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Post by Lord Bebop on Apr 16, 2009 10:33:49 GMT -5
I expect a few centers to be drafted by the Habs this time around. Luckily the draft seems to be a good year for centers. Here's a few that could interest Montreal ........ I think: Louis Leblanc...... for reasons stated above. Was considered to be a top 10 prospect at one point. Landon Ferraro- Son of former NHLer Ray Ferraro, Landon has speed having won the fastest skater event at the Top Prospects Game's Skill Competition. Knows how to score with 37 goals. Said to have smarts and works hard. Plays RW too. Peter Holland- Should be gone by Montreal's turn but who knowns. More of a power forward who skates well that shots and passes effectively. Scott Glennie-a pure goal-scorer, he is a speedy and talented forward. At one time, he was tied for 6th in the WHL scoring race but had his season cut short with a broken elbow. Plays RW too. Jacob Josefson-Swedish centerman is a guy I'm having a hard time getting info on  Jeremy Morin- goal scorer....... but said to have attidude issues and fitness levels needs to improve. Dark horse I think. Non center's i would consider are Simon Després, Charles-Oliver Roussel and Zack Kassian. Simon Després is rock solid. Fluid, good hockey instinct, calm... the complete package. Charles-Oliver Roussel is a very good two way defenseman who reminds me of a Shea Weber. Very good at both sides of the rink and can play pretty tough. Zack Kassian- I would draft him just because I think his name sounds cool but the right- winger is also one of the OHL's toughest players and doesn't shy away from the dirty areas. A bit slow in terms of skating but a nice combination of size, skill and energy. A bit raw but we've been looking for a Milan Lucic or a Brendan Morrow and I think he could fit in that mould. Judging by Montreal's recent history we can't count out USHL players. Aside from Jeremy Morin a couple of players that could interest Monteal are: Nick Leddy - Leddy is one of the more solid defensemen in this year’s draft. Dominate playing in Minnesota High State tournament he was voted “Mr. Hockey” for the best player in the state. Great vision and passing in his own end. His game has gotten better as the year went by. This fall, Leddy will be headed to the University of Minnesota. Zach Budish- a torn ACL that he suffered with his high school football team, Budish most likely would’ve been a first round pick in the draft. The injury wipes out his year at Edina and in the process has caused his draft stock to decline. He still could go early in the draft due to the excellent skill package and size that he possesses. 6'3" 230 pnd, he doesn't have a mean streak but doesn't shy away from phsical play either. Budish has committed to the University of Minnesota for the fall of 2009. Don't know if Ferraro or Despres will still be around when we finally get to pick. Even if they are, it's no Tavares. I really liked our Corey Locke pick a couple of years ago. He led the OHL in scoring two years in a row. This year he was in the top 10 in AHL scoring. He is small and slow. No guarantee of NHL success, he was a fourth round pick. Tavares is the closest to a sure thing. A little slow but a pure scorer. Smartest offensive player since Gretzky. He would look good in the flannel as long as he isn't put between Laraque and Stewart. Not sure if we can get a package together that would interest the NYI. Lets not forget how much hype drafting a guy like Tavares has and the Islanders can really use this for their marketing. They really need to sell tickets and mechandise and a guy like Tavares can make a difference on the ice but have a huge impact off the ice. Something the Islanders should be desperate for. I would not get my hopes up for a trade like that. |
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Post by BadCompany on Apr 16, 2009 12:06:38 GMT -5
Simply, Burke needs to swing two trades. He first needs to get to #4 or #5, then he needs to get to #2, where Tavares will be available from the Islanders. The first jump should be pretty simple because I'd bet that LA or even Atlanta wouldn't mind dropping a few spots (or even giving up the pick entirely) for some established talent (Kaberle could get them this far). Then it's a matter of convincing the Islanders that Evander Kane or Brayden Schenn AND Luke Schenn is worth giving up Tavares for. I think the Leafs would be more likely to try and deal for the #3 spot. Or at least that's what I would try to do... It's easier to get to #3 from #7, and it's still not a huge stretch to go from #3-#1... but even if they can't make that extra step, getting the third pick ensures that they can draft Brayden Schenn, which may be their goal all along... Having said that, they may gamble and try to go "only" as high as #4... Matt Duchene seems to be the early consensus to go #3, but after that there could be a wide divergence of opinion. Atlanta is a team that may feel they have a legitimate shot at the playoffs next year, so a roster player and the #7 might entice them to drop down from 4... if they do that the Leafs have a pretty good chance at getting Schenn... |
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Post by Skilly on Apr 16, 2009 13:22:47 GMT -5
