Prospect Info: Prospect Talk PART X

[Levi Walking Bear]

Edmonton won game three last night coming from behind several times, trailed 2-0 after one, 3-2 after two. Griff was in beast mode, doing everything, offensively, defensively and physically. Battle of this series has been Griff vs Draisaitl, Griff has crushed him several times in this series, to his credit, Draisaitl has not backed down. He has a goal, 2 assists in this series and has made a lot of good plays, but Griff is not letting him dominate either, great battle between the two.

The Edmonton broadcasters have been impressed with Draisaitl which leads to a draft question. He is at this point a lot bigger and stronger than both the Sam's, wonder if that may have some influence on draft day?

 

[N Ireland Nets Fan]

A new write up on the Islanders prospects and seemingly focusing more on NCAA prospects on Hockey's Future. Most interesting of all to me is the Islanders offering Petrov a guaranteed roster spot if he joins the Islanders this summer when his KHL contract runs out: http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articl...-have-shown-recent-preference-for-ncaa-talent

I've just copied and pasted the European based prospects reports, click the article for reports on the NCAA prospects.

Ville Pokka, D, Karpat (Liiga)
Drafted 2nd round, 34th overall, 2012

In his third pro season, Pokka's offensive game has blossomed taking his game to the next level. He put up 27 points which was good enough to put him seventh amongst all Liiga defenseman. He was an all situations player for a first place Karpat team making his presence felt defensively as well. Pokka's plus-32 mark was tops in the Liiga.

Pokka has good puck skills and makes great decisions with the puck. He is a very steady player that positions himself well and can always be relied on. He was one of Finland's best defenseman in a gold medal run at the World Junior Championships. Pokka is not far off from getting NHL looks, but may need some AHL seasoning to get accustomed to North American sized rinks. He is a potential top four defenseman and is a part of Finland's next wave of talent coming into the league.

Mikko Koskinen, G, Novosibirsk Sibir (KHL)
Drafted 2nd round, 31st overall, 2009

Koskinen had a fantastic year in his first KHL season. After starting the season playing for the Blues of the SM-liiga, Koskinen has been a workhorse playing in 41 games for Novosibirsk Sibir. His .939 save percentage tied for fifth in the entire KHL and his 1.70 goals against average put him sixth.

The big goaltender still has a year left on his contract with Novosibirsk Sibir. If he has another strong year in the KHL, he could battle for a job in Long Island after an unsuccessful first stint in North America.

Sebastian Collberg, RW, Frolunda HC (SHL)
Trade with Montreal Canadiens, March 5th, 2014

Collberg was acquired at the trade deadline along with a second round pick in a deal that sent Thomas Vanek to the Montreal Canadians. Drafted 33rd overall in 2012, Collberg was viewed as one of the elite offensive players of the 2012 NHL Draft. He has very high offensive upside and is a potential top six forward.

Collberg can be described as a pure goal scorer whose biggest strength is his shot. He has a great release that makes him dangerous from the outside and he picks his corners as well as anyone. Collberg is also willing to go to the dirty areas to score. Although he does not have great numbers in the SHL, he has been a strong player at the WJC for three years now and might be a late bloomer at the professional level as he always excels in his age group.

Kirill Kabanov, RW, Modo Hockey Ornskoldsvik (SHL)
Drafted 3rd round, 65th overall, 2010

Kabanov has had a disappointing season in North America, unable to maintain a consistent spot in Bridgeport's lineup. He even spent some time in the ECHL playing for Stockton when he got sent down after attending a team meeting late.

Kabanov ultimately ended up in the SHL playing in Sweden's top professional league where he has been a tremendous boost offensively for a MODO team that struggles to score. He has 8 points in 12 games which is very good numbers for someone who joined the team midseason. The once highly sought after prospect showed the puck skills and scoring touch that makes him an offensive threat. Kabanov still has a year left on his entry-level contract with New York.

Kirill Petrov, RW, Kazan Ak-Bars (KHL)
Drafted 3rd round, 73rd overall, 2008

Petrov has had another strong year in the KHL playing for Kazan Ak-Bars. He tied a career high with 29 points, which is good for fourth on the team. Petrov's KHL contract expires this season and the Islanders have reportedly offered him a guaranteed roster spot if he comes to North America. Petrov would bring great size and skill that would be welcomed in any lineup. The 2008 third round pick is a smart player that can plug into a variety of roles. Petrov would also fill an organizational need at right wing and could likely step into the lineup right away into a third line role if he chooses to make the jump.

