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Post by seventeen on Apr 6, 2018 12:52:35 GMT -5
Doesn't get much better than that. I've been interested in this kid all year and he's the kind of late blooming prospect that you need to hit on every so often. Certainly plays like more than a 7th round talent, he's gotten better every year at ND, and from what I've seen of him I really like his instincts and ability to make plays in traffic. This is where the development piece in the AHL becomes crucial. Ideally, Evans would be given top line minutes in Laval as a C next year and then transition to the Habs the following season if he's truly legit. But the AHL has been such a black hole for prospects, I'd be afraid he won't get better there. Ryan Donato went straight from Harvard to the Bruins and has 5 goals in 10 games. Is he that much better than Evans at this point? The 82-game season is probably the biggest adjustment for US college players, but it would be great if this kid makes it. I'll admit I had/have concerns over Evans. I saw him play at the Spengler and his speed gave me pause. I don't think he's a bad skater, but I am concerned over the fact that success in the NHL depends so much now on having foot speed. From his play throughout his college career and the way he has stepped up when it counts, I have more hope than I had earlier and I truly hope he a)signs with the Habs and b) makes a good career for himself. He's a centre and given our centre situation, Montreal is an attractive place for him hockey wise. The organization seems to have dealt well with him and given him a fair amount of attention, so he won't feel like he's a forgotten prospect. He'll be 22 at training camp and after 4 years at a decent program, I don't think he'll need any further 'polishing' at the AHL level. He should be able to step right in. Where is the question. Right now, the best spot for him is 3rd line centre. Unless Berg pulls a Tavares rabbit out of a hat, we'll start the season with Drouin at 1 and Danault at 2. DLR is best at 4. That would leave a slot open for Evans. If, through a trade or UFA signing, the centre position is stronger next season, then Evans' positioning is more speculative. Anyway, that's something for training camp, if the Habs manage to sign him. He's certainly worth signing and being given a shot. Down 2-0, he assists on ND's first goal, then scores the tying second goal and finally the winning 4th goal with 5 seconds left. Love it.
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Post by blny on Apr 6, 2018 13:34:55 GMT -5
Most important thing to develop is a winning culture. Part of that is accountability. The rest will come.
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Post by seventeen on Apr 6, 2018 14:32:41 GMT -5
The goal should definitely be to win. All the factors that go into winning are what prepares players for the next step. Improvement in their own game, discipline in executing the system and attention to detail, all part of what turns into success. To think you can develop without winning is truly inexplicable.
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Post by frozone on Apr 6, 2018 14:55:12 GMT -5
Jonathan Toews is a great example of what consistent winning can do for a player's development. Because really, what makes him such a valuable player? Is it not the fact that he simply wins so often?
Ask Bergevin and he'll tell you that it's character. And to a certain extent, it is. But I doubt that character would have been fully nurtured if he didn't have the experience of NCAA Frozen Four, the U17 gold medal, the 2 WJC gold medals and shootout moments, the World Champ gold medal. No wonder he has 3 stanley cups, and 2 Olympic gold medals.
Not to take anything away from his talent, but there's a reason why he's one of the league's most valuable centers despite being a kinda underwhelming fantasy player.
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Post by franko on Apr 6, 2018 16:01:29 GMT -5
does that mean he plays left wing or right wing?
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Post by folatre on Apr 6, 2018 21:53:59 GMT -5
Evans was enormous for his team in the semifinal victory last night. Assuming Bergevin and Evans agree on a deal, it will be interesting to see how the kid looks in September. NHL hockey is a faster, less forgiving animal.
Also, despite how poor a hockey club Montreal is, there is always the possibility that Evans will be caught in a numbers game with management seeing it easier to send him to Laval than to potentially lose, God forbid, Froese on waivers.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 7, 2018 8:52:32 GMT -5
CHL playoff update.
Verbeek with two goals and an assist. SSM even their series in OT.
Brook with two assists as a Moose Jaw win the opener 5-4 in the battle of the top two WHL teams against the Broncos.
Pezzetta with no points, and Sarnia is also down 1-0 against the Rangers. Pezzetta has not really been an offensive contributor for a while. Long live character.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 7, 2018 8:57:16 GMT -5
NCAA national championship game.
Evans and Notre Dame vs UMD Bulldogs. 7:30pm EDT on TSN2.
Last NCAA game for captain Jake. The Fighting Irish looking for their first college hockey championship. They know a thing or two about other sports.
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Post by seventeen on Apr 7, 2018 11:43:48 GMT -5
does that mean he plays left wing or right wing? Did Notre Dame hire Bergevin when I wasn't looking?
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 7, 2018 20:06:05 GMT -5
Evans with an assist as Notre Dame get back into it. Down 2-1.