I don't think you can write into a contract "you can't draft player x" .... so it is a huge gamble for someone to swap picks because a GM made it seem he didnt want Tavares. Would other GMs black-ball him .... maybe, but I'd draft Tavares anyway. Yeah, it's a risk just like everything else in life. That's why your only target is Tampa, who already has 2 franchise centers on their roster. If Colorado is #2 the opportunity doesn't exist, same with just about every other team. Yes they have 2 .... but I'd still draft Tavares if I'm Tampa. Why? Because they can deal one of the three star franchise center (can't give them all top ice time) and get a proven NHL young stud defenseman, instead of waiting on Hedman and the unknown. For instance, let's say the Lecavalier rumours are true .... and you get Higgins/Komisarek/McDonnagh. So would you rather Lecavalier/Stamkos/Hedman ... and Lecavalier's contract. OR Stamkos/Tavares/Higgins/Komisarek/McDonnagh? I'm only using Montreal as an example ... I am sure there are teams out there that have way better to offer than Komisarek for a top pairing young defenseman |
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Post by CrocRob on Apr 16, 2009 13:55:48 GMT -5
You act like Tavares is some sure thing but Hedman is a longshot. What does "waiting on Hedman and the unknown" mean?
The Montreal pieces don't fit IMO, because honestly I'd take team 1 in a heartbeat before team 2. Hedman is far and away better than McDonagh at this point, Komisarek is a UFA and available anyway and Higgins is a 2nd line role player. Tavares is an unknown, and no certainty to be better than Lecavalier. Short of getting Cam Barker or another established young near-elite two-way defender with size and reach in exchange for Lecavalier it's not even close for me.
Unless Tampa has a deal lined up to trade Lecavalier before they traded up to #1 under a false pretense (because having 3 centers puts them in a position of weakness when it comes to trade negotiations) and let's assume that there are zero rumours that indicate this prearranged deal (because the rumours about Vinny being available compromises the Islanders' position in this deal and would cause them to pull out) then in that scenario they might get screwed. However, prior to considering this trade they have to be content that Hedman + what they get in the trade is enough compensation for Tavares. If you value Tavares drastically more than Hedman then you have to take him. If you consider them to be nearly equal (as seems to be the consensus at this point) then the opportunity exists.
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Post by jkr on Apr 16, 2009 14:21:31 GMT -5
You act like Tavares is some sure thing but Hedman is a longshot. What does "waiting on Hedman and the unknown" mean? Am I right in assuming that 2 years in the Swedish Elite League is a higher level of hockey than the CHL? From his stats on www.hockeydb.com, it looks like he has been playing with Modo in the SEL since he was 16. I find the fact that he was playing in a pro league against men quite impressive unless I am compeltely misreading the quality of the SEL. With that kind of experience he may be NHL ready. |
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Post by Skilly on Apr 16, 2009 16:50:26 GMT -5
You act like Tavares is some sure thing but Hedman is a longshot. What does "waiting on Hedman and the unknown" mean? I was in the midst of my hockey pool when Tavares and Hedman were interviewed, but we all thought we heard Tavares say he was ready to go to training camp and do his best to make whoever selects him, and Hedman was rather non-commital and even made overtures that he may need another season in the Swedish league or the AHL .... ... did I mis-hear this. Cause we thought at the time it was his way of saying "Please don't draft me #1" Scouting being what it is ... a educated guess on a player's talent ... I think Tavares is head and shoulders above Hedman. And yes, I'd draft him at all costs. Not really sure how attempting to trade Lecavalier, Stamkos, or even Tavares puts a team in a position of weakness.... teams would be falling over themselves to get one of them. I'd go so far to say that Tampa would receive 29 offers if they said they were going to trade one of the three and let teams submit offers. You don't accept a bad offer ... but you can bet one will be too good to give up. As I said, the Montreal was an example. The point being, as I clearly stated, that Tampa would have no problem fetching a replacement for Hedman (the player they'd be giving up by selecting Tavares) when they trade Lecavalier. |
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Post by CrocRob on Apr 16, 2009 17:08:01 GMT -5
I was in the midst of my hockey pool when Tavares and Hedman were interviewed, but we all thought we heard Tavares say he was ready to go to training camp and do his best to make whoever selects him, and Hedman was rather non-commital and even made overtures that he may need another season in the Swedish league or the AHL .... ... did I mis-hear this. Cause we thought at the time it was his way of saying "Please don't draft me #1" This is like the exact opposite of what he said. Hedman stated clearly his goal was to play in the NHL next season, and was willing to do whatever the team that drafts him wanted him to do in order to get there. Maybe you value Tavares head and shoulders above Hedman, and as such you'd fall into the case where the opportunity doesn't outweigh the risk (which I covered above). I certainly don't, having seen Tavares enough times for my initial awe to wane and my admittedly limited exposure to Hedman has been incredibly