 

[PWJunior]

Edmonton won game three last night coming from behind several times, trailed 2-0 after one, 3-2 after two. Griff was in beast mode, doing everything, offensively, defensively and physically. Battle of this series has been Griff vs Draisaitl, Griff has crushed him several times in this series, to his credit, Draisaitl has not backed down. He has a goal, 2 assists in this series and has made a lot of good plays, but Griff is not letting him dominate either, great battle between the two.

The Edmonton broadcasters have been impressed with Draisaitl which leads to a draft question. He is at this point a lot bigger and stronger than both the Sam's, wonder if that may have some influence on draft day?

Apparently, the HF Oil fans seem to be quite high on Draisaitl as a possible big #2C to help support RNH. Some are actually in favor of him over Ekblad from what I've seen. Of course it's just the HF Boards, but Draisaitl seems to be way up their list.

I wouldn't touch him though, I just get too much of a Grigorenko vibe and I'd rather avoid that.

 

[N Ireland Nets Fan]

Edmonton won game three last night coming from behind several times, trailed 2-0 after one, 3-2 after two. Griff was in beast mode, doing everything, offensively, defensively and physically. Battle of this series has been Griff vs Draisaitl, Griff has crushed him several times in this series, to his credit, Draisaitl has not backed down. He has a goal, 2 assists in this series and has made a lot of good plays, but Griff is not letting him dominate either, great battle between the two.

The Edmonton broadcasters have been impressed with Draisaitl which leads to a draft question. He is at this point a lot bigger and stronger than both the Sam's, wonder if that may have some influence on draft day?

My biggest problem with Draisaitl is 2 fold. Firstly, his skating just isn't close to being good enough for the NHL, he's just not a good skater at all and while a guy like Tavares turned that around, there is just no way of knowing if Draisaitl will do the same.

Second problem I have is his style of play. He's a great play maker who slows the game down and I just don't see that style transitioning to the NHL very well. Draisaitl is probably the biggest boom or bust pick in the draft in my eyes, he could potentially be special but could also be a huge bust. You can say that about any draft pick but I just feel like that with Draisaitl due to where he will be selected as well.

 

[Levi Walking Bear]

Apparently, the HF Oil fans seem to be quite high on Draisaitl as a possible big #2C to help support RNH. Some are actually in favor of him over Ekblad from what I've seen. Of course it's just the HF Boards, but Draisaitl seems to be way up their list.

I wouldn't touch him though, I just get too much of a Grigorenko vibe and I'd rather avoid that.

Would not be a bad thing (for us) if one of the teams ahead look at it that way, kind of like Barkov last year.

 

[islandermaniac]

Edmonton won game three last night coming from behind several times, trailed 2-0 after one, 3-2 after two. Griff was in beast mode, doing everything, offensively, defensively and physically. Battle of this series has been Griff vs Draisaitl, Griff has crushed him several times in this series, to his credit, Draisaitl has not backed down. He has a goal, 2 assists in this series and has made a lot of good plays, but Griff is not letting him dominate either, great battle between the two.

The Edmonton broadcasters have been impressed with Draisaitl which leads to a draft question. He is at this point a lot bigger and stronger than both the Sam's, wonder if that may have some influence on draft day?

The hockey news draft issue quotes a scout that says draisaitl will be in the NHL next year. It's good for Reinhart to be able to practice shutting down guys being dubbed as sure fire NHLers.

 

[Levi Walking Bear]

My biggest problem with Draisaitl is 2 fold. Firstly, his skating just isn't close to being good enough for the NHL, he's just not a good skater at all and while a guy like Tavares turned that around, there is just no way of knowing if Draisaitl will do the same.

Second problem I have is his style of play. He's a great play maker who slows the game down and I just don't see that style transitioning to the NHL very well. Draisaitl is probably the biggest boom or bust pick in the draft in my eyes, he could potentially be special but could also be a huge bust. You can say that about any draft pick but I just feel like that with Draisaitl due to where he will be selected as well.

Agree, when the Islanders pick and if he's there, would pass.

 

[PWJunior]

Would not be a bad thing (for us) if one of the teams ahead look at it that way, kind of like Barkov last year.

