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Post by frozone on Jul 11, 2014 8:02:51 GMT -5
Thanks NWT for the updates and articles.
Good article on McCarron. It adds to Willie's point from above that the Player Development staff is very involved with our prospects. If I'm not mistaken, before MB came on board it was Timmins who was tasked with heading player development in addition to scouting. Seems like it would have been way too much work on TT's plate.
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Post by BadCompany on Jul 11, 2014 9:10:07 GMT -5
I like this article about Connor Crisp. I did a google translate but got the gist of the article. Connor CrispIn it Crisp makes a statement that shows me how far the organisation has come under Bergevin. Crisp states that Martin Lapointe would show up at his OHL games, unannounced and watch, then after the game Lapointe would go and talk to Crisp about what he needed to work on etfc... That is what Player Development is about. imo, this would have never happened under BG/PG I think this is where Gainey failed miserably. I've said it before, but I have never seen a five year plan executed as well as Gainey's first five years in Montreal. It was brilliant, in my opinion. Quality vets, up-and-coming kids, playoff university attended, local legend coach supported by experienced and quality assistants, a fast team built for the "new" NHL that Gainey himself had pushed for... it was all there. It was all set up for a fairy-tale Centennial ending. Heck, we were one recalcitrant Big Swede away from being considered Cup favorites. But alas, there was a fatal flaw... Gainey may have bought into the "new NHL" on the ice, but he neglected the "new NHL" off the ice. That is he had a bunch of millionaire kids with no support system. They all lived alone in a party city where they were gods, with too much time, and too much money. We'll never know of course, but how much different would things have been if guys like Higgins and Price were living with established veterans, like Gallagher has done with Gorges the last couple of years? Or had somebody checking in on them on a daily basis as they worked their way up to the NHL? Taught them how to be NHLers both on AND off the ice? Would Komisarek's confidence have been so shattered if he had a personal mentor like Lapointe, or Churla, or Mellanby or even Brisebois, a guy who has literally seen both the best and worst of Montreal? Could they have handled that Centennial year better, with a better support system backing them up? We'll never know, but in my opinion that's where Gainey lost it. And then he panicked and blew the whole thing up, and went for mediocrity over contending. Oh well. So that's why I can't get enough of these "they talk to me every day" stories. As I have also said before when a fringe prospect like Mac Bennett gets calls after every game then you know the organization is on top of things. Perhaps this is why they let Brady Vail go; they probably talked to the guy close to 50 times last year, if not more, and if they got the sense that he just wasn't buying what they were selling then 50 more times probably wasn't going to change things. It may not end up being the best decision, but at the very least it is an informed decision. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 11, 2014 9:42:41 GMT -5
Thanks NWT for the updates and articles. Good article on McCarron. It adds to Willie's point from above that the Player Development staff is very involved with our prospects. If I'm not mistaken, before MB came on board it was Timmins who was tasked with heading player development in addition to scouting. Seems like it would have been way too much work on TT's plate. It was all on TT, so in addition to scouting for the next draft, he had to keep tabs of all the drafted kids too. In this day and age, splitting that duty makes so much more sense. You can be better at both functions that way, and it really seems to be an area that Montreal has picked up their socks on in the last three years. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 11, 2014 9:44:45 GMT -5
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 11, 2014 9:55:17 GMT -5
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Post by Doc Holliday on Jul 11, 2014 10:47:20 GMT -5
Agree with you guys.
...in pre-Houle eras that had been the job of Claude "Piton" Ruel for a long time to be close to the prospects, talk to them, guide them, know what was going on with them, etc... I guess back then they didn't call it "director of player dev..." or some other snazzy corporate ringing title, but Claude was there for the organisation's young guys.
...than the Houle era... ...who really knows what the heck was going on during thoses years...
Then the BG/PG years where they created a super structure with TT in charge of everything prospect related... scouting, drafting, follow-ups, devellopment, etc... we have 4 guys full time today doing what TT had to handle by himself... not to mention having to make cuts in his scouting staff... both Bob and Goat were obsessed with keeping things "secret" so the least people around the team the better.
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Post by jkr on Jul 11, 2014 12:12:59 GMT -5
I like this article about Connor Crisp. I did a google translate but got the gist of the article. Connor CrispIn it Crisp makes a statement that shows me how far the organisation has come under Bergevin. Crisp states that Martin Lapointe would show up at his OHL games, unannounced and watch, then after the game Lapointe would go and talk to Crisp about what he needed to work on etfc... That is what Player Development is about. imo, this would have never happened under BG/PG I think this is where Gainey failed miserably. I've said it before, but I have never seen a five year plan executed as well as Gainey's first five years in Montreal. It was brilliant, in my opinion. Quality vets, up-and-coming kids, playoff university attended, local legend coach supported by experienced and quality assistants, a fast team built for the "new" NHL that Gainey himself had pushed for... it was all there. It was all set up for a fairy-tale Centennial ending. Heck, we were one recalcitrant Big Swede away from being considered Cup favorites. But alas, there was a fatal flaw... Gainey may have bought into the "new NHL" on the ice, but he neglected the "new NHL" off the ice. That is he had a bunch of millionaire kids with no support system. They all lived alone in a party city where they were gods, with too much time, and too much money. We'll never know of course, but how much different would things have been if guys like Higgins and Price were living with established veterans, like Gallagher has done with Gorges the last couple of years? Or had somebody checking in on them on a daily basis as they worked their way up to the NHL? Taught them how to be NHLers both on AND off the ice? Would Komisarek's confidence have been so shattered if he had a personal mentor like Lapointe, or Churla, or Mellanby or even Brisebois, a guy who has literally seen both the best and worst of Montreal? Could they have handled that Centennial year better, with a better support system backing them up? We'll never know, but in my opinion that's where Gainey lost it. And then he panicked and blew the whole thing up, and went for mediocrity over contending. Oh well. So that's why I can't get enough of these "they talk to me every day" stories. As I have also said before when a fringe prospect like Mac Bennett gets calls after every game then you know the organization is on top of things. Perhaps this is why they let Brady Vail go; they probably talked to the guy close to 50 times last year, if not more, and if they got the sense that he just wasn't buying what they were selling then 50 more times probably wasn't going to change things. It may not end up being the best decision, but at the very least it is an informed decision. Interesting that you mention Sundin. I had forgotten about that. I wonder if he felt the way Gorges did? After all those years with the Leafs maybe he couldn't play with Montreal. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 11, 2014 14:06:00 GMT -5
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Post by blny on Jul 11, 2014 14:29:30 GMT -5
This stood out from the McCarron piece:
"Of the 50 players invited to the Habs’ suburban practice facility this week, only 10 are under six feet (and four of those players are listed at 5 foot 11). All of the 17 defencemen in camp are six feet or taller, and only four are lighter than the NHL average weight of 203.1 pounds."