impressive. But maybe you've evaluated them differently, in which case (again) it doesn't work if you're running the Islanders. Not really sure how attempting to trade Lecavalier, Stamkos, or even Tavares puts a team in a position of weakness.... teams would be falling over themselves to get one of them. I'd go so far to say that Tampa would receive 29 offers if they said they were going to trade one of the three and let teams submit offers. You don't accept a bad offer ... but you can bet one will be too good to give up. Sure, that's possible. All I'm saying is that if you wait until after the draft you have 3 days to make your trade before Lecavalier is off the market (or at least controls his own destiny) and you're sitting there with all your cards showing for everyone to see. They have a time deadline and a disadvantage of knowledge when it comes to negotiations. They have the advantage of fielding multiple offers, but that's no different than any other period (I'd recommend trading Lecavalier before the draft if you're going to trade him). How is that not a position of weakness? The point being, as I clearly stated, that Tampa would have no problem fetching a replacement for Hedman (the player they'd be giving up by selecting Tavares) when they trade Lecavalier. And I vehemently disagree with that assertion. I would be surprised if they can get a defenseman of even Komisareks (reputed) caliber in exchange for a $100M contract. Picks and prospects most definitely, but none with the potential or ability of Hedman. Talent never goes for talent or even the potential of that talent. It goes for quantity, and the few hockey trades we've seen in the last decade would support that. Interestingly, earlier today some GM (I don't know who, I can't remember) was interviewed on FAN590 and they were asked about Lecavalier and whether they'd have interest in a trade. The response was sure, but then more or less outlined that he wouldn't pay anything for it. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case for more than a few decision makers in the NHL. |
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Post by jkr on Apr 16, 2009 17:55:30 GMT -5
I've mentioned this before but I totally agree with the feelings expressed in Redscull's last paragraph. Taking the contract off Tampa's books is an asset in itself.
I'm not sure if I heard the same thing on The FAN as you did Red. Jim Kelley was talking about this scenario tonight around 5PM. It should not cost a boatload of players/picks to land Lecavalier with that contract. Relieving them of the burden might be enough.
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Post by Skilly on Apr 17, 2009 16:36:38 GMT -5
How is that not a position of weakness? Because they'd have 3 franchise centers ...and you'd be accpeting offers from teams for any one of the three ... it doesn't have to be Lecavalier. Now we all know the contract is the burden, and that he is the most likely to go under the hypothetical (because it reality the #1 pick is not going to be traded), but IF Tampa decides to trade Vinny, I'll be very surprised if there are no bona-fide roster players involved going the other way ... so we shall have to wait and see I guess. |
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Apr 21, 2009 16:26:09 GMT -5
You act like Tavares is some sure thing but Hedman is a longshot. What does "waiting on Hedman and the unknown" mean? The Montreal pieces don't fit IMO, because honestly I'd take team 1 in a heartbeat before team 2. Hedman is far and away better than McDonagh at this point, Komisarek is a UFA and available anyway and Higgins is a 2nd line role player. Tavares is an unknown, and no certainty to be better than Lecavalier. Short of getting Cam Barker or another established young near-elite two-way defender with size and reach in exchange for Lecavalier it's not even close for me. Unless Tampa has a deal lined up to trade Lecavalier before they traded up to #1 under a false pretense (because having 3 centers puts them in a position of weakness when it comes to trade negotiations) and let's assume that there are zero rumours that indicate this prearranged deal (because the rumours about Vinny being available compromises the Islanders' position in this deal and would cause them to pull out) then in that scenario they might get screwed. However, prior to considering this trade they have to be content that Hedman + what they get in the trade is enough compensation for Tavares. If you value Tavares drastically more than Hedman then you have to take him. If you consider them to be nearly equal (as seems to be the consensus at this point) then the opportunity exists. Tavares will be one of the top players in the NHL. Hedman is a big fast talented kid with lots of upside potential who is currently in the upper half of the Sweedish league, and we all know what Don Cherry thinks about those guys. Based upon production, Tavares has outshone Hedman. Head to head it's been no contest. Hedman will always be bigger and faster. |
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Post by Lord Bebop on May 8, 2009 11:19:31 GMT -5
Chris Kreider is another player that could interest Montreal. Kreider plays prep school hockey in MA at Phillips Andover Academy. He had good stats GP 26 G 33A 23 PTS 56 PIM 10. Kreider is a left winger. He best assets are his skating, he can really fire the puck and his good character. Assets that Montreal's scouting staff are known to looks for.
