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Post by blny on Jun 29, 2017 10:19:39 GMT -5
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jun 29, 2017 11:46:52 GMT -5
Right on ... another good find, BLNY ... interested in seeing how Jeremiah Addison and Simon Bourque do at this camp ...
Cheers.
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Post by blny on Jun 29, 2017 11:58:49 GMT -5
Right on ... another good find, BLNY ... interested in seeing how Jeremiah Addison and Simon Bourque do at this camp ... Cheers. Good ole twitter. I'm looking forward to hearing about what Max Fortier does. The former Moosehead has now gone undrafted twice. All the kid does is put up points. Lots of them. 77 points two years ago led the Mooseheads. They were a bad team. This year, 87 points. Some of that can be attributed to Hischier, but not too much. He was a man alone the year before. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 29, 2017 12:27:25 GMT -5
The two most interesting invites for me are Maxime Fortier (F) and Brinson Pasichnuk (D). The invitees have been leaking on twitter all week since the draft, so nice to see the formal list today.
Fortier was in camp last year and a number thought he might compete for a contract then after getting passed over in last year's draft. He did not have a great camp by all accounts. We shall see what he does this year as he needs to find a home post-juniors. I think he has a good chance failing a truly dismal camp performance.
Pasichnuk comes out of the AJHL and was the league's top defender the season before last. He has had a good first year in a pretty ordinary NCAA team. He has a lot of things that teams look for in an offensive defenseman these days. The tricky part is the NCAA route. You cannot sign him and leave him there as he would immediately lose NCAA eligibility. You could keep the lines open that once he is ready to leave school, please come talk to our team. NCAA players can also only have advisors rather than agents, so teams have to tread a bit more carefully with those kids to ensure they do not lose their eligibility. Anyway, nice to see the Habs bringing in a young promising guy at the start of his NCAA career rather than one at the end.
I think a guy like Alexandre Goulet could be a good candidate for an AHL/ECHL deal to add some scoring depth if he has a decent camp.
Welcome back Scherby to another camp!
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 29, 2017 14:39:34 GMT -5
Joni Ikonen has had a busy week. The Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL version) took a flyer on the talented Finnish centre and picked him in the OHL import draft knowing that he still has ties to Frolunda in the SHL. His agent was very quick to say that Ikonen is staying in Europe this year.
He also gets to fly to Montreal to attend development camp that starts on Sunday.
The coolest part is the number he has chosen (and this is classic!!)...welcome to our new #76.
Given the rather depressing Laval coaching news, I need some good prospect chuckles today. This helped!!
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jun 29, 2017 15:56:28 GMT -5
Was thinking about Joni Ikonen while driving home earlier ... heard one media type compare him to Artturi Lehkonen, talent wise ... we'll see ... I'd like to see him develop overseas, actually ...
Cheers.
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Post by seventeen on Jun 29, 2017 23:56:33 GMT -5
Was thinking about Joni Ikonen while driving home earlier ... heard one media type compare him to Artturi Lehkonen, talent wise ... we'll see ... I'd like to see him develop overseas, actually ... Cheers. Funny, the descriptions I've read about Ikonen don't sound like how I picture Lehkonen playing. Lehks is very much a positional type player, going to the right places at the right time. He doesn't do a lot of stickhandling, but maybe that's because he was a rookie and trying to 'play it safe'. Ikonen to me is a lot more like his number, taking more risks, but with the potential to produce more. It's awesome that he's going to Frolunda. I read an article on how they're treating Rasmus Dahlin, who just turned 17 (and yes, playing in the top Swedish league at age 16 earlier in the year. His coaches say he's scored 3 goals and hasn't cost them 3 goals yet, so they feel they're on the plus side with him on the ice. They want him to take chances in the offensive end and quite clearly state it's up to his teammates to cover when he does that. That's what I always thought. The Dman goes deep, a forward covers his spot on the point, but now the defense is confused because someone who is usually at the point is in deep and their coverage man often follows him, leaving someone open. I just loved the way they explained the risk/return formula with an inexperienced but incredibly talented youngster like Dahlin. And Ikonen is going, as did Lehkonen, into that same factory. That's Yuge. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 30, 2017 9:25:37 GMT -5
I think there are some comparisons between Lehkonen and Ikonen: both are Finnish and both play for Frolunda. But like seventeen, there are some very distinctive differences in styles of play. They are different players.
Lehkonen at that age was a much more 200 foot player who played a very responsible game with and without the puck. Despite his smaller frame, he also was not shy of playing in the dirty areas. He also was known (and still is) for his great hockey IQ.