Can't fault Florida for taking Barkov, I thought it was the right move for them. They wanted a big potential #1C and he looks every bit the part going forward. He also fits their style from the little I've seen of Florida.

I don't see Draisaitl in his class. As mentioned earlier by others, I don't like his skating ability (looks like he has very heavy feet) and I don't like this style of play either. He reminds me way too much of Grigorenko and in a bad way. I can understand why Edmonton would like him, but he likely wouldn't be a center playing for us. I'd pass on him because the other similarly rated prospects have different warts that I'm more ok with. MDC needs to fill out and refine his game, I think he fits this team like a glove with his style of play and skillset.

I would rather take Nick Ritchie over Draisaitl if I had the choice too. We don't need more centers, we're very slim on the wings.

 

[Levi Walking Bear]

The hockey news draft issue quotes a scout that says draisaitl will be in the NHL next year. It's good for Reinhart to be able to practice shutting down guys being dubbed as sure fire NHLers.

No question the edge ha has is size, my question is, does a team become more attracted that Daisaitl could play right away of wait a little longer for someone like Bennett for example.

 

[scott99]

Edmonton won game three last night coming from behind several times, trailed 2-0 after one, 3-2 after two. Griff was in beast mode, doing everything, offensively, defensively and physically. Battle of this series has been Griff vs Draisaitl, Griff has crushed him several times in this series, to his credit, Draisaitl has not backed down. He has a goal, 2 assists in this series and has made a lot of good plays, but Griff is not letting him dominate either, great battle between the two.

The Edmonton broadcasters have been impressed with Draisaitl which leads to a draft question. He is at this point a lot bigger and stronger than both the Sam's, wonder if that may have some influence on draft day?

Thanks for the great writeup Rex ! makes me more excited about big Griff. About Draisaitl, there is one website that gives comparisons of the 2014 draftees to NHL players, and it compared him to Anze Kopitar. That's a wonderful player to be compared to.

 

[PWJunior]

No question the edge ha has is size, my question is, does a team become more attracted that Daisaitl could play right away of wait a little longer for someone like Bennett for example.

I think that plays into things. Similar to Pulock, Draisaitl is one of the oldest in his draft class so he clearly has the physical advantage over his peers. He's already quite a big boy at 6'1+ and 200+. Physical development is not a big of an issue with him.

Bennett strikes me as a player that needs more time in the OHL to get bigger/stronger and also to refine his game. S. Reinhart is also one of the oldest in the draft class so I think he's also in the same boat as Draisaitl where they would likely to be in the NHL next year if the team needs them - which they likely will.

 

[Levi Walking Bear]

Can't fault Florida for taking Barkov, I thought it was the right move for them. They wanted a big potential #1C and he looks every bit the part going forward. He also fits their style from the little I've seen of Florida.

I don't see Draisaitl in his class. As mentioned earlier by others, I don't like his skating ability (looks like he has very heavy feet) and I don't like this style of play either. He reminds me way too much of Grigorenko and in a bad way. I can understand why Edmonton would like him, but he likely wouldn't be a center playing for us. I'd pass on him because the other similarly rated prospects have different warts that I'm more ok with. MDC needs to fill out and refine his game, I think he fits this team like a glove with his style of play and skillset.

I would rather take Nick Ritchie over Draisaitl if I had the choice too. We don't need more centers, we're very slim on the wings.

Right now drafting fourth, agree with MCD. A drop to five, would gamble at little and take the big swing with Ehlers. I'm with you guys, there is something about Draisaitl that would make me pass.

 

[SI90]

The BiG CaT is a beast. A true rock on the blue line. I can't wait until he's doing this for the isles. It might take a couple of years but when he finally adjusts to the NHL and being a pro he's going to be an anchor!!!

 

[Levi Walking Bear]

Thanks for the great writeup Rex ! makes me more excited about big Griff. About Draisaitl, there is one website that gives comparisons of the 2014 draftees to NHL players, and it compared him to Anze Kopitar. That's a wonderful player to be compared to.

Comparing to Kopitar may be a little much. Even if he improves some weak areas, don't think he's in that class.

 

[Levi Walking Bear]

The BiG CaT is a beast. A true rock on the blue line. I can't wait until he's doing this for the isles. It might take a couple of years but when he finally adjusts to the NHL and being a pro he's going to be an anchor!!!

After the first period with Edmonton down 2-0, it's like Griff realized he had to do something to get his team started, his sense for what to do is uncanny which is why I see some Serge Savard in him.