One issue of his game is that he does not play with a lot of grit but when he does play physical, he dominates at the prep level.
The other issue is the level of play he's playing at. A lot of scouts feel that NE Prep is not what it used to be when Jeremy Roenick was a high 1st-rounder.
A small sample of reports on Kreider from McKeen's Hockey.
Chris Kreider (2009), LW, Phillips Academy
An impressive combination of speed, skill, and size that could be a force if he puts when he puts it all together .. a powerful skater with a fast end-to-end top gear and awesome acceleration .. can absolutely fly down the wing in possession and he innately employees his dynamic mobility by identifying the open ice and quickly exploiting it with his speed like an NFL running back .. an NHL caliber passer already that accurately puts some zip behind his passes .. skillful and intelligent with the puck, Kreider can quarterback the power play from the half-wall .. has a projectable frame and combines it with his speed to be a decent presence on the forecheck .. can get mean and deliver a heavy body check when provoked, but he isn't a naturally aggressive player and would benefit from playing a physical game every shift along with adding more strength .. he doesn't finish with consistency and his defensive play needs work, but Kreider is a promising draft prospect with great speed and pure talent.
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Post by Anardil1 on May 8, 2009 12:35:20 GMT -5
Got my copy of THN Draft Preview a couple of days ago. It's an interesting read. Can't really say who I'd like the Habs to pick. I've always liked Louis Leblanc. He's not the big centre we're lacking, but he is a skilled centre projected to be a top 2, two way centre.
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Post by Lord Bebop on May 8, 2009 13:52:31 GMT -5
Got my copy of THN Draft Preview a couple of days ago. It's an interesting read. Can't really say who I'd like the Habs to pick. I've always liked Louis Leblanc. He's not the big centre we're lacking, but he is a skilled centre projected to be a top 2, two way centre. Well he's a lifelong Canadiens' fan. Was considered to be a top 10 prospect at one point before the season began. |
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Post by Boston_Habs on May 8, 2009 14:47:38 GMT -5
Chris Kreider is another player that could interest Montreal. Kreider plays prep school hockey in MA at Phillips Andover Academy. He had good stats GP 26 G 33A 23 PTS 56 PIM 10. Kreider is a left winger. He best assets are his skating, he can really fire the puck and his good character. Assets that Montreal's scouting staff are known to looks for. One issue of his game is that he does not play with a lot of grit but when he does play physical, he dominates at the prep level. The other issue is the level of play he's playing at. A lot of scouts feel that NE Prep is not what it used to be when Jeremy Roenick was a high 1st-rounder. The US developmental league is increasingly siphoning off the best high school talent in the US. Gone are the days when players like Jeremy Roenick, Brian Leetch, and Kevin Stevens spent 4 years at prep school then went to play college hockey for a couple of years. Now teams like the Omaha Lancers in the D-league are grabbing guys, particularly in their junior and senior years. It's the route that Max Pacioretty took and Danny Kristo as well..... frankly if there's a draft eligible US high schooler STILL playing in the prep leagues I'd be skeptical, unless he simply decided to stay in school or stay close to home. |
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Post by Lord Bebop on May 8, 2009 15:59:42 GMT -5
Chris Kreider is another player that could interest Montreal. Kreider plays prep school hockey in MA at Phillips Andover Academy. He had good stats GP 26 G 33A 23 PTS 56 PIM 10. Kreider is a left winger. He best assets are his skating, he can really fire the puck and his good character. Assets that Montreal's scouting staff are known to looks for. One issue of his game is that he does not play with a lot of grit but when he does play physical, he dominates at the prep level. The other issue is the level of play he's playing at. A lot of scouts feel that NE Prep is not what it used to be when Jeremy Roenick was a high 1st-rounder. The US developmental league is