Prospect Info: Wild Prospect Thread 2022-23

[Circulartheory]

Lastly and itll be my final comment on this matter

I think there's a definite interesting debate in draft philosophy tat I would love to have. I am in the camp of "you can't lose your 1st pick on nothing". So players like Ohgren do attract me more; well-rounded prospects that have 1-2 offensive skills to develop that might push them into top-line players. Snuggerud is another. Responsible defensively, good size, competes, some average feet but he's got a shot that you can keep developing.

But I know some prefer the more full upside, and at #19, that would been Yurov (who we got anyways) or Isaac Howard. Or in 2011 draft case, Zack Phillips. There is an argument for Miroshnichenko but there was legitimate questions about health and right during the invasion.

I think there's strong argument for homerun pick as you go into the 4-7s where if the likelihood of a bust is high, might as we try to get a Kaprizov who's worth 10x Duhaimes, Shaw, or Dewar (maybe a 1-2 picks for cheap depth guys but gamble on few picks as well).

But all in all, it was a good pick at the right place. Not a reach at the time, not a homerun pick at this point - just as expected.

 

[57special]

I liked, or really liked everything that i saw of Ohgren. That said I didn't LOVE him, but at #19, you seldom do. I thought his skating was good enough, assuming that he works on it, and while i know he was known for his shot and scoring ability, was impressed with his passing ability and vision. I also like his size. He's not a giant, but he was over 6' and strong when drafted....he's more than big enough for size not to be an issue. Nino does seem to be a pretty good comp.
I do hope that they keep him in Sweden till he is near ready for the NHL. I know he is in the Allsvenskan right now, but I'm assuming that he is in the SHL next year? If so , then that's fine...it's a good league. Wherever he develops best.
I certainly want him to be in the running for a roster spot, or close to the team(Iowa)in the 24-25 season.

Yurov i had no clue about. Too lazy to look at him. He sounds good.

Rossi- everyone else liked him, but everytime i saw a small guy with mediocre speed. Because he was a C, I liked the pick, but i was always on the Lundell train. For those who have forgotten, almost EVERY draft expert had Lundell way below Rossi in their rankings. It would have taken a very confident GM to take Lundell over Rossi- i would've done it. I liked him better than Rossi, and Perfetti. He was playing against grown men, had good size, and I thought his skating was ok. Big guys often look slower with their longer strides, and small guys faster, with their shorter ones...I always take that into account.

Having said that, I haven't given up on Rossi. He's smart, he's skilled, he's got good character. He just needs to adjust his game so that he can be a factor in the NHL. I don't know if it's just a mental adjustment, or if he needs to improve his speed, and/or strength. I suspect that he needs to do all three. He will never be a breakaway speed threat like a young Zucker, but if he gets a bit faster/better at skating, he can squirt out of trouble like Zucc. A bit stronger, he can stay in scoring spots inside, and play keep away a bit better.

 

[BagHead]

I liked, or really liked everything that i saw of Ohgren. That said I didn't LOVE him, but at #19, you seldom do. I thought his skating was good enough, assuming that he works on it, and while i know he was known for his shot and scoring ability, was impressed with his passing ability and vision. I also like his size. He's not a giant, but he was over 6' and strong when drafted....he's more than big enough for size not to be an issue. Nino does seem to be a pretty good comp.
I do hope that they keep him in Sweden till he is near ready for the NHL. I know he is in the Allsvenskan right now, but I'm assuming that he is in the SHL next year? If so , then that's fine...it's a good league. Wherever he develops best.
I certainly want him to be in the running for a roster spot, or close to the team(Iowa)in the 24-25 season.

Yurov i had no clue about. Too lazy to look at him. He sounds good.

Rossi- everyone else liked him, but everytime i saw a small guy with mediocre speed. Because he was a C, I liked the pick, but i was always on the Lundell train. For those who have forgotten, almost EVERY draft expert had Lundell way below Rossi in their rankings. It would have taken a very confident GM to take Lundell over Rossi- i would've done it. I liked him better than Rossi, and Perfetti. He was playing against grown men, had good size, and I thought his skating was ok. Big guys often look slower with their longer strides, and small guys faster, with their shorter ones...I always take that into account.

Having said that, I haven't given up on Rossi. He's smart, he's skilled, he's got good character. He just needs to adjust his game so that he can be a factor in the NHL. I don't know if it's just a mental adjustment, or if he needs to improve his speed, and/or strength. I suspect that he needs to do all three. He will never be a breakaway speed threat like a young Zucker, but if he gets a bit faster/better at skating, he can squirt out of trouble like Zucc. A bit stronger, he can stay in scoring spots inside, and play keep away a bit better.

