RW Matthew Wood – Univ. of Minnesota, NCAA (2023, 15th, NSH)
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- Apr 3, 2012
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Minus the elite defensive prowess and competitiveness, sure.
TryamkinPleaseReturn
Rapidly Shrinking Cult
- Feb 7, 2019
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What you're describing as Leonard's "absolute worst"... a third liner who scores 20 goals consistently, who is good at everything, and especially good at forechecking and playing defense... what you are describing is basically a first liner. And the fact that he could do that while only getting 3rd line minutes is even more impressive.
People vastly overate prospects consistently. Leonard is one of my favourite prospects in hockey. But like every other prospect, the worst case outcome is that they do not become consistent NHLers. Just like Yakupov, Griffin Reinhart, every single prospect.
On topic, I really like both players. Both very high potential. If Wood can increase his speed a bit - and It seems like he has a decent amount of room for improvement, considering he probably hasn't had the highest level of developmental coaching so far (BCHL), he could become a force. I prefer Leonard, because I love him as a prospect, but Wood could legit become elite if he can get his skating up a bit.
Juxtaposer
Outro: Divina Comedia
A 40 point two-way winger is not a first liner. That’s a decent 2nd liner.
TryamkinPleaseReturn
Rapidly Shrinking Cult
- Feb 7, 2019
- 622
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You didn't say 40 points. You only said 20 goals consistently. I'm just going to check real quick because I'm curious where that would rank...
update:
There were 127 20 goal scoring forwards this year.
134 last year
86 in 2019-2020
121 in 2018-2019
118 in 2017-2018
95 in 2016-2017
That's around maybe 120 per year. Probably most of them are the same scorers each year, but not all of them. We could probably say 10-20 at least don't hit that 20 goal mark consistently. So it's probably around 100 at most per year that are consistently hitting 20 goals.
Assuming that there are 3 first line forward spots per team, 3x32= 96 first line goal scorers.
By my math, 20 goals consistently should put him at the bottom end of first line goal-scoring numbers. Add in his great defensive ability and good all-round game, and it looks like you have a first liner.
... If you add in that he only scores 40 points, obviously that changes things. But regardless, if that is truly his absolute worst outcome, that is a tremendous floor.
Juxtaposer
Outro: Divina Comedia
Goal scoring numbers, sure, 20 goals might be in the top-90, but that not the end-all be-all for definitive scoring.
But yes, I do think Leonard has a tremendous floor. That’s why I have him ranked so highly despite lacking any elite offensive tool (though his shot is borderline elite). The only player I think has a higher floor in this draft than Leonard is Leo Carlsson (and I guess Bedard, but it’s hard to talk about him in the traditional sense of evaluating prospects).
- Apr 27, 2005
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This is where I've moved him up to after the u18. I had him in the 8-10 range before.
More like Patrick Laine, but equal parts playmaker. He has a chance to become what Laine was supposed to be (think Tage Thompson?)
I think he goes around 5-8. GMs aren’t going to be able to pass on the physical package and the RHS. It’s too rare .
Doug Prishpreed
Registered User
By my count, there are about 9 guys who people are certain will go in that 5-8 range. A handful of people’s “top 10” picks are going to fall, no matter how you have them ranked this year.
WeThreeKings
Demidov is a HAB
I have Wood at 8.. and I'd consider him as soon as the 5th pick if you are hell bent on not taking Michkov.
But there's a league between him and Carlsson. Carlsson should be looked at as the 2nd best prospect in this class.
But there's a league between him and Carlsson. Carlsson should be looked at as the 2nd best prospect in this class.
Fantomas
Registered User
- Aug 7, 2012
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- Apr 27, 2005
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4th on my list and mock.
if he cleans up his skating he’s a Carlsson, Fantilli level player
if he cleans up his skating he’s a Carlsson, Fantilli level player
- There was no shortage of people who think Matthew Wood could be a top 10 pick. “He’s got all the traits to be a big-time NHLer. A team is going to look so smart taking him early,” a scout from a team drafting later in the first round said.
Whiskey's list
Rk Player
1 Connor Bedard (C)
2 Leo Carlsson (C/W)
3 Matvei Michkov (RW)
4 Matthew Wood (F)
5 Adam Fantilli (C)
6 Will Smith (C)
7 Dalibor Dvorský (C)
8 Zach Benson (F)
9 Gracyn Sawchyn (C)
10 David Reinbacher (D)
11 Gavin Brindley (F)
12 Axel Sandin Pellikka (D)
13 Andrew Cristall (LW)
14 Oliver Moore (C)
15 Ryan Leonard (C)
16 Quentin Musty (F)
17 Gabe Perreault (F)
18 Eduard Sale (RW)
19 Otto Stenberg (C/RW)
20 Calum Ritchie (C)
21 Jayden Perron (F)
22 Mikhail Gulyayev (D)
23 Nick Lardis (F)
24 Riley Heidt (F)
25 Nate Danielson (C)
26 Colby Barlow (LW)
27 Brayden Yager (C)
28 Samuel Honzek (C)
29 Beau Akey (D)
30 Charlie Stramel (C)
31 William Whitelaw (F)
32 Trey Augustine (G)
TheUnusedCrayon
Registered User
- Apr 12, 2018
- 2,162
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Nah, you're insane for not recognizing him for having the highest IQ, best passing and soon to be best skating in the draft. This guy is gonna be the Yao Ming of hockey.
- Apr 27, 2005
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He's also has one of the best shots in the draft. Though I question if his skating will ever become anything better than above average.
The skating holds me back on him. The league isnt getting any slower and skating is one of the hardest things to improve. He can get around ok but his speed is well below average for this years draft class
- Apr 27, 2005
- 36,114
- 35,954
I actually think skating is one of the most easily improved aspects of the game, especially for younger, taller players who still have a lot of maturing to do.
Going from average to elite isn't really that easy, but going from below average to above average is definitely possible.
Jacob
as seen on TV
- Feb 27, 2002
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I think if he was 5'11" I'd be concerned about the skating but when you're a big guy I think you can get away with questionable skating.
I think if all goes perfect he tops out as an average skater, he will never be above average. His stride is short and choppy. Skating stride, after hockey IQ, is the hardest aspect to improve in hockey. Theres been 10+ years of muscle memory up to this point that its next to impossible to change. Edgework, agility, explosiveness can be improved
