I said this a bunch of times when he was a Canucks prospect, but his upside is basically Rasmus Sandin. Downside is Adam Clendening.
RD Hunter Brzustewicz - Kitchener Rangers, WHL (2023, 75th, VAN; traded to CAL)
- Thread starter Pavel Buchnevich
- Start date
I said this a bunch of times when he was a Canucks prospect, but his upside is basically Rasmus Sandin. Downside is Adam Clendening.
I’b be pumped if he turned into a second pairing dman. It looks like he has a decent chance of turning out
Ya I never get why some people discount prospects like that? Oh hes only going to be a cost controlled 2nd pairing guy? Oh no. Like that isn't worth a 1st or more.
If he becomes a top pairing guy, this would be a franchise altering trade. Brzustewics and Gridin for a couple months of Lindholm
Would be funny if somehow Jurmo turned into something and they flipped Kuzmenko for something else. I love trade trees. That Hanifin/Lindholm trade still has lot of paths to go
Same. He was stuck behind a few guys in our depth chart so the trade made sense for all parties but I really like him. As you said, everything has to go right, but he has a great work ethic and attitude, and a lot of talent.
I'd say he has a low floor but the upside of 2nd unit PP, #4 guy is definitely there.
Preseason went very well. I'd say he's 2nd callup. Definitely worthy of a bump
Guy will be a full time NHLer by the last quarter of this season. Think he does extremely well this year in the AHL on a much improved Wranglers team, and he forces his way into the lineup as a callup for an injury/otherwise and never leaves it. His skating and defensive deficiencies seem pretty overblown, wouldn’t call him a burner but he doesn’t look slow and against his peers he was more than adequate until camp ramped up, which is completely fair for a 19 year old. Worst case scenario for him looks like a one and done in the AHL and a full timer next season. His vision and hockey IQ are elite.
Bounces R Way
Registered User
Had a great first pro camp. Always has his head up and makes a ton of high percentage plays. Several great outlet passes from his own zone. Little work on the first couple steps and his defensive commitment and intensity and I think he'll play NHL games this year. He's got a lot of the qualities you look for in a top 4 dman.
MichaelFarrell
Registered User
Great analysis overall. Honestly, that’s pretty much always been his game. He was overlooked largely because of his skating and he’s not the biggest guy.
He just makes smart plays out there. I had him ranked 24 in 2023 and couldn’t believe he fell to the third round.
I was pretty excited when the Canucks drafted him and can't really faut the trade for Lindholm but it didn't work out but it wasn't Linholm's fault that EP40 hit a wall/injury hangover either.
My bet is that he turns out to be a decent top 4 guy for the Flames.
His trajectory is exciting. As a nucks fan it hurts. If you stat watch he's just another undersized D man putting up numbers in juniors. He isn't a liability defensively.
- Jan 17, 2018
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Though camp and preseason can be misleading, I think Bru is providing positive feedback on my drafting model.
On their team forum and often in the general forum Buffalo is said to lack right-shot D prospects to round out their talented D corps. Well, drafting as Buffalo MBS drafting, the past three drafts using my model would have landed the Sabres Luneau, Brzustewicz, Brunnicke.
On their team forum and often in the general forum Buffalo is said to lack right-shot D prospects to round out their talented D corps. Well, drafting as Buffalo MBS drafting, the past three drafts using my model would have landed the Sabres Luneau, Brzustewicz, Brunnicke.
I’m happy he’s doing well. With Hronek signed to an 8 year deal and a two way prospect like Willander coming up, I don’t think there was ever a real chance for him here.
Parekh and Brzustewicz on the right side should be something to look forward to in the future.
His upside is somewhere between Anderson and Pionk imo.
Parekh and Brzustewicz on the right side should be something to look forward to in the future.
His upside is somewhere between Anderson and Pionk imo.
Zirakzigil
Global Moderator
He played great during the preseason. I wonder if the Flames didnt have young goalies if he would of made the team Barrie.
That would be shocking. Even though many Flames fans like to overrate how he has been in the pre-season (which is meaningless at best) his defensive play is always going to be a problem. He will always be one of those guys fans love but people with hockey knowledge and a desire to win will see the reality. Although over the next few years could be a good way for the Flames to deflect from the losses having him in the line-up distracting Flames fans but doing nothing.
Bounces R Way
Registered User
Shit that gas huffing guy even found the prospect forum. Make sure to get your sheep indoors at night.
- Oct 9, 2012
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Looked good, some more development in the AHL while the Flames get through this retool will only make him better.
He is starting to come alive offensively in the AHL after a pretty slow start. I still think he has #3/4 upside.
Skating is a big concern IMO.
He's a good passer, but it's hard to be a difference maker in the NHL if you're a subpar skater.
