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Post by clear observer on Dec 4, 2002 8:45:43 GMT -5
This Habs Prospect Report is based on extensive communication with editors of hockey sites and knowledgeable fans who have given me first-hand reports on our prospects. ... MOREExcellent work...much appreciated! CO
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Post by MPLABBE on Dec 4, 2002 9:01:32 GMT -5
His name is Dan no?
Nice work
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Post by Doc Holliday on Dec 4, 2002 9:14:11 GMT -5
Very interesting.
I don't quite know what to think seeing that experts rank Buturlin about the same as Perezhogin... Either Buturlin was not that bad of a pick by Houle and is yet another casualitie of our inability to make NHL space for our prospects OR Perezhogin is really not that hot of a prospect... Anything beyond these 2 on the European front isn't too exciting...
Thanks David (or Dan), very informative, much appreciated.
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Post by darz on Dec 4, 2002 11:01:57 GMT -5
nice read! at a time where bitchin and moaning is all you get from 90-95% of the posts you read, this was enjoyable. look forward to reading you stuff again.
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Post by clear observer on Dec 4, 2002 11:05:50 GMT -5
His name is Dan no? Nice work Woops...it is in fact Dan...my apologies. ;D CO
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Post by MPLABBE on Dec 4, 2002 11:54:47 GMT -5
Very interesting. I don't quite know what to think seeing that experts rank Buturlin about the same as Perezhogin... Either Buturlin was not that bad of a pick by Houle and is yet another casualitie of our inability to make NHL space for our prospects OR Perezhogin is really not that hot of a prospect... Anything beyond these 2 on the European front isn't too exciting... I think the russianprospects.com guys are looking at how well they are performing now. Just my hunch. Not their potential.
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Post by montreal on Dec 4, 2002 16:00:39 GMT -5
Very interesting. I don't quite know what to think seeing that experts rank Buturlin about the same as Perezhogin... Either Buturlin was not that bad of a pick by Houle and is yet another casualitie of our inability to make NHL space for our prospects OR Perezhogin is really not that hot of a prospect... Anything beyond these 2 on the European front isn't too exciting... Thanks David (or Dan), very informative, much appreciated. Well, I was going to leave that table out, as I couldn't find a date for it, and never heard back from them. But I put it in anyway, but I do think it's an older chart, and not reflecting todays value. Buturlin does indeed have more points so far this year (13 pts for Buturlin, 11pts for Perezhogin), but Perezhogin plays for one of the top teams in the RSL (Omsk is in 2nd, whereas Buturlin plays for Lada, who aren't as strong). For what its worth, I think Perezhogin has much more talent/skill, and will be more of an impact player. This is his first year in the RSL, and to be called to the Senior National Team is a big deal. (which Buturlin hasn't done) Plus Perezhogin was one of the youngest players drafted in '01, so even though its been 2 years, he's still very young, and continues to develop and grow. I personally don't think we will see him anytime soon, but it's still unclear how much talent/skill he has. On of the best things I learned about Perezhogin, is that he is now becoming a good 2 way player, and thats great news, cause at the time he was drafted, he was known as a sniper (47 goals in RHL) and most young players in the NHL have problems in their own end. So, Perezhogin, with his good work ethic, is becoming a top prospect due to his various weapons. We know he can score, but now that he's learning to play hard on both sides of the rink, he becomes a much more dangerous/useful player. IMO, I would say that Perezhogin is our best forward prospect as of right now. As for the rest of the Euro talent. I think Eneqvist could be a good 3rd liner for us in a few years. I think Puurula is just starting to show what he's capable of, and even though he was a late pick, he is playing well, and still only 20 years old. With the way Finland has been producing goalies, I wouldn't forget the name Joni Puurula. Kim Staal, is getting past the prospect point, but he's another player that I think could help the Habs. He's a hard worker, that plays a hard nose, gritty game, parked in front of the net. We signed McKay for that, but his wheels just aren't there, so maybe Staal could be brought over next year. Vadim Tarasov, I felt was better then Garon, last year, so if they could get him to come back, if say Hackett and Garon are gone, it would be great for us, as he has been compared with Nabokov (SJ) by our goalie coach. And thanks to everyone for reading it, and thats CO, for putting it up.
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Post by MPLABBE on Dec 4, 2002 16:45:18 GMT -5
IMO, I would say that Perezhogin is our best forward prospect as of right now. As for the rest of the Euro talent. That's a pretty bold statement
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Post by montreal on Dec 4, 2002 17:03:18 GMT -5
That's a pretty bold statement Well Hossa or Higgins are right up there, but I see Perezhogin as a 1st liner, while I see Hossa as a 2nd or 3rd liner, with Higgins a 2nd or 3rd as well. Its tough to say, but Perezhogin is putting up good numbers in a tough league, but we should get a look at him at the end of the month at the WJC's. With Hossa, he doesn't seem to give the effort every night, and Higgins, I haven't seen enough of.