To input about the SHL vs Allsvenskan: The reason he's in the Allsvenskan this year rather than SHL is because his team was relegated. Djurgarden is currently 2nd in the league, so they appear to have a good chance at getting back to the SHL next year, but it's far from guaranteed.

Liam Ohgren has signed a contract with the Wild, so I believe that they can loan him to a different team, one that's in the SHL, but I'm not so sure that they would. Most NHL teams prefer to keep the prospect in the place they were already developing rather than shuffle them around. I do believe he's actually being loaned to Djurgarden at the moment, not under contract with them. At least, from what I can find on Google, that appears to be the case.

In regard to Rossi, the Lundell train was my backup train, but I wouldn't have minded boarding it.

 

[57special]

To input about the SHL vs Allsvenskan: The reason he's in the Allsvenskan this year rather than SHL is because his team was relegated. Djurgarden is currently 2nd in the league, so they appear to have a good chance at getting back to the SHL next year, but it's far from guaranteed.

Liam Ohgren has signed a contract with the Wild, so I believe that they can loan him to a different team, one that's in the SHL, but I'm not so sure that they would. Most NHL teams prefer to keep the prospect in the place they were already developing rather than shuffle them around. I do believe he's actually being loaned to Djurgarden at the moment, not under contract with them. At least, from what I can find on Google, that appears to be the case.

In regard to Rossi, the Lundell train was my backup train, but I wouldn't have minded boarding it.

OOh, forgot that he signed a contract. NVM, then, he'll be in Iowa next year, more than likely, though I am of two minds whether the SHL or AHL is the better development league for a young Swede. I like having him play in the smaller rinks, with likely future teammates, being indoctrinated into the Wild systems and having the possibility of a call up when he's with Iowa.
I like the lack of travel, skill development, and lack of cultural adjustment for a young person in Sweden. Some young guys aren't ready to leave the nest, others are. Who knows, maybe his mother is a lousy cook, he hates his family/team, and he can't wait to get away from his clingy gf?

 

[Obvious Fabertism]

OOh, forgot that he signed a contract. NVM, then, he'll be in Iowa next year, more than likely, though I am of two minds whether the SHL or AHL is the better development league for a young Swede. I like having him play in the smaller rinks, with likely future teammates, being indoctrinated into the Wild systems and having the possibility of a call up when he's with Iowa.
I like the lack of travel, skill development, and lack of cultural adjustment for a young person in Sweden. Some young guys aren't ready to leave the nest, others are. Who knows, maybe his mother is a lousy cook, he hates his family/team, and he can't wait to get away from his clingy gf?

Doesn’t he have some history with his father as a player/coach? I think those guys tend to transition better to a pro lifestyle as they have an experienced support system, I think his character and professionalism in that aspect is something I would be less worried about than others. It also seems like Swedes tend to acclimate pretty well to the Midwest, and we at least have a couple countrymen on the team and in the system.

I don’t see anything wrong with either path, it’s probably better to have him learning the Wild’s system, but as long as he is getting quality ice team and has some talent around him, I think he will be fine, seems like the kind of player that will work his butt off to improve.

 

[BagHead]

OOh, forgot that he signed a contract. NVM, then, he'll be in Iowa next year, more than likely, though I am of two minds whether the SHL or AHL is the better development league for a young Swede. I like having him play in the smaller rinks, with likely future teammates, being indoctrinated into the Wild systems and having the possibility of a call up when he's with Iowa.
I like the lack of travel, skill development, and lack of cultural adjustment for a young person in Sweden. Some young guys aren't ready to leave the nest, others are. Who knows, maybe his mother is a lousy cook, he hates his family/team, and he can't wait to get away from his clingy gf?

That isn't every 19 year old?

 

[Wasted Talent]

Liam Ohgren has signed a contract with the Wild, so I believe that they can loan him to a different team, one that's in the SHL, but I'm not so sure that they would. Most NHL teams prefer to keep the prospect in the place they were already developing rather than shuffle them around. I do believe he's actually being loaned to Djurgarden at the moment, not under contract with them. At least, from what I can find on Google, that appears to be the case.

I know that wasn't exactly the point of what you're saying, but do NHL teams actually have control over where their prospects play when loaned to Europe? I can't imagine Wild being able to command Öhgren to report to a new team in Switzerland or anything.

