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Post by AH on Jan 22, 2004 9:51:18 GMT -5
I found this on Habfans. The guy did a translation of an article he saw in La Presse.
Gauthier i this morning's La Presse
I've seen many players in my time but I do not remember seeing a kid with so many arsenal in his shot. Slap shot, wrist shot, one timer, he has all the tools to succeed; skating, puck handling and more, I was told he was one of the better.
Talents from the draft and I after seeing him play I can confirm he's extremely blessed and skilled with a lot of talent. Usually we wait until the off season to offer a contact but basically to evaluate him more but in his case we already know the contract will be offered very quickly…<br>
Asked if he would have an immediate impact at the NHL Level Gauthier responded…In his case he will have to adjust to the North American style of hockey.
Thoughts ?
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Post by blny on Jan 22, 2004 10:27:44 GMT -5
Pierre is a fine judge of talent, and if he thinks AK is the shizznit, I'm inclined to believe him. While it's difficult to tell from here - Belarus is far away yah know - I get the feeling that Kats could develop into something of a Kovalchuk type. He's a little smaller, but seems to be the dynamic player that Ilya is. That's a heady compliment for sure, and he may not reach that level, but it appears he has what it takes to be a legit sniper at the NHL level.
When is the last time Montreal left a draft with a player that moste scouts felt was the most gifted player? I can't recall that happening in my lifetime. You'd likely have to go back to Lafleur. I know it's hard to say what this kid might become, and I'm not trying to put unrealistic expectations on the kid, however he seems destined for success. I'll wait to cast final judgement until after Andrei gets signed and is in NA.
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Post by AH on Jan 22, 2004 10:38:56 GMT -5
He's a little smaller, but seems to be the dynamic player that Ilya is. he is still only 18, he could still grow a couple of inches by the time he gets to the NHL. Kovalchuk is 6-2, so Katsy could still get there. But regardless of the size, if he is as intense as Ilya, then he will be alright. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jan 22, 2004 11:05:02 GMT -5
Gauthier is a quality judge of talent and a smart hockey guy who has seen many a player, and it is nice to see his really positive assessment of Kastsy's talent and the team's desire to sign him sooner rather than later.
Gauthier also joined the team after the draft so his assessment is all based on Kastsy's current play. Good to hear as well.
Reading between the translated lines, it sure sounds like the organization would like to see him in Hamilton next season to adapt to NA hockey. Also good to hear.
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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Jan 22, 2004 11:05:41 GMT -5
The Habs official site lists Kostitsyn as 6' and 189lbs, a good size for an 18 year old. Gauthier mentions adaptation to NA style of play as a necessity. I would think that learning to play in the Habs new system follows from that. In fact, I suspect that the main reason he's been bounced between CSKA and CSKA-2 like a red rubber ball by Tikhonov this season is his lack of defensive awareness. Still, no rush; a powerhouse club like our's can afford to develop its young properly and in good time  . |
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Post by blny on Jan 22, 2004 11:07:59 GMT -5
If he is still only 18, he could still grow a couple of inches by the time he gets to the NHL. Kovalchuk is 6-2, so Katsy could still get there. But regardless of the size, if he is as intense as Ilya, then he will be alright. I agree, but he'll have a lot of weight to add on. Ilya tips the scales at around 220lbs, while Andrei's draft weight was 190 or so. It's possible, but his physique has some catching up to do equal Kovalchuk's. |
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Post by montreal on Jan 22, 2004 15:03:45 GMT -5
Well from the 2 games I've seen of his, Kovy seems to have more power in his stride and is hard to knock off the puck. Kasty's main problem, imo is that he floats big time in the netural zone/defensive zone. I don't think he's bad in his own end, but needs work. To me it seemed once he saw a chance to get the puck, it was like he woke up, and would jump full speed into the play and seems to have strong instincts on offense.
This is great to hear for Gauither, as it sounds like BG will get Kasty here next year if he wants to come over, and I hope he does and that it happens. Hamilton should be strong again next year if guys like Kasty, Lambert, Urquhart, Locke are added to the team.
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Post by blaise on Jan 22, 2004 16:38:37 GMT -5
I wouldn't be downcast if Kastsitsyn turns out not to have all the attributes of Kovalchuk. If he maxes out as a 40 goal scorer instead of a 50 goal scorer, that would still be a considerable upgrade for the Habs.
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Post by seventeen on Jan 22, 2004 23:40:15 GMT -5
Nice to see more members coming around to my original estimate of this guy. ;D
Man, I've been sticking my neck out a lot lately. This kid better come through for me (like Markov and Pleks) or I'll have an up close relationship with a tourniquet.
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Post by oldhabsfan on Jan 23, 2004 2:03:04 GMT -5
The Habs official site lists Kostitsyn as 6' and 189lbs, a good size for an 18 year old. I suspect that the main reason he's been bounced between CSKA and CSKA-2 like a red rubber ball by Tikhonov this season is his lack of defensive awareness. I expect that Kastsytsin will play in the NHL when he gets his full growth, at around the average NHL weight of 204(?) pounds. Looking at some other players' weights at waymoresports: Rick Nash 188 pounds Markus Naslund 195 pounds Joe Sakic 195 pounds Mike Modano 205 pounds I don't think we need to worry about Andrei. As far as his defensive play goes; Balej was reputed defensively weak in the past, but Julien and Jarvis between them seem to have dealt with that. They should be able to do the same for Kastsytsin. |
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Post by blny on Jan 23, 2004 7:39:32 GMT -5
I''ve always been high on Kats, since they picked him anyways. Before that I hadn't heard of him. I'm basing my predictions, and putting my faith in scouts that saw him first hand. In the past Montreal rarely went for the grand slam. I think they did here, and all indications are that it appeared to be the right move. If you look at our list of prospects ahead of Andrei, many are more of a stable and likely to be good NHLers. No homeruns though. Balej may become an elite player, but I doubt anyone thought that truly possible when he was picked. It's different with Kats. He's got all the game breaking qualities, and dynamic attributes we've been hungry for.
I have faith that the coacing staffs in Hamilton and/or Montreal can sell this kid on defense. As Oldhabsfan mentioned, Balej was molded in to a responsible forward, and I'll add Ribs to that. Mike isn't defensive wizard, but he certainly does a better job of getting back and playing than he used to. It's one of the reason's he's stuck this time. Kats doesn't have to be a defensive wizard either. All anyone is going to ask is don't foresake responsible play for a risky offensive chance that may not develop. That may take some time, and Andrei may have a putrid +/- early in his career, but I think he'll be more than capable of being good at both ends.
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