increasingly siphoning off the best high school talent in the US. Gone are the days when players like Jeremy Roenick, Brian Leetch, and Kevin Stevens spent 4 years at prep school then went to play college hockey for a couple of years. Now teams like the Omaha Lancers in the D-league are grabbing guys, particularly in their junior and senior years. It's the route that Max Pacioretty took and Danny Kristo as well..... frankly if there's a draft eligible US high schooler STILL playing in the prep leagues I'd be skeptical, unless he simply decided to stay in school or stay close to home. It is a valid point......... but he has been heavily recruited by Boston College (to whom he's committed in '10), Boston University and Harvard. He is now reportedly looking into returning to Masconomet High where he can meet his graduation requirements and enter Boston College in the fall. |
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Post by CrocRob on May 8, 2009 19:33:17 GMT -5
The US developmental league is increasingly siphoning off the best high school talent in the US. Gone are the days when players like Jeremy Roenick, Brian Leetch, and Kevin Stevens spent 4 years at prep school then went to play college hockey for a couple of years. Now teams like the Omaha Lancers in the D-league are grabbing guys, particularly in their junior and senior years. It's the route that Max Pacioretty took and Danny Kristo as well..... frankly if there's a draft eligible US high schooler STILL playing in the prep leagues I'd be skeptical, unless he simply decided to stay in school or stay close to home. It is a valid point......... but he has been heavily recruited by Boston College (to whom he's committed in '10), Boston University and Harvard. He is now reportedly looking into returning to Masconomet High where he can meet his graduation requirements and enter Boston College in the fall. That's the big exception. I'd be skeptical if a guy was playing in prep school and decided to go to Michigan or some other school who will disregard academic requirements. However if he's been recruited by Harvard (who apparently was very hard after him) and Boston College, two schools who don't make exceptions for players under any circumstance, it gives the circumstance a bit of credence. But the quality of competition is still very worrisome. |
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Post by Skilly on May 8, 2009 20:01:48 GMT -5
He sounds like a defensively poor Chris Higgins to me ... we need finish.
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Post by seventeen on May 9, 2009 0:42:13 GMT -5
Ok, so I'm a fool because instead of a big centre, the guy I'd most like us to get in the draft (assuming he's available at our spot, which is unlikely) is Ryan Ellis, the smallish defenseman on the Windsor Spitfires. Another small d-man, exactly what we need.
Except..... he's a good skater, good vision, great shot, smart, and has that one intangible I absolutely love in a defenseman...it's murder to get the puck past him at the point.
You ever notice the really great defensemen, the Orr's, Park's, Lidstrom's, (Markov), always seem to keep the puck in at the offensive blueline? Ellis is like that. In the WJC, he knocked the puck down when it was behind him, with his skate, a la a soccer player. It was wild. It was really tough for opposing teams to ice the puck when they went up his side. The youngest player on the WJC team....I dunno, I just really like him. I think he's projected to go earlier than our pick, but not way up there. Maybe we could move up some. Markov won't be around forever, and Ellis is that type of defenseman...a true offensive force, who's +/- is usually very high.
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Post by roke on May 9, 2009 3:11:44 GMT -5
So, I have the THN draft preview, and upon reading it and reading a few things on the internet, I've come up with a small list of players I wouldn't mind seeing in the first round, something I usually do but I don't think I usually post. I guess this time it'll be on the record.
Now, I think the team needs are obviously at centre, but also left-handed dmen. Assuming Emelin doesn't come over, and Valentenko doesn't come back, our only major left-handed D prospect is McDonagh. Anyway, without further ado, the 5 players I wouldn't mind seeing the Habs drafting at 17th/18th.