Of Notre Dame’s five goals so far in the Frozen Four, Evans has points on four of them. Clutch.
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Post by blny on Apr 7, 2018 21:28:15 GMT -5
Evans with an assist as Notre Dame get back into it. Down 2-1. Of Notre Dame’s five goals so far in the Frozen Four, Evans has points on four of them. Clutch. That's one seriously offensively stagnant group. Some of the worst examples of passing I've seen in a long time during that third period. I don't know if they were out of gas, the well ran dry, whatever, but ooof.
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Post by seventeen on Apr 7, 2018 22:28:20 GMT -5
It's over. MD prevails over ND 2-1. Evans loses out on the NCAA championship.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 7, 2018 22:45:11 GMT -5
Had many a road trip to Duluth, MN, but a little miffed they won tonight.
Evans with 4 points on 5 of their Frozen Four games. He did his part. Too bad.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 7, 2018 22:55:20 GMT -5
Moose Jaw shut out. Series even at one apiece.
Hamilton and Bitten win in OT. Up two zip.
To seventeen, you were asking about Moose Jaw and Clague. Have a bite on this.
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Post by seventeen on Apr 8, 2018 13:29:33 GMT -5
It seems that despite adding a lot of talent, the chemistry on that team changed when Clague was picked up. That's not a good sign for LA. Clague's ppg with Brandon before the trade - 1.68. After the trade with Moose Jaw - .92. That's quite the drop especially since Moose Jaw had/has a very good team. Or did until Clague showed up. Perhaps the coach's aren't dealing with the situation well. As was discussed some time ago, Brook's usage changed quite a bit after Clague was acquired, with Clague getting the primo ice time and PP time.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 11, 2018 9:44:51 GMT -5
As we have spent the last few days listening to all the press conferences and interviews around the season that never was, there still are some kids in the system playing meaningful hockey right now. Here is a quick recap of the prospects whose teams are still alive and kicking.
Vejdemo - they are in the SHL semis but are down 3-1. They could be done later today
Bitten (Hamilton) - up 2-1 in their second round OHL series
Verbeek (SSM) - the CHL's top team is up against a tough Owen Sound team and are down 2-1 in the second round series
Brook (Moose Jaw) - the battle of the top two WHL teams is now 2-1 in favour of Moose Jaw. It resumes tonight.
Pezzetta (Sarnia) - they are up 2-1 in their second round series
Walford (Victoria) - injured and not expected to play
Fleury (Regina) - lost in seven games to Swift Current (see the Moose Jaw series above). They get to practice a lot as they host the Memorial Cup in early May.
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Post by seventeen on Apr 11, 2018 12:32:39 GMT -5
Verbeek (SSM) - the CHL's top team is up against a tough Owen Sound team and are down 2-1 in the second round series Owen Sound doesn't seem to have any big name prospects. Nick Suzuki and Jonah Gadjovich are the best known and Aiden Dudas is likely to be drafted, but probably not high, this year. SSM on the other hand has Boris Katchouk, Taylor Radish oops Raddysh, Morgan Frost, Barrett Hayton, and Conor Timmins. Quite the difference in NHL prospect quality at least.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 13, 2018 9:35:42 GMT -5
The first team with a Habs' prospect through to round three of the CHL playoffs. Go Bulldogs!!
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Apr 16, 2018 8:51:13 GMT -5
As we have spent the last few days listening to all the press conferences and interviews around the season that never was, there still are some kids in the system playing meaningful hockey right now. Here is a quick recap of the prospects whose teams are still alive and kicking. Vejdemo - they are in the SHL semis but are down 3-1. They could be done later today Bitten (Hamilton) - up 2-1 in their second round OHL series Verbeek (SSM) - the CHL's top team is up against a tough Owen Sound team and are down 2-1 in the second round series Brook (Moose Jaw) - the battle of the top two WHL teams is now 2-1 in favour of Moose Jaw. It resumes tonight. Pezzetta (Sarnia) - they are up 2-1 in their second round series Walford (Victoria) - injured and not expected to play Fleury (Regina) - lost in seven games to Swift Current (see the Moose Jaw series above). They get to practice a lot as they host the Memorial Cup in early May. Thanks for all of your hard work this year, NWTHF ... no one works harder than you do in keeping our prospect info current ... Chapeau!
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 16, 2018 9:29:31 GMT -5
Thanks Dis...keeping tabs on the kids is definitely something I enjoy.
Here is an update on all things post-season for our prospects:
Vejdemo - He missed the last two games due to injury, but his team lost in the SHL semis. His season is over.
Verbeek - He has missed the last two games with a concussion. This series is now headed to game seven.
Brook - This series between the top two WHL teams is also headed to game seven.
