Prospect Info: Rangers Development Camp 2014

[Trxjw]

He is a very interesting prospect, but I do not think that Walcott has high an upside as McD.

I figured as much, but that kind of skating ability is nothing to sneeze at.

 

[Zil]

The stuff with Skjei is going to be interesting to monitor. Could change the dynamics of the organization quite a bit if he goes pro this year. I would really like to see him go back for one more season to work on his offensive game some more, but it sounds like it might not be worth it.

McDonagh's offense didn't bloom until he reached the NHL so maybe another college season isn't necessarily the best way to develop Skjei's scoring.

 

[Leslie Treff]

McDonagh's offense didn't bloom until he reached the NHL so maybe another college season isn't necessarily the best way to develop Skjei's scoring.

Agreed.

 

[Miamipuck]

McDonagh's offense didn't bloom until he reached the NHL so maybe another college season isn't necessarily the best way to develop Skjei's scoring.

It took AV to come in here and actually let him play. For some odd reason Tortorella kept him on a leash.

 

[Trxjw]

McDonagh's offense didn't bloom until he reached the NHL so maybe another college season isn't necessarily the best way to develop Skjei's scoring.

I think McDonagh showed more natural ability in his first two years offensively than Skjei did, but he was never really used in that role. I don't think his offensive game bloomed at the NHL level so much as it was unleashed.

Skjei made great strides in that department this year, but it's obviously not my call. I tend to prefer a safer route with prospects.

 

[NYR Viper]

Considering the signings and current depth in Hartford, I think I would prefer Skjei go back to Minnesota for 1 more season.

McIlrath
Allen
Bodie
Hughes
Hunwick
Kostka (maybe in the NHL?)
Kampfer
Noreau
Donnay
Zamorsky?
Andersson?

I realize Skjei would be towards the top of that list, but I feel like he could get more minutes at Minnesota for 1 more year and get stronger.

 

[ecemleafs]

does skjei look like the kind of dman that can be the trigger guy on a good power play?

 

[SupersonicMonkey*]

Aside from Miller and Skjei, Buch is probably the prospect I am most intrigued by right now.

He is interesting. I like him and Duclair. Buchnevich is playing against men already, though.

I'm interested in seeing what he can do in the AHL.

What is the word on him coming over to play in the AHL?

 

[SupersonicMonkey*]

does skjei look like the kind of dman that can be the trigger guy on a good power play?

IMO, no. At least not at this stage of his development. He is more of a shut-down guy right now. He has a good shot, but he needs to develop his offensive game to be that kind of guy on the power play.

 

[EpicDing]

He is interesting. I like him and Duclair. Buchnevich is playing against men already, though.

I'm interested in seeing what he can do in the AHL.

What is the word on him coming over to play in the AHL?

His KHL contract has 1 more season I believe.

 

[SupersonicMonkey*]

Considering the signings and current depth in Hartford, I think I would prefer Skjei go back to Minnesota for 1 more season.

McIlrath
Allen
Bodie
Hughes
Hunwick
Kostka (maybe in the NHL?)
Kampfer
Noreau
Donnay
Zamorsky?
Andersson?

I realize Skjei would be towards the top of that list, but I feel like he could get more minutes at Minnesota for 1 more year and get stronger.

Thinking one of Kostka and Hunwick get the 7th spot on the NHL roster.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, i guess, depending on how you look at it) there is no room for the top D prospects in the top 6. Can't have them be healthy scratches they need to play.

Their best hope for this season is either an injury or trade of one of our starting 6. Otherwise it could be a full year in the AHL.

 

[SupersonicMonkey*]

His KHL contract has 1 more season I believe.

Ah. Thanks. Was hoping he would be able to come over and play here.

 

[Ian]

The big knock on Buch going into the draft (aside from the whole Russian/KHL typical stuff) was his overall work-ethic.

From what I've read, he's always been a bit undersized, and the general suggestions were that he was a little unmotivated when it came to overall training - Woodlief even noted in his USA Today report that he was "physically undeveloped and indifferent to off-ice training, but wow, does he have a high-end skill set."

That's a typical knock on a Russian player so who knows if it was just stereotyping, but as Leslie (and other camp reports) have noted his increase in size/strength, that's a HUGE HUGE plus. Guy seems to be committed to the NHL.

