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Post by Willie Dog on Apr 12, 2024 18:44:09 GMT -5
That's interesting... MSL is a bright guy, maybe he wanted to see what Suze would do as Captain... see if he would do what he did... not sure but Suze is a captain and a #1 centre The choice was an excellent one. When was he named captain? Sept 12, 2022 and kudos to bGal because I'm sure he thought he'd be captain after Weber was moved... |
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Post by Willie Dog on Apr 13, 2024 8:41:24 GMT -5
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Post by IamCanadiens on Apr 13, 2024 10:07:07 GMT -5
He knew it was inevitable to go back down with Coachella going to the playoffs and Seattle missing out so he's probably excited to keep his season going. |
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Post by IamCanadiens on Apr 13, 2024 21:01:14 GMT -5
He knew it was inevitable to go back down with Coachella going to the playoffs and Seattle missing out so he's probably excited to keep his season going. And it makes sense for Seattle to send him back and not burn a year of the ELC |
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Post by Willie Dog on Apr 18, 2024 11:46:25 GMT -5
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Post by seventeen on Apr 18, 2024 13:07:59 GMT -5
Arpon Basu had a live AMA today, taking calls and Slaf's development was one topic. Basu spoke highly of it, but he doesn't have the same projection that I do. He said that the Habs can still be a really good contender without having the very elite talent like McDavid, MacKinnon and Matthews. Firstly (I digress very briefly), Matthews shouldn't be in that conversation IMO. He doesn't scare like MacKinnon or McDavid do. Basu then mentioned a couple of the next tier of guys like Panarin. This is where I think Arpon and many others have set the ceiling too low. I think Slafkovsky CAN make at least that level, maybe not quite at the McDavid penthouse, but just a tick below that.
I say that because firstly, the physical gifts are obvious, but his processing, understanding and vision for the game is elite. It's why he fits so well with Suzuki and Caufield and why he and Hutson have shown the chemistry they did. Anyways, I know it's just my opinion and many things have to go right, but Slaf seems to have that mental strength and drive to improve that all superstars have. Time always confirms or dispels these predictions, so we shall see.
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Post by habsask on Apr 18, 2024 14:09:29 GMT -5
Interesting thread.
A comment on the 'need' for elite players. In a way, Toronto shows the dangers of focusing too much on stars (at least what the Leafs think are stars). The catch is the CAP. This season they have a bit over a third of their CAP, $33.54 Million, invested in one line - Matthews, Tavares and Marner. In comparison they have $29.91 Million in 11 defensemen. In last seasons playoffs if memory serves those 3 forwards didn't do much in the 2nd round vs Florida which led to their defeat.
So besides elite players I think that you have to be aware of team balance wrt the CAP. Nothing new to folks here but still a fine balancing act for a GM to accomplish.
Cheers.
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Post by Scotty D on Apr 18, 2024 16:33:48 GMT -5
Arpon Basu had a live AMA today, taking calls and Slaf's development was one topic. Basu spoke highly of it, but he doesn't have the same projection that I do. He said that the Habs can still be a really good contender without having the very elite talent like McDavid, MacKinnon and Matthews. Firstly (I digress very briefly), Matthews shouldn't be in that conversation IMO. He doesn't scare like MacKinnon or McDavid do. Basu then mentioned a couple of the next tier of guys like Panarin. This is where I think Arpon and many others have set the ceiling too low. I think Slafkovsky CAN make at least that level, maybe not quite at the McDavid penthouse, but just a tick below that. I say that because firstly, the physical gifts are obvious, but his processing, understanding and vision for the game is elite. It's why he fits so well with Suzuki and Caufield and why he and Hutson have shown the chemistry they did. Anyways, I know it's just my opinion and many things have to go right, but Slaf seems to have that mental strength and drive to improve that all superstars have. Time always confirms or dispels these predictions, so we shall