isn't it kinda consensus that Pickering's about that long away? He was kind of known to be a longer term project when picked, being 600ft tall and weighing all of 120lbs after an apparent freakish year of growth spurt.

 

[BlindWillyMcHurt]

Only after it's made blatantly obvious he's the cap casualty.

In all seriousness, isn't it kinda consensus that Pickering's about that long away? He was kind of known to be a longer term project when picked, being 600ft tall and weighing all of 120lbs after an apparent freakish year of growth spurt.

Impossible to say, honestly. He certainly has a bit to do before being comfortable in his new-ish frame. But to my eyes he has terrific puck skills and vision from the back end at least offensively. Which is good because most of that will be coached out of him so it helps to have extra. His awareness and in-zone work needs some polish for sure but he might surprise and be ready faster than expected.

But yeah I mean... I think it's wise to assume he has a longer projection than some. Plus being a defenseman always requires a bit more time unless you're just a freakish talent.

Regardless he's probably the most promising pick they've made in the first round in forever. Since I'm kinda stoked on his future it almost certainly means bad things for him, though. Sorry, Owen!

 

[Big Friggin Dummy]

Impossible to say, honestly. He certainly has a bit to do before being comfortable in his new-ish frame. But to my eyes he has terrific puck skills and vision from the back end at least offensively. Which is good because most of that will be coached out of him so it helps to have extra. His awareness and in-zone work needs some polish for sure but he might surprise and be ready faster than expected.

But yeah I mean... I think it's wise to assume he has a longer projection than some. Plus being a defenseman always requires a bit more time unless you're just a freakish talent.

Regardless he's probably the most promising pick they've made in the first round in forever. Since I'm kinda stoked on his future it almost certainly means bad things for him, though. Sorry, Owen!

I can't believe you just publicly doomed that kid's career, man.

 

[BlindWillyMcHurt]

I can't believe you just publicly doomed that kid's career, man.

I know

This all started with Morozov years ago, man. It's a curse. Or I just have a REALLY shit eye for draft talent lol

EDIT: Like... for instance... I was a big Beau fan.

WOMP WOMP

 

[Big Friggin Dummy]

I know

This all started with Morozov years ago, man. It's a curse. Or I just have a REALLY shit eye for draft talent lol

Hey man, I really wanted Zucker and really wanted Kap back. None among us is without sin.

Draft-wise, I thought Pulkkinen was gonna be a 40 goal guy alongside Geno. Whoops.

 

[BlindWillyMcHurt]

Hey man, I really wanted Zucker and really wanted Kap back. None among us is without sin.

Indeed. Though many like to pretend otherwise.

 

[Buddy Bizarre]

I know

This all started with Morozov years ago, man. It's a curse. Or I just have a REALLY shit eye for draft talent lol

EDIT: Like... for instance... I was a big Beau fan.

WOMP WOMP

Honestly you had Bennett correct. He had all the tools. But he just couldn't be healthy enough to play in the NHL. Can't predict that

 

[BlindWillyMcHurt]

Honestly you had Bennett correct. He had all the tools. But he just couldn't be healthy enough to play in the NHL. Can't predict that

I thought so, too. But I really do think I'm a pariah sometimes. Feels like any time I get stoked for a player they end up shitting the bed. Probably explains some things about my behavior on this board haha

 

[chethejet]

I wanted the winger that the Caps drafted. But Pens think with time as he matures into his body and at say age 22 or 23 he is ready for prime time at 6-5 215/220 and Pens have a number 1 LD for years. Add in Smith and maybe POJ and at least the Pens have the beginnings of a better LD. This draft, RD is a hole with Petry, Rutta older and gone in a couple. I have no idea if the college FA players can play. My guess is maybe one becomes a solid RD but not a top pairing guy.

 

[HandshakeLine]

I would be really curious to see a Pens team actually built from the blueline up for once.

 

[FunkySeeFunkyDo]

Can we call him up? For 9 games? Asking for a friend

 

[Tasty Biscuits]

I would be really curious to see a Pens team actually built from the blueline up for once.

Haha, lord knows ol' Ray certainly tried his best to retroactively do this.

 

[HandshakeLine]

Haha, lord knows ol' Ray certainly tried his best to retroactively do this.

We don't speak of those years.

RIP Elmer.

 

[Gurglesons]

I still find it hilarious that @Jesse called this pick like 2 months in advance.

 

[hockeykid87]

Overtime winner tonight

 

[Turin]

Overtime winner tonight

That’s a nice move in tight space for a giraffe

 

[Al Smith]

Overtime winner tonight

Swift Current has better camera work and replay than the AHL.

 

[hockeykid87]

Bumping this from the dead after a big night from Pickering. Career high four points with a goal and three assists. 38 points (9-29-38) in 50 games this year. Logging 30+ minutes a game.

 

[Le Magnifique 66]

Bumping this from the dead after a big night from Pickering. Career high four points with a goal and three assists. 38 points (9-29-38) in 50 games this year. Logging 30+ minutes a game.

So long Pickering.....

 

[Goalie_Bob]

That's a nice shot for a guy his size.

 

[orby]

Bumping this from the dead after a big night from Pickering. Career high four points with a goal and three assists. 38 points (9-29-38) in 50 games this year. Logging 30+ minutes a game.

So what you're saying is Pickering's value is at an all time high?