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Post by frozone on Jul 11, 2014 15:41:57 GMT -5
This stood out from the McCarron piece: "Of the 50 players invited to the Habs’ suburban practice facility this week, only 10 are under six feet (and four of those players are listed at 5 foot 11). All of the 17 defencemen in camp are six feet or taller, and only four are lighter than the NHL average weight of 203.1 pounds." Yes, this has been a gradual but very pleasant change. It didn't look like we were ever going to get any bigger when MB re-signed DD and picked up Briere, but our patience is starting to pay off. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 11, 2014 16:49:17 GMT -5
A few first hand reports from folks over at HF who were in Brossard today. Again, one person's opinion based on one scrimmage.
This is how Whitesnake saw things:
So here's how I saw today's game. Seem to me that it was more about the experience than anything else.
THE GREAT:
Holland-MacMillan-Thomas: Awesome game for all 3 of them. Complementing each other incredibly well. Awesome vision, great shooting, great skating. Everything great. Even defensively, though they didn't have to show that too much, they were always in the offensive zone. Just pure dominance. Rookie camp next. I wish MacMillan would be in Hamilton....
Sekac: Showed what he was capable of with his skills, his vision, and his smarts all-around. Too strong for that kind of camp when half if not more will not see a NHL game in their life. Awesome hands, really impressive. Kind of faded out as the game progressed, but still showing some of his skills. Oh and the "I have to work on my shot" is nothing more but trying to find an answer to a question "What do you have to work more".....His shot is precise and quite hard.
Hudon: I'm tough on Hudon....I still have my doubts about his NHL pro career....but on today's game, he was DOMINATING. Smarts...yes, it's getting old, but if he doesn't make it, it's not out of smarts. Putting his stick always at the right place defending. Frankly, I see him dominate today than all the best moments together in the last playoffs...and I've seen a lot of games. Was looking faster than I've seen, and the overall pace was quite intense and fast. Was often in the right place offensively etc. Nothing that we don't know. Remains to be seen if he'll ever be able to bring it at the highest level and if he'll stop being injured....but today....awesome performance.
Didier: Not sure if people noticed him today...but I did, in more than one occasions. Wasn't letting a whole lot pass him by. And showed some impressive offensive reads. This guy, and I've said it for quite some time, might be a darkhorse. One thing....somebody needs to tell him how good he can be. Not sure if he believes in it....his play sometimes indicates he doesn't. But when you show flashes of that quality, it has to mean that you're looking for the consistency to be more like that more often. Very good skater. Great upper body....this guy "might" (and I stress might") be something Ellis wished he would have become....Time will tell.
THE GREAT SURPRISES!
Szmatula: Surprise! Wow, not sure what this kid looked like all week long but today, he was shifty as any player on the ice. Didn't mind taking hits. Great offensive mind, some very good passing. Looks extremely poised all game long. Enough to get a contract? Probably not...but a guy to look for. Would look pretty good in Hamilton though....based on today's game.
Muto: I guess it's always about the fact that we're not expecting that much....but Muto looked quite solid on the back end with a great first pass. Again, might be the experience, as it's surely the common theme for today's game. But I would most definately watch his progression...Might be a guy to watch in the next years as UFA....
Koberstein: I actually like the kid's game today. Though it is pretty clear that he needs MUCH better first steps and his skating has to improve, he looked as solid as any other d-man out there. I have to say this....didn't look like the 205th CSS rank or like a guy who should not have been picked....Looked better than that. But he concentrated himself mostly on the defensive part of his game. Impressive stickwork for a guy that age. Everthing great except the Nevins goal.
Highmore: One of the greatest motor out there. Relentless work. Good offensive smarts. I didn't want us to pick him...but he's a guy to follow next year. Might make a great pick next year. All a question of converting chances....but he's a REALLY interesting guy to see how he develops next year.
THE GOOD:
Nevins: This guy has to be freakin frustrating to play against. Nobody was mean today. Nobody. But him. Was looking for hits. HATED when Sekac made fun of his line at the start of the 1st period, was taking it personal. Medium love taps....great hits....the guy succeeded to shine in a game that is FAR from being his game. That's downright impressive. Love the guy. Can't wait to see him in real action.
Andrighetto: I was probably expecting a little more....could have surely put him in that category today but he did enough great thinks, showed enough some great speed that I would put him in the good category. Now...wasn't a threat enough offensive and was dangling the puck too much so he lost it in some occasions which I can't put him in the great category.....but he was still good offensively. And some "nice" and intelligent backchecking and takeaways as well. Showed a complete game and the management has to be happy with that. Still out there with Sekac for the forward position (based on today,s game which means....not a whole lot. Yet, I don't see DLR in that position...yet)
Audette: Okay....let just say this...he was put in THE position to succeed. All great to analyse a player...but if you are stuck with Corson and Momesso on your line....there's not so much you can do. He had Sekac and DLR as his teamates. Yet...if you suck....you can still suck with the best teamates ever. And he didn't. Had some great nifty moves....great chemistry with those guys but he wasn't great as Sekac was giving him a lot of opportunities....and he missed a lot of them. Was often in the right position but couldn't convert. Still a very good effort and clearly the best 2014 draftee today.....but again, was put in a position to be very good. He delivered.