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Post by MPLABBE on Dec 4, 2002 17:05:51 GMT -5
I don't see Perezhogin as an elite 1st liner.In other words, I don't believe, from what I have read, he will be a 35-40 goal scorer.
He will be a Rolston type playing the wing. 20-25 goal scorer, great defensively, works hard, has speed, good 2nd line player,etc
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Post by montreal on Dec 4, 2002 17:14:49 GMT -5
I don't see Perezhogin as an elite 1st liner.In other words, I don't believe, from what I have read, he will be a 35-40 goal scorer. He will be a Rolston type playing the wing. 20-25 goal scorer, great defensively, works hard, has speed, good 2nd line player,etc Yea he's showing now that he can play good both ways, but he can score and thats why he got drafted. His 47 goals in the High league are up there with Frolov and Kolachuk. He has the skill level that they have, but he lacks the size they do.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Dec 4, 2002 18:12:19 GMT -5
Wow, nice job for sure Dan. Doing the homework and research really shows and it made for a good look over.
You know, I wish Razin could have come around. He has the size to mash people into the boards, but from what I understand he's not all that physical. I know, we've seen it before, but this was one guy I wished had panned out.
I think you're right about Staal. This guy is good enough to make the Swedish National Team, but hits a wall when vying for a job with the Habs. He has the talent, but I guess the NHL style is sometimes too physically demanding for some players.
Anyway, thanks a bundle, Dan. That was one heck of a lot of work and as you can see, lots of people appreciate it; me too, buds.
Cheers.
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Post by Viper on Dec 4, 2002 18:21:47 GMT -5
AH finally the much anticipated read i've wanted. It was definately worth the wait serious work and research went into that. Great job excellent read. I can't wait to see Andrei Sidyakin in the lineup at 5'9 154lbs he's probably on the fast track to our first line he has the size we seem to be looking for that's for sure. Excellent job Cheer's Scott
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Post by montreal on Dec 4, 2002 18:51:55 GMT -5
Well thanks for the kind words, and thanks HA for the help especially the intro. As for Razin, he does have the size, but he just never seemed to pan out. I included him and the other unknowns cause you never know (since we still own their rights) and since I could get first hand info on them, I included them. So if Anger or Sidyakin every pan out as Habs, then we can refer to my report and say that you read about them here at Habrus. As for Staal, he hasn't attempted to come over yet, but I did hear that he was going to last year, so maybe this summer he will give it a try. I think he could be a good 4th liner for us, and provide something we don't have. A player that will take abuse in front of the net. McKay will do this, but his wheels are turning a lot slower then before, so I wonder if he's on this team next year. I have started the next report which should be more interesting since it covers all the CHL and NCAA guys. Higgins, Shasby, Glenn, Selig, Murray, Lambert, Ferland, Michaud, Larrivee, Milroy, Himelfarb, Deveaux, Linhart, Archer. So if anyone has any opinions they want to add, send me a PM, my favorite topic is prospects, and I will talk anytime about them.
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Post by BadCompany on Dec 4, 2002 19:18:47 GMT -5
Perezhoughin was considered by many to be the dark horse of that draft, and some say he has just as much goal scoring ability as Kovalchouk. Red Line Report, in particular, couldn't stop raving about him. Having said that, when I saw him at the World Junior's, I didn't see any blazing speed from him, nor any real shiftiness, or agility. True, he was hurt, perhaps seriously, but even his natural skating stride did nothing to scream "SPEED" when I watched him. Some guys, you just know. Like when you watch Josep Balej, even when he is just cruising, you know he has speed to burn, and the match to light it. I didn't get that impression with Perezhoughin in, admittedly, extremely unfair circumstances.
Not so sure about Kim Staal. I think the Habs tried that route with Temo Vertala, and it didn't work out quite as planned. Vertala, like Staal, was an older prospect, smallish but gritty, who suddenly found some offense at a later age. But he couldn't translate that into AHL success, let alone NHL success. I wouldn't hold out much hope for him.
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Post by Cranky on Dec 4, 2002 19:42:47 GMT -5
Montreal, that is terrific work. To be honest, I did not have time to look up how our prospects are doing so a report like yours is very informative. Especially with all the careful research you did and extensive amount of time to talk to all these people.
Once again, on behalf of everybody in HabsRus, thank you for your efforts and await your next installment.