 

[Bluenote13]

That's about what I saw from him in the WHL. He gained a lot of weight during the year and learned to use his body a lot more. I think Bluenote just hasn't had a chance to watch him much, IIRC. He's a completely different player than he was when he was drafted in terms of how he uses his body.

I saw a few games when he was in College, didn't see the WHL games but all reports were positive, with those numbers I knew he was playing some good O, never heard much about his physical play. He's still growing into his frame, but just the fact that he's engaging contact hockey is a great sign, even if its rookie camp. We're gonna need size, and size don't come cheap.

Personal opinion on notable prospects:
Buchnevich: obvious hit or miss prospect - has shown he has the skill but he needs to prove he has translatable skills re scoring talent. He can score/setup in odd man rushes. Does he have the engine to push and control the play from different situations? The minor leagues are filled with guys who can score off an odd man rush, but being able to gain control of the puck and and create offense in the move from zone to zone is the benchmark of today's NHL.
Duclair:
I've seen OLA reference the "engine" and he's exactly right in this sense. You need to play at a certain pace to have junior skill translate to pro play - if not you end up being a minor leaguer no matter the skill level (or become Jason Chimera - not the worst thing). The one contrast to Buchnevich with Duclair is that the engine is unquestionably there - he has something like Hagelin speed - his question is can he see the play when everyone else plays at a similar (or something close to it) pace, and the ice shrinks.

Their development will be interesting to track. Gotta hope for the best, along with hoping either Walcott or Nanne turns into Krug 2.0.

I agree on almost all you've said here.

On one hand you don't want these players to get complacent where they're playing but I don't want to rush them either, that can be a confidence crusher and I think its hurt us before.

As far as Walcott/Nanne, I'm in the Walcott camp so far.

 

[HFsNumber1Heel]

Not only does Buch have a KHL contract, but can anyone clarify if he has National Team commitments for the World Championships in 2015 that would prevent him from being an add on at the end of this upcoming season? Similar to what Fast went through. I know Sweden is different form Russia but can someone shed some light on this?

Skjei shouldn't go pro this year. Let him be THE man at Minny and play 25 minutes a night, put on more weight, etc. Allen/McLIrath and maybe Bodie and Zamorsky could all see some time this year when Boyle misses time because of old man injuries.

 

[Miamipuck]

Not only does Buch have a KHL contract, but can anyone clarify if he has National Team commitments for the World Championships in 2015 that would prevent him from being an add on at the end of this upcoming season? Similar to what Fast went through. I know Sweden is different form Russia but can someone shed some light on this?

Skjei shouldn't go pro this year. Let him be THE man at Minny and play 25 minutes a night, put on more weight, etc. Allen/McLIrath and maybe Bodie and Zamorsky could all see some time this year when Boyle misses time because of old man injuries.

As far as I know, the only National team commitment he has, is playing on the Russian WJC team.

 

[SupersonicMonkey*]

Some good insight from Clark.

http://snyrangersblog.com/prospects...ft-prospect-camp-the-goalies-and-brady-skjei/

 

[Trxjw]

does skjei look like the kind of dman that can be the trigger guy on a good power play?

Really depends on how his vision translates to the NHL. Just because he's a trigger man, it doesn't absolve him of needing to be able to pass the puck effectively. He has a huge shot and the mobility to get into place for one-timers, it's just the passing that might prevent him from being a #1PP option. Think John Moore with much, much better defensive ability.

 

[Fletch]

It took AV to come in here and actually let him play. For some odd reason Tortorella kept him on a leash.

He was making a fair amount of defensive mistakes and was caught up ice a fair amount of times in the early going. He was more mature when AV came around. Heck, the experience many of these players had under Torts was to the benefit of AV. Thought this team was a fair amount better than the team that lost in the ECfs and second round the last couple seasons.

 

[offdacrossbar]

The big knock on Buch going into the draft (aside from the whole Russian/KHL typical stuff) was his overall work-ethic.

From what I've read, he's always been a bit undersized, and the general suggestions were that he was a little unmotivated when it came to overall training - Woodlief even noted in his USA Today report that he was "physically undeveloped and indifferent to off-ice training, but wow, does he have a high-end skill set."

