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Post by Doc Holliday on Jan 20, 2012 14:11:56 GMT -5
A bit early to talk about the draft, but hey it's not like we're gonna talk playoffs seeds and potential matchups for us right  So here goes Top 50 list from ISS as per January 16, 2011 1. MIKHAIL GRIGORENKO RW 6'3 200 L May 16/94 Quebec QMJHL 2. NAIL YAKUPOV LW 5'10 189 L Oct. 6/93 Sarnia OHL 3. FILIP FORSBERG RW 6'1 176 R Aug. 13/94 Leksands SweAI 4. JACOB TROUBA D 6'2 196 R Feb. 26/94 USA U-18 USNTDP 5. RYAN MURRAY D 6'0 201 L Sep. 27/93 Everett WHL 6. MATT DUMBA D 5'11 183 R Jul. 25/94 Red Deer WHL 7. BRENDAN GAUNCE C 6'2 215 L Mar. 25/94 Belleville OHL 8. MORGAN RIELLY D 5'11 190 L Mar. 9/94 Moose Jaw WHL 9. GRIFFIN REINHART D 6'3 207 L Jan. 24/94 Edmonton WHL 10. OLLI MAATTA D 6'1 202 L Aug. 22/94 London OHL 11. CODY CECI D 6'2 207 R Dec. 21/93 Ottawa OHL 12. SEBASTIAN COLLBERG RW 5'11 174 R Feb. 23/94 Vastra SweJE 13. ANDREAS ATHANASIOU C 6'0 179 L Aug. 6/94 London OHL 14. PONTUS ABERG LW 5'11 187 R Sep. 23/93 Djurgarden SweE 15. SLATER KOEKKOEK D 6'2 184 L Feb. 18/94 Peterborough OHL 16. JARROD MAIDENS C 6'0 178 L Mar. 4/94 Owen Sound OHL 17. MATT FINN D 6'0 195 L Feb. 24/94 Guelph OHL 18. ALEXANDER GALCHENYUK RW 6'0 198 L Feb. 12/94 Sarnia OHL 19. RADEK FAKSA LW 6'3 202 L Jan. 9/94 Kitchener OHL 20. BRADY SKJEI D 6'3 203 L Mar. 26/94 USA U-18 USNTDP 21. DERRICK POULIOT D 5'11 186 L Jan. 16/94 Portland WHL 22. TOMAS HERTL LW 6'2 198 L Nov. 12/93 Slavia CzeE 23. STEFAN MATTEAU LW 6'1 210 L Feb. 23/94 USA U-18 USNTDP 24. ZEMGUS GIRGENSONS C 6'1 201 L Jan. 5/94 Dubuque USHL 25. MIKE MATHESON D 6'1 180 L Feb. 27/94 Dubuque USHL 26. COLTON SISSONS C/R 6'1 189 R Nov. 5/93 Kelowna WHL 27. NICHOLAS KERDILES C 6'1 200 L Jan. 11/94 USA U-18 USNTDP 28. THOMAS WILSON RW 6'3 203 R Mar. 29/94 Plymouth OHL 29. ANTON SLEPYSHEV LW 6'2 187 R May 13/94 Novokuznetsk KHL 30. LUDVIG BYSTROM D 6'0 208 L Jul. 20/94 Modo SweE 31. DALTON THROWER D 5'11 189 R Dec. 20/93 Saskatoon WHL 32. MARTIN FRK RW 5'11 204 L Oct. 5/93 Halifax QMJHL 33. TANNER PEARSON LW 6'0 198 L Aug. 10/92 Barrie OHL 34. TOMAS HYKA RW 5'11 160 R Mar. 23/93 Gatineau QMJHL 35. DANIIL ZHARKOV F 6'3 197 L Feb. 6/94 Belleville OHL 36. TIM BOZON LW 6'0 183 L Mar. 24/94 Kamloops WHL 37. PHILLIP DI GIUSEPPE LW 5'11 176 L Oct. 9/93 Michigan CCHA 38. SCOTT KOSMACHUK RW 5'11 185 R Jan. 24/94 Guelph OHL 39. NIKITA GUSEV LW 5'9 163 R Jul. 8/92 CSKA Moscow RusJr 40. MATIA MARCANTUONI C 5'11 194 R Feb. 22/94 Kitchener OHL 41. VILLE POKKA D 6'0 198 R Jun. 3/94 Karpat FinE 42. HENRIK SAMUELSSON C 6'2 195 R Feb. 7/94 Edmonton WHL 43. VALERIY VASILYEV D 6'1 203 L May 31/94 Spartak MJU17 44. MIKE WINTHER C 5'11 175 L Jan. 9/94 Prince Albert WHL 45. DAMON SEVERSON D 6'1 200 R Aug. 7/94 Kelowna WHL 46. JORDAN SCHMALTZ D 6'2 189 R Oct. 8/93 Green Bay USHL 47. BOO NIEVES C 6'2 184 L Jan. 23/94 Kent NEDI 48. NIKOLAI PROKHORKIN F 6'2 191 L Sep. 17/93 CSKA KHL 49. CHARLES HUDON LW 5'10 170 L Jun. 23/94 Chicoutimi QMJHL 50. NICK EBERT D 5'11 205 R May 11/94 Windsor OHL Brandan Gaunce looks like an intriguing possibility for us. |