DLR: Well Sekac is the flashy one...DLR is all smarts (not saying Sekac isn't smart by the way...he has plenty of those too). All those little things you don't see, he does. BUt to this day, you still wonder where he is offensively. I liked his game, like how he uses his body.....but you still wonder what's in there offensively. Despite a very good line today with Sekac and Audette, I'm not sure we had the answer....not today. But he was good enough all-around to have had a good game.
The Q brothers Goulet and Ranger: I pair them together....some awesome shifts, some ordinairy ones...Goulet slashing Andrighetto that Ghetto REALLY didn't like....those 2 are amongst my favorites and they should be looked at somehow. Contracts? Maybe not yet. But their motor never stops. And they are really intelligent on the ice. You think Ranger is beaten and he never is despite his small stature. Goulet got some great moves. I really thought they both had a good game. But as invitiations....you probably need to IMPRESS. Did they do that? Maybe not. But I liked them both. Their tenacity and their smarts were pretty clear. Remains to be seen how it will one day translate offensively.
McCarron: Liked him today. Look much bigger than last year. But most importantly....look MUCH MORE FASTER. Will need to work on his shot though....he might start to look like the David Fischer of this year's camp with a really average arsenal of shots.....His passing is crisp and precise. Plays big...didn't go for a lot of heavy hits, was actually trying not to kill anybody....Remember one play, he could have sent us Audette in the stands really easily...and didn't. Still, I didn't that stickwise, puck control and skating wise...was REALLY interesting to see. I don't think he still shows he could possibly be a top 6 forward....but starts to show how he could be a NHL'er though. Great to see.
THE MEH (Nobody was plain bad...aside from 1 guy in the other section.....):
Agosta: One great shift, one not-so great. He had one really bad shift with some weird decisions, but in some other shifts, he looked solid, nicely build upper and lower body. Yet again, much older than most guys out there. I might have him on my radar for "future use"....But being so much older, the ceiling isn't that high.
Lernout: Portrait as the guy who is great defensively with weak puck skills, I thought he showed the total opposite today. Good first pass.....but his problem today was that after the initial hits, he kinda let go his player who beat him after their 2nd effort while he thought his first hit was enough. You hit...and you follow through that hit. He didn't today. And made quite a few positional mistakes. I wasn't expecting anything....I got a little more. TONS of work ahead but somehow, you see the potential.
Anas: Good work with Szamatula...yet the Sz man outplayed him. Still, I'd like to see him in Hamilton. Would help that offense, I think.
Scherbak: I think that when it comes to watching a 1st round pick that is kinda hyped, you do wish you see more than what Nikita shown today...and it seems all week. 'Cause you see the skills. See the strong skating, see the skills, see the emotion, had a few hits, had a great pass on the first Hudon goal...but that was mostly it. He seemed to me like he was quite intimidated today. Now...no panic...he is going to be great. I'm just talking about what I saw today. We saw more of the passing skills than any type of shooting. But he had a great player on his line with Hudon and just didn't capitalize or wasn't that implicated offensively. He will be better next year. No doubt. We've got a very good one....but he just didn't show it that much.
SORKIN: Great size, some nice skills, but then didn't use it today that much with all of that. It's tough to analyse guys when the roughing and physical element is almost non-existant, still you can use that body to crete opportunities. I was expecting more as I think he has a shot at being a regular Bulldogs. Let's hope for him that he has a better rookie camp.
Bennett: A favorite of mine. Nice skater. But didn't do as much as even guys like Muto did. Surely means nothing, just that today, you have to expect that he would dominate in the back end. With his talent and his experience, I was expecting more. Still very good in his 1 on 1 despite not being the biggest out there. But everything was off for me today.
Ellis: Was he there today? Another guy who should have shown more IF that camp was an important one. Clearly, he took the camp off. Will have to shine at the rookie camp. If not...this guy is going to be surpassed by others. Nothing to see from him today.
Makowski: Well, that's only for me. 'Cause I've seen Makowski REALLY OFTEN in the NCAA and I was expecting more from him today. Was totally invisible. And when he was visible, it was not because it was a great play. He's capable of so much more offensive and with the puck...I believe we will see it in Hamilton. But not today.
Grégoire: Was he there today? Totally invisible for me and I'm a BIG TIME fan. Doesn't really matter....still is a pro-to-be...but if he wanted to show something today....that didn't work.
Imama: I will put him in the Meh...even if he did as great as he could with what he has. Hitting machine. One of the few with Nevins. Yet....the offensive smarts isn't there. And I don't think it ever will. He starts from far behind. But will always be in your face. And I think that he used his strengths to show what he could do. Just don't think there's a big ceiling there. Still interesting to watch him work. Fine hitting game....relentless forechecker and great work....but not good enough future.
McNally:Probably one of the few guys I had a really tough time to analyse. One great shift, one invisible...one bad one, constantly losing the puck...one great one dominating the play along the boards. Looking the part....not doing it etc. I guess you mix everything and it gives you a Meh result....Yet I would keep an eye on him. also for future use.
Schmaltz: Looked to me like the biggest guy out there even if he isn't. But while more physical, also looked to me like the next Steve Quailer. Yet, as the game progressed, you saw quite an impressive set of hands....and then went to sleep for the next 4 or 5 shifts. You don't win any points by being that inconsistent. You always end up expecting a lot from big guys like that...not sure he has the smarts to match his size.
THE NOTHING TO SEE HERE:
Corson: Looked to me like the only who didn't even belong there. Was in over his head. Not ever going to be a factor.
Padakin: Or the guy who doesn't want to implicate himself in the play. Seems to have some neat skills...but is just letting the play come to him and isn't assertive enough. Type of guys with skills that will never succeed if that never changes.
Momesso: Looked better than Corson....everybody did. Still, I don't see anything in this guy that should even deserve another look....
Most D's named Bobyk, Curcuruto, Crevier-Morin, Federico and Wardley. There's just nothing that deserves extra attention.