see. I've always said this about mentality and drive when people refer to how todays players are so much better than the superstars of old. People forget this element of human nature, the training, technology in sticks and many other factors didn't exist back in the day but i truly believe mentality is the key factor in making a star. Marty St. Louis was undrafted and he turned out pretty decent as a player despite the fact nobody expected him to make it in the NHL as a little guy. The guys who made it back then in todays universe with the benefits of thos advancements still would be stars in todays game and Slaf as you mention seems to be consistently showing this type of character. harder on himself than he needs to be at times which is a bit of a hinderance maybe but i'd rather a guy care that much to be better than guys like Mathews who shows when playoff time begins his game so far gets worse than usual. |
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Post by frozone on Apr 19, 2024 9:59:13 GMT -5
Arpon Basu had a live AMA today, taking calls and Slaf's development was one topic. Basu spoke highly of it, but he doesn't have the same projection that I do. He said that the Habs can still be a really good contender without having the very elite talent like McDavid, MacKinnon and Matthews. Firstly (I digress very briefly), Matthews shouldn't be in that conversation IMO. He doesn't scare like MacKinnon or McDavid do. Basu then mentioned a couple of the next tier of guys like Panarin. This is where I think Arpon and many others have set the ceiling too low. I think Slafkovsky CAN make at least that level, maybe not quite at the McDavid penthouse, but just a tick below that. I say that because firstly, the physical gifts are obvious, but his processing, understanding and vision for the game is elite. It's why he fits so well with Suzuki and Caufield and why he and Hutson have shown the chemistry they did. Anyways, I know it's just my opinion and many things have to go right, but Slaf seems to have that mental strength and drive to improve that all superstars have. Time always confirms or dispels these predictions, so we shall see. Yup, Slaf has shown that his ceiling is incredibly high. His mental capacity is impressive and he’s shown that he can outsmart opponents effectively on the ice at 20 years old. He has tons of time to work on his shot and add more deception to his game. His vision and passing are already outstanding. If I were Marty, I’d have Slaf watch video of Kucherov all summer and show up next season ready to try new things on the PP half wall. I don’t think he’ll ever rise to Kucherov levels of elite, but I think we all underestimated the kid’s brain when he was drafted. I think he has the same mental capacity to keep growing his game and adjusting to the league the same way Kucherov has. Slaf will need a better surrounding cast, especially on defense, to hit the 90+ point totals though. But as his confidence grows, he will figure the league out more and add more offensive tools to his arsenal. |
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Post by Boston_Habs on Apr 19, 2024 10:36:15 GMT -5
The focus needs to shift to winning games next year and pushing for the playoffs. Part of that is natural development of players like Slafkovsky and a healthy season from Kirby Dach, but we need to find more production in the middle of the roster. It was great to see the growth from Suzuki as a near PPG player, Caufield adding some playmaking to his scoring, and of course the emergence of Slaf. But the dropoff in production after Suzuki, Caufield, Matheson, and Slafkovsky is stunning. We talked about it on another thread, but Sean Monahan ended up with the 5th most points on the team at 35. Ouch. Jake Evans was 5th among forwards in ATOI and had 28 points. And I like Jake Evans!
So it's an interesting debate around how much more elite talent we need or how much better it needs to be vs. just having better depth and guys who can give you productive minutes on the 2nd and 3rd lines. I believe Newhook and Joshua Roy are two guys who could produce in that range, but right now our next level forwards are guys like Gallagher (31 pts), Evans (28 pts), Armia (25 pts), Anderson (20). That's not close to good enough - we need our middle six forwards to be at least in the 40s and not the 20s/30s. And that includes an increase in production from the back end from everyone besides Matheson (who gets a lot of hate on this board for a guy who put up 62 points).