CBA seems to imply the choice of team is at the players' discretion when loaned to Europe, but admittedly I'm not the best at deciphering CBA legalese.

 

[57special]

Doesn’t he have some history with his father as a player/coach? I think those guys tend to transition better to a pro lifestyle as they have an experienced support system, I think his character and professionalism in that aspect is something I would be less worried about than others. It also seems like Swedes tend to acclimate pretty well to the Midwest, and we at least have a couple countrymen on the team and in the system.

I don’t see anything wrong with either path, it’s probably better to have him learning the Wild’s system, but as long as he is getting quality ice team and has some talent around him, I think he will be fine, seems like the kind of player that will work his butt off to improve.

It really depends on the Dad. I have known some Dads, some ex NHL'ers, that have hockey playing sons, and they toxic as hell. Others are great, and very supportive.

All Dads(and family) aren't the same, and not all Swedes are the same.

 

[Circulartheory]

I liked, or really liked everything that i saw of Ohgren. That said I didn't LOVE him, but at #19, you seldom do. I thought his skating was good enough, assuming that he works on it, and while i know he was known for his shot and scoring ability, was impressed with his passing ability and vision. I also like his size. He's not a giant, but he was over 6' and strong when drafted....he's more than big enough for size not to be an issue. Nino does seem to be a pretty good comp.
I do hope that they keep him in Sweden till he is near ready for the NHL. I know he is in the Allsvenskan right now, but I'm assuming that he is in the SHL next year? If so , then that's fine...it's a good league. Wherever he develops best.
I certainly want him to be in the running for a roster spot, or close to the team(Iowa)in the 24-25 season.

Yurov i had no clue about. Too lazy to look at him. He sounds good.

Rossi- everyone else liked him, but everytime i saw a small guy with mediocre speed. Because he was a C, I liked the pick, but i was always on the Lundell train. For those who have forgotten, almost EVERY draft expert had Lundell way below Rossi in their rankings. It would have taken a very confident GM to take Lundell over Rossi- i would've done it. I liked him better than Rossi, and Perfetti. He was playing against grown men, had good size, and I thought his skating was ok. Big guys often look slower with their longer strides, and small guys faster, with their shorter ones...I always take that into account.

Having said that, I haven't given up on Rossi. He's smart, he's skilled, he's got good character. He just needs to adjust his game so that he can be a factor in the NHL. I don't know if it's just a mental adjustment, or if he needs to improve his speed, and/or strength. I suspect that he needs to do all three. He will never be a breakaway speed threat like a young Zucker, but if he gets a bit faster/better at skating, he can squirt out of trouble like Zucc. A bit stronger, he can stay in scoring spots inside, and play keep away a bit better.

During that time, I was all aboard the "size justs means height/weight ratio". Meaning like a guy like Clutterbuck can still be punishing despite being on 6'0" (he is 212lbs). So with Rossi, I was like he's stocky so he's not as 'small' as usually defined.

My view on that has changed - what size can provide is puck protection and distance between opposing player and puck. A smart big guy can really buy time and space just by being a wall. Look at Greenway. But still no concerned with Rossi - Granlund was a great example of the small but stocky player getting used to the speed.

And I bolded the second part because I disagree - personally if we picked Lundell over Rossi, I would think its around expectations - Rossi average was 7th overall, Lundell was 12th (on my rankings). The 5 spot difference is nothing especially in the context of the 2020 draft where after the tier of Lafreniere/Stutzle/Byfield, your next tier was about 11 players long (Raymond/Perfetti/Drysdale/Rossi/Lundell etc.) . T

They were both ranked in similar areas with both clear distinguishing and different strengths/weaknesses. And Lundell's got size, smarts, played well against SM-Liiga men, there's alot to get excited about. Now, if we picked Holloway over the two (who I see as part of the next tier after that), I would been annoyed.

 

[BagHead]

I know that wasn't exactly the point of what you're saying, but do NHL teams actually have control over where their prospects play when loaned to Europe? I can't imagine Wild being able to command Öhgren to report to a new team in Switzerland or anything.

CBA seems to imply the choice of team is at the players' discretion when loaned to Europe, but admittedly I'm not the best at deciphering CBA legalese.

I don't know. The scope of what I was saying was only to show that the Wild can loan him out as they're who he's signed with. Who they can loan him to exactly is beyond my knowledge. Great question though, and I'd love to hear the answer from someone that knows more.