Ikonen is an offense first guy who likes to have the puck on his stick. He has very good speed and stick handling skills and is more offensively skilled than Lehkonen at his age. Conversely, he is not as strong in his own end. Joni does turn the puck over at times due to over-handling, but that can be coached out easily enough, especially when playing in the mens league full time.
Both guys have worn letters with the Finnish teams. Lehkonen was the "C" in his last year at the WJC and Ikonen wore the "A" at the last U18's.
The awesome part is both guys have or will benefit from working under well-respected head coach Roger Ronnberg. It will be interesting to see how Friberg does and if he breaks out of the stagnating play that he expressed he went through in the year and a half under Sly. Imagine having Ronnberg as our head coach in Laval...ooooh.
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Post by Willie Dog on Jun 30, 2017 9:57:51 GMT -5
I think there are some comparisons between Lehkonen and Ikonen: both are Finnish and both play for Frolunda. But like seventeen, there are some very distinctive differences in styles of play. They are different players. Lehkonen at that age was a much more 200 foot player who played a very responsible game with and without the puck. Despite his smaller frame, he also was not shy of playing in the dirty areas. He also was known (and still is) for his great hockey IQ. Ikonen is an offense first guy who likes to have the puck on his stick. He has very good speed and stick handling skills and is more offensively skilled than Lehkonen at his age. Conversely, he is not as strong in his own end. Joni does turn the puck over at times due to over-handling, but that can be coached out easily enough, especially when playing in the mens league full time. Both guys have worn letters with the Finnish teams. Lehkonen was the "C" in his last year at the WJC and Ikonen wore the "A" at the last U18's. The awesome part is both guys have or will benefit from working under well-respected head coach Roger Ronnberg. It will be interesting to see how Friberg does and if he breaks out of the stagnating play that he expressed he went through in the year and a half under Sly. Imagine having Ronnberg as our head coach in Laval...ooooh. Is there a way to hypnotize MB into thinking Ronnberg is an old buddy of his? |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 1, 2017 8:48:34 GMT -5
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jul 1, 2017 9:02:49 GMT -5
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 3, 2017 9:52:17 GMT -5
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 4, 2017 10:34:09 GMT -5
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Post by blny on Jul 4, 2017 14:26:54 GMT -5
I'd heard Nikita say that he'd be training with Allard. That's a good sign. Of course, he'll either be in Laval or Montreal. Find an apartment on the island and split the commute difference between Laval and Brossard.  |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 4, 2017 17:34:17 GMT -5
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 4, 2017 22:28:37 GMT -5
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 5, 2017 10:12:24 GMT -5
Lots of the mainstream media and message boards posters seem to have a rather concerning consensus about Scherbak at this camp.
The expectation is that he should be dominating against the younger and/or less experienced guys. He is also seen to be playing with little effort and making some boneheaded blunders and turnovers in the 4 on 4 scrimmages. Now, this is July and it means nothing for a guy well along in his ELC, but it does add fuel to the fire that Scherbak needs to improve his consistency and effort level. I won't pan a guy for not looking good at a Development Camp, but it does send the wrong signals for a former first round pick that should be further along in his development that he could make these camps "look easy".
I am not going to sign up for the Chicken Little club in July, but it still is a bit disappointing news regarding our supposedly most skilled prospect. Granted, with his late December birthday, he really should only have had one year of AHL experience under his belt. He has two since he signed early and left juniors one year earlier than if he had had a birthday even a few days later. He is still only 21 and he has made a commitment to work with Montreal's training staff all summer. Good steps and hopefully he gets some mentoring from some of the other guys who train in town in the summer.
How much of this is Sly and how much of this is Scherbak? Who knows, but both need to step it up this season and get Scherbak to a much better place this year. He needs to be knocking on the door soon, and nice and loudly would be even better.