1) D Dmitri Kulikov: Now, I'm pretty sure there's no way he's around when the Habs pick. Yes, he's Russian, but he's playing in the QMJHL and, according to THN, speaking French and English. Him getting stuck in Russia is unlikely. Not bad size (6'1 195) and he's apparently quite good offensively.
2) RW Zack Kassian: Big, right-handed winger with good size, a very good fighter apparently, and pretty good offensive output. Skating isn't amazing, and his playoffs apparently weren't good, with his size I doubt he'll be around.
3) C Peter Holland: Pretty good size (6-2, 190), questions about his competitiveness, and was apparently disappointing in the playoffs. Questions about his competitiveness, but he's apparently smart, has good hands, and is talented. I like the idea of taking a centre with offensive upside, and although from what I've read Holland isn't Mike Richards in terms of competitiveness and all-out effort, I wouldn't mind seeing a smart, offensive centre.
4)D John Moore: With all honesty, this is the guy I see Timmins taking, if you made me place a bet. Played in the USHL and is committed to go to the NCAA, apparently an amazing skater with a "good" point-shot. I love great-skating defenseman, and would not mind seeing him draft him
5) C Richard Panik & C Tomas Tatar: Yes, two players, which means ideally I'd like to see the Habs trade down 5-10 spots and get an early-mid 2nd, taking Panik in the first and Tatar with the second. Panik is the type of player I shouldn't like, he was highly rated but dropped (a la Esposito and Brulé). He's a skilled centre who did okay at the WJC, but wasn't great. Decent size at 6'1 180.
Tomas Tatar's a guy I fell in love with at the WJC. I didn't watch much of it, but the guy was terrific from what I saw. He is a smaller centre (5'10 165), but he had a terrific World Juniors. He's the only guy on the list I remember seeing, so there is probably a bit of bias because of that.
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Post by Anardil1 on May 9, 2009 12:27:53 GMT -5
So, I have the THN draft preview, and upon reading it and reading a few things on the internet, I've come up with a small list of players I wouldn't mind seeing in the first round, something I usually do but I don't think I usually post. I guess this time it'll be on the record. Now, I think the team needs are obviously at centre, but also left-handed dmen. Assuming Emelin doesn't come over, and Valentenko doesn't come back, our only major left-handed D prospect is McDonagh. Anyway, without further ado, the 5 players I wouldn't mind seeing the Habs drafting at 17th/18th. 1) D Dmitri Kulikov: Now, I'm pretty sure there's no way he's around when the Habs pick. Yes, he's Russian, but he's playing in the QMJHL and, according to THN, speaking French and English. Him getting stuck in Russia is unlikely. Not bad size (6'1 195) and he's apparently quite good offensively. 2) RW Zack Kassian: Big, right-handed winger with good size, a very good fighter apparently, and pretty good offensive output. Skating isn't amazing, and his playoffs apparently weren't good, with his size I doubt he'll be around. 3) C Peter Holland: Pretty good size (6-2, 190), questions about his competitiveness, and was apparently disappointing in the playoffs. Questions about his competitiveness, but he's apparently smart, has good hands, and is talented. I like the idea of taking a centre with offensive upside, and although from what I've read Holland isn't Mike Richards in terms of competitiveness and all-out effort, I wouldn't mind seeing a smart, offensive centre. 4)D John Moore: With all honesty, this is the guy I see Timmins taking, if you made me place a bet. Played in the USHL and is committed to go to the NCAA, apparently an amazing skater with a "good" point-shot. I love great-skating defenseman, and would not mind seeing him draft him 5) C Richard Panik & C Tomas Tatar: Yes, two players, which means ideally I'd like to see the Habs trade down 5-10 spots and get an early-mid 2nd, taking Panik in the first and Tatar with the second. Panik is the type of player I shouldn't like, he was highly rated but dropped (a la Esposito and Brulé). He's a skilled centre who did okay at the WJC, but wasn't great. Decent size at 6'1 180. Tomas Tatar's a guy I fell in love with at the WJC. I didn't watch much of it, but the guy was terrific from what I saw. He is a smaller centre (5'10 165), but he had a terrific World Juniors. He's the only guy on the list I remember seeing, so there is probably a bit of bias because of that. Just going to make a couple of comments on your favourites list ;D 1- Kulikov would be great, but unless the Habs trade up, he'll be gone most likely, I agree. 2- Kassian doesn't make my list. To me he's nothing more than a Turner Stevenson (who can fight better). I know that Lucic's development has a lot to do with his ranking. I don't see another Lucic in Kassian. 3- Holland is interesting to me because many are comparing him to Carter during his draft year. He is a big centre with obvious skill. Just questions about his consistency. Definitely one of my favourites. Timmins? Not so sure. 4- I agree 100% with your comments. Seems like the typical Timmins pick. Gonna have to watch RDS reaction if they pick him. Going to be worth many chuckles and  . 5- I can't see either Slovak being selected by Timmins. Especially Panik. Timmins doesn't have a history of picking players who fall in the rankings. Tatar would shock me if he was picked by the Habs. What I am thankful for is that there are no Quebecois players ranked around the Habs selection. I'm sure however that many will question why player X was passed over for another (insert nationality here) criticism. |
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Post by Patty Roy on May 9, 2009 17:21:45 GMT -5
I've just started researching this years draft crop (at least the guys we have a legit crack at in the 17/18 spot), and these names jumped out at me:
Zack Kassian (RW 6'3" 205) - lack of footspeed, but great size and good scrapper that can play. Downside could be Turner Stevenson, upside could be Lucic/Morrow.