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Post by Tankdriver on Apr 19, 2024 10:45:05 GMT -5
The focus needs to shift to winning games next year and pushing for the playoffs. Part of that is natural development of players like Slafkovsky and a healthy season from Kirby Dach, but we need to find more production in the middle of the roster. It was great to see the growth from Suzuki as a near PPG player, Caufield adding some playmaking to his scoring, and of course the emergence of Slaf. But the dropoff in production after Suzuki, Caufield, Matheson, and Slafkovsky is stunning. We talked about it on another thread, but Sean Monahan ended up with the 5th most points on the team at 35. Jake Evans was 5th among forwards in ATOI and had 28 points. And I like Jake Evans! So it's an interesting debate around how much more elite talent we need vs. guys who can give you productive minutes on the 2nd and 3rd lines. I believe Newhook and Joshua Roy are two guys who could produce in that range, but right now our next level forwards are guys like Gallagher (31 pts), Evans (28 pts), Armia (25 pts). That's not good enough - we need our middle six forwards to be at least in the 40s and not the 20s/30s. And that includes an increase in production from the back end from everyone besides Matheson (who gets a lot of hate on this board for a guy who put up 62 points). Agreed with everything written. I'm even willing to offer Stamkos some big money for 2 years, or Guentzel 4 years, but there really isn't much out there on the Free Agent List. I also think Utah is going to be making some big splashes this summer. The biggest names: Stamkos (TB or Toronto) Sam Reinhart (career season, will never match it again) Guentzel Lindholm (Boston bound) Best of the Rest: Henrique Mantha Bertuzzi Teräväinen Tarasenko Marchessault DeBrusk Monahan |
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Post by Andrew on Apr 19, 2024 12:45:16 GMT -5
Here's a reel of Slaf's 20 goals this season. A couple of observations: 1. Almost none off of the rush. 2. Most came from the dirty areas right next to or in front of the net.
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Post by Skilly on Apr 19, 2024 15:11:31 GMT -5
The focus needs to shift to winning games next year and pushing for the playoffs. Part of that is natural development of players like Slafkovsky and a healthy season from Kirby Dach, but we need to find more production in the middle of the roster. It was great to see the growth from Suzuki as a near PPG player, Caufield adding some playmaking to his scoring, and of course the emergence of Slaf. But the dropoff in production after Suzuki, Caufield, Matheson, and Slafkovsky is stunning. We talked about it on another thread, but Sean Monahan ended up with the 5th most points on the team at 35. Ouch. Jake Evans was 5th among forwards in ATOI and had 28 points. And I like Jake Evans! So it's an interesting debate around how much more elite talent we need or how much better it needs to be vs. just having better depth and guys who can give you productive minutes on the 2nd and 3rd lines. I believe Newhook and Joshua Roy are two guys who could produce in that range, but right now our next level forwards are guys like Gallagher (31 pts), Evans (28 pts), Armia (25 pts), Anderson (20). That's not close to good enough - we need our middle six forwards to be at least in the 40s and not the 20s/30s. And that includes an increase in production from the back end from everyone besides Matheson (who gets a lot of hate on this board for a guy who put up 62 points). Newhook had 34 points in 55 games Monahan had 35 points in 49 games with us But Newhook is not in that “next level” list , nor is he in the actual production guys when if you prorate it over 82 games he’d have 51 points , playing with very unproductive wingers for the majority of the year?? Newhook did his job this year, in spades. Now if only he can stay healthy Newhook was also the most productive Hab at even strength. He led the team in ES points per 60 mins |
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Post by Willie Dog on Apr 19, 2024 15:43:25 GMT -5
The focus needs to shift to winning games next year and pushing for the playoffs. Part of that is natural development of players like Slafkovsky and a healthy season from Kirby Dach, but we need to find more production in the middle of the roster. It was great to see the growth from Suzuki as a near PPG player, Caufield adding some playmaking to his scoring, and of course the emergence of Slaf. But the dropoff in production after Suzuki, Caufield, Matheson, and Slafkovsky is stunning. We talked about it on another thread, but Sean Monahan ended up with the 5th most points on the team at 35. Ouch. Jake Evans was 5th among forwards in ATOI and had 28 points. And I like Jake Evans! So it's an interesting debate around how much more elite talent we need or how much better it needs to be vs. just having better depth and guys who can give you productive minutes on the 2nd and 3rd lines. I believe Newhook and Joshua Roy are two guys who could produce in that range, but right now our next level forwards are guys like Gallagher (31 pts), Evans (28 pts), Armia (25 pts), Anderson (20). That's not close to good enough - we need our middle six forwards to be at least in the 40s and not the 20s/30s. And that includes an increase in production from the back end from everyone besides Matheson (who gets a lot of hate on this board for a guy who put up 62 points). Newhook had 34 points in 55 games Monahan had 35 points in 49 games with us But Newhook is not in that “next level” list , nor is he in the actual production guys when if you prorate it over 82 games he’d have 51 points , playing with very unproductive wingers for the majority of the year?? Newhook did his job this year, in spades. Now if only he can stay healthy Newhook was also the most productive Hab at even strength. He led the team in ES points per 60 mins Newhook dach Roy make a capable 2nd line but I think that 2nd line needs a different left winger because Gally newhook armia were a very good line in the 2nd half, I would be hesitant to break them up before seeing how they play together next year. Hopefully HuGo can move some assets/picks to land a left winger |