 

[AKL]

I know that wasn't exactly the point of what you're saying, but do NHL teams actually have control over where their prospects play when loaned to Europe? I can't imagine Wild being able to command Öhgren to report to a new team in Switzerland or anything.

CBA seems to imply the choice of team is at the players' discretion when loaned to Europe, but admittedly I'm not the best at deciphering CBA legalese.

As far as I know, it's the player's own choice and responsibility when being loaned to select the team they're loaned to. Presumably, next season, Ohgren could choose a new team to be loaned to unless the Wild opt to keep him in Iowa. I assume he's with Djurgardens because he already had a relationship with the team, coaches, etc. That said, I'm also not sure if Sweden hockey has any rules governing that kind of situation. As in, I'm not sure if the SHL/Allsvenskan have rules saying that he can't play for any other team in Sweden because Djurgardens "owns his rights".

 

[thestonedkoala]

Minnesota has had 9 draft picks in the top 10:

Marian Gaborik - franchise player, injuries derailed a very good career

Benoit Pouliot - useful journeyman player that played over 600 games in the NHL. Didn't turn into the franchise player Minnesota wanted, but wasn't a bust

Mikko Koivu - franchise player due to the lack of talent, was a great middle 6 player with a long career, but was never the franchise center Minnesota hoped he would be.

Matt Dumba - started out great, came crashing down after his injury. Useful top 4 guy.

PM Bouchard - Wrong era, was a great complimentary winger and offensive guy, but couldn't stick due to his small size. Didn't make a huge impact on the team.

Marco Rossi - Jury is still out.

Mikael Granlund - Like Bouchard, great complimentary winger and offensive guy, but never developed into the franchise driving center they were hoping for.

James Sheppard - Borderline bust, but did carve out almost 400 games in his short career. Was rushed and this was the result.

Jonas Brodin - Could be argue to be a franchise defining defenseman, with zero offensive ability. Top 2 guy.

Minnesota has had some good players, but nothing franchise defining in the top 10 outside of Gaborik. Granlund compared to the hype was a massive bust, but was still a useful player. Similar to Benoit Pouliot. Bouchard and Dumba had their uses.

We're getting guys in the top 10 that develop into the guys you normally pick in the bottom half of the 1st round That's why Ohgren and Yurov look decent.

 

[Wabit]

As far as I know, it's the player's own choice and responsibility when being loaned to select the team they're loaned to. Presumably, next season, Ohgren could choose a new team to be loaned to unless the Wild opt to keep him in Iowa. I assume he's with Djurgardens because he already had a relationship with the team, coaches, etc. That said, I'm also not sure if Sweden hockey has any rules governing that kind of situation. As in, I'm not sure if the SHL/Allsvenskan have rules saying that he can't play for any other team in Sweden because Djurgardens "owns his rights".

It's not just owns the rights. Most (non-US) players already have contracts for the next season or two in place with teams in other leagues (CHL, SHL, KHL, etc.) when they are drafted in the NHL. The only time fans really pay attention to these contracts is when it's in a league that doesn't have a transfer agreement (KHL).

 

[AKL]

It's not just owns the rights. Most (non-US) players already have contracts for the next season or two in place with teams in other leagues (CHL, SHL, KHL, etc.) when they are drafted in the NHL. The only time fans really pay attention to these contracts is when it's in a league that doesn't have a transfer agreement (KHL).

Ohgren is under contract with the Wild, loaned to Djurgardens. Are you saying he was already under contract with Djurgardens before he signed his contract with the Wild? Where do you find European contract info?

Side note, according to the CBA, it looks like he won't be able to play in the AHL next season either unless Djurgardens doesn't want him. Unless I'm not understanding that part correctly.

 

[Wabit]

Ohgren is under contract with the Wild, loaned to Djurgardens. Are you saying he was already under contract with Djurgardens before he signed his contract with the Wild?

Yes, in some form. I think saw it as a "commitment" to play with them, but that could be a translation thing? It's along the lines of the CHL contract those players have. The NHL contract supersedes the other league contracts, and the league transfer rules dictate how it all works. Like the CHL has it in their transfer agreement that if the prospect isn't in the NHL he has to (honor) play out his contract with them.

What I have no clue on is how the real money works. Ohgren gets his signing bonus from MN. But I don't think (not anywhere close to sure) they have to pay him his $80k minors salary if he isn't in their direct control (AHL/ECHL). The SHL team picks up the (some/all) of his tab for the season. Heck, for all I know, the player could be double dipping in pay with the 2 leagues (good for the player).