GOALIES' REPORTS:
Well out of everybody, I thought Motte looked better than everybody else. I don't think Hawkey was bad....tons of great looking goals, maybe the Nevins one, was way too soon on his knees. Still like the kid and can't wait to see his development. Just at the wrong end of a much better team. Fucale was fine aside from that terrible terrible goal because of his bad stick positioning. Piperny....well was okay.
Really wonder if they won't watch how Motte's progression end up to be.
RESUME
Oh and for the old guys like me....Shayne Corson was in da house. This guy is still big. Didn't talk to him just in case he'd be asking me what I thought of his kid....For the record, I would have OBVIOUSLY lied....
Good looking game with nice speed and great rhythm. Oh and Habs fans are crazy. I've been to all of the dev camps and rookie camps...and I've never seen so many people....and this without any weekend days.....We are crazy.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 11, 2014 16:51:12 GMT -5
And Ayatolla Chowmeini's view:
I was there. My preliminary observations.
DLR-Audette-Sekac line and Andrighetto-Holland (can't remember who the center was off the top of my head) line were the only real offense for Red, and only DLR/Audette/Sekac had any real consistency about it. Most shifts they were probably the best 2-way line, as should be expected with two wings who played against men all last season. Sekac had one particularly great shift where he played a snappy give and go with his D on the breakout, toe-dragged a trapping wing in the neutral zone, trucked another Kovy-on-Tucker-with-less-elbow after crossing the blue line, traded passes with DLR only to have the slot-one timer knocked a bit. Sekac looked like a man against boys, mostly because he is. DLR didn't have a ton of offense on display but had great defensive awareness, as expected.
Andrighetto was the other stand-out on red. He was playing at pro-speed: quick decisions, quick acceleration on the breakout and picking up in the neutral zone, shifty and agile. It might be AHL pro speed, but much faster than most of the invites. Won his goal off a forecheck against one of the big defensemen with another covering, before a weird bounce took it through Fucale's five-hole from behind the net.
On white, the two players most of note were Hudon (seriously great hockey sense, looked to be getting close to the pro speed I mentioned re: Andrighetto) and the exceptional Christian Thomas. Thomas was a shifty, smart threat every time he got the puck. Set up everyone, won board battles, a few beautifully weighted saucer passes while moving through the zone. Even though it wouldn't be reflected on the scoresheet, I'd say he was the best player overall in today's scrimmage.
Other prospects of note: Gregoire, didn't really notice him.
McCarron, visibly frustrated at times including a Hulk-like stick smash against the glass after getting tied up on the boards by someone presumably 40 lbs lighter than him. I don't think he played all that poorly but definitely still putting it all together. Will never carry a line in the NHL, and probably won't even carry one in the OHL. But tools, size, and speed to be a complementary beast down low.
After walking back to the bus stop around the side of the facility, I can safely report what everyone already knows: Scherbak is awesome off-ice and already clearly a fan fave. He has a long way ahead of him on the ice. Nowhere near pro speed yet, but will be. I give him 2.5-3.5 years to be a serious call-up option. At the moment he is a very tall, kind of hilarious child.
Fucale: None of the goalies were that noticeable, except the Wheat Kings kid who is small and plays deep in his net and will never see an NHL roster. Hawkey had a day to forget, but he didn't get a lot of help from Red. But one thing I noticed was Fucale's embrace of a kind of leadership position. I was seated over the tunnel and he basically pumped up the guys before they came out at first and seemed to be kind of head of the pack. Also I noticed him raucously cheering on his goaltending partner (I think the kid from Ferris State?) after a good save. He moves with a swagger and confidence that's pretty good for a 19 year old kid. Sees himself as a leader, presumably a consummate teammate. Likely great backup material, though we won't need him to be for a few years.
Disappointments: Main disappointment had to be Mac Bennett. Had some real curious reads/problems with gap control while defending. If you hated the way Montreal gave up the blue line last year, you would have hated watching Mac today. Didn't see much of the puck moving that he's lauded for, but he's coming off a season-ending injury and there were no power plays or opportunities to really open it up for him. I'm not writing him off by any means, just less excited for him in the AHL than I had been. But now that I think about it, Lernout and Koberstein were both pretty forgettable and so was Ellis. Maybe that's more a reflection of the offense-heavy type of game rather than their play as defensemen. Or maybe I watch the puck too much, which is why I'll probably never be a pro scout.
Others might disagree but I wasn't impressed with MacMillan. Noticed a few times having slow decision-making, including one particularly egregious moment where he got a perfect dish in the slot and controlled, hesitated, and shot into the defenders stick rather than shooting right away. At a camp like this, I feel like it should be obvious who is thinking the game at a 22 year old/pro-level and who isn't, and I felt like MacMillan was thinking slow for one of the more senior guys at the camp.
Invites: Schmalz started stronger and kind of faded as it went on. Did lay a mean hurting on Momisso early on. Imama made a particularly crap decision on a 3-on-1, choosing to shoot center mass off the left wing instead of passing or even shooting in to the legs. Fast and nasty, but no real diamond in the rough potential as I see it. Was hoping to see some potential from Padakin, as he seems so intriguing as a cheap addition to the ranks. But honestly, didn't show much in this game.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 11, 2014 16:51:59 GMT -5
And Harry Kakalovich was there and had some observations:
I was there today, here are my thoughts
My general impression upon walking out was that the best prospect there was Nikita Scherbak, and the next best was Jacob De La Rose. Scherbak has really nice skills and size, and De La Rose is fast and has a really nice frame and just has professional written all over him, although not sure if he will be a big scorer.
Now for finer points. The white team was much better, mainly because their top line had Christian Thomas and Patrick Holland on it, who were pretty obviously more seasoned than the rest of the guys out there. Mark MacMillan didn't look out of place on the line, but it was definitely the other two leading the way.
Josiah Didier was on the blueline for a good amount of the goals scored by white, so he must of been doing ok, especially because he seemed to be switching around partners. He seems to be an ok prospect.
