Idk he did not look good his time here last seasonShiny new toy syndrome going on here
Hajek is the best on this list
Eh, Hajek is my next choice, but the reality is he wasn't even very good in Hartford last year. Not good in the NHL and not good in the AHL. All in all, not good! Last year was a regression, even acknowledging that he was coming off an injury. I think it's fair to question whether he becomes a full time NHLer. I think he will, but I have real concerns now.Shiny new toy syndrome going on here
Hajek is the best on this list
My concern with Rykov was that he would stay in the KHL where he knew he could play and play in a top role. That he's not playing in a top role is concerning after his disappointing season last year. Even if you're on a top team, if you're playing overseas and are 23 you should be a go-to guy if you have legitimate NHL aspirations. It's different when you're a younger player and still developing, but for someone like Rykov he has seemingly regressed.Hajek here. It’s not unusual - some kids need several shots to become NHL regulars. This kid had stretches where he looked like he belonged but once he started making errors and had to think more - his game went off the rails. Hopefully it “clicks” for him again to start making sound plays reflectively - he won’t look back.
Add Vierling.
P.S. I’m very disappointed in how Rykov’s minutes with CSKA diminished over the last few weeks. He became their least utilized defenseman. At 23 (if he had a good chance at becoming NHLer) he should’ve been their go to guy. I wrote before that this upcoming season (after he’s done in the KHL) is likely his last shot with the Rangers as the competition for LD would increase. With 13 min per game in the K I wouldn’t bet on it at all.
My concern with Rykov was that he would stay in the KHL where he knew he could play and play in a top role. That he's not playing in a top role is concerning after his disappointing season last year. Even if you're on a top team, if you're playing overseas and are 23 you should be a go-to guy if you have legitimate NHL aspirations. It's different when you're a younger player and still developing, but for someone like Rykov he has seemingly regressed.
Sorry, sometimes I just like to reiterate what other have said (as if I enjoy reading my own postsYup, that was my point.
He had not really stepped up. While I certainly believe that he can still be a part of the future, he has to be able to take a serious step forward this year.I still think Hajek is getting underrated a bit here. I'd have him, Cuylle, Henriksson, and Vierling next. Not sure why Pajuniemi is up yet tbh.
Add Vierling.
Henrikssion > Cuylle easily IMO.