Simon Despres (D 6'4" 214) - On paper sounds great, but his overall game seems to raise many questions. Might be a guy to stear clear of.
Peter Holland (C 6'2" 190) - Offensive center, lacks consistency and intensity. Sounds a bit like Maxwell...
Chris Kreider (LW 6'2" 201) - Reports read like Pacioretty. Could be a guy the Habs take a long look at.
Louis LeBlanc (C 6'0" 180) - Rated to go anywhere from 10th to late 1st. Skilled C.
Carter Ashton (C 6'5" 20) - Son to Brent Ashton. 30 goals, grit to his game. Seems to address an organizational need for size and ability at C.
Based on where we are selecting, this would seem to be a good opportunity to add some size and skill up front, preferably down the middle.
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Post by seventeen on May 9, 2009 17:25:44 GMT -5
Somehow I lucked out with tickets to the Rockets / Hitmen game tonight in Kelowna. I think Calgary has some draft eligible guys, so I'll keep my eyes open. Gotta get that draft preview.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on May 11, 2009 13:29:20 GMT -5
Just came back on the Zurich-Toronto flight in the front of the bus with three of the top five kids from last year's draft: Stamkos, Doughty and Shenn. Good kids, and boy could any of those lads make a difference on our team. Too bad they will be plodding their trade in Tampa, LA and TO. That flight was a bit of a who's who of hockey all coming back from the Worlds.
Being quite the draft junkie, it is time for me to start to really refocus on the 09 draft now that both the Habs and Dogs are out. Bring it on!!
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Post by roke on May 22, 2009 22:05:54 GMT -5
Well, I've read a bit more, and scratch Zack Kassian off my list. There are a lot of players ranked around the early part of the 2nd round who interest me, wouldn't mind seeing trading down a couple times.
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Post by Lord Bebop on May 23, 2009 6:22:54 GMT -5
Well, I've read a bit more, and scratch Zack Kassian off my list. There are a lot of players ranked around the early part of the 2nd round who interest me, wouldn't mind seeing trading down a couple times. I agree on both accounts....... Kassian is a intriguing prospect but their are going to be some nice talent available at 18. I wouldn't mind Gainey getting creative and getting a few more picks in a deep draft. Especially in the top two rounds. Perhaps trading rights to a UFA or two would work; namely Komisarek. |
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Post by duster on May 23, 2009 14:34:26 GMT -5
It seems to me that there isn't much difference between players listed at #15 and #30. The caliber seems to be high but each player has pros and cons. I'm thinking a few listed first rounders will slip to the second round. I wouldn't mind seeing a repeat of the Fischer trade and see the team trade down again to get a second round pick.