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Post by blny on Jan 20, 2012 14:26:13 GMT -5
Interesting that ISS has Grigorenko ahead of Yakupov.
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Post by Tankdriver on Jan 20, 2012 17:02:25 GMT -5
Looks like there isn't much locally in the Q for us this year.
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Post by GNick99 on Feb 2, 2012 6:28:55 GMT -5
Watched the Top Prospects Game last night...I watch this game every year. First opportunity to watch draftees against top draftees instead of playing with overagers or never will bes. Wasn't overly blown away by Grigrenko. Has the skill people rave about but was expecting more. Kind of lackluster effort I sensed. Certainly wouldn't trade away assets to move up to draft him.
I think Gaunce will be better all around player. Like comparing Pierre Turgeon to Brendan Shanhan in their draft year comparing Gaunce to Grigrenko. Griffin Reinhart would be a fine selection. Big mobile physical with a hard shot. Like to trade for a late first round pick... Lukas Sutter is going to be a good one also. Energy player who will pop in 25 goals a year.
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Post by blny on Feb 2, 2012 7:23:10 GMT -5
Didn't watch the game as it's on too late. I try not to put too much emphasis on it though. A slew of factors could have lead to a quiet game. He's still an elite center prospect - something we don't have.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 2, 2012 10:58:14 GMT -5
Several of the WHL Fab Five defensemen looked good last night. The only one missing due to injury was Morgan Reilly. Pouliout and Reinhart had their usual good game, Dumba was solid and noticeable, and Ryan Murray quietly went about his business in smooth fashion. When you throw in injured Finnish defender Maatta from the OHL and US blueliner Trouba who looked very good alongside Tinordi at the WJC, these would be the most likely BPAs available if the season was to end right now. Galchenyuk is still the wild card, and his skill set really is tempting.
I would not put too much stock on a one game assessment of players. I am sure it is very odd to see such a tight checking, closely fought "all star" game instead of the shinny farce that is the NHL all star game these days.
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Post by blny on Feb 2, 2012 11:11:49 GMT -5
Galchenyuk being a wild card with tempting skills = Kostitsyn.
I agree that the club is looking at a dman as the BPA whenever they pick. There are a glut of them available.