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Post by Skilly on Apr 19, 2024 16:27:39 GMT -5
Newhook had 34 points in 55 games Monahan had 35 points in 49 games with us But Newhook is not in that “next level” list , nor is he in the actual production guys when if you prorate it over 82 games he’d have 51 points , playing with very unproductive wingers for the majority of the year?? Newhook did his job this year, in spades. Now if only he can stay healthy Newhook was also the most productive Hab at even strength. He led the team in ES points per 60 mins Newhook dach Roy make a capable 2nd line but I think that 2nd line needs a different left winger because Gally newhook armia were a very good line in the 2nd half, I would be hesitant to break them up before seeing how they play together next year. Hopefully HuGo can move some assets/picks to land a left winger So what do you do with Dvorak and Evans - neither who can play the wing. |
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Post by Willie Dog on Apr 19, 2024 21:13:16 GMT -5
Newhook dach Roy make a capable 2nd line but I think that 2nd line needs a different left winger because Gally newhook armia were a very good line in the 2nd half, I would be hesitant to break them up before seeing how they play together next year. Hopefully HuGo can move some assets/picks to land a left winger So what do you do with Dvorak and Evans - neither who can play the wing. Newhook has played wing and centre... why can't either Evans or Dvo? Both Dvo and Evans can play on the 4th line with pezz... Pearson and white are gone |
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Post by folatre on Apr 19, 2024 21:20:35 GMT -5
Newhook had a good season, unfortunately with 1/3 of it lost to the high ankle issue. Hockey is debatable, but I prefer Newhook on Dach's wing, despite the fact that he performed meshed nicely with Gallagher and Armia down the stretch. I see Newhook as a speed demon with good enough tools to pot 25 per season (maybe even a couple 30 goal seasons in his prime), be a cog on the PP2 and PK2.
I do not dispute Montreal needs to feel some pressure to push for the playoffs. The Habs have gone from 55 points to 68 and now to 76 points this season. For me there is not going to be a lot of roster turnover up front this summer (I see it happening next summer), so I estimate Montreal leaping into the 90+ point range in 2024-25 is unlikely.
Assuming the Habs do not win the lottery and Celebrini falls from heaven, I just do not see an 'outside' injection into the top six next season because I do not see Hughes wanting to splash major cap space and term on age 30+ top six forwards. Maybe he can trade for a young, offensively talented NHL ready forward (though to get a really good one it would require trading a serious piece like Guhle).
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Post by seventeen on Apr 20, 2024 0:47:36 GMT -5
Nothing that has come from Hughes and Gorton suggest they are going to deviate from The Plan. The Plan does not include 'going for it' next year. They want to be better, definitely. If we are able to compete for a playoff spot, awesome. But the playoffs next year is not a goal for them. They will not consider it a failure if they don't make the playoffs. It's the kind of discipline I really like from a management team. Sure we need more offense. HuGo have said it themselves. Gorton has said they will have discussions around improvement in that area, which is code for investigating the availability of certain players, some of which they aren't even aware of at this time. In both cases involving Dach and Newhook, there was no missile directed at Chicago or Colorado to get those guys. It just kind of developed. One call led to another, they find out a certain guy is available and then they work on the price. For example, Buffalo is a team that will be focused on change and not only in the coaching position. They have a treasure trove of forward prospects and while they have 3 dmen with tremendous ceilings, they could use a number of complementary dmen. Guess who happens to have a few guys one might consider complementary dmen? Would Buffalo be interested in say, Barron or Kovacevic and an LHD or Winnipeg's pick? I really like Struble and Harris and I cringe at the thought of losing them, but if a good enough forward is available, then you pull the trigger. I get the feeling Adam Engstrom is really flying below the radar and his arrival would make up for a loss at LHD or RHD as he's played that side a lot. Who could Buffalo offer? I'd discount Benson because they probably like him too much and he's a small guy. I would, however, ask for guys like Jiri Kulich or Jack Quinn. What we give up would depend on their player, of course. More for Quinn, less for Kulich but I would feel quite confident that Hughes would negotiate a fair trade. Next year is a progression from 2023/24. Fit people into roles that work and get a clearer picture of who else we need. The fun will be on D, where Guhle, Reinbacher, Hutson, Xhekaj, Engstrom and Mailloux start to fit in. This is why, despite liking Matheson's game and what he brings to the team, his age and next contract suggest strongly that now is a good time to take advantage of his value. Exchanging him for a top 6 left winger, for example, would be good asset management. Would Buffalo like a veteran, experienced defenseman who can put up points? Could we pry Peterka from them for Matheson and a younger defense prospect?