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Post by seventeen on Jul 5, 2017 11:16:05 GMT -5
If it's a lack of effort, you can't blame that on SL.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 5, 2017 14:36:03 GMT -5
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Post by seventeen on Jul 5, 2017 14:49:23 GMT -5
0-0 and 1-1. They look like they've mastered the Habs fundamentals. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 5, 2017 15:35:10 GMT -5
0-0 and 1-1. They look like they've mastered the Habs fundamentals. That made me laugh. Thanks! We have strong goalie prospects, don't ya know?!?! You will be glad to know they scored some goals today. Seven in total. Old time 80's hockey is back!! Some more stuff/fluff. Most of the folks have been impressed with Ikonen's skill. I am reading some good first impressions about Brook, Fleury and Walford. Again, it is July. Careers are not made in July. montrealgazette.com/sports/canadiens-prospect-joni-ikonen-turns-heads-at-development-camp |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 5, 2017 20:10:33 GMT -5
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 6, 2017 10:01:36 GMT -5
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Post by blny on Jul 6, 2017 10:11:03 GMT -5
Trying to think back to recent picks to see if there were similarly glowing commentary. Looks like Scherbak got his legs going as the camp went on. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 6, 2017 10:21:40 GMT -5
Trying to think back to recent picks to see if there were similarly glowing commentary. Looks like Scherbak got his legs going as the camp went on. Amanda Stein (and others) were critical of Scherbak's play early on in camp, but all agreed he was really flying and performing on the last day of camp. He will need to shake that inconsistency tag at some point, but he is still very young so way too early to consider him lost. Ikonen seemed to get a lot of praise, but he is fast and has slick skills with the puck. These free wheeling camps are ones in which a player like that can really stand out. Cal Fleury could be another of the newbies to keep an eye on this season, as there were some nice things said about how he looked at camp. TT did feel he dropped a lot due to playing on such a bad team in Kootenay and that he was also likely under-scouted. Regardless, I do like the trend they went with in this year's draft with the four defenders: good size, good skating, and good puck moving skills. That can all translate into what teams are looking for these days in the NHL. I noticed a number of comments about Victor Mete's great skating ability. It will be interesting to see if he makes the final WJC cut. He has a good shot IMO if he keeps his game developing like he did last year. NCAA fourth year forward Jake Evans also is an interesting player who has had a very solid and consistent first three years of NCAA play and looked fine in camp too. A very under-the-radar guy since he was drafted in the 7th round out of Junior A in Ontario, and went onto play in the NCAA out of sight of most armchair prospect followers. I have watched a few of his games on TV on those rare chances and he is a solid player for a guy that most have not heard of or seen. Upside? Way to early and hard to say, but he should get a contract for sure when his NCAA career is over after this season. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 6, 2017 10:59:09 GMT -5
Have to file this under "just because".
A fight in the scrimmage on the last day of camp. Okie dokie.
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Post by The Habitual Fan on Jul 6, 2017 14:25:12 GMT -5
Trying to think back to recent picks to see if there were similarly glowing commentary. Looks like Scherbak got his legs going as the camp went on. Amanda Stein (and others) were critical of Scherbak's play early on in camp, but all agreed he was really flying and performing on the last day of camp. He will need to shake that inconsistency tag at some point, but he is still very young so way too early to consider him lost. Ikonen seemed to get a lot of praise, but he is fast and has slick skills with the puck. These free wheeling camps are ones in which a player like that can really stand out. Cal Fleury could be another of the newbies to keep an eye on this season, as there were some nice things said about how he looked at camp. TT did feel he dropped a lot due to playing on such a bad team in Kootenay and that he was also likely under-scouted. Regardless, I do like the trend they went with in this year's draft with the four defenders: good size, good skating, and good puck moving skills. That can all translate into what teams are looking for these days in the NHL. I noticed a number of comments about Victor Mete's great skating ability. It will be interesting to see if he makes the final WJC cut. He has a good shot IMO if he keeps his game developing like he did last year. NCAA fourth year forward Jake Evans also is an interesting player who has had a very solid and consistent first three years of NCAA play and looked fine in camp too. A very under-the-radar guy since he was drafted in the 7th round out of Junior A in Ontario, and went onto play in the NCAA out of sight of most armchair prospect followers. I have watched a few of his games on TV on those rare chances and he is a solid player for a guy that most have not heard of or seen. Upside? Way to early and hard to say, but he should get a contract for sure when his NCAA career is over after this season. I got to see a lot of Sherbak this year in St. John's and both he and Della Rose had really strong 2nd half of the season. I would expect both of them to be really close to making the Habs this year if there is room but most likely be sent to Laval. Sherbak is a 2nd or 3rd line player along with Hudon so they may not fit well playing on the 4th line and mostly getting defensive responsibilities. Della Rose is a strong 3rd/4th line player, Lernout was solid all season and Lindgren played great. The cupboard may not be as bare as some think. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jul 6, 2017 16:11:44 GMT -5
