What about the argument that the best prospects, and those who turn into better pros, come from the OHL (Bennett), while The WHL does a little less to get teenagers ready for the NHL (Reinhardt)? If 2 prospects are close--and nobody can deny the Sams are ranked close--wouldn't the environment they come from factor into it by smart GMs and the kid from the tougher league would get an edge?
- LandlordTom

WHL is a tougher league , If the old grit factor is being considered . Also won the Memorial Cup this year with a Reinhart as the captain !

Was the o better than the w this year?
- joshs

I read a (I think I remember correctly) a USA Today article that cited many more OHL prospects, especially those drafted high, becoming impactful players int the NHL than those coming from the WHL.

I like both SAms, but Bennet is younger, comes from the (arguably) tougher league, is a better skater, and is quicker. Max Signal apparently is most qualified to be GM for an NHL team, but he is so quick to dismiss these points. The article I mentioned even quoted one NHL GM who won't draft WHL players in the 1st 2 rounds of any draft...just sayin'.

WHL is a tougher league , If the old grit factor is being considered . Also won the Memorial Cup this year with a Reinhart as the captain !
- Maximum Signal

Source?

Just opinion.

If grit is a factor, then Bennett all the way!

I thought so.

I'm extra giddy. Scored great seats to the jays game today. Smacked the yankees without two of our best


And Stroman pitched a gem
- Sabresfan-365

Not a Jays fan, but I'll cheer for anyone who does that to the Yankees.

You guys were busy last night/this morning.

How soon till the NHL starts tacking on injury-time? Or as I say, "writhing on the ground, holding your leg-then returning to play a minute later" time?

Go USA!

You guys were busy last night/this morning.
- cabin

you should join the bet

you should join the bet
- Herzeleid

I will . still undecided on my pick.

SO Reinhart now = Drew Stafford and Tim Connolly...

This is getting good. We should just trade the #2 pick for Dan Paille, Brad Marchand and Shawn Thornton.

All the grit we would need right there.

SO Reinhart now = Drew Stafford and Tim Connolly...

This is getting good. We should just trade the #2 pick for Dan Paille, Brad Marchand and Shawn Thornton.

All the grit we would need right there.
- ImThatGuy

And Matt Ellis, but that's a good thing right?

That's not enough for me though and not enough for CSS either which ranked Reinhart #4 annd Bennett #1. Matt Freaken Ellis is smart too but he's not #2 worthy.
- GilPerreault11

Yet Bennett is the one you quote as being "3rd smartest" in his league, but the praise for Reinhart isn't "smart", it's "Hockey IQ". A bit different. Not so sure how high Ellis's hockey IQ is....

Sounds like Kassian...
- jochfr

Actually, Nick Ritchie is even bigger than Kassiain.


Kassian weights 215lbs at age 23.

Ritchie is 225 at age 18!!


He's a monster!

Actually, worst case - and many scouts are concerned with his consistency and work ethic - is Wayne Primeau
- grand-magus

Well hey... if he doesn't make your Top 6, he can play in your Bottom 6.

This is exciting.

SO Reinhart now = Drew Stafford and Tim Connolly...

This is getting good. We should just trade the #2 pick for Dan Paille, Brad Marchand and Shawn Thornton.

All the grit we would need right there.
- ImThatGuy

Connolly = Tiny Tim, so essentially Reinhart equals a useless cripple. Got it.

We'd be lucky to get Kevin Westgarth for the #2 overall.

Actually, Nick Ritchie is even bigger than Kassiain.


Kassian weights 215lbs at age 23.

Ritchie is 225 at age 18!!


He's a monster!
- SuperCat

SuperCat, what's the trade proposal of the day?

We have plenty of forward prospects that can fill a 3rd line role
U don't trade assets for 3rd liners
That's not smart

Other options...
Give Adam a real shot in the NHL
Why is the only UFA we can sign gotta be a 7yr deal for Cally?
How about someone like Boyle, etc
Why can't we sign a low level UFA is all we are doing is "filling a roster spot"
- jdfitz77

jussi jokinen or Setoguchi can fill a third line just fine

Not a Jays fan, but I'll cheer for anyone who does that to the Yankees.
- stashu

Yet Bennett is the one you quote as being "3rd smartest" in his league, but the praise for Reinhart isn't "smart", it's "Hockey IQ". A bit different. Not so sure how high Ellis's hockey IQ is....
- stashu

His regular IQ is so high that by simply staring at you, he will cause several deadly aneurysms.

Do not cross Matt Ellis.

You guys were busy last night/this morning.
- cabin

disagree

jussi jokinen or Setoguchi can fill a third line just fine
- homiedclown

Next question.

He's a great third line scorer but had better numbers because of playing on Pittsburgh's second line. I don't know the player that well but he will be seeking I assume something in the 4M range. Is he defensively responsible? We can work towards rolling three scoring lines, but that third line needs to have two way prowess and a decent salary number. I feel like he's going to want to be payed like a top 6 forward.

Next question.

He's a great third line scorer but had better numbers because of playing on Pittsburgh's second line. I don't know the player that well but he will be seeking I assume something in the 4M range. Is he defensively responsible? We can work towards rolling three scoring lines, but that third line needs to have two way prowess and a decent salary number. I feel like he's going to want to be payed like a top 6 forward.
- TheSabresTaco

he put up 55 and 48 points in dallas
65, 52 and 46 points for the canes



he is a legit second line player, third if rolling three lines

plays 2 way game

sabres made a big mistake not claiming him when he was on waivers

Source?

Just opinion.

If grit is a factor, then Bennett all the way!

I thought so.
- LandlordTom

Long time opinion of the WHL from many hockey experts. Would rather have Hockey IQ over grit for first pick , Others stuck on grit , much like we have a few glue lovers . Don't know where the best glue comes from. Many seem to say Western New York.

he put up 55 and 48 points in dallas
65, 52 and 46 points for the canes



he is a legit second line player, third if rolling three lines

plays 2 way game

sabres made a big mistake not claiming him when he was on waivers
- homiedclown

If he's that good, why was he on waivers in the first place? Tells me there's more to that story.

I read a (I think I remember correctly) a USA Today article that cited many more OHL prospects, especially those drafted high, becoming impactful players int the NHL than those coming from the WHL.

I like both SAms, but Bennet is younger, comes from the (arguably) tougher league, is a better skater, and is quicker. Max Signal apparently is most qualified to be GM for an NHL team, but he is so quick to dismiss these points. The article I mentioned even quoted one NHL GM who won't draft WHL players in the 1st 2 rounds of any draft...just sayin'.
- LandlordTom

USA Today . A wealth of Hockey Knowledge!