Mete gets all the offensive assignments while his D-play is pretty suspect but ya, i hear you.

I'm not to stoked with the fact that O.J, while playing good minutes, appears to be deployed as a top 4 guy as opposed to that #1-2 D- man that Benning sold the franchise on...Plus, this is in the OHL we are talking

I'll say it again, i think O.J is going to develop into a Tanev like player (at best), which on one hand is great yet on the other, a tad disappointing for a 5th overall selection.
- Whiskey-Tango

I am less concerned with Juolevi's performance this year for a couple reasons.

1) the Knights are not as good as last year. As many carry-overs that they have, none compare to a Marner or Tkachuk, their leading scorers this year are 3rd & 4th round picks, not the elite talent.

2) Championship hangovers are mentally tough to break through. The kid had one hell of a year last year: WJC's, OHL and Memorial Cup, draft, prospects camp. It was a short summer, and would have to be tough to get up for regular season OHL games again.

You would like the 5th overall pick to overcome the shortfalls of his team and still drive play in a lower league, but I think that he will just take a bit longer (due to short off-seasons) to get stronger and adjust to that role playing without elite players his age. I didn't suspect he would graduate from OHL to NHL, we need to be more patient with him but he still has the smarts and skills to be a top defensemen IMO

- A_SteamingLombardi

I dunno b'out dat buddai.
- Whiskey-Tango

No worries. Pretty sure it's been established on here that you don't actually watch hockey

Mete gets all the offensive assignments while his D-play is pretty suspect but ya, i hear you.

I'm not to stoked with the fact that O.J, while playing good minutes, appears to be deployed as a top 4 guy as opposed to that #1-2 D- man that Benning sold the franchise on...Plus, this is in the OHL we are talking

I'll say it again, i think O.J is going to develop into a Tanev like player (at best), which on one hand is great yet on the other, a tad disappointing for a 5th overall selection.
- Whiskey-Tango

He's a 5OA not a 1-2-3. That is where most often the stud D are found.

I'm confused, I thought you said you hate Granlund playing with the Sedins and that he's useless??? And now you're saying he made Sutter better but only had 1 assist. you're all over the map.
- Brooks_Light

No megna is useless. Granlund would be better served helping out Sutter then the Sedins.

Replace the coach when we replace the Sedins.
- A_SteamingLombardi

And thanks for the rugby updates.

Having a cannon is really empowering
- CanuckDon

Great accessory to have. Accessories are confidence.

He's a 5OA not a 1-2-3. That is where most often the stud D are found.
- manvanfan

HE was the 1st Dman drafted. He better be a stud (and I think he will be)

No megna is useless. Granlund would be better served helping out Sutter then the Sedins.
- manvanfan

Dank needs all the help he can get.
Sooner he gets to 1k. The sooner we can begin rampant trade speculation and keep half his salary.

Mete gets all the offensive assignments while his D-play is pretty suspect but ya, i hear you.

I'm not to stoked with the fact that O.J, while playing good minutes, appears to be deployed as a top 4 guy as opposed to that #1-2 D- man that Benning sold the franchise on...Plus, this is in the OHL we are talking

I'll say it again, i think O.J is going to develop into a Tanev like player (at best), which on one hand is great yet on the other, a tad disappointing for a 5th overall selection.
- Whiskey-Tango

Mete is the PP architect and runs the show, his offensive skills are fantastic and his foot speed and skating are second to none. He reminds me of a faster version of Patrick Kane with the way he sees the ice, passes and navigates around players into open areas.

While OJ is better defensively he still plays a ton of offensive minutes and its suspect his numbers haven't improved given the team he's on. I was wrong about one thing, he did gain 8lbs so far since he was drafted, which is good news.

I have to disagree about one thing, he doesn't remind me of Tanev in any way. And thankfully has a much better shot than Tanev could ever dream of having. OJ reminds me more of Giordano than anyone else, and if that turns out to be true, Id be happy with that.

No megna is useless. Granlund would be better served helping out Sutter then the Sedins.
- manvanfan

gotcha, that makes sense.

I honestly think Granlund has possibly made the most strides of improvement on the entire team. Sven, Traymkin - close behind.

Mete is the PP architect and runs the PP, his offensive skills are fantastic and his foot speed and skating are second to none. He reminds me of a faster version of Patrick Kane with the way he sees the ice, passes and navigates around players into open areas.

While OJ is better defensively he still plays a ton of offensive minutes and its suspect his numbers haven't improved given the team he's on. I was wrong about one thing, he did gain 8lbs so far since he was drafted, which is good news.