 

[PWJunior]

After the first period with Edmonton down 2-0, it's like Griff realized he had to do something to get his team started, his sense for what to do is uncanny which is why I see some Serge Savard in him.

I really do love the Serge Savard comparison DRex, only us old timers would truly appreciate it and understand the reference. That's why we're part of the cool crowd, we let Scotty in because we feel bad for him due to his rage problem. (You know you're my boy Scotty, couldn't resist the opportunity to jab you)

With the emergence of CdH (I think he will become our #1D when it's all said and done) and a tower of power in Reinhart... there is hope for our shambles of a blue line. Pulock is also beasting in the playoffs so that only makes things better. I hate to jump the gun on our kids, but this is the best group of blue line prospects we've had in quite some time. They all bring something different to the table and you can see how they do fit quite well into the puzzle being assembled.

 

[Levi Walking Bear]

I really do love the Serge Savard comparison DRex, only us old timers would truly appreciate it and understand the reference. That's why we're part of the cool crowd, we let Scotty in because we feel bad for him due to his rage problem. (You know you're my boy Scotty, couldn't resist the opportunity to jab you)

With the emergence of CdH (I think he will become our #1D when it's all said and done) and a tower of power in Reinhart... there is hope for our shambles of a blue line. Pulock is also beasting in the playoffs so that only makes things better. I hate to jump the gun on our kids, but this is the best group of blue line prospects we've had in quite some time. They all bring something different to the table and you can see how they do fit quite well into the puzzle being assembled.

Our good friend Scott should never change.

Most here did not see Savard, especially in his prime. His mind for hockey was unreal. He wasn't very offensive or physical unless he had to be. Anything he did, it was unreal how he played the game to do what Montreal needed, anything he did was well calculated, so calm, mistake free. If Griff becomes a fraction of Savard he'll be pretty good. Savard was always my favorite non Islander NHL player, he was unique, Griff has some of those traits.

 

[TROLLCHUK]

I really do love the Serge Savard comparison DRex, only us old timers would truly appreciate it and understand the reference. That's why we're part of the cool crowd, we let Scotty in because we feel bad for him due to his rage problem. (You know you're my boy Scotty, couldn't resist the opportunity to jab you)

With the emergence of CdH (I think he will become our #1D when it's all said and done) and a tower of power in Reinhart... there is hope for our shambles of a blue line. Pulock is also beasting in the playoffs so that only makes things better. I hate to jump the gun on our kids, but this is the best group of blue line prospects we've had in quite some time. They all bring something different to the table and you can see how they do fit quite well into the puzzle being assembled.

In quite some time????? When have we had a group of defensive prospects in terms of volume and potential??? Now if they all happen to pan out. Wow. That is some enviable talent for us to play with and/or to use for trade collateral.

 

[PWJunior]

In quite some time????? When have we had a group of defensive prospects in terms of volume and potential??? Now if they all happen to pan out. Wow. That is some enviable talent for us to play with and/or to use for trade collateral.

Well, we did have some pretty good young d-men over the years. Brewer, Berard, Kasparaitis, Malakhov come to mind. Mezei and Kudroc were complete busts, but I remember they hype when we drafted them. Obviously KJ was a steal from Toronto.

 

[TROLLCHUK]

Well, we did have some pretty good young d-men over the years. Brewer, Berard, Kasparaitis, Malakhov come to mind. Mezei and Kudroc were complete busts, but I remember they hype when we drafted them. Obviously KJ was a steal from Toronto.

Yes, but never in such a tight grouping. Pelech, Pokka, Reinhart and Pullock is an awesome foursome plus we have Hamonic and deHaan. Now add Hickey and Churchman (sp) along with some of the late round guys and we have some group.

Of course, we will need an NHL proven coach to probably get the most out of them.

 

[PWJunior]

Yes, but never in such a tight grouping. Pelech, Pokka, Reinhart and Pullock is an awesome foursome plus we have Hamonic and deHaan. Now add Hickey and Churchman (sp) along with some of the late round guys and we have some group.

Of course, we will need an NHL proven coach to probably get the most out of them.

True, we haven't had this many options all grouped together at one time. Still need things to break the right way for us, but I like that we've hedged our bets with a plethora of options. Still, Reinhart looks unbustable to me at this time. The kid has the new generation hockey sense chip in his head and he has some excellent physical tools to go along with it.

