Yeah. Responding to a comment and not in the article itself.
Watched him a lot in Guelph. Have watched him in Barrie. Don’t think he has it in him to be more than a unique AHLer.
Prospect Info: The 2024-2025 Prospect Thread: Part 1: Skate or Die!
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Yeah. Responding to a comment and not in the article itself.
Watched him a lot in Guelph. Have watched him in Barrie. Don’t think he has it in him to be more than a unique AHLer.
WTG
December 5th
Real question is what has Mynio done to be ranked a tier above KK?
Also, how can you like KK more when he was drafted?
WTG
December 5th
McWard and Dorrington aren't even listed but Tolopilo is? I feel this list is a big meme and shouldn't be taken seriously.
WTG
December 5th
Whoops, I'm illiterate apparently.
Although, I still stand by this list being a big nothing burger. Seems like mostly reputation based and surface level analysis.
Any time a list ranks Lekkerimaki ahead of Willander my initial reaction is to disregard the whole thing immediately.
Wheeler is also one of those guys who tries to be a 'prospect guy' who I don't think really understands prospects/prospect development/drafting at all.
I think a lot of sports media is still stuck on the idea that potential 30 goal scorers >>>>>> really good 2 way, 20min+ top4 D that doesn’t put up a lot of points.
The former is actually always available in trade and UFA and the latter is rarely available in UFA or trades. Logically the one with the lower supply should always be seen as more valuable.
ephmrl
5th overall.
The Iron Goalie
Formally 'OEL for Norris'
Ok let me just say I know, but...Kravstov has been on quite the streak with 7G 7A 14Pts over his last 10GP.
Season statline - 48GP 17G (4PPG) 23A 40Pts +16 137SOG 14Hits 39BLK 18:10TOI. Career highs in basically every category except hits (he's 1 off currently in 7 fewer games).
Season statline - 48GP 17G (4PPG) 23A 40Pts +16 137SOG 14Hits 39BLK 18:10TOI. Career highs in basically every category except hits (he's 1 off currently in 7 fewer games).
I know I've been flamed for even suggesting it, but I haven't given up on the idea that Kravtsov might one day return to the NHL.......and his rights still belong to the Canucks.
We could bring back Josh Leivo too. He's leading the KHL in scoring !
sting101
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Why? Lekk has done more (top goal scorer in the SEL at 19 and U20 MVP) and is on the cusp of being a legit NHL scorer. (PPG and best 20/21yr old goal scorer in the AHL)
Willander has stagnated.
Willander has the positional upside and size/strength to be more valuable but lots of question marks are still present.
Willander was just the best D at the WJCs and plays a much higher value position. I'm pretty convinced he's going to walk straight onto our NHL roster in April at a age a year younger than Lekkerimaki still is now, and Lekkerimaki still looks a ways away.
This isn't to say JL sucks or isn't a very good prospect but to me a guy projecting as a top pair D trumps a guy projecting as a 2nd line winger.
Tables of Stats
Registered User
Anybody claiming Willander has stagnated must only be stat scouting. Besides his counting stats, in which ways has he failed to show growth?
to me the most disappointing part of Lekkerimaki is his lack of footspeed and inability to generate plays at the AHL. He's in his draft+3, star forwards would most likely be already at the NHL level.
His shot we know basically from the draft that it will be a weapon. but I expected more from him. If he can't hold onto the puck and drive offense and create, at his size his upside is limited.
He has 7 assists in 22 AHL games.
Willander on the other hand, the only thing I can nitpick is his inzone defending, at times he's too timid. I expected him to be more assertive.
But aside from that, his skating, defending off the rush, ability to skate with the puck and move it - all looks close to the NHL.
And he's a year (development) younger.
Willander is clearly the better prospect.
His shot we know basically from the draft that it will be a weapon. but I expected more from him. If he can't hold onto the puck and drive offense and create, at his size his upside is limited.
He has 7 assists in 22 AHL games.
Willander on the other hand, the only thing I can nitpick is his inzone defending, at times he's too timid. I expected him to be more assertive.
But aside from that, his skating, defending off the rush, ability to skate with the puck and move it - all looks close to the NHL.
And he's a year (development) younger.
Willander is clearly the better prospect.
sting101
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Credulous has watched a slew of his BU games and has reported a lack of growth. I have watched mostly highlights a couple shift by shifts read reports and watched his U20s. So i am relying on some info vs first hand viewings for my claim. His counting stats have stagnated
From everything i've gathered and seen he still has confidence on puck and puckhandling deficiencies when moving towards defenders. His skating which was compared some to Makar at the draft hasn't grown much in terms of using his crossovers and agility to get lanes at the offensive blueline and dodge checkers. I haven't seen a ton of aggressiveness to take charge of games and impose his will.
In what ways do you feel he has taken big steps this year?
Lekkerimaki isn’t a slow skater but right now he has no ability to carry the puck up the ice without being nudged or snuffed out. He is incredibly frail and has little to no puck strength or strength in general.
RobertKron
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- Sep 1, 2007
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His speed once he has a head of steam is okay, but he very much looks to lack quickness.
Edit: I obviously haven’t seen him as much as some others, but based on what I’ve seen, I really wonder why so many folks assume he’s a lock to be more Luc Robitaille than Jussi Jokinen or Jeff Tambellini.
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WTG
December 5th
I don't necessarily disagree with the overall point. But the part about Lekkerimaki not generating plays in the AHL I disagree with. He doesn't "generate plays" as in he doesn't have that many assists because he can and will score when he has the puck. If making plays is just being a playmaker then I think your analysis of him makes sense. But, I would disagree that playmaking is the only way to generate plays. Lekkerimaki uses his shooting to generate scoring chances which in turn is making plays. I would not say that Lekkerimaki is relient (in the AHL) on others to generate scoring chances.
I disagree that Lekkermaki has a trouble with speed. He's got quickness. Right now he is still tentative, at times, and is still learning how best to use that quickness -especially how to hit gaps harder. Blue line to the goal, he is fine. Also I've seen him close the distance rapidly on the back check.
In the end being a burner is not as important as reading quickly and reacting quickly.
Lekkermaki, to me, has pro level speed.
In the end being a burner is not as important as reading quickly and reacting quickly.
Lekkermaki, to me, has pro level speed.
It's impossible to underestimate how much a challenge it is for young guys from Europe to adjust to the smaller NA rink.
There's almost no chance to carry the puck, particularly when you're starting from a stand-still position. It's basically 'give and go' hockey. You pass it off and hit the holes.
I don't see Lekkerimaki''s skating is an issue at all. What he's lacking right now is the anticipation and understanding where to go and get open. But even at that, he's still got 13 goals and 20 points in only 22 AHL games. That makes him one of the top-scoring 20-year-olds in the entire league.
Predicting he'll be a totally different player in training camp next season.
There's almost no chance to carry the puck, particularly when you're starting from a stand-still position. It's basically 'give and go' hockey. You pass it off and hit the holes.
I don't see Lekkerimaki''s skating is an issue at all. What he's lacking right now is the anticipation and understanding where to go and get open. But even at that, he's still got 13 goals and 20 points in only 22 AHL games. That makes him one of the top-scoring 20-year-olds in the entire league.
Predicting he'll be a totally different player in training camp next season.
Both players were rated 1-2 on that list and it doesn't concern me that fans cannot agree on which player is better now. I hope that they are both better next season.
What caught my attention was when you empatically state Willander was the best D at the WJCs. That is just your opinion, right? Because his name is nowhere to be found on the records for Best Defender or All-Star.
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