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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 11, 2020 8:37:06 GMT -5
More Struble injury sightings. Curious as to how long his recovery will be, as next year is a big year with him trying for a spot with the USA junior team. Hopefully he gets a proper summer of training. |
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Post by BadCompany on Feb 12, 2020 7:52:21 GMT -5
For what's worth, Scott Wheeler in the Athletic has ranked Montreal #2 in his prospect pool rankings. LA was ranked first. theathletic.com/1586620/2020/02/11/wheelers-2020-nhl-prospect-pool-rankings-no-2-montreal-canadiens/A subscription is needed to read the article, so I won't post it here. But here is the order in which he ranked our prospects. 1. Cole Caufield 2. Jordan Harris (!) 3. Alexander Romanov 4. Jayden Struble 5. Ryan Poehling 6. Cayden Primeau 7. Mattias Norlinder 8. Jesse Ylonen 9. Josh Brook 10. Cam Hillis 11. Rhett Pitlick 12. Allan McShane 13. Cole Fonstand 14. Rafael Harvey-Pinard 15. Brett Stapley Interestingly, he noted how many of our prospects are injured and while he didn't slot them into his current rankings he listed them anyways, with where they would have gone were it not for being hurt. Noah Juulsen: 7-8 Joni Ikonen: 9-12 Jacob Olofsson: 9-12 Samuel Houde: 13+ Joel Teasdale: 13+ Gianni Fairbrother: 13+ |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 12, 2020 12:17:17 GMT -5
The big Russian continues his up-and-down season between the KHL and VHL. He tends to be the best player on his team when he plays in the second league, but often gets limited ice time when in the KHL. I wonder what the plans are for this guy next season. Three point game earlier this week.
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Post by seventeen on Feb 12, 2020 16:31:10 GMT -5
For what's worth, Scott Wheeler in the Athletic has ranked Montreal #2 in his prospect pool rankings. LA was ranked first. theathletic.com/1586620/2020/02/11/wheelers-2020-nhl-prospect-pool-rankings-no-2-montreal-canadiens/A subscription is needed to read the article, so I won't post it here. But here is the order in which he ranked our prospects. 1. Cole Caufield 2. Jordan Harris (!) 3. Alexander Romanov 4. Jayden Struble 5. Ryan Poehling 6. Cayden Primeau 7. Mattias Norlinder 8. Jesse Ylonen 9. Josh Brook 10. Cam Hillis 11. Rhett Pitlick 12. Allan McShane 13. Cole Fonstand 14. Rafael Harvey-Pinard 15. Brett Stapley Interestingly, he noted how many of our prospects are injured and while he didn't slot them into his current rankings he listed them anyways, with where they would have gone were it not for being hurt. Noah Juulsen: 7-8 Joni Ikonen: 9-12 Jacob Olofsson: 9-12 Samuel Houde: 13+ Joel Teasdale: 13+ Gianni Fairbrother: 13+ I think the odds of anyone on that list after Brook being able to make a conribution are low. Brook is on the bubble. I'm pretty confident about Caufield, Romanov, Poehling and Primeau. The others are still uncertain. Harris is a safe guy and probably a 3rd pairing. Juulsen needs to be healthy. The key is elite talent. Maybe Caufield, maybe KK. But they're only maybes. Until Montreal gets a real elite player, they will never be a serious Cup contender. Wheeler has Caufield as a potential elite prospect. I agree. But he's the only one. I'm higher on KK than Wheeler is, but again that's just my opinion. He could end up being another Danault. That's good, but not elite. Far from it. Bergevin has never been willing to pay the price be it in the form of a trade, or in the form of a tank, to get that elite guy. |
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Post by Cranky on Feb 12, 2020 16:53:35 GMT -5
I see NHL careers for Romanov, Poehling, Primeau, caufield and Brook, but the rest, too far away to predict anything. Or in Juulsen case, possible no career if his headaches don't subside.
I'd give up the entire field for just TWO prospects, one with top 2 defense and the other top 6 certainty. Romanov/Cufield? Big fat maybe to get that high.
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Post by BadCompany on Feb 13, 2020 9:13:42 GMT -5
At the end of last year I thought that Harris was underrated by most fans, but second overall? That seems pretty high to me. Granted, I haven’t seen him play, so what do I know?
For me, I still have Romanov, Poehling, Primeau, and Caufield as my top prospects, in that order, with Evans as my #5. Not coincidentally, they are the prospects I have seen the most!
Now having said that, my favorite prospect is the one I have seen the least; Romanov. I’ve only watched him at the World Juniors, but I gotta say, I am really high on him. At the end of the WJC where he won best defenseman I thought he reminded me of Ryan McDonagh. A freakishly strong, mobile defender who excels in the defensive zone, who will catch you with a big hit (though not a prolific hitter), and who can contribute 40 points or so. I really liked that. But I actually thought he was BETTER this past WJC, even though he didn't win anything. His four-way mobility is outstanding, in my opinion, his ability to move the puck through either a pass or with his legs is great, he can pinch when needed, and he has an up-tempo attitude on the ice, if that means anything. I upped my comparison to Jeff Petry, which is very good. Not an elite #1 defenseman who will win you the Norris or anything, but a 23-25 minute a game, all-situations, 50 point guy. I don’t know if he’ll make the team next year, and like all defensemen there will be a learning curve, but I am very optimistic.