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Post by montreal on Dec 4, 2002 19:45:37 GMT -5
Perezhoughin was considered by many to be the dark horse of that draft, and some say he has just as much goal scoring ability as Kovalchouk. Red Line Report, in particular, couldn't stop raving about him. Having said that, when I saw him at the World Junior's, I didn't see any blazing speed from him, nor any real shiftiness, or agility. True, he was hurt, perhaps seriously, but even his natural skating stride did nothing to scream "SPEED" when I watched him. Some guys, you just know. Like when you watch Josep Balej, even when he is just cruising, you know he has speed to burn, and the match to light it. I didn't get that impression with Perezhoughin in, admittedly, extremely unfair circumstances. Not so sure about Kim Staal. I think the Habs tried that route with Temo Vertala, and it didn't work out quite as planned. Vertala, like Staal, was an older prospect, smallish but gritty, who suddenly found some offense at a later age. But he couldn't translate that into AHL success, let alone NHL success. I wouldn't hold out much hope for him. About Perezhogin, well lets see what he does this year in the WJC's. He did have a serious knee injury, as Savard was pissed that they let him play. As for Staal, well I don't buy that cause Vertala didn't work out, Staal wont either. Who knows what will happen, but I wanted to cover every prospect we have, not just the good or well know ones.
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Post by montreal on Dec 4, 2002 19:47:12 GMT -5
Montreal, that is terrific work. To be honest, I did not have time to look up how our prospects are doing so a report like yours is very informative. Especially with all the careful research you did and extensive amount of time to talk to all these people. Once again, on behalf of everybody in HabsRus, thank you for your efforts and await your next installment. Thanks HA, I really look forward to the next one. Thanks again for the help.
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Post by Cranky on Dec 4, 2002 20:34:01 GMT -5
Thanks HA, I really look forward to the next one. Thanks again for the help. Are you kidding? It was my pleasure. Montreal, I am glad you joined HabsRus and help make this forum what it is.
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Post by seventeen on Dec 4, 2002 23:47:58 GMT -5
Excellent work, Montreal. I'm a real prospect nut, so I follow them more closely than most, but it is difficult getting info on them. I agree with you totally on Perezhogin. He's always been a scorer and you can't teach that. Combine it with his work ethic and you have the potential not only for a #1 winger, but a very good #1 winger...like Palffy.
I've also noticed Puurola and I consider him a much better prospect than Olivier Michaud, who didn't impress me at all at the WJC's. He wasn't invited back this year, not a surprise. Staal, I recognize from the draft lists and the NHL guide and I noticed he got better each year, but your info provides a more in-depth idea of his style. He could be useful. Of course, none of these guys is going to be of any help until they A) make the team and B) MT is gone.
Thanks again. Looking forward to the juniours and NCAA.
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Post by montreal on Dec 5, 2002 0:20:08 GMT -5
Are you kidding? It was my pleasure. Montreal, I am glad you joined HabsRus and help make this forum what it is. Well I usually just post at HF, but I like it here a lot better, as I don't have to read all those Hackett, Traverse and Petrov to Tampa for Vinny and Richards, and their 1st this year and next, while trying to explain that the deal is a tad lopsided. So thanks to you and Viper for telling me about this site, so to everyone else on this board, the blame goes to Viper and HA for brining me here. ;D
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Post by montreal on Dec 5, 2002 0:25:14 GMT -5
Excellent work, Montreal. I'm a real prospect nut, so I follow them more closely than most, but it is difficult getting info on them. I agree with you totally on Perezhogin. He's always been a scorer and you can't teach that. Combine it with his work ethic and you have the potential not only for a #1 winger, but a very good #1 winger...like Palffy. I've also noticed Puurola and I consider him a much better prospect than Olivier Michaud, who didn't impress me at all at the WJC's. He wasn't invited back this year, not a surprise. Staal, I recognize from the draft lists and the NHL guide and I noticed he got better each year, but your info provides a more in-depth idea of his style. He could be useful. Of course, none of these guys is going to be of any help until they A) make the team and B) MT is gone. Thanks again. Looking forward to the juniours and NCAA. Thanks. We will have to see just what Perezhogin can do, but to me with his skill level he is a prospect that we should watch out for, even if he is a few years away. As for Puurula, I to think he is a better prospect then Michaud, but both are decent prospects and were produced from the top 2 areas that goalies seem to be coming from. (theres a ton of good young goalies from Finland and QMJHL). Staal, I would just like to see come over to camp, and try and get a spot to see what he can do. Next year, we do have Hamilton all to ourselfs, so we maybe need a extra body or two down there, and maybe a Staal or Eneqvist would be good.
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