|
|
Post by PTH on Jan 28, 2008 23:31:04 GMT -5
www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20080128/CPSPORTS0101/801280787/6730/CPACTUALITESIn short, McD's coach is now comparing him to Komisarek, and is hoping he'll stay in college next season, but he doesn't know the Habs intentions. --- Given our depth on D (assuming Komi is re-signed....) , and the fact that we need to develop O'Byrne and Gorge (even if it's just to be able to move them for something later on) I'm hoping McD learns to dominate in College next season before joining the Habs after that.
|
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jan 28, 2008 23:51:22 GMT -5
www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20080128/CPSPORTS0101/801280787/6730/CPACTUALITESIn short, McD's coach is now comparing him to Komisarek, and is hoping he'll stay in college next season, but he doesn't know the Habs intentions. --- Given our depth on D (assuming Komi is re-signed....) , and the fact that we need to develop O'Byrne and Gorge (even if it's just to be able to move them for something later on) I'm hoping McD learns to dominate in College next season before joining the Habs after that. He is a pretty complete defenseman. He has really good skating and puck skills for a big guy and can read the play and see the ice well. I think his offensive upside, skating and willingness to make a good solid hit bodes well for his further development. He is not a one dimensional guy like some of our other defensive prospects, so that is what makes his upside very intriguing. Check out the link I posted on the NCAA Prospects thread as they have all of his games in their archives. The ones from last weekend are great because they are a head to head against Fischer for two games and both played well. |
|
|
|
Post by BadCompany on Jan 29, 2008 10:08:36 GMT -5
I'll admit to not having seen McDonagh all that much, but I did read an article pre-draft that compared him to Chris Chelios. Which would be fine with me. Of course, I'd be pretty fine with another Komisarek too... Ah, I get such a warm and cozy feeling reading about our defense prospects... FINALLY they have started listening to me!  |
|
|
|
Post by CrocRob on Jan 29, 2008 10:12:28 GMT -5
Comparing McDonagh to Komisarek at this point doesn't seem apt. McDonagh has a much better game when he has the puck (an area where Komisarek is still learning and improving) and Ryan's defensive positioning and physical ability is where he needs to improve. Komisarek was much the opposite while at Michigan, where his puck moving skills were the tools that were most improved.
I like the praise for sure, but 1) what the hell does Mike Eaves (a guy who admits he rarely watches the NHL) know about Komisarek, and 2) I don't think it's very a very apt comparison. Brent Burns, to me, is a better comparison.
|
|
|
|
Post by skunk on Jan 30, 2008 2:49:50 GMT -5
I don't get the comparison, beyond the fact that both are American born defensemen who took the NCAA route. Komo was a project when he was drafted, great tools, great size, great personality, but he had a late start in the game. Mike still hasn't reached his upside, and at 26, is at the same point on his development curve as most 22 year old players in the league. I think he can be the best all round defenseman in the NHL for the next decade.
McDonagh is much more experienced at the age of 19 than Komo was, doesn't have the same upside, but will likely play a regular shift at a younger age. I would think that McDonagh is a lot more like Andrei Markov than Komisarek. He plays a very efficient style, but doesn't make many spectacular plays and doesn't throw the big hits. I think Ryan can be just as useful a player as either Komisarek or Markov, but in terms of comparison, he is much closer to Andrei than Mike.
|
|
|
|
Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jan 30, 2008 10:22:52 GMT -5
Pretty much along the lines of what I was told yesterday about the kid. As I was saying in another thread, my buddy said that McDonagh was hitting just about anything that moved on the ice.
I forget where I read it but I remember reading that patience is the key WRT developing prospects. Gainey gets full marks here. I'm just hoping we can keep enough of them with the club.
Funny how things change so radically in such a short period of time. It wasn't too long ago that Côté's development was our concern. Now there's a possibility McDonagh could be in minor-pro next year, whose this Fisher guy, Valentenko has what it takes, Lapierre assumes Chipchura's job and small Boob should be made to stick around.
Just reinforces the notion that opportunities are made based on one's merits. No jobs by default. You have to earn them.
And McDonagh looks to be right on schedule.
Cheers.
|
|