 

[AKL]

Yes, in some form. I think saw it as a "commitment" to play with them, but that could be a translation thing? It's along the lines of the CHL contract those players have. The NHL contract supersedes the other league contracts, and the league transfer rules dictate how it all works. Like the CHL has it in their transfer agreement that if the prospect isn't in the NHL he has to (honor) play out his contract with them.

What I have no clue on is how the real money works. Ohgren gets his signing bonus from MN. But I don't think (not anywhere close to sure) they have to pay him his $80k minors salary if he isn't in their direct control (AHL/ECHL). The SHL team picks up the (some/all) of his tab for the season. Heck, for all I know, the player could be double dipping in pay with the 2 leagues (good for the player).

What I've found is that, like Ohgren, if a player is selected from Europe at 18, the club can sign that player to an ELC, but when loaning, must first offer him to the club he was selected from for the first two years post-draft. I still don't know if that means Ohgren actually had a real contract the way Khusnutdinov/Kaprizov did. Maybe he did, I just can't find it. But per the CBA, Djurgardens owns his right in a sense for those first two years post-draft, unless he plays for the Minnesota Wild. So even if there is no contract with Djurgardens, they get "right of first refusal" for him if he's loaned away from the Minnesota Wild.

The salary thing is probably purposely obscure. The language in the CBA seems to be pretty vague about who pays the player and how much. But it seems like the player negotiates some degree of compensation with the club he's loaned to.

 

[Wabit]

What I've found is that, like Ohgren, if a player is selected from Europe at 18, the club can sign that player to an ELC, but when loaning, must first offer him to the club he was selected from for the first two years post-draft. I still don't know if that means Ohgren actually had a real contract the way Khusnutdinov/Kaprizov did. Maybe he did, I just can't find it. But per the CBA, Djurgardens owns his right in a sense for those first two years post-draft, unless he plays for the Minnesota Wild. So even if there is no contract with Djurgardens, they get "right of first refusal" for him if he's loaned away from the Minnesota Wild.

The salary thing is probably purposely obscure. The language in the CBA seems to be pretty vague about who pays the player and how much. But it seems like the player negotiates some degree of compensation with the club he's loaned to.

It's too much of a hassle for my interest level to bother with changing my VPN to Sweden, searching, and translating the the websites to get more pertinent info.

Elite prospects used to have this info, but I think it's behind a paywall now.

 

[TaLoN]

James Sheppard - Borderline bust

Full on bust

Granlund compared to the hype was a massive bust,

And you called Shep a borderline bust... one was a 70pt player, the other was a pressbox popcorn joke,

 

[Wabit]

Minnesota has had 9 draft picks in the top 10:

Marian Gaborik - franchise player, injuries derailed a very good career

Benoit Pouliot - useful journeyman player that played over 600 games in the NHL. Didn't turn into the franchise player Minnesota wanted, but wasn't a bust

Mikko Koivu - franchise player due to the lack of talent, was a great middle 6 player with a long career, but was never the franchise center Minnesota hoped he would be.

Matt Dumba - started out great, came crashing down after his injury. Useful top 4 guy.

PM Bouchard - Wrong era, was a great complimentary winger and offensive guy, but couldn't stick due to his small size. Didn't make a huge impact on the team.

Marco Rossi - Jury is still out.

Mikael Granlund - Like Bouchard, great complimentary winger and offensive guy, but never developed into the franchise driving center they were hoping for.

James Sheppard - Borderline bust, but did carve out almost 400 games in his short career. Was rushed and this was the result.

Jonas Brodin - Could be argue to be a franchise defining defenseman, with zero offensive ability. Top 2 guy.

Minnesota has had some good players, but nothing franchise defining in the top 10 outside of Gaborik. Granlund compared to the hype was a massive bust, but was still a useful player. Similar to Benoit Pouliot. Bouchard and Dumba had their uses.

We're getting guys in the top 10 that develop into the guys you normally pick in the bottom half of the 1st round That's why Ohgren and Yurov look decent.

If we're talking about top-10 picks anything less than a top-6 FWD or top-3 d-man is a bust imo.
-Pouliot and Sheppard are busts.
-PMB was okay, until injuries derailed his career. So boarder line bust?
-Rossi is too soon.
-The rest are fine.