I have to disagree about one thing, he doesn't remind me of Tanev in any way. And thankfully has a much better shot than Tanev could ever dream of having. OJ reminds me more of Giordano than anyone else, and if that turns out to be true, Id be happy with that.
- Brooks_Light

Sounds like we should pick up that Mete guy...

Mete is the PP architect and runs the PP, his offensive skills are fantastic and his foot speed and skating are second to none. He reminds me of a faster version of Patrick Kane with the way he sees the ice, passes and navigates around players into open areas.

While OJ is better defensively he still plays a ton of offensive minutes and its suspect his numbers haven't improved given the team he's on. I was wrong about one thing, he did gain 8lbs so far since he was drafted, which is good news.

I have to disagree about one thing, he doesn't remind me of Tanev in any way. And thankfully has a much better shot than Tanev could ever dream of having. OJ reminds me more of Giordano than anyone else, and if that turns out to be true, Id be happy with that.
- Brooks_Light

the Tanev comparison is a strange one

gotcha, that makes sense.

I honestly think Granlund has possibly made the most strides of improvement on the entire team. Sven, Traymkin - close behind.
- Brooks_Light

I'd put the granny as most improved fwd, but hard to argue against Trees improved game. He's got my vote

I am less concerned with Juolevi's performance this year for a couple reasons.

1) the Knights are not as good as last year. As many carry-overs that they have, none compare to a Marner or Tkachuk, their leading scorers this year are 3rd & 4th round picks, not the elite talent.

2) Championship hangovers are mentally tough to break through. The kid had one hell of a year last year: WJC's, OHL and Memorial Cup, draft, prospects camp. It was a short summer, and would have to be tough to get up for regular season OHL games again.

You would like the 5th overall pick to overcome the shortfalls of his team and still drive play in a lower league, but I think that he will just take a bit longer (due to short off-seasons) to get stronger and adjust to that role playing without elite players his age. I didn't suspect he would graduate from OHL to NHL, we need to be more patient with him but he still has the smarts and skills to be a top defensemen IMO
- WhiteLie

Sounds like we should pick up that Mete guy...
- kaptaan

see if you can convince Bergevin and let us know how that turns out

I'd put the granny as most improved fwd, but hard to argue against Trees improved game. He's got my vote
- dbot

its hard not to love Tree, wish he'd rush the puck more - he got tons of potential, especially once he gains more confidence.

its hard not to love Tree, wish he'd rush the puck more - he got tons of potential, especially once he gains more confidence.
- Brooks_Light

Imagine the size of the mumps on that guy.

No worries. Pretty sure it's been established on here that you don't actually watch hockey
- CanuckDon

Ok Don, you are right, your record speaks for itself

Imagine the size of the mumps on that guy.
- A_SteamingLombardi

Ok Don, you are right, your record speaks for itself
- Whiskey-Tango

I was wrong. Pedan wasn't claimed by the Leafs

the Tanev comparison is a strange one
- CanuckDon

"A two-way defenceman at the top of his class in intellect, composure, and decision-making. Elite-level hockey IQ pairs seamlessly with smooth skating and quick puck movement. Defensively assertive and diligent; keeps the opposition to the outside and along the boards, and doesn't give much to work with up the middle. Finds key lanes and takes them away proactively. Good first pass and can provide support offensively. Is the total package defenceman that can offer positives in all three zones due to his calm disposition and superb poise"

You don't think that sounds like Tanev?

"A two-way defenceman at the top of his class in intellect, composure, and decision-making. Elite-level hockey IQ pairs seamlessly with smooth skating and quick puck movement. Defensively assertive and diligent; keeps the opposition to the outside and along the boards, and doesn't give much to work with up the middle. Finds key lanes and takes them away proactively. Good first pass and can provide support offensively. Is the total package defenceman that can offer positives in all three zones due to his calm disposition and superb poise"

You don't think that sounds like Tanev?
- Whiskey-Tango

Where the hell is that in Tanev's game, he's a defensive defenseman, period. When has Tanev ever "provided support offensively" in his career besides making that first pass out of the zone to the forwards?

Where the hell is that in Tanev's game, he's a defensive defenseman, period. When has Tanev ever "provided support offensively" in his career besides making that first pass out of the zone to the forwards?
- DariusKnight

I think you answered your own question.
Also, i was trying to trap Don, as that quite literally is the scouting report on Tanev...not O.J.

Thanks

Where the hell is that in Tanev's game, he's a defensive defenseman, period. When has Tanev ever "provided support offensively" in his career besides making that first pass out of the zone to the forwards?
- DariusKnight

No kidding. whiskey is high and trolling again