GDT: Prospect Tournament - Leafs vs Blues at 3pm

[Sypher04]

We certainly have a type lol.

what he said isn’t even true.

Montreal was physical from the drop of the puck game 1, as was Columbus. It’s not like we were playing well and they decided turn it on at some point and we just never got on track after that. They were doing it the whole series, didn’t stop us from going up 3-1 and for the most part it’s not why we lost

 

[Byron Bitz]

His shot is not at a pro level, and is barely at a junior level. The rest of his game has some promise to it, but he is not coming anywhere close to the NHL with his shot right now.

I think SDA agrees with you and that’s why he never uses his shot.

 

[Twine Tickler]

Anyone think Gogolev gets some games this year?

Honestly I am likely alone on this. But I really think he is more ready for the NHL than Robertson at the current moment. Robertson is tremendously talented in open space. He has the ability to make people look silly, and his shot is a joke. He also has a great anticipation in the neutral zone, which helps him create turnovers going the other way. But he needs to figure out how to play in the corners and below the dots still. He is definitely getting better at it, but it's just not there yet IMHO. He is still picking himself off the ice more than I'd like to see. I think it will be an issue in the NHL personally, because it was an issue in the AHL last year.

He definitely looks better than he did a year ago in that regard, and in yesterdays game he was all over the puck in every zone. He was truly buzzing out there.

There is absolutely no denying Nick's work ethic and his desire to be great. Which is such a breath of fresh air. I just think we need to be a bit more patient with his development. I think he is going to struggle to produce in the NHL to start. He loses far too many battles along the walls to consistently create at 5v5 right now.

He needs to do less at higher levels IMO. Get the puck off his tape, and go to open spaces where he is more effective. Puck battles are going to occur whether you like it or not when you posses the puck like he does. But I really think he can find a way to limit those battles a bit better with just a quicker dish of the puck here and there. protecting the puck will likely never be an area he excels in at the NHL level, he's just going to have to work around it. He will figure out what works eventually, it's just not quite there yet IMO.

I think his ascension to the NHL will be similar to Nazem Kadri's. Up, down, up, down, up. Until he completely figures that aspect of his game out.

In the meantime, I think this could potentially present an opportunity for Gogolev on the left side if an injury occurs in the top 6. I know the fanbase would be slightly outraged at him getting a look over Robertson, but realistically his build is currently more suitable for the NHL. He play along the walls, and he has a sneaky good ability to distribute the biscuit. I think what he has going for him that Nick doesn't right now, is the ability to keep the play alive along the walls. Which is all we really need to compliment our core 4. The fact that Gogo also has a scoring touch could be really dangerous in our top-6

Its a bold take for sure, but it wouldn't surprise me at all.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

I think SDA agrees with you and that’s why he never uses his shot.

It's not like he can't work on it or improve it. A lot of it has to do with his strength more than his technique.

Same goes for Marner, except I just don't think Marner makes the right decisions enough for a guy who is apparently supposed to have elite IQ.

 

[saltming]

Honestly I am likely alone on this. But I really think he is more ready for the NHL than Robertson at the current moment. Robertson is tremendously talented in open space. He has the ability to make people look silly, and his shot is a joke. He also has a great anticipation in the neutral zone, which helps him create turnovers going the other way. But he needs to figure out how to play in the corners and below the dots still. He is definitely getting better at it, but it's just not there yet IMHO. He is still picking himself off the ice more than I'd like to see. I think it will be an issue in the NHL personally, because it was an issue in the AHL last year.

He definitely looks better than he did a year ago in that regard, and in yesterdays game he was all over the puck in every zone. He was truly buzzing out there.

There is absolutely no denying Nick's work ethic and his desire to be great. Which is such a breath of fresh air. I just think we need to be a bit more patient with his development. I think he is going to struggle to produce in the NHL to start. He loses far too many battles along the walls to consistently create at 5v5 right now.

He needs to do less at higher levels IMO. Get the puck off his tape, and go to open spaces where he is more effective. Puck battles are going to occur whether you like it or not when you posses the puck like he does. But I really think he can find a way to limit those battles a bit better with just a quicker dish of the puck here and there. protecting the puck will likely never be an area he excels in at the NHL level, he's just going to have to work around it. He will figure out what works eventually, it's just not quite there yet IMO.

I think his ascension to the NHL will be similar to Nazem Kadri's. Up, down, up, down, up. Until he completely figures that aspect of his game out.

In the meantime, I think this could potentially present an opportunity for Gogolev on the left side if an injury occurs in the top 6. I know the fanbase would be slightly outraged at him getting a look over Robertson, but realistically his build is currently more suitable for the NHL. He play along the walls, and he has a sneaky good ability to distribute the biscuit. I think what he has going for him that Nick doesn't right now, is the ability to keep the play alive along the walls. Which is all we really need to compliment our core 4. The fact that Gogo also has a scoring touch could be really dangerous in our top-6

Its a bold take for sure, but it wouldn't surprise me at all.

IMHO Robertson should watch every minute of Marty st. Louis and style himself on that. Even learning to use the longer stick might give him an extra advantage.
Other than that agreed about what you said and I'm hoping gogolev continues to develop as he is.

 

[Knies iT]

IMHO Robertson should watch every minute of Marty st. Louis and style himself on that. Even learning to use the longer stick might give him an extra advantage.
Other than that agreed about what you said and I'm hoping gogolev continues to develop as he is.

Hoglander is probably a more realistic comparison. Robertson needs to get to the 180-185lb range for his size to compliment his play style. Hoglander's grinding/forechecking game is effective because he has ridiculous balance and tree trunk legs.

Curious to see what he weighs in at this camp. Probably needs another summer, at least, to get to that mark. He should still get NHL games in the meantime.