 

[thestonedkoala]

Full on bust


And you called Shep a borderline bust... one was a 70pt player, the other was a pressbox popcorn joke,

Sheppard played more than Mueller (drafted higher), 10 games less than Tlusty, Wishhart...For a first round pick Sheppard still managed to squeeze out almost 400 games. As well, Sheppard was never mentioned as the best player in the world. Granlund was not only considered to be the best player not in the NHL D + 1 and 2, but there was talk that he was going to change how scouts saw Finnish players. He was supposed to be a franchise changing center similar to Kaprizov was as a winger. He failed to meet those expectations, but ended up being a good 50-60 point winger.

If we're talking about top-10 picks anything less than a top-6 FWD or top-3 d-man is a bust imo.
-Pouliot and Sheppard are busts.
-PMB was okay, until injuries derailed his career. So boarder line bust?
-Rossi is too soon.
-The rest are fine.

Is Dumba a bust than, because he isn't a top 3 defenseman.

I look at how many games played myself. An average player plays roughly 4.5 (though that's skewed as 25% of players play 12 or more seasons and the rest play roughly 2 seasons). There are so many players in the top ten that don't even play more than a season or two.

 

[Wabit]

Is Dumba a bust than, because he isn't a top 3 defenseman.

I look at how many games played myself. An average player plays roughly 4.5 (though that's skewed as 25% of players play 12 or more seasons and the rest play roughly 2 seasons). There are so many players in the top ten that don't even play more than a season or two.

Dumba has been on the top pair for the last few years now. Even when Brodin has been out Dumba had been the top pair RD for MN. I'm not sure what else to call the guy that is in the top 2 in 5v5 ToI/game, top 4 in PK ToI/game, and gets matched up other team's best lines.

Games played is nice for 2nd round and later draft picks. It's not something I look at for top-10 picks.

 

[TaLoN]

Sheppard played more than Mueller (drafted higher), 10 games less than Tlusty, Wishhart...For a first round pick Sheppard still managed to squeeze out almost 400 games.

Because players busted ahead of him doesn't mean he isn't also a bust. 400 games, he was supposed to be a top line or at least top 6 center. He couldn't even get himself on the ice most nights. That's a bust, no matter what he did elsewhere.

Granlund was not only considered to be the best player not in the NHL D + 1 and 2, but there was talk that he was going to change how scouts saw Finnish players. He was supposed to be a franchise changing center similar to Kaprizov was as a winger. He failed to meet those expectations, but ended up being a good 50-60 point winger.

70pt player, won us games in the playoffs... was the best player on the team while he was here. He wasn't a bust AT ALL.

Your double standard for bust definition doesn't help your side of the debate.

The first one you call a "borderline bust" when he was picked 9th overall and had 91 career points in nearly 400 games.
The second one you call a "massive bust" when he has nearly twice the games and has more points than the first player has total games.

BOTH players were taken 9th overall.

Only one of them is a bust... and it sure as hell wasn't Granlund.

 

[north21]

Sheppard played more than Mueller (drafted higher), 10 games less than Tlusty, Wishhart...For a first round pick Sheppard still managed to squeeze out almost 400 games. As well, Sheppard was never mentioned as the best player in the world. Granlund was not only considered to be the best player not in the NHL D + 1 and 2, but there was talk that he was going to change how scouts saw Finnish players. He was supposed to be a franchise changing center similar to Kaprizov was as a winger. He failed to meet those expectations, but ended up being a good 50-60 point winger.

There was some hype there but you are massively over selling it.

 

[TaLoN]

There was some hype there but you are massively over selling it.

Also, that hype developed post draft, not leading up to the draft. If he had all that hype before he was drafted he would've gone sooner.

 

[thestonedkoala]

There was some hype there but you are massively over selling it.

Finnish Baby Jesus? And that wasn't all tongue in cheek.

Also Sheppard was seen as a top 6 power forward. Minnesota rushed him, Sheppard didn't develop due to a lot of conditions (mainly he should have stayed in the CHL and spent a year or two in the AHL). But Sheppard wasn't seen as much more than a top 6 center.

Granlund was seen as a franchise changing forward. Minnesota didn't really rush him and he couldn't even stick at center.

Comparatively speaking Granlund's ceiling vs Sheppard's ceiling was remarkably different. It would be like saying falling from a 10 foot building is the same as falling off a 2 foot building.

Finally, I said Granlund was a massive bust comparatively speaking to the hype surrounding him, but he was a useful forward. He wasn't a bust in a traditional sense, but for a prospect that was once rated as THE top prospect in the world, he certainly didn't live up to it. He has carved out a pretty good career, but he is more of a Bouchard than a Kaprizov when the team needed a Kaprizov.