Amanda Stein (and others) were critical of Scherbak's play early on in camp, but all agreed he was really flying and performing on the last day of camp. He will need to shake that inconsistency tag at some point, but he is still very young so way too early to consider him lost. Ikonen seemed to get a lot of praise, but he is fast and has slick skills with the puck. These free wheeling camps are ones in which a player like that can really stand out. Cal Fleury could be another of the newbies to keep an eye on this season, as there were some nice things said about how he looked at camp. TT did feel he dropped a lot due to playing on such a bad team in Kootenay and that he was also likely under-scouted. Regardless, I do like the trend they went with in this year's draft with the four defenders: good size, good skating, and good puck moving skills. That can all translate into what teams are looking for these days in the NHL. I noticed a number of comments about Victor Mete's great skating ability. It will be interesting to see if he makes the final WJC cut. He has a good shot IMO if he keeps his game developing like he did last year. NCAA fourth year forward Jake Evans also is an interesting player who has had a very solid and consistent first three years of NCAA play and looked fine in camp too. A very under-the-radar guy since he was drafted in the 7th round out of Junior A in Ontario, and went onto play in the NCAA out of sight of most armchair prospect followers. I have watched a few of his games on TV on those rare chances and he is a solid player for a guy that most have not heard of or seen. Upside? Way to early and hard to say, but he should get a contract for sure when his NCAA career is over after this season. I got to see a lot of Sherbak this year in St. John's and both he and Della Rose had really strong 2nd half of the season. I would expect both of them to be really close to making the Habs this year if there is room but most likely be sent to Laval. Sherbak is a 2nd or 3rd line player along with Hudon so they may not fit well playing on the 4th line and mostly getting defensive responsibilities. Della Rose is a strong 3rd/4th line player, Lernout was solid all season and Lindgren played great. The cupboard may not be as bare as some think. Very useful info, right on ... I think it was Bryan Wylde who posed the question on Twitter ..."in your opinion, which prospect has the best chance at making the Habs?" (paraphrase) ... there were a lot of respondents and he noted that not one of them mentioned Michael McCarron ... I've also been reading polarizing assessments on Nikita Scherbak ... some say he's lazy, while others have said he's "going to make you forget Alex Radulov" ... heard the quote on TSN 690 ... Cheers. |
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Post by frozone on Jul 6, 2017 16:30:27 GMT -5
Amanda Stein (and others) were critical of Scherbak's play early on in camp, but all agreed he was really flying and performing on the last day of camp. He will need to shake that inconsistency tag at some point, but he is still very young so way too early to consider him lost. Ikonen seemed to get a lot of praise, but he is fast and has slick skills with the puck. These free wheeling camps are ones in which a player like that can really stand out. Cal Fleury could be another of the newbies to keep an eye on this season, as there were some nice things said about how he looked at camp. TT did feel he dropped a lot due to playing on such a bad team in Kootenay and that he was also likely under-scouted. Regardless, I do like the trend they went with in this year's draft with the four defenders: good size, good skating, and good puck moving skills. That can all translate into what teams are looking for these days in the NHL. I noticed a number of comments about Victor Mete's great skating ability. It will be interesting to see if he makes the final WJC cut. He has a good shot IMO if he keeps his game developing like he did last year. NCAA fourth year forward Jake Evans also is an interesting player who has had a very solid and consistent first three years of NCAA play and looked fine in camp too. A very under-the-radar guy since he was drafted in the 7th round out of Junior A in Ontario, and went onto play in the NCAA out of sight of most armchair prospect followers. I have watched a few of his games on TV on those rare chances and he is a solid player for a guy that most have not heard of or seen. Upside? Way to early and hard to say, but he should get a contract for sure when his NCAA career is over after this season. I got to see a lot of Sherbak this year in St. John's and both he and Della Rose had really strong 2nd half of the season. I would expect both of them to be really close to making the Habs this year if there is room but most likely be sent to Laval. Sherbak is a 2nd or 3rd line player along with Hudon so they may not fit well playing on the 4th line and mostly getting defensive responsibilities. Della Rose is a strong 3rd/4th line player, Lernout was solid all season and Lindgren played great. The cupboard may not be as bare as some think. Thanks for the feedback. It's easy to look at the farm team's record and conclude that our prospects stink, but the truth is probably that we have promising prospects playing for a lousy coach with a lousy system. Imo, the head coach is the most important piece in the player development. For the Habs organization as a whole, MT and Sly have been huge barriers for prospect development. I remember there being an interview in which Sly said that Pateryn will never be a scorer in the NHL so they made him focus on defence and physicality (something along those lines...). This was following a rookie season of 7 goals in 39 games and a sophomore season of 15 goals in 68 games. I'm dumbfounded that he chose not to nurture his scoring potential. I still can't get over that. So it's nice to hear the positive reports. Our prospects don't suck, they just have especially difficult roads to the NHL. |
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Post by seventeen on Jul 6, 2017 17:30:27 GMT -5
I never, ever thought that Pateryn was a pure defensive defenseman. He has a rocket of a shot and showed success on the PP. How Lefebvre could conclude that he'd never be a scorer shows extremely poor judgment IMO. But he showed that numerous times, by playing goons ahead of Kids that should have been developing. Just like Therrien, he probably doled out ice time depending on who stroked his ego the most.
You can't mix friendship or family and business. The business usually fails and we can see that progression with the Habs.
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