I will say this about Caufield though; the last couple of games he has demonstrated better vision on the ice (at least according to the all-proving YouTube clips). He doesn't have to turn into Adam Oates, but the ability to dish instead of just shooting all the time will come in pretty handy. It's the difference between being a 30 goal, Michael Ryder/Cam Atkison type of player, and being... Patrick Kane.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 13, 2020 11:39:06 GMT -5
I will weigh in on Harris and Romanov is a bit, but have to first update some performances from some prospects who are still playing and not injured (a rare treat).
McShane has been producing of late. He is on a 8 game points streak after a three point night last night. He will be on Sportnet again later in the month (22nd). I will post a reminder closer to the game. Wonder if he gets a contract? I expect he should.
I really don't talk about LeGuerrier much, but he quietly put up his second straight three point night from the back end. I have not had a chance to watch him play yet this season (one of the few I have not watched at least once), but he and SSM will be on Sportsnet in March. I will be watching.
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Post by Boston_Habs on Feb 13, 2020 17:17:32 GMT -5
At the end of last year I thought that Harris was underrated by most fans, but second overall? That seems pretty high to me. Granted, I haven’t seen him play, so what do I know? I've seen Harris play in person twice this year, most recently at the Beanpot final at TD Garden this week where Northeastern beat BU in OT. I'm surprised he's rated that high. He's solid but I'm not a huge fan. He's very smooth, excellent skater, makes the right plays. But he doesn't do anything that makes you go wow. And he's not very big or physical. A solid all-around prospect but I have a hard time projecting him as a top pair kind of guy, unless he makes a big leap. Struble, OTOH, looks like a Dustin Byfuglien wannabe. Very raw, but big, nasty, loves to rush the puck and hit people. A high upside kind of pick if he can put it together, but could just as easily flame out. |
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Post by folatre on Feb 13, 2020 18:08:39 GMT -5
NW, among the trio of smallish centres (Hillis, McShane, Fonstad) in the 2018 class, would you say that Fonstad is the long shot to get a contract?
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 13, 2020 22:31:59 GMT -5
NW, among the trio of smallish centres (Hillis, McShane, Fonstad) in the 2018 class, would you say that Fonstad is the long shot to get a contract? Hillis is the best chance of the three to get signed. Great comeback year. Solid two way player. Hockey IQ. Captain of his team. Should be a slam dunk ELC candidate. McShane has great vision and good hands. He still is a bit of a sluggish skater though. He has picked it up lately. He has a better chance than not for his upside. Fonstad is among the best playmakers is the Dub this year. But he is small, not as fast as he needs to be, and can be knocked off the puck. I wonder about his NHL upside. He is like Walford last year. Good CHL season, but do they like his upside and will they have enough contracts out of the 50 to give him a deal? He is my biggest bubble guy of the three. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 13, 2020 22:38:30 GMT -5
At the end of last year I thought that Harris was underrated by most fans, but second overall? That seems pretty high to me. Granted, I haven’t seen him play, so what do I know? I've seen Harris play in person twice this year, most recently at the Beanpot final at TD Garden this week where Northeastern beat BU in OT. I'm surprised he's rated that high. He's solid but I'm not a huge fan. He's very smooth, excellent skater, makes the right plays. But he doesn't do anything that makes you go wow. And he's not very big or physical. A solid all-around prospect but I have a hard time projecting him as a top pair kind of guy, unless he makes a big leap. Struble, OTOH, looks like a Dustin Byfuglien wannabe. Very raw, but big, nasty, loves to rush the puck and hit people. A high upside kind of pick if he can put it together, but could just as easily flame out. I have seen about 8 or 9 of his televised games this season. I really like his game and how he has improved over the past two seasons since leaving high school, but there is no way he is #2 on my list. His shot is too weak, and I wonder about how he will do against full grown NHL men off the bat. Boston Habs is bang on with his comments on both Harris and Struble. And I really like Romanov, and think he still has tons to grow in terms of getting even better (scary thought). He is my top defender prospect if I was to rank. I would easily have Norlinder after those three guys. |
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Post by Cranky on Feb 14, 2020 21:24:19 GMT -5
The problem with Struble is that I keep hearing "big and strong like bull", not so much about his elite scoring, vision or hockey IQ. Remember this guy? 6'4" and 230 lbs. Big and strong like bull? How about the guy below? "Freak of nature" they said. Can kill people with one mighty poof. Also...big and strong like bull. Attachments:
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 15, 2020 14:21:20 GMT -5
Brett Stapley and Denver University on TSN2 tonight at 8:00pm ET.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 15, 2020 14:24:41 GMT -5
Last night RHP had a three point night with 1 goal and two helpers. Hillis had the GWG, and both McShane and Fonstad popped an assist.