These are the kind of discussions that may come up. Both Winnipeg's pick and our own 5th could be available for the right guy. JJ Peterka is a stud, and a guy I would consider acquiring for our #5. His age (22), size (6', 190 lbs) and production (28-22-50 and plus 10) are perfect for us. He doesn't shy away from the dirty areas, either and he's a great skater.
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Post by Willie Dog on Apr 20, 2024 4:49:22 GMT -5
Nothing that has come from Hughes and Gorton suggest they are going to deviate from The Plan. The Plan does not include 'going for it' next year. They want to be better, definitely. If we are able to compete for a playoff spot, awesome. But the playoffs next year is not a goal for them. They will not consider it a failure if they don't make the playoffs. It's the kind of discipline I really like from a management team. Sure we need more offense. HuGo have said it themselves. Gorton has said they will have discussions around improvement in that area, which is code for investigating the availability of certain players, some of which they aren't even aware of at this time. In both cases involving Dach and Newhook, there was no missile directed at Chicago or Colorado to get those guys. It just kind of developed. One call led to another, they find out a certain guy is available and then they work on the price. For example, Buffalo is a team that will be focused on change and not only in the coaching position. They have a treasure trove of forward prospects and while they have 3 dmen with tremendous ceilings, they could use a number of complementary dmen. Guess who happens to have a few guys one might consider complementary dmen? Would Buffalo be interested in say, Barron or Kovacevic and an LHD or Winnipeg's pick? I really like Struble and Harris and I cringe at the thought of losing them, but if a good enough forward is available, then you pull the trigger. I get the feeling Adam Engstrom is really flying below the radar and his arrival would make up for a loss at LHD or RHD as he's played that side a lot. Who could Buffalo offer? I'd discount Benson because they probably like him too much and he's a small guy. I would, however, ask for guys like Jiri Kulich or Jack Quinn. What we give up would depend on their player, of course. More for Quinn, less for Kulich but I would feel quite confident that Hughes would negotiate a fair trade. Next year is a progression from 2023/24. Fit people into roles that work and get a clearer picture of who else we need. The fun will be on D, where Guhle, Reinbacher, Hutson, Xhekaj, Engstrom and Mailloux start to fit in. This is why, despite liking Matheson's game and what he brings to the team, his age and next contract suggest strongly that now is a good time to take advantage of his value. Exchanging him for a top 6 left winger, for example, would be good asset management. Would Buffalo like a veteran, experienced defenseman who can put up points? Could we pry Peterka from them for Matheson and a younger defense prospect?
These are the kind of discussions that may come up. Both Winnipeg's pick and our own 5th could be available for the right guy. JJ Peterka is a stud, and a guy I would consider acquiring for our #5. His age (22), size (6', 190 lbs) and production (28-22-50 and plus 10) are perfect for us. He doesn't shy away from the dirty areas, either and he's a great skater.
I like this post and Peterka would slide in on the left wing and fit into our age group. |
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Post by Skilly on Apr 20, 2024 10:15:47 GMT -5
The plan is to use the pick , and pick Demidov. Let's hope they don't overthink this
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Post by Tankdriver on Apr 20, 2024 11:38:20 GMT -5
That's what I would like to happen. Just don't think he'll be there at 5. I'm not adverse to trading up if we can.