Pezzetta - Sarnia lost out to Kitchener. Pezzetta had two points in 12 playoff games. Alrighty then.
Walford - Did not end up playing any playoff games this year. Victoria were swept in round two, so his season is officially over.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 16, 2018 9:32:16 GMT -5
Some great stuff for those quiet moments when you have some time to watch highlight videos (all three of these guys are centres too):
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Post by blny on Apr 16, 2018 9:51:29 GMT -5
I'll echo Dis' thanks. You for your efforts here, and to Dis as well for all the gdt. The efforts are greatly appreciated.
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Post by seventeen on Apr 16, 2018 12:41:20 GMT -5
As we have spent the last few days listening to all the press conferences and interviews around the season that never was, there still are some kids in the system playing meaningful hockey right now. Here is a quick recap of the prospects whose teams are still alive and kicking. Vejdemo - they are in the SHL semis but are down 3-1. They could be done later today Bitten (Hamilton) - up 2-1 in their second round OHL series Verbeek (SSM) - the CHL's top team is up against a tough Owen Sound team and are down 2-1 in the second round series Brook (Moose Jaw) - the battle of the top two WHL teams is now 2-1 in favour of Moose Jaw. It resumes tonight. Pezzetta (Sarnia) - they are up 2-1 in their second round series Walford (Victoria) - injured and not expected to play Fleury (Regina) - lost in seven games to Swift Current (see the Moose Jaw series above). They get to practice a lot as they host the Memorial Cup in early May. Thanks for all of your hard work this year, NWTHF ... no one works harder than you do in keeping our prospect info current ... Chapeau! Thanks for all the GDT's, Dis. No one works harder than you at them. (On reflection, no one works at all on them other than you). It's tremendously time consuming and we do appreciate it. Thanks!
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Apr 16, 2018 18:09:41 GMT -5
Thanks fellas ... much appreciated but I'd like to defer ... I just want to reiterate that NWTHF provides updates several times a day which is quite the commitment ... I don't have to go anywhere else for information on our prospects ... what's posted here suits my needs just fine ... I just wanted to recognize all of that work ...
Cheers.
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Post by folatre on Apr 16, 2018 18:30:15 GMT -5
You guys did a great job again this season.
NW, Vejdemo is playing again in Swedish League next season, no? And would you estimate that his ceiling continues to be third line centre type?
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Post by blny on Apr 16, 2018 19:16:44 GMT -5
Thanks fellas ... much appreciated but I'd like to defer ... I just want to reiterate that NWTHF provides updates several times a day which is quite the commitment ... I don't have to go anywhere else for information on our prospects ... what's posted here suits my needs just fine ... I just wanted to recognize all of that work ... Cheers. Different types of work Dis. Both equal integral to the quality of the site/community.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 17, 2018 11:28:21 GMT -5
You guys did a great job again this season. NW, Vejdemo is playing again in Swedish League next season, no? And would you estimate that his ceiling continues to be third line centre type? He is signed for one more year with his SHL team. This works out great as the Habs deadline to sign him to an entry level deal is the summer of 2019. With his speed and hockey IQ, I can see a very decent third line centre out of him. He plays a top six role in the SHL and puts up okay offensive numbers. He at least is still developing at both ends of his ice, so playing another year playing a big role for his SHL team is likely the best place for him right now. I would like to see some of those offensive numbers go up a bit this next season to keep the development moving upwards.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 17, 2018 11:35:26 GMT -5
Brook and Moose Jaw are done, in dramatic fashion. The wheels feel off last night as Swift Current was just too good and won game 7 6-0 which is a far cry from the close back and forth series that happened in the first six games. When you get the #2 and #4 CHL ranked teams, you know you are in for a good battle. In the end, the team that actually has been playing better since the second half of the season did end up winning.
That means we only have three prospects left: Bitten (Hamilton Bulldogs) are in the OHL semi final; Fleury (Regina Pats) are no doubt getting sick of practicing and waiting as they will return to action in mid May when they host the Memorial Cup; and Verbeek (SSM) are also playing a game seven although Verbeek has missed the last two with a concussion - so no word on his potential return if SSM is able to win and move on.
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Post by seventeen on Apr 17, 2018 11:59:59 GMT -5
I can't help feeling a sense of failure. None of our top prospects, so far, have won any championships. I know it's not an necessity, but it is a bonus if they can do so. Poehling, Evans, Brook, all falling short. Hopefully Fleury can get there. Brook's game fell off quite a bit in the 2nd half of the season. I hope he bounces back next year.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 17, 2018 22:39:11 GMT -5
Verbeek back in the lineup, scored a goal, and SSM win a wild 9-7 game seven. They are off to the semis too.
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