Can anyone provide some insights into our D prospects past our two studs Samberg and Ville? Samberg and Ville I see as top 4 defenders (Samberg in the Pesce mould and Ville as a Heiskanen-lite). Also, I see Stanley as a full time NHLer soon. But what do the others project as?
Here’s my take:
Declan Chisholm: I’ve been very impressed with him so far and it looks like his success is translating to pro. He’ll probably need at least two full seasons in the AHL past this season, but I see the NHL in his future. Verdict: Potential 5-6, NHL by 2023-24.
Leon Gawanke: His offense has impressed me no doubt, but his defence still sketches me out. Probably nothing more than a PP specialist, similar to say Paul Postma. Needs more seasoning in the A. Verdict: 7-8 guy, PP specialist. NHL by 2022-23.
Johnathan Kovacevic: Honestly I think he’s near NHL-ready. He’s a bit older too, so he should be further in his development. Looking really steady, expect him to get in to some games next season. I think the idea is he’ll ideally be a Poolman replacement. Verdict: 7-8, NHL by 2021-22.
Luke Green: I don’t think he’ll make it past the AHL. He just can’t stay healthy. Verdict: Europe when his contract ends.
Simon Lundmark: I don’t know much about him. I heard he’s doing well in Europe this year. Hopefully we can get him on to the Moose next year. Verdict: Not sure of his potential, can’t see him making his NHL debut until 2023-24 at the earliest.
Jacob Cederholm: I heard somewhere that we still have his rights. That might not even be true. He won’t make it past the ECHL here. Verdict: He’ll be lucky if he can play pro in Sweden again.
Anton Johannesson: Too early to tell. Seems to be a Hail Mary type pick. Potentially another Enstrom-type guy (in a perfect world), but it’s looking like he’ll have durability issues. Verdict: Too early to tell, he’s at least four-to-five years away.
Tyrel Bauer: Who knows. People were grilling this kid on draft day, but I like his mean streak and he’s worth a flyer late in the draft. The rest of his junior career will determine whether he makes the AHL or not, and then we’ll go from there. Verdict: Project.
Croix Evingson: Believe he’s in his senior year of college hockey. Hope the degree he’s studying is good because he has no future in hockey other than the beer leagues past this season. Cool name, though. Verdict: He’ll be able to tell his grandkids he was taken in the same draft as Cale Makar and Miro Heiskanen.
How off-base am I?