The other top line for white was Scherbak, Hudon, and McCarron. Scherbak I really liked. Hudon I didn't really notice that much but I think he scored and not in a bad way. the line had quite a bit of pressure especially in the first. McCarron looked like a project still, but there's still some time there for him to develop.
White also had a line of Corson, Momesso, and Goulet. I liked Goulet. He skates well and has some offensive moves - I was pretty impressed by him, but at a certain point Andrighetto started getting on him and taking the puck from him. The line did all right.
The other White line was Highmore, Nevins and (McNally?) I can't remember the third guy on the line. They did really well. Highmore and Nevins were impressive. Both are hard workers.
The white dmen (apart from Didier) were Ellis, Bobyk, Makowski, Wardley, (not sure the 6th). Bobyk has a nice frame - didn't really notice him, which can be good for a dman.
For red the top line was DLR, Audette, Sekac. I like the play of Audette for a guy just drafted he looked good. They didn't cash, but they got some chances. All the guys looked good, just didn't show up on the scoresheet.
The next line was Andrighetto, Gregoire, and (?) - Can't remember the third guy on the line. Wasn't as impressed with Andrighetto this year, but he still looked good.
There was a line of Anas, Imama, (Ranger, Padakin?) - this line did ok, and so did the other one.
In general, even though I can't remember all the lines, the under the radar forwards that impressed me: Schmalz, Highmore, Goulet, Imama, Szmatula (who scored for red), Padakin.
As for the red defense, Brett Lernout had a tough day, got beat on a lot of the goals. He hit pretty good. After the first they paired him with Curcuruto, which helped him.
Koberstein I liked - he looked not out of place at all playing with Mac Bennett - pretty amazing considering he played AJHL last year and he's only 18! I would say good pickup there for sure.
Curcuruto was the best invite on d - followed maybe by Muto.
Mac Bennett looked solid - just question his size - other than that he seems solid.
Hawkey let in a lot of goals but I got a decent sense of his presence in net. Most were scored by Thomas and Holland.
There you go, my two cents. I like the pickups from this year. Lernout is a work in progress but he's big and all he needs to do is simplify his game and everything should follow. Like the 5th rounders, Koberstein and Audette. I think if Koberstein grew a couple of inches he could be a tower on the back end. Scherbak looks good, hopefully he bulks up and keeps getting better. Certainly there were some building blocks on display, and only time will tell. Cheers!
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 11, 2014 16:55:05 GMT -5
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jul 11, 2014 17:24:40 GMT -5
A few first hand reports from folks over at HF who were in Brossard today. Again, one person's opinion based on one scrimmage. This is how Whitesnake saw things: So here's how I saw today's game. Seem to me that it was more about the experience than anything else.
THE GREAT:
Holland-MacMillan-Thomas: Awesome game for all 3 of them. Complementing each other incredibly well. Awesome vision, great shooting, great skating. Everything great. Even defensively, though they didn't have to show that too much, they were always in the offensive zone. Just pure dominance. Rookie camp next. I wish MacMillan would be in Hamilton....
Sekac: Showed what he was capable of with his skills, his vision, and his smarts all-around. Too strong for that kind of camp when half if not more will not see a NHL game in their life. Awesome hands, really impressive. Kind of faded out as the game progressed, but still showing some of his skills. Oh and the "I have to work on my shot" is nothing more but trying to find an answer to a question "What do you have to work more".....His shot is precise and quite hard.
Hudon: I'm tough on Hudon....I still have my doubts about his NHL pro career....but on today's game, he was DOMINATING. Smarts...yes, it's getting old, but if he doesn't make it, it's not out of smarts. Putting his stick always at the right place defending. Frankly, I see him dominate today than all the best moments together in the last playoffs...and I've seen a lot of games. Was looking faster than I've seen, and the overall pace was quite intense and fast. Was often in the right place offensively etc. Nothing that we don't know. Remains to be seen if he'll ever be able to bring it at the highest level and if he'll stop being injured....but today....awesome performance.
Didier: Not sure if people noticed him today...but I did, in more than one occasions. Wasn't letting a whole lot pass him by. And showed some impressive offensive reads. This guy, and I've said it for quite some time, might be a darkhorse. One thing....somebody needs to tell him how good he can be. Not sure if he believes in it....his play sometimes indicates he doesn't. But when you show flashes of that quality, it has to mean that you're looking for the consistency to be more like that more often. Very good skater. Great upper body....this guy "might" (and I stress might") be something Ellis wished he would have become....Time will tell.
THE GREAT SURPRISES!
Szmatula: Surprise! Wow, not sure what this kid looked like all week long but today, he was shifty as any player on the ice. Didn't mind taking hits. Great offensive mind, some very good passing. Looks extremely poised all game long. Enough to get a contract? Probably not...but a guy to look for. Would look pretty good in Hamilton though....based on today's game.
Muto: I guess it's always about the fact that we're not expecting that much....but Muto looked quite solid on the back end with a great first pass. Again, might be the experience, as it's surely the common theme for today's game. But I would most definately watch his progression...Might be a guy to watch in the next years as UFA....
Koberstein: I actually like the kid's game today. Though it is pretty clear that he needs MUCH better first steps and his skating has to improve, he looked as solid as any other d-man out there. I have to say this....didn't look like the 205th CSS rank or like a guy who should not have been picked....Looked better than that. But he concentrated himself mostly on the defensive part of his game. Impressive stickwork for a guy that age. Everthing great except the Nevins goal.
Highmore: One of the greatest motor out there. Relentless work. Good offensive smarts. I didn't want us to pick him...but he's a guy to follow next year. Might make a great pick next year. All a question of converting chances....but he's a REALLY interesting guy to see how he develops next year.
THE GOOD:
Nevins: This guy has to be freakin frustrating to play against. Nobody was mean today. Nobody. But him. Was looking for hits. HATED when Sekac made fun of his line at the start of the 1st period, was taking it personal. Medium love taps....great hits....the guy succeeded to shine in a game that is FAR from being his game. That's downright impressive. Love the guy. Can't wait to see him in real action.