Remember Wayne McBean? Too bad he was better known for dating Alyssa Milano than his on ice play. I thought he was going to be a good one.

 

[Levi Walking Bear]

Most of us are excited about the D prospects. I just like following the progress. CDH is here and has taken that step to get and stick in the NHL. He's going to improve, the ability, the hockey sense is all there.

With the ones in Junior, Europe or AHL, judge them off their seasons and if they have improved over their 2012-13 seasons.

Reinhart, yes.
Pokka, yes.
Pelech yes.
Pulock, yes.
Mayfield, yes.
Pedan, no, to be fair incomplete because of injury.

Best thing to do is follow the progress, this year is good because of the yes answers. The results to de determined of course.

 

[BillD]

Our good friend Scott should never change.

Most here did not see Savard, especially in his prime. His mind for hockey was unreal. He wasn't very offensive or physical unless he had to be. Anything he did, it was unreal how he played the game to do what Montreal needed, anything he did was well calculated, so calm, mistake free. If Griff becomes a fraction of Savard he'll be pretty good. Savard was always my favorite non Islander NHL player, he was unique, Griff has some of those traits.

Guy LAPointe wasn't half bad either but I can see the comp between Savard and Griff. Same size.

 

[scott99]

I really do love the Serge Savard comparison DRex, only us old timers would truly appreciate it and understand the reference. That's why we're part of the cool crowd, we let Scotty in because we feel bad for him due to his rage problem. (You know you're my boy Scotty, couldn't resist the opportunity to jab you)

With the emergence of CdH (I think he will become our #1D when it's all said and done) and a tower of power in Reinhart... there is hope for our shambles of a blue line. Pulock is also beasting in the playoffs so that only makes things better. I hate to jump the gun on our kids, but this is the best group of blue line prospects we've had in quite some time. They all bring something different to the table and you can see how they do fit quite well into the puzzle being assembled.

If Rex is right, and he becomes Serge Savard type, I'd be thrilled ! Savard was awesome. The big 3 of Robinson, Savard and Lapointe was the major part of such an amazing defense, didn't hurt to have Dryden there as the last line of defense. If our top 3 defensemen work out, in time, the Isles will have an awesome D, especially if they pick Ekblad.

Now PW, as far as my rage, I'm quite proud of it, I've been ripping Isle's draft choices from the early 80's, and UNFORTUNATELY I've been more right than wrong. I remember 1984, I was so angry we picked defenseman Duncan Mcpherson, I actually told my Dad, "this is such a horrible pick, I bet you he will never play in an Islander's uniform". Now of course, I could never foresee his horrible demise, but he never did play in an Islander's uniform. Actually our top 2 picks that year met an early demise.

Then in 1987, they take Dean Chynoweth 13th instead of Joe Sakic, who went 15th. Imagine Lafontaine and Sakic as your #1 and #2 centers. Boy did I hate that pick.

In 1989, I was wrong BIG time, I wanted Dave Chyzowski bad instead of Mats Sundin. Was so happy we got Chyzowski, thought he was gonna be a sniper to replace Bossy. Boy was I wrong about that one.

Unfortunately my rage has been well deserved by the Isle's scouting staff for many years.

 

[PWJunior]

Most of us are excited about the D prospects. I just like following the progress. CDH is here and has taken that step to get and stick in the NHL. He's going to improve, the ability, the hockey sense is all there.

With the ones in Junior, Europe or AHL, judge them off their seasons and if they have improved over their 2012-13 seasons.

Reinhart, yes.
Pokka, yes.
Pelech yes.
Pulock, yes.
Mayfield, yes.
Pedan, no, to be fair incomplete because of injury.

Best thing to do is follow the progress, this year is good because of the yes answers. The results to de determined of course.

Agreed.

Ok DRex, point blank... who is the one you think will emerge as the best of the bunch? My money is on CdH, he fits the mold of what has been the trend with most of the young and impressive d-men around the league. The package of smarts/mobility/poise/skill is reminiscent of the Suter/McDonagh/Ryan Murray/Maatta/etc.

Reinhart is the throw back type of years past when you had the towers of powers back there that soaked up minutes. The Larry Robinson/Rob Blake/Serge Savard types.

Who do you choose? Or will go with someone else like Pulock who projects to be an Al MacInnis-lite? I'm curious.