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Post by seventeen on Apr 20, 2024 13:07:02 GMT -5
The plan is to use the pick , and pick Demidov. Let's hope they don't overthink this And if Demidov is gone as he may well be unless we move up in the lottery? The idea is to have several plans upon which to fall back after the lottery balls have had their day. |
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Post by Willie Dog on Apr 20, 2024 14:59:19 GMT -5
The work Marty has done with Cole is what I would believe he'll have to do with Demi or Cole Eiserman.
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Post by Skilly on Apr 20, 2024 15:50:29 GMT -5
The plan is to use the pick , and pick Demidov. Let's hope they don't overthink this And if Demidov is gone as he may well be unless we move up in the lottery? The idea is to have several plans upon which to fall back after the lottery balls have had their day. I think he will be I think Chicago takes a dman, Anaheim either takes a dman or Lindstrom (they have a history of drafting size), then it's only Columbus .. they might take Demidov, but I think / hope they are passing on him What scares me is Eiserman. I was high on him, but now I'm not sure. All he does is score goals, which is good, but Caufield was similar and was forced to change his game, and Eiserman is a Caufield clone. Can we go to that well again? |
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Post by Andrew on Apr 20, 2024 17:53:37 GMT -5
It'll be interesting to see Mckenzie's final rankings. Seems like scouts are a bit all over the board. Pronman's latest rankings has Lindstrom and Eiserman outside of the top 10, and all defenders in the top 5 after Celebrini. Has Demidov at 8 on the basis of below average skating ability.
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Post by jkr on Apr 20, 2024 18:09:51 GMT -5
The plan is to use the pick , and pick Demidov. Let's hope they don't overthink this I don't follow the prospects like many of you here & I rely on this board for info. When I look at Ivan Demidov's stats on hockeydb.com I see a guy that has played 6 KHL games and has zero points. Is this the same guy? |
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Post by folatre on Apr 20, 2024 18:52:10 GMT -5
He plays in the MHL (?), which is basically second division where the emphasis is on the development of young players. Not many teenagers ever get an honest shot in the KHL.
I am not overly worried about the competition because what he doing there would be like the equivalent of having a 50 point season in the NCAA or a 130 point season in the CHL.
Based on talent and projection, Demidov should go top three. Michkov dropped last summer. That gives me some hope that the lack of access organizations have to scouting the kid and let alone knowing the kid on personal level, coupled with questions about when he can come over, could make some Pres/GMs overly risk averse.
If Montreal is picking fifth and Demidov is on the board, I will be very disappointed if they do not select him.
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Post by jkr on Apr 20, 2024 19:07:51 GMT -5
Thanks for the info.  |
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Post by seventeen on Apr 21, 2024 1:27:38 GMT -5
He plays in the MHL (?), which is basically second division where the emphasis is on the development of young players. Not many teenagers ever get an honest shot in the KHL. I am not overly worried about the competition because what he doing there would be like the equivalent of having a 50 point season in the NCAA or a 130 point season in the CHL. Based on talent and projection, Demidov should go top three. Michkov dropped last summer. That gives me some hope that the lack of access organizations have to scouting the kid and let alone knowing the kid on personal level, coupled with questions about when he can come over, could make some Pres/GMs overly risk averse. If Montreal is picking fifth and Demidov is on the board, I will be very disappointed if they do not select him. I think the MHL is the Russia version of the CHL. If memory serves (which it doesn't always do), the VHL is the Russia version of the minors, eg AHL. Demidov put up 2 ppg in the MHL. It's been difficult getting info out of Russia's leagues, but I have read elsewhere that Demidov outscored Michkov at the same age in that league and it's 2 ppg pace. But the MHL is probably not as strong as the CHL in North America. Nothing to sneeze at, in any case, and I have never heard anyone question Demidov's skating before, so am puzzled by that comment from Pronman. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on May 7, 2024 12:02:56 GMT -5
I've seen Connor McDavid do this ... consistently, but still ... great move ...
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