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I can't claim to know much about him, but he had pretty good numbers on a bad team. If he has another really good year I wouldn't be shocked if he's invited back for next camp and then signed. After all, it's not like we have a particularly deep goalie pipeline.
He looked alright. Definitely the third best goaltender in the 3v3 tournament behind Wallstedt and Jones.
Depends on the pairings. I remembered Lambos and O'Rourke getting scratched a lot or on the bottom pairing. Good that they made it, but they were used more in reserves.
Not everything. I think it's great that five of Minnesota's defensemen have made it on two powerhouse teams. But you have to look at it realistically as well. Or else you get Khovanov expectations.
Different year, can't expect he exact same. They're both older and improved.
To be fair, I don't think everyone shared those expectations with Khovanov. He was an average sized forward who had a very good but not a blowout overager year in the QJMHL (3rd in Pts/G as an overager) drafted in the middle rounds with notable stories about laziness and work ethic. Those stories never disappeared. He had alot of red flags.
I think part of the excitement around Khovanov was wishful thinking because we were so bereft at the Center position. Remember, this was pre Rossi, and JEE had looked ineffective offensively up till very recently. Wild fans were pretty anxious about the C position, as it was obvious that Staal and Koivu were close to aging out of the league.
That would make sense. I just personally pay attention less to position when it comes to prospects I get excited about. Really just a preference.
That is also true and another preference of mine. I get more dejected and unenthused by major red flags like character or lack of size than talks about lack of upside.
He had legit skill and was developing well in juniors... but he also had an ego and didn't think he needed to keep working for it. That's where his problems came. As soon as it came out when leaving Juniors that he wanted NHL or overseas, you knew he was in trouble. He thought he had completed his development entirely in Juniors. He thought he was done and was ready for the show.
That's because MN only picked one Canadian Dman higher than the 4th round since 2008, Dumba. Brackett and Guerin have made the draft a priority by keeping, and making the most of, picks. The extra picks have allowed Judd to go with BPA, and still be able to draft for need.