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Post by BadCompany on Feb 2, 2012 12:05:37 GMT -5
Galchenyuk being a wild card with tempting skills = Kostitsyn. I agree that the club is looking at a dman as the BPA whenever they pick. There are a glut of them available. I'm not sure I would say that... Kostitsyin was a total unknown, especially in terms of character, whereas Galchenyuk seems more Chipchura-like in his character. Speaks three languages, played for the US in the Ivan Hlinka tournament, even has his own blog on nhl.com! www.nhl.com/ice/blog.htm?id=220Seems like a good kid... but that injury... IF we pick around 10th, and IF Brendan Guance is off the board, then I would say swing for the fences. Otherwise, wow, I don't know. If you're picking say top 5 do you risk it all on a player who is coming off a devastating knee injury?? |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 2, 2012 13:42:25 GMT -5
Galchenyuk being a wild card with tempting skills = Kostitsyn. I agree that the club is looking at a dman as the BPA whenever they pick. There are a glut of them available. I'm not sure I would say that... Kostitsyin was a total unknown, especially in terms of character, whereas Galchenyuk seems more Chipchura-like in his character. Speaks three languages, played for the US in the Ivan Hlinka tournament, even has his own blog on nhl.com! www.nhl.com/ice/blog.htm?id=220Seems like a good kid... but that injury... IF we pick around 10th, and IF Brendan Guance is off the board, then I would say swing for the fences. Otherwise, wow, I don't know. If you're picking say top 5 do you risk it all on a player who is coming off a devastating knee injury?? If we are picking top five and Yakupov, Grigorenko and Forsberg are gone, then yes I expect we will pick one of those defensemen. |
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Post by blny on Feb 2, 2012 13:45:27 GMT -5
Kostitsyn was a well known commodity at the time of the draft. TSN, at the time, said every scout they spoke to said Andrei was top 5 in talent. It was his health that kept teams from taking him earlier.
I don't think now is the time to swing for the fences. I think you take the BPA. If you don't like who's on the board, trade one way or the other (up or down). I still like the idea of trying to land a second first round pick somehow.
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Post by GNick99 on Feb 2, 2012 19:03:33 GMT -5
Didn't watch the game as it's on too late. I try not to put too much emphasis on it though. A slew of factors could have lead to a quiet game. He's still an elite center prospect - something we don't have. He has high skill elite center type my first impression was I sensed he maybe a tad soft. A cross between a Pierre Turgeon and Stephane Richer. I wouldn't trade up to get Grigrenko but if Habs select him where ever they draft, I am okay with it. If Gauthier does draft him be a few years before he can add big numbers in NHL. I'd still be looking to trade for another top center to play over next 2-3 years then can re-trade him. |
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Post by blny on Feb 2, 2012 19:15:56 GMT -5
Didn't watch the game as it's on too late. I try not to put too much emphasis on it though. A slew of factors could have lead to a quiet game. He's still an elite center prospect - something we don't have. He has high skill elite center type my first impression was I sensed he maybe a tad soft. A cross between a Pierre Turgeon and Stephane Richer. I wouldn't trade up to get Grigrenko but if Habs select him where ever they draft, I am okay with it. If Gauthier does draft him be a few years before he can add big numbers in NHL. I'd still be looking to trade for another top center to play over next 2-3 years then can re-trade him. Most of what I've read about him compares him to Malkin. Perhaps not quite up to that skill level, but not far off. He doesn't need to be a bruiser, but if he's strong on his feet, and will use his size to get to the dirty areas, I'm fine with that. ISS has him #1 at this point. CSS #2. Either way, getting him means trading up at this point. It'll take a lot of work to get worse than Columbus. |
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Post by seventeen on Feb 2, 2012 21:53:09 GMT -5
Yeah, I watched the game too, live. I have to say that absolutely none of the forwards gave me any reason to champ at the bit. I understand Grigorenko was recovering from an injury, which would explain the fact he didn't play in the 2nd half of the game. The guys who impressed me were all defensemen. Pouliot was at the top of the list. The easy NHL comparison is Markov. He's not overly big and not fast, but has really high hockey IQ, a high panic thresshold and extremely good hands. He made some lovely soft passes in his zone, while under pressure, to forwards to spring them. My only knock is his top speed. Not as high as I'd like.
Reinhart also stood out. He is more physical than Pouliot, but also sees the ice well and is a smart player. That is hardly surprising, considering the genes. NWT likes Matt Dumba as well and I didn't think I noticed him until I saw a replay of that hit which started a fight and realized it was Dumba who made the hit. I like him better, suddenly. Most of the d-men in that game were fairly solid.