Today, Romanov has a two assist game. #26 in white.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 16, 2020 1:29:14 GMT -5
RHP with a second straight 1+2 night, and Hillis the playmaker with two goals. Go figure.
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Feb 16, 2020 8:24:51 GMT -5
Last night RHP had a three point night with 1 goal and two helpers. Hillis had the GWG, and both McShane and Fonstad popped an assist. Today, Romanov has a two assist game. #26 in white. Romanov appears to be strong and steady, hits hard with very limited scoring potential. Will never carry a team on his back. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 16, 2020 11:19:46 GMT -5
Harris assisted on both goals. He has set career highs in goals, assists and points this year.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 16, 2020 11:21:03 GMT -5
Another guy having a great year. Two goals, setting career highs there as well. An ELC should not be far off.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 16, 2020 11:24:11 GMT -5
Overager RHP had a second straight thee point night. The Habs have his rights until next summer, so they can either sign him to an ELC this summer or an AHL deal for a year if they are tight on contracts and need to push it out a year. Either way, he will be playing pro hockey next season. But first, his stacked team should be playing well into the spring.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 17, 2020 10:30:49 GMT -5
Some injury news from overseas. Promising forward Ikonen will be shut down for the remainder of this season, rather than coming back right at the end having not played in ages. This is a huge loss of key development time, yet again, for Ikonen. Norlinder continues to recover form a concussion, but no word on his return to action yet.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 17, 2020 10:35:04 GMT -5
RHP capped off a busy three in three weekend with a 1g 1a game yesterday. He ended up with a huge 8 points over those three games.
After captaining Rouyn-Noranda to QMJHL and Memorial Cup titles last year, can he do it again with Chicoutimi?
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Post by Tankdriver on Feb 17, 2020 11:59:09 GMT -5
RHP capped off a busy three in three weekend with a 1g 1a game yesterday. He ended up with a huge 8 points over those three games. After captaining Rouyn-Noranda to QMJHL and Memorial Cup titles last year, can he do it again with Chicoutimi? The Phoenix will say otherwise  |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 18, 2020 12:39:39 GMT -5
RHP capped off a busy three in three weekend with a 1g 1a game yesterday. He ended up with a huge 8 points over those three games. After captaining Rouyn-Noranda to QMJHL and Memorial Cup titles last year, can he do it again with Chicoutimi? The Phoenix will say otherwise Should be fun to see who emerges. Three of the top four are on a serious roll (Sherbrooke, Moncton and Rimouski), but Chicoutimi did load up before the trade deadline. Sherbrooke still only trails Ottawa in the CHL Top Ten rankings. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 18, 2020 12:41:01 GMT -5
McShane with an important goal in a Family Day tilt. Down one goal, late in the third, he barges to the net and ties it up. Oshawa would then go on to win it in OT.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 22, 2020 10:09:23 GMT -5
That feeling you get when you score the GWG in the last minute of play. Hillis.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 22, 2020 13:54:47 GMT -5
McShane and Oshawa on tv today. Sportsnet at 4:00pm ET.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 23, 2020 11:53:49 GMT -5
Caufield with his 19th goal, and an assist, last night. He will not miss from here. That is in the back of the net fast.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Mar 1, 2020 10:02:10 GMT -5
Pretty good for a rookie. Wisconsin get into the Big Ten conference playoffs as the lowest seed. I fully expect their season ends next weekend against Ohio State.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Mar 1, 2020 10:33:18 GMT -5
Hillis had his second straight two assist night last night, to pad his already career highs. He has actually set highs in goals, assists, and points and already plays that highly coveted smart two way game. He wears the C. I think McShane has higher projected offensive skills, but his skating and lack of increase in his offensive production means that I would still give the edge to Hillis IF only one of the four CHL forwards get an ELC this year. Fonstad leads the Dub in assists, but I still struggle to see his NHL upside due to his size, lack of strength, and his just average skating. Houde really exploded offensively this year before his injury, but I have not seen enough of his games to render a fair assessment of where he stacks up against the others. He was a pretty forgettable pick up to this season.
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Post by seventeen on Mar 1, 2020 14:48:11 GMT -5
These guys are a good reminder that many of those 3rd round picks and onward are hail mary type picks...for everyone, not just the Habs. So, when we hear about Montreal's 14 picks this year (it is that many, isn't it, I've lost count) That 4 of them are legitimate chances at a player. One of the rest may be a Gallagher or Mark Stone, but more likely a Jaret Tyszka (sob) or Ryan O'Byrne or (throw a dart). Primeau is a recent one who is looking like a keeper, literally and figuratively. It's not a bad idea to toss more of those late picks at goal as that's one area where you get a fair amount of success with late picks compared to early picks.
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