That's a typical knock on a Russian player so who knows if it was just stereotyping, but as Leslie (and other camp reports) have noted his increase in size/strength, that's a HUGE HUGE plus. Guy seems to be committed to the NHL.

hes easily the most offensively talented prospect in the organization and that includes duclair. most of you have never followed him nor seen him play. trust me, hes very gifted. his instincts with the puck on his stick are high end. hes both creative and a dangerous shooter.

we were fortunate to have drafted him. only reason he didnt go higher was the 2 years remaining on his current contract. not doubt he has 1st round skills.

hes gonna be nearly 6'2 and probably play at 185 or there abouts this season. i would project 6'2 and nearly 200 lbs when he arrives next season.

i do not believe he will spend any time in hartford. if he ready physically, hell play immediately.

hes a left shot and plays the off wing. fancy dancer skater and has the typical russian dangler moves. hes dangerous one on one and his shot is sniper good. his wrist shot gets up quick and is very accurate.

he has a healthy dose of cockiness and thats what i think all pure goal scorers need. hes been his best in international play against the best players in the world.

theres no doubt in my mind, when he suits up in prospects camp, hell be the most talented player on the ice.

 

[UAGoalieGuy]

If Skjei turned pro it could really open up some doors for the Rangers this off season or during the season. If he makes the team out of camp the Rangers could move Moore in a package for some scoring help upfront. Would be good to pair him with Klein to start things off. Same situation could go down if Skjei needs half a season in the AHL.

The ideal situation would be him turning pro and playing phenomenal for the first couple of months, opening up the possibility of a Staal trade.

 

[Hunter Gathers]

Awesome to hear about Halverson. About what I expected to hear, too. Kid has insane potential.

 

[offdacrossbar]

If Skjei turned pro it could really open up some doors for the Rangers this off season or during the season. If he makes the team out of camp the Rangers could move Moore in a package for some scoring help upfront. Would be good to pair him with Klein to start things off. Same situation could go down if Skjei needs half a season in the AHL.

The ideal situation would be him turning pro and playing phenomenal for the first couple of months, opening up the possibility of a Staal trade.

his game will be similar to that of girardi. mostly defensive and responsible but a much better skater. in fact, if he develops, he would be a defensive equivalent to mcd more than anything. he doesnt project to have the hands or creativity of a ryan mcdonagh but his skating is pretty impressive.

im not sure moore has much to do with skjei. moore brings other skills. a tandem of those 2 would be sexy though. both good skaters and both big guys who could play off each others strengths.

hate to be a broken record, but consider this for the next 3 seasons.

mcd
staal
moore
skjei
allen
andersson

all these guys fit the av mold. mobile, athletic 2 way players. girardi really doesnt as hes more exposed the faster play becomes.

and mcilrath would be similar. can he keep up and fill a role and carve out a niche that allows him to contribute by impossing his will in front of the net.

time will tell.

 

[haveandare]

his game will be similar to that of girardi. mostly defensive and responsible but a much better skater. in fact, if he develops, he would be a defensive equivalent to mcd more than anything. he doesnt project to have the hands or creativity of a ryan mcdonagh but his skating is pretty impressive.

im not sure moore has much to do with skjei. moore brings other skills. a tandem of those 2 would be sexy though. both good skaters and both big guys who could play off each others strengths.

hate to be a broken record, but consider this for the next 3 seasons.

mcd
staal
moore
skjei
allen
andersson

all these guys fit the av mold. mobile, athletic 2 way players. girardi really doesnt as hes more exposed the faster play becomes.

and mcilrath would be similar. can he keep up and fill a role and carve out a niche that allows him to contribute by impossing his will in front of the net.

time will tell.

I like the sound of those six minus Andersson. I just haven't heard anything from anyone to suggest that he's got good odds at the NHL at this point.

 

[Raspewtin]

He is interesting. I like him and Duclair. Buchnevich is playing against men already, though.

I'm interested in seeing what he can do in the AHL.

What is the word on him coming over to play in the AHL?

There's no reason for him to. The KHL is a better league than the AHL. If anything if/when he comes over he might get half a season in the A and thats it.