There's always one guy who makes you wonder what the heck they're doing there, (keeping in mind this is one game and might have been the guy's worst game of the year) and for me that was Andreas Athanasiou of London. Lost the puck numerous times, seems to spin his wheels a lot, working hard but not really accomplishing anything.
A good example is Tanner Pearson, who didn't stand out at all, but I loved his work in the WJC this year.
Kinda disappointed in the game. I was hoping to see a couple of Wow moments, where someone does something special, but it didn't happen.
Dare we draft a Pouliot? He probably won't go as high as we'll draft, but I sure liked him.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 3, 2012 2:03:06 GMT -5
17, after Yakupov, Grigorenko and Forsberg, that mob of defenders will all likely be next. Each team may have their faves, so seeing Pouliot going fifth would not shock me one bit. His skill and hockey IQ is as good as it gets this draft. They are all a little different, so it will depend on what teams value more. It has been a great year to watch lots of WHL games, as the fab five have been great to watch. Too bad Reilly has been hurt (like so many top prospects this season...what a wacky year for scouts).
As it stands now, we will be in the running for a very good defender.
Can management get us more picks? Make it so number one.
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Feb 3, 2012 8:27:10 GMT -5
Benoit Pouliot and Angelo Esposito were can't miss picks from the "Q". Chipchura was the big strong power forward with a nose for the net, the next Wickenheiser.
Kostitsyn was the most talented kid in the draft who fell into our lap because he had medical issues.
You can't tell for certain how a kid will turn out and we can't base the fortunes of our team on an 18 year old and expect him to turn the team around single handed.
Tanking to get the best player available at #5 won't contribute much to the current sad state of affairs.
THe goat has been here long enough to see players, coaches and owners come and go. Time for him to join the exodus.
New GM and start from the bottom.
Gomez will look good in a Bulldogs uniform. Either he scores in the AHL or he sets their record for futility too.
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Post by GNick99 on Feb 5, 2012 15:18:33 GMT -5
Yeah, I watched the game too, live. I have to say that absolutely none of the forwards gave me any reason to champ at the bit. I understand Grigorenko was recovering from an injury, which would explain the fact he didn't play in the 2nd half of the game. The guys who impressed me were all defensemen. Pouliot was at the top of the list. The easy NHL comparison is Markov. He's not overly big and not fast, but has really high hockey IQ, a high panic thresshold and extremely good hands. He made some lovely soft passes in his zone, while under pressure, to forwards to spring them. My only knock is his top speed. Not as high as I'd like. Reinhart also stood out. He is more physical than Pouliot, but also sees the ice well and is a smart player. That is hardly surprising, considering the genes. NWT likes Matt Dumba as well and I didn't think I noticed him until I saw a replay of that hit which started a fight and realized it was Dumba who made the hit. I like him better, suddenly. Most of the d-men in that game were fairly solid. There's always one guy who makes you wonder what the heck they're doing there, (keeping in mind this is one game and might have been the guy's worst game of the year) and for me that was Andreas Athanasiou of London. Lost the puck numerous times, seems to spin his wheels a lot, working hard but not really accomplishing anything. A good example is Tanner Pearson, who didn't stand out at all, but I loved his work in the WJC this year. Kinda disappointed in the game. I was hoping to see a couple of Wow moments, where someone does something special, but it didn't happen. Dare we draft a Pouliot? He probably won't go as high as we'll draft, but I sure liked him. If we get a high pick I am open to trading down. Pouliot, Reinhart or a Gaunce. I am not blown away by those first 3 Russians. Nail is the most talented but a small winger, Gal is coming off a major injury. Grig plays soft like a Pierre Turgeon. None are a franchise player in mode of a Crosby, Ovechin or Lemieux. Then there is Radulov factor. |
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Post by drkcloud on Feb 5, 2012 17:00:14 GMT -5