 

[Twine Tickler]

IMHO Robertson should watch every minute of Marty st. Louis and style himself on that. Even learning to use the longer stick might give him an extra advantage.
Other than that agreed about what you said and I'm hoping gogolev continues to develop as he is.

Honestly I don't know who I'd tell Nick to watch. Obviously Marty is a HHOF level talent, but I'm not 100% sure if that's the player I'd get him to watch. I think honestly the player I'd get him to watch the most would be Brendan Gallagher. They have an eerily similar skating stride, but Brendan has found a way to be effective below the dots, where Nick really struggles. Nick's offensive upside is higher IMO, and to be truthful I don't think he really needs to work all that much on that aspect of his game. I'd just show him film of BG working on the walls, and how he protects the puck. They are identical Heights and builds almost. Or at least will be when Nick fills out. I don't see any reason why Nick can't battle the way Brendan does. Nick losing battles has never been for a lack of effort, It's always been about not utilizing his low centre of gravity to his advantage. Something Brendan does very well IMO. If he can figure that out, Nick will be an amazing NHL player. His skill level is off the charts

 

[Twine Tickler]

Hoglander is probably a more realistic comparison. Robertson needs to get to the 180-185lb range for his size to compliment his play style. Hoglander's grinding/forechecking game is effective because he has ridiculous balance and tree trunk legs.

Curious to see what he weighs in at this camp. Probably needs another summer, at least, to get to that mark. He should still get NHL games in the meantime.

I like the Hoglander comp. Very comparable skillsets. I think Hoglander's game has adjusted better because he had been playing against men for the 3 seasons prior to last year. He understands what he can and cannot do. Even though his raw skill is very good, he really has a simple approach to the game. He's a really good comp. I do think Robertson has a higher ceiling than Nils, just purely on the shot alone. Nils has a good shot, but he just doesn't have that same level of shot/release that Nick has.

But that would be a great person for Nick to model his game after. Nils does a lot of really good things away from the puck as well

 

[stickty111]

 

[Twine Tickler]

for those interested in watching

 

[SprDaVE]

Updated title. Game is underway already. Still 0-0

 

[SprDaVE]

 

[SprDaVE]

Jeremy McKenna has had a strong showing so far. Started off slowly yesterday but looked better as the game went along and seems to be on today. Could be a nice player for the Marlies.

 

[GrizzGreen]

I think his ascension to the NHL will be similar to Nazem Kadri's. Up, down, up, down, up. Until he completely figures that aspect of his game out.

Kadri coming up, putting up 3 points in 2 games and being sent down was worthwhile for the Cherry rants on incompetent Leafs' management

 

[SeaOfBlue]

Jeremy McKenna has had a strong showing so far. Started off slowly yesterday but looked better as the game went along and seems to be on today. Could be a nice player for the Marlies.

He was a 0.5 PPG player on a bad Marlies team last year, and he was rarely used as a primary forward option. I dont think his skating will get him to the NHL, but he is already a solid AHLer.

 

[Twine Tickler]

I'd really like to see Abramov back up with Robertson. Just not been impressed with SDA this tourny so far at all. Defensively as the centre he has missed several outlets from the strong side wing which ultimately hemmed his line in for longer then they needed to. One shift Robertson hit him in stride 2 times for a breakout, and he fumbled the puck for a TO. In the end Nick ended up looking him off the 3rd time around and wheel'd it out himself lol.

Kressler is also a bit out of his element playing alongside Robertson IMO. Seems to get a bit of tunnel vision when the puck is on his stick. Was that way in yesterdays game as well I thought.

Seems like the only chances Robby will get with those 2 on the ice with him will be end to end rushes that he generates on his own.

thought Gogolev was solid that period, has really good offensive instincts and has a really good ability to create separation for himself and his line mates either by drawing the D-men into the middle before dishing out wide, or just by falling back in the play to present an outlet.

Villeneuve's patience has been noticeable as well. Very raw player, with below average skating. But he has some talent for sure.

Robby once again the most dynamic player out there. seems to get faster with the puck on his tape.

Petru was solid, although not overly tested. Just looks massive in the cage. Plays a quiet style which keeps him in a good position to make the save the majority of the time.

 

[Racer88]

Good news is the kids look ready. They came out strong, got an early lead, then took their foot off the gas in the 2nd and lost the lead.

Oh wow a Leafs team that takes its foot off the gas once it gets a lead……what a shock

 

[kerk]

I'd really like to see Abramov back up with Robertson. Just not been impressed with SDA this tourny so far at all. Defensively as the centre he has missed several outlets from the strong side wing which ultimately hemmed his line in for longer then they needed to. One shift Robertson hit him in stride 2 times for a breakout, and he fumbled the puck for a TO. In the end Nick ended up looking him off the 3rd time around and wheel'd it out himself lol.

i don't mind abramov on his own line, cus he's seemed a bit more engaged today as "the guy" whereas yesterday he was definitely deferring more to his linemates.

 

[SprDaVE]

Hellickson is an invite that has been very good on defence. Seems really solid all around.

 

[The Iceman]

Once CLB started being physical/intimidating they took over and were dictating the game.
Sounds familiar doesn't it. It runs deep with this organization, top to bottom.

familiar to what?

 

[paulhiggins]

Meltdown well underway.

 

[Guided by Veseys]

Cheap crosscheck there. Hope it’s 5 minutes.
Edit: nope

 

[stickty111]

Looks like Moore wants to lose his job before the season starts.

 

[fahad203]

Whats the story on Douglas? Any remote potential to be an NHLer?

 

[Fogelhund]

Oh wow a Leafs team that takes its foot off the gas once it gets a lead……what a shock

Racer88 took the opportunity to find something negative to say... what a shock.