Andrighetto: I was probably expecting a little more....could have surely put him in that category today but he did enough great thinks, showed enough some great speed that I would put him in the good category. Now...wasn't a threat enough offensive and was dangling the puck too much so he lost it in some occasions which I can't put him in the great category.....but he was still good offensively. And some "nice" and intelligent backchecking and takeaways as well. Showed a complete game and the management has to be happy with that. Still out there with Sekac for the forward position (based on today,s game which means....not a whole lot. Yet, I don't see DLR in that position...yet)
Audette: Okay....let just say this...he was put in THE position to succeed. All great to analyse a player...but if you are stuck with Corson and Momesso on your line....there's not so much you can do. He had Sekac and DLR as his teamates. Yet...if you suck....you can still suck with the best teamates ever. And he didn't. Had some great nifty moves....great chemistry with those guys but he wasn't great as Sekac was giving him a lot of opportunities....and he missed a lot of them. Was often in the right position but couldn't convert. Still a very good effort and clearly the best 2014 draftee today.....but again, was put in a position to be very good. He delivered.
DLR: Well Sekac is the flashy one...DLR is all smarts (not saying Sekac isn't smart by the way...he has plenty of those too). All those little things you don't see, he does. BUt to this day, you still wonder where he is offensively. I liked his game, like how he uses his body.....but you still wonder what's in there offensively. Despite a very good line today with Sekac and Audette, I'm not sure we had the answer....not today. But he was good enough all-around to have had a good game.
The Q brothers Goulet and Ranger: I pair them together....some awesome shifts, some ordinairy ones...Goulet slashing Andrighetto that Ghetto REALLY didn't like....those 2 are amongst my favorites and they should be looked at somehow. Contracts? Maybe not yet. But their motor never stops. And they are really intelligent on the ice. You think Ranger is beaten and he never is despite his small stature. Goulet got some great moves. I really thought they both had a good game. But as invitiations....you probably need to IMPRESS. Did they do that? Maybe not. But I liked them both. Their tenacity and their smarts were pretty clear. Remains to be seen how it will one day translate offensively.
McCarron: Liked him today. Look much bigger than last year. But most importantly....look MUCH MORE FASTER. Will need to work on his shot though....he might start to look like the David Fischer of this year's camp with a really average arsenal of shots.....His passing is crisp and precise. Plays big...didn't go for a lot of heavy hits, was actually trying not to kill anybody....Remember one play, he could have sent us Audette in the stands really easily...and didn't. Still, I didn't that stickwise, puck control and skating wise...was REALLY interesting to see. I don't think he still shows he could possibly be a top 6 forward....but starts to show how he could be a NHL'er though. Great to see.
THE MEH (Nobody was plain bad...aside from 1 guy in the other section.....):
Agosta: One great shift, one not-so great. He had one really bad shift with some weird decisions, but in some other shifts, he looked solid, nicely build upper and lower body. Yet again, much older than most guys out there. I might have him on my radar for "future use"....But being so much older, the ceiling isn't that high.
Lernout: Portrait as the guy who is great defensively with weak puck skills, I thought he showed the total opposite today. Good first pass.....but his problem today was that after the initial hits, he kinda let go his player who beat him after their 2nd effort while he thought his first hit was enough. You hit...and you follow through that hit. He didn't today. And made quite a few positional mistakes. I wasn't expecting anything....I got a little more. TONS of work ahead but somehow, you see the potential.
Anas: Good work with Szamatula...yet the Sz man outplayed him. Still, I'd like to see him in Hamilton. Would help that offense, I think.
Scherbak: I think that when it comes to watching a 1st round pick that is kinda hyped, you do wish you see more than what Nikita shown today...and it seems all week. 'Cause you see the skills. See the strong skating, see the skills, see the emotion, had a few hits, had a great pass on the first Hudon goal...but that was mostly it. He seemed to me like he was quite intimidated today. Now...no panic...he is going to be great. I'm just talking about what I saw today. We saw more of the passing skills than any type of shooting. But he had a great player on his line with Hudon and just didn't capitalize or wasn't that implicated offensively. He will be better next year. No doubt. We've got a very good one....but he just didn't show it that much.
SORKIN: Great size, some nice skills, but then didn't use it today that much with all of that. It's tough to analyse guys when the roughing and physical element is almost non-existant, still you can use that body to crete opportunities. I was expecting more as I think he has a shot at being a regular Bulldogs. Let's hope for him that he has a better rookie camp.
Bennett: A favorite of mine. Nice skater. But didn't do as much as even guys like Muto did. Surely means nothing, just that today, you have to expect that he would dominate in the back end. With his talent and his experience, I was expecting more. Still very good in his 1 on 1 despite not being the biggest out there. But everything was off for me today.
Ellis: Was he there today? Another guy who should have shown more IF that camp was an important one. Clearly, he took the camp off. Will have to shine at the rookie camp. If not...this guy is going to be surpassed by others. Nothing to see from him today.
Makowski: Well, that's only for me. 'Cause I've seen Makowski REALLY OFTEN in the NCAA and I was expecting more from him today. Was totally invisible. And when he was visible, it was not because it was a great play. He's capable of so much more offensive and with the puck...I believe we will see it in Hamilton. But not today.
Grégoire: Was he there today? Totally invisible for me and I'm a BIG TIME fan. Doesn't really matter....still is a pro-to-be...but if he wanted to show something today....that didn't work.
Imama: I will put him in the Meh...even if he did as great as he could with what he has. Hitting machine. One of the few with Nevins. Yet....the offensive smarts isn't there. And I don't think it ever will. He starts from far behind. But will always be in your face. And I think that he used his strengths to show what he could do. Just don't think there's a big ceiling there. Still interesting to watch him work. Fine hitting game....relentless forechecker and great work....but not good enough future.