Not hearing a lot of "can't miss" talk about the Top 5 a la Stamkos, Seguin, Hall, Nugent-Hopkins etc. I don't really expect to get a game changer out of this draft but hopefully our scouts don't blow it and get us something
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Post by blny on Feb 7, 2012 21:54:56 GMT -5
tsn.ca/draftcentre/feature/?id=58415Here's the top 40 as of today from McKenzie. Yakupov ahead of Grigorenko. The first I've seen it, Grigorenko gets compared to Viktor Kozlov. All the skill in the world, but unable to put it all out there every night. Given our needs at center, I still find him hard to ignore. We're not going into full tank mode for a couple of years that I can see, so if he's there when we pick I think you have to lean that way. Forsberg and Dumba are intriguing as well. Faksa, ranked #10 would be the next centre. If you think he can deliver at the NHL level - the knock being his skating - trade down. Gaunce looks more like a 3rd line centre instead of a potential game breaker.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 7, 2012 22:30:53 GMT -5
tsn.ca/draftcentre/feature/?id=58415Here's the top 40 as of today from McKenzie. Yakupov ahead of Grigorenko. The first I've seen it, Grigorenko gets compared to Viktor Kozlov. All the skill in the world, but unable to put it all out there every night. Given our needs at center, I still find him hard to ignore. We're not going into full tank mode for a couple of years that I can see, so if he's there when we pick I think you have to lean that way. Forsberg and Dumba are intriguing as well. Faksa, ranked #10 would be the next centre. If you think he can deliver at the NHL level - the knock being his skating - trade down. Gaunce looks more like a 3rd line centre instead of a potential game breaker. All things staying the same, I see us getting a good defender. |
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Post by blny on Feb 8, 2012 8:17:36 GMT -5
Forsberg is interesting too. Likely the best power forward in the draft. Has the skill to score and play hard. Slightly choppy stride, but not slow.
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Post by Skilly on Feb 8, 2012 9:30:40 GMT -5
tsn.ca/draftcentre/feature/?id=58415Here's the top 40 as of today from McKenzie. Yakupov ahead of Grigorenko. The first I've seen it, Grigorenko gets compared to Viktor Kozlov. All the skill in the world, but unable to put it all out there every night. Given our needs at center, I still find him hard to ignore. We're not going into full tank mode for a couple of years that I can see, so if he's there when we pick I think you have to lean that way. Forsberg and Dumba are intriguing as well. Faksa, ranked #10 would be the next centre. If you think he can deliver at the NHL level - the knock being his skating - trade down. Gaunce looks more like a 3rd line centre instead of a potential game breaker. Galchenyuk Get the medical charts, give them to Dr. Mulder, .... if he says the knee is 100%, I select him. MacKenzie interchanges in his write ups ... calling listed centers wingers and vice-versa. But Galchenyuk can be the other top 2 center we desperately need. |
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Post by blny on Feb 8, 2012 9:44:10 GMT -5
tsn.ca/draftcentre/feature/?id=58415Here's the top 40 as of today from McKenzie. Yakupov ahead of Grigorenko. The first I've seen it, Grigorenko gets compared to Viktor Kozlov. All the skill in the world, but unable to put it all out there every night. Given our needs at center, I still find him hard to ignore. We're not going into full tank mode for a couple of years that I can see, so if he's there when we pick I think you have to lean that way. Forsberg and Dumba are intriguing as well. Faksa, ranked #10 would be the next centre. If you think he can deliver at the NHL level - the knock being his skating - trade down. Gaunce looks more like a 3rd line centre instead of a potential game breaker. Galchenyuk Get the medical charts, give them to Dr. Mulder, .... if he says the knee is 100%, I select him. MacKenzie interchanges in his write ups ... calling listed centers wingers and vice-versa. But Galchenyuk can be the other top 2 center we desperately need. Seems too similar to the Kostitsyn selection. Health questions dropped his value, and he fell in our lap. He played with Yakupov, and I just wonder how much of his success is driven by Yakupov. |
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