Both are converted forwards... I'd have some reservations about taking either at 11. - Tomahawk
A lot of Defensemen started out as forwards. The news with these players is that they were converted so late. You see it start the first year of bantam. If a player is big and can skate the puck but isn't scoring at a pace to move up a level they'ii offer him a spot if he moves back to defense. I see it happen a lot with players between the Tier2 and Tier 1 level. I can imagine how often it happens between Tier 1 a nd junior.
I don't care if they're converted goaltenders or converted Catholics. They're damn good defenseman. If they end up converting back (hopefully not to Catholicism) playing as second line wingers, that wouldn't be terrible. - jmatchett383
That wont happen, especially in Pulocks case. The kid has a 101 mph (accurate) shot from the point. Thats not going to be wasted. Also worth noting... he is right handed.
Location: Driver's Seat: Mitch Marner bandwagon. Grab 'em by the Corsi. Joined: 02.04.2009
Jun 21 @ 12:07 PM ET
Pulock has taken the transition in stride and really has become very reliable in his own end. He plays with a physical edge that can cost him at times, but for the most part, his positioning is fantastic. He was relied heavily upon this year as not only a offensive d-man, and he responded very well. I dont think it will be an issue at all. Kids way to heady. - jak521
I dunno... not too many examples of guys who converted in their teens and go on to play really well defensively as pros... Jonathan Ericsson is the only one I can think of.
The closer we get to the draft, the more I'm starting to think that they will stand pat with pick #11. I do think they will try to package the 41st pick to move up. I could see Mez and the 41st pick to Calgary for #28 or perhaps McGinn, the 41st and 71st pick to Vancouver for #24. I'd be happy with either deal as I feel Mez has become too much of a health risk and that the player they would take at #24 will most likely be better than McGinn or whomever they take at 41 or 71.
That wont happen, especially in Pulocks case. The kid has a 101 mph (accurate) shot from the point. Thats not going to be wasted. Also worth noting... he is right handed.
I don't care if they're converted goaltenders or converted Catholics. They're damn good defenseman. If they end up converting back (hopefully not to Catholicism) playing as second line wingers, that wouldn't be terrible. - jmatchett383
I dunno... not too many examples of guys who converted in their teens and go on to play really well defensively as pros... Jonathan Ericsson is the only one I can think of. - Tomahawk
I think there are probably more than you think, but its just not noted. Pulock switched at 15... Guys usually switch around 12.
EDIT: Weber switched his second year of bantam... that was the first d-man I looked into.
The closer we get to the draft, the more I'm starting to think that they will stand pat with pick #11. I do think they will try to package the 41st pick to move up. I could see Mez and the 41st pick to Calgary for #28 or perhaps McGinn, the 41st and 71st pick to Vancouver for #24. I'd be happy with either deal as I feel Mez has become too much of a health risk and that the player they would take at #24 will most likely be better than McGinn or whomever they take at 41 or 71.
Thoughts? - BiggE
I like McGinn. Big (cheap) forward who didn't look out of place anywhere in the lineup. I'm not opposed to moving him if he gets us a 1st, but would be a bit hesitant giving up him as well as a 2nd and 3rd for a late 1st. I'd rather just use the 2nd.
The closer we get to the draft, the more I'm starting to think that they will stand pat with pick #11. I do think they will try to package the 41st pick to move up. I could see Mez and the 41st pick to Calgary for #28 or perhaps McGinn, the 41st and 71st pick to Vancouver for #24. I'd be happy with either deal as I feel Mez has become too much of a health risk and that the player they would take at #24 will most likely be better than McGinn or whomever they take at 41 or 71.
He had already been playing defense on and off before that, though, right? - Tomahawk
Yea, he played off and on and made the permanent switch his second year of Bantam...
I know its different than Pulock, but having watched him play, and reading all of the stuff about his compete level and high IQ and what not.. I have no fear he wont be able to play at an NHL level, defensively.
Location: Driver's Seat: Mitch Marner bandwagon. Grab 'em by the Corsi. Joined: 02.04.2009
Jun 21 @ 12:20 PM ET
I could see him being like Ryan Suter (not as mobile) but with a better shot. - jak521
If they're intent on taking their chances with a dman @11, might as swing for the fences... Morin, Nurse and Zadorov have way higher ceilings than Risto and Pulock.