McNally:Probably one of the few guys I had a really tough time to analyse. One great shift, one invisible...one bad one, constantly losing the puck...one great one dominating the play along the boards. Looking the part....not doing it etc. I guess you mix everything and it gives you a Meh result....Yet I would keep an eye on him. also for future use.
Schmaltz: Looked to me like the biggest guy out there even if he isn't. But while more physical, also looked to me like the next Steve Quailer. Yet, as the game progressed, you saw quite an impressive set of hands....and then went to sleep for the next 4 or 5 shifts. You don't win any points by being that inconsistent. You always end up expecting a lot from big guys like that...not sure he has the smarts to match his size.
THE NOTHING TO SEE HERE:
Corson: Looked to me like the only who didn't even belong there. Was in over his head. Not ever going to be a factor.
Padakin: Or the guy who doesn't want to implicate himself in the play. Seems to have some neat skills...but is just letting the play come to him and isn't assertive enough. Type of guys with skills that will never succeed if that never changes.
Momesso: Looked better than Corson....everybody did. Still, I don't see anything in this guy that should even deserve another look....
Most D's named Bobyk, Curcuruto, Crevier-Morin, Federico and Wardley. There's just nothing that deserves extra attention.
GOALIES' REPORTS:
Well out of everybody, I thought Motte looked better than everybody else. I don't think Hawkey was bad....tons of great looking goals, maybe the Nevins one, was way too soon on his knees. Still like the kid and can't wait to see his development. Just at the wrong end of a much better team. Fucale was fine aside from that terrible terrible goal because of his bad stick positioning. Piperny....well was okay.
Really wonder if they won't watch how Motte's progression end up to be.
RESUME
Oh and for the old guys like me....Shayne Corson was in da house. This guy is still big. Didn't talk to him just in case he'd be asking me what I thought of his kid....For the record, I would have OBVIOUSLY lied....
Good looking game with nice speed and great rhythm. Oh and Habs fans are crazy. I've been to all of the dev camps and rookie camps...and I've never seen so many people....and this without any weekend days.....We are crazy.I am not known for giving out compliments, but NWT does an outstanding job when it comes to supplying info on our farm boys. Please keep up the great work, I really appreciate it here in LA where news about the Habs trails news about Los Alamitos High School football practices. |
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Post by blny on Jul 11, 2014 17:32:01 GMT -5
Agreed! Great work NWT.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 11, 2014 18:01:55 GMT -5
I like following the prospects and the draft, as you may have noticed...so I am just glad to pass on things I come across in case others also find them of interest. Glad you do!
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 11, 2014 18:12:35 GMT -5
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Post by GNick99 on Jul 11, 2014 20:43:25 GMT -5
I always liked Hudon. Seen him in series against Russia a few years back. Looked very smart on ice. You can't teach that |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 11, 2014 22:32:43 GMT -5
I always liked Hudon. Seen him in series against Russia a few years back. Looked very smart on ice. You can't teach that Lots of hockey smarts. The knock is small and oft injured. The kid has a chance. |
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Post by GNick99 on Jul 12, 2014 9:37:34 GMT -5
I always liked Hudon. Seen him in series against Russia a few years back. Looked very smart on ice. You can't teach that Lots of hockey smarts. The knock is small and oft injured. The kid has a chance. Hopefully his injury problems are result of bad luck not due to his physical ststue. Could be diamond in rough as cannot teach his hockey smarts |
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Post by seventeen on Jul 12, 2014 11:23:15 GMT -5
I'm convinced the WJC team both the last 2 years would have done much better if Hudon hadn't been injured. This past year, he created chances every time he was on the ice, at least until his injury slowed him down.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 13, 2014 10:45:17 GMT -5
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Post by Cranky on Jul 13, 2014 13:23:22 GMT -5
If DLR, Sekac, Beau, Tinordi and Pateryn are playing the first game of next years playoffs, it would be great.
If DLR, Sekac, Beau, Tinordi and Pateryn are playing the twenty first game of next years playoffs, we are on our way to taking up residence on the Promised Land.
Those five need to become become regular NHL'ers and push out Moen, Weaver, Malhorta and Gilbert. THEN we need the next crop to push out DD, Prust and Bourque.
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Post by seventeen on Jul 13, 2014 14:59:36 GMT -5
Agree, except, Bourque would be #1 on my list of least wanted. (What else is new?)
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 13, 2014 18:34:43 GMT -5
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 14, 2014 13:44:39 GMT -5
Topcorner2 had these thoughts about the scrimmage last Friday.
I know it's a bit late, but here are my thoughts on the players I saw at the camp. I was only able to go to the scrimmage this year, so it's a very small sample...still here goes:
Christian Thomas:
-More polished than most other kids out there.
-Playmaking has improved.
-finds ways to make compact plays that create offense
-stick handling and speed have improved.
-great combination of offensive instincts and straight away hockey.
BUT....can he find a way to make space for him self in the NHL? My bet is yes...should be in the group of players still around at the end of main camp fighting for the last job.
Mike McCarron
-Still catching to to him frame and has trouble especially marking guys in the D zone.
-Hands & feet are very good, but twists and change directions seem to take need adjustment.
-Much more comfortable in the O zone...get's shots away and goes to the net.
-If this guy can learn to play the pro game he will be a HUGE nightmare to play against.
-The kind of player that can turn a game around with one or two shifts because he is just so big and dangerous in the offensive zone.
-The kind of player that will be better in the second half and even better in a 7 game series.
NEEDS TIME - BE PATIENT
Jacob De La Rose
-Great frame, great speed, plays a North South game.
-Very responsible defensively. Seems very close to being ready.
-Does not have great hands or imagination. A power winger with skill.
My guess is he will go to Hamilton but will play some NHL games this year.
Jack Nevins
-Works his butt off...hits and makes it hard...
Not this year, but good to have these guys in the system
Mac Bennett
-less flashy than before....learning to play a more simple game
-has Josh Gorges size....
-mobility is great, has nice hands and offense...but plays a D first game.
Should fight for a spot in Hamilton...too bad he's not 6-2
Sekac
-Another North South power winger with skill.