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Post by Doc Holliday on May 24, 2009 15:39:15 GMT -5
Well the quick and easy answer would be to say the Habs are going to draft Louis Leblanc; bilingual local boy, an offensive center with okay size, plays in a league Trevor Timmins likes to scout. Not quite Minnesota high school, but not far from it either. Actually plays with current Hab prospect Danny Kristo, so you would think the Habs brass has seen a lot of him. Committed to Harvard for next season, so he apparently isn’t dumb either. He’s even slotted to go right around where we should be picking. All set up, quick and easy, to be a Habs pick. Who needs scouts? Of course, it might be a little too quick and easy. How often does the seemingly obvious pick end up being the actual pick? I really like that pick, Leblanc (which is probably an indication that we'll never pick him)... While he's not a towering center, he's not a smurf either (probably will end up filling up around 6'1- 200lbs), has great skating, loves to hold on to the puck to make play and is the kind of player that pays the price to go where you need to be to score. He's the only player that scored 50 goals in the AAA midget league since Daniel Briere and, as a Rookie in the NCAA, ended up with 28 goals, 59pts in 58 games, leading his team offensively and finishing 9th overall... The fact that he chose to go play in the US (instead of LHJMQ) because the studies are important to him is certainly a great sign of maturity and serious ( Though I'm not too big on players develloping in weaker leagues for too too long... ) Leblanc mentioned that the HABS would be his #1 choice for a destination. A friend of mine, coach in the Midget AAA, compared him to Derrick Brassard. When talking about doing what needs to be done to land a very special player, moving up the draft to land this guy is a good example. |
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Post by jkr on May 24, 2009 16:16:14 GMT -5
Well the quick and easy answer would be to say the Habs are going to draft Louis Leblanc; bilingual local boy, an offensive center with okay size, plays in a league Trevor Timmins likes to scout. Not quite Minnesota high school, but not far from it either. Actually plays with current Hab prospect Danny Kristo, so you would think the Habs brass has seen a lot of him. Committed to Harvard for next season, so he apparently isn’t dumb either. He’s even slotted to go right around where we should be picking. All set up, quick and easy, to be a Habs pick. Who needs scouts? Of course, it might be a little too quick and easy. How often does the seemingly obvious pick end up being the actual pick? I really like that pick, Leblanc (which is probably an indication that we'll never pick him)... While he's not a towering center, he's not a smurf either (probably will end up filling up around 6'1- 200lbs), has great skating, loves to hold on to the puck to make play and is the kind of player that pays the price to go where you need to be to score. He's the only player that scored 50 goals in the AAA midget league since Daniel Briere and, as a Rookie in the NCAA, ended up with 28 goals, 59pts in 58 games, leading his team offensively and finishing 9th overall... The fact that he chose to go play in the US (instead of LHJMQ) because the studies are important to him is certainly a great sign of maturity and serious ( Though I'm not too big on players develloping in weaker leagues for too too long... ) Leblanc mentioned that the HABS would be his #1 choice for a destination. A friend of mine, coach in the Midget AAA, compared him to Derrick Brassard. When talking about doing what needs to be done to land a very special player, moving up the draft to land this guy is a good example. shows him playing for the Omaha Lancers of the USHL (same team as Danny Kristo). I don't know much about this league. Can anyone enlighten me? |
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Post by Doc Holliday on May 26, 2009 7:25:04 GMT -5
www.hockeydb.com shows him playing for the Omaha Lancers of the USHL (same team as Danny Kristo). I don't know much about this league. Can anyone enlighten me? François Leroux said it is a very competitive league but it's a few notches below the Canadian Junior leagues. |
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on May 26, 2009 14:19:07 GMT -5
Well, I've read a bit more, and scratch Zack Kassian off my list. There are a lot of players ranked around the early part of the 2nd round who interest me, wouldn't mind seeing trading down a couple times. I agree on both accounts....... Kassian is a intriguing prospect but their are going to be some nice talent available at 18. I wouldn't mind Gainey getting creative and getting a few more picks in a deep draft. Especially in the top two rounds. Perhaps trading rights to a UFA or two would work; namely Komisarek. At 18 we'd have trouble getting something more useful than Kostopolous. Certainly not a Tavares. We don't have any pick in the second round and by the third were looking at the donut selection in Tim Hortons at 3:00am. Lucky to get a jelly filled D-man. Someone mentioned that we can go after RFA's like Kessel. Even if we don't get him, it puts the Bruins up against the cap. Boumeister? One of the top three UFA's? This is the year where the free agent market is better than the draft. After Tavares and Hedman the drop off is considerable and the chance of finding a late round Ryder is up there with finding a diamond ring on the platform of the Atwater Metro after all the other NHL GM's have passed. |
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