-Looks great....but not that much better than Thomas, Ghetto, De La Rose....good news we have options
Ghetto
-small but skilled...has lots of mojo
-Plays the game hard and challenges the D
-Shift & sneaky on D...
The next T.Plekanec? Reminds me of him when he was that age....but a lot would have to go right.
Josiah Didier
-Huge wide frame
-SOOOOO much better at handling the puck now
-Still a long shot, but there is time...
-Plays a mean simple game, hits hard....quietly takes care of business....keep an eye on him
Koberstein
-Big & solid
-didn't look out of place at all...
-Definitely looked better than the undrafted Dmen his age.
-Has a long way to go...but who knows
Lernout
-Big & very strong and agressive
-Mean D-man...doesn't like getting beat...
-was trying to do too much...wasn't used to playing against such good competition
Audette
-Nice skill & poise
-I was impressed with how good he looked considering this is his 1st camp...
-will he have enough skill? Definitely has the instincts...
Scherbak
-This kid is the real deal...skill, size, speed...
-Makes the game look easy, needs to get stronger and learn the pro game
-In my eyes he & McCarron are the best "prospects" that I saw....both have huge upside.
Holland
-Just plays good hockey...makes the right plays and get's things done.
-Not flashy, not big....but plays a great pro game...
-might be too vanilla for the NHL....still he is a hell of a player
Macmillan
-hard worker, plays that college style
-will make a good pro....will need to keep improving...
K those are the main guys I think....
I wouldn't be surprised if the Habs didn't sign many of the tryouts...
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Post by seventeen on Jul 15, 2014 18:01:36 GMT -5
A write-up from the Canadiens site on Martin Lapointe and his ideas and organization of the Development camp. I think he's got a good head on his shoulders. canadiens.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=726037
MONTREAL – During his third stint running the Canadiens’ annual Development Camp, Martin Lapointe caught a glimpse of many good things to come for the bleu-blanc-rouge.
Since beginning his tenure in June 2012, Lapointe made certain to make his presence felt in the lives of youngsters drafted by the Canadiens by traveling to visit them as often as possible in their respective cities. This past week, however, prospects and invitees came to him, as 50 players hit the ice at the Bell Sports Complex in Brossard where Lapointe & Co. were eagerly awaiting their arrival.
“I’m very satisfied with what I saw from the guys over the course of the last few days. They showed up in great shape,” offered the Canadiens’ director of player development. “It’s not always easy for them to come out here the first week of July. They haven’t necessarily jumped on the ice in a while. A few of them might have, but only two or three times. But, in general, I’m very satisfied with them.”
At the conclusion of the six-day camp, players won’t have had much time to rest or enjoy summertime in Montreal. They had jam-packed schedules every day with a variety of on and off-ice activities on tap. Every aspect of their itinerary was meticulously prepared in order to help in their preparation and guide them through the pro hockey experience, something many of those in attendance hadn’t yet tasted over the course of their careers.
That’s one of the things Lapointe sought to incorporate in the Blackhawks’ culture during his time in Chicago alongside current Canadiens general manager, Marc Bergevin. Both Lapointe and Bergevin wanted to better surround young players by offering them a variety of tools that could prove helpful in their development. A little bit like students who take day courses at night, the Habs hopefuls will head back to their hockey homes with a full backpack.
“We definitely took some of the things we learned in Chicago, but we adjusted it in our own way because we wanted to touch on more things than the Blackhawks did. For example, they didn’t have any seminars on nutrition or psychology,” explained the 14-year NHL veteran. “When I got here, we got together and I explained the vision that I had and the plan that I wanted to execute. It’s a big challenge to coordinate all of these things at the same time. But, we get better at it every year. This year’s camp is probably the best one we’ve organized to date.
“There are a lot of things that we want them to understand, but there are kids here that are in their second or third camps with us. There are things that repeat themselves a bit and that they’ve already heard,” continued Lapointe. “When they leave camp, they’ll remember it more. There’s no denying that for those players coming to camp for the first time, it’s a lot to absorb at one time. But, from a hockey standpoint, we kept things very simple on the ice. We didn’t talk about systems. I wanted to organize a camp that really focused on fundamentals. Whether you like it or not, it all comes back to basics.”
As Lapointe mentioned, those players that had previous development camp experience were generally the standouts during the week. Still, one player who hit the ice for the first time in North America opened the most eyes among the group.
“There are those that stood out more so than others. Jiri Sekac is the guy who impressed me the most. I didn’t know him before camp,” admitted Lapointe on the subject of the 22-year-old Czech who signed a free-agent contract on July 1st. “Mark MacMillan also looked good. He’s a lot more confident with the puck. Charles Hudon, too. He’s a dynamic player who sees the play really well, and makes nice plays, too. Jacob De La Rose and Michael McCarron also looked good. Michael knows he has to become more solid on his skates and more explosive. He’s headed in the right direction.”
The majority of the youngsters on site this week will be back in Brossard at the start of September for Rookie Camp. Until then, Lapointe and his assistants will provide them with a series of steps to follow for the rest of the summer in order to ensure that they’re in fine form upon their return. That doesn’t mean that they’ll be left to their own devices in the meantime. The Ville Saint-Pierre native will remain in constant contact, and he’ll be available to them, if necessary.
“Before they leave, we’ll meet with them one by one. I’ll stay in touch with them over the summer,” concluded Lapointe, who will head back home to Chicago at the end of camp. “I won’t call them every day, but I’ll check in with them from time to time to see how their training is going and see if they need anything. That’s my job.”
Hugo Fontaine is a writer for canadiens.com. Translated by Matt Cudzinowski |
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Post by Willie Dog on Jul 23, 2014 6:53:51 GMT -5
Found this highlight video from development camp highlighting Sekac... he's got good moves, vision and looks good defensively as well. He's number 57
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Post by BadCompany on Jul 23, 2014 7:08:05 GMT -5
He looks like he's got good size, but at the NHL level I think he's going to get killed if he tries some of those dipsy-doodle moves in the center of the ice.
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