Bill Meltzer: Quick Hits: Hischier, Lindblom, Hart and More

I would love to hear more in depth thoughts about what you think of Hischier as a player.

Shame about Hischier not being AHL eligible, but not the end of the world. Can't wait to see which kid we end up with!

Bill,

Thanks for the clarification on the Hischier AHL eligibility. It just seems so far away until we get to open our Christmas gift at the NHL draft as fans.

Since 1980, only Mike Vernon (back-to-back) and Cam Ward have won multiple Del Wilson Memorial Trophies. If Hart can match or surpass those guys, I'd be ecstatic.

The only other multiple winner was Ray Martynuik. Despite being drafted 5th overall by Montreal, he was stuck behind two guys named Dryden and Vachon and ended up as an AHL/IHL journeyman. From Wikipedia:

"In 1977, he joined the senior amateur Western International Hockey League's Cranbrook Royals. Returning to Cranbrook after the Royals lost the championship series, he asked the bus driver to stop the bus. Martynuik threw his goaltending equipment into Moyie Lake."

Edit: Crap, Chet Pickard won back-to-back as well.

Has anyone listened to Hextall's phone call with NHL network?

Obviously there wasn't much insight to gather about the Flyers, but he did say he "jumped off his couch" when he saw Jets picked 13th.

Also said some cool stuff about his playing days

Not a big deal. I'd rather not burn an EL year under the guidance of Scott Gordon anyway. Biggest knock is he need to fill out and get stronger. That won't be accelerated in the AHL

Stinks that he isn't AHL eligible like a lot of us thought he might be. Oh well, even if he can't make the team out of camp they can get him on a regimen to put on some muscle. Yes, I'm assuming we'll end up with Nico.

If we do draft hischier which is a coin flip at this point I'm expecting him to spend a year in the minors before he comes up. Things can change and he will undoubtedly impress but 1 year could do him well to fill out and to have another top end season. It'll also spread out a bit more all our guys who will be coming off ELC at the same time. He could help us today but I think we are already going to be infusing 2 rookies in vecchione lindblom and at least 2 rookies on defense. We don't have to rush anyone forward. Challenge him like we did provorov to be the best player in the entire league by a mile.

Has anyone listened to Hextall's phone call with NHL network?

Obviously there wasn't much insight to gather about the Flyers, but he did say he "jumped off his couch" when he saw Jets picked 13th.

Also said some cool stuff about his playing days
- YuenglingJagr

It was a fun interview. He showed some personality. The part about his wife and son with him during the lottery was fun.

I loved the question about does anyone today play like he did.

If we do draft hischier which is a coin flip at this point I'm expecting him to spend a year in the minors before he comes up. Things can change and he will undoubtedly impress but 1 year could do him well to fill out and to have another top end season. It'll also spread out a bit more all our guys who will be coming off ELC at the same time. He could help us today but I think we are already going to be infusing 2 rookies in vecchione lindblom and at least 2 rookies on defense. We don't have to rush anyone forward. Challenge him like we did provorov to be the best player in the entire league by a mile.
- Tfaehner

A year in the minors will mean 2 years delay from draft as this season he can only go back the the Q.

A year in the minors will mean 2 years delay from draft as this season he can only go back the the Q.
- dragonoffrost

Minors juniors below nhl level hockey. I'd just be surprised to see hextall pencil him into the lineup for game 1 this season. Though I would have no issues if he does. At least when he makes mistakes the vdv bellemare line won't be around to punish him on.

Not a big deal. I'd rather not burn an EL year under the guidance of Scott Gordon anyway. Biggest knock is he need to fill out and get stronger. That won't be accelerated in the AHL
- Just5

For sure!

Not a big deal. I'd rather not burn an EL year under the guidance of Scott Gordon anyway. Biggest knock is he need to fill out and get stronger. That won't be accelerated in the AHL

I'm pretty sure that, in those circumstances, he wouldn't be burning a year off his ELC. The contract slides for a year, a la Hagg.

I'm pretty sure that, in those circumstances, he wouldn't be burning a year off his ELC. The contract slides for a year, a la Hagg.
- Coleman

Yep, that would have been the case. Same if Rubstov plays next year, I believe, as Hagg slid as a 19-year-old (played in Sweden the year after he was drafted).

So I haven't seen much at all of either player, but I do always believe that you go for the player than has been projected as a top pick longer. For instance, people had been talking about how great Lecavalier was since he was 16. I didn't follow juniors back then, but I knew his name. All of a sudden, David Legwand had a breakout year and there was talk of him going number 1. However, Lecavalier turned out to be the much better player.

I believe it's tougher to play with the pressure of being #1 than some guy who comes out of seemingly nowhere. People have been keying in on Patrick for 2 years and, injuries aside, he's been able to handle it. He also seems like the safer pick to me; I don't mean safe as in NHL player, I mean more likely to be a 1C, albeit with a lower ceiling.

I believe Hagg was here right after the draft at 18. He was the YOUNGEST player in the league. I asked Bill about Rubstov the other day. He is slide rule in either Jr's or AHL. Flyers seem to want a year in Jr's without injuries. I think Nico would be better off in AHL then going to Jr's. Wouldn't mind him getting better on the Flyers though, Nolan too for that matter.

Good games last night.

Pittsburgh is hanging on by a thread. I think at home the Capitals will finally be able to crack Fleury. I think this one will go seven.

I turned off the Ducks/Oilers at 2-2 so didn't see the finish. This one looks like it could go seven, too.

I believe Hagg was here right after the draft at 18. He was the YOUNGEST player in the league. I asked Bill about Rubstov the other day. He is slide rule in either Jr's or AHL. Flyers seem to want a year in Jr's without injuries. I think Nico would be better off in AHL then going to Jr's. Wouldn't mind him getting better on the Flyers though, Nolan too for that matter.
- jaws1955

Hägg was 19; still slide-rule eligible. Yes, he was the youngest player in the AHL that season.

Good games last night.

Pittsburgh is hanging on by a thread. I think at home the Capitals will finally be able to crack Fleury. I think this one will go seven.

I turned off the Ducks/Oilers at 2-2 so didn't see the finish. This one looks like it could go seven, too.
- Scoob

Fleury is hanging by a thread I actually thought despite the short disadvantage penguins played well. Pens and caps might come down to who can take less penalties.

Edmonton dominated 1st. Ducks came out dominated 2nd. 3rd was exciting hockey. Edmonton is too invested in what the refs are calling not calling. Problems of a young team. Looked distracted. Getzlaf played like a superstar. Outplayed mcdavid in every facet.

I assumed Nico wouldn't make the NHL squad next year anyway. Kid needs to bulk up quite a bit in my opinion.

Not a big deal. I'd rather not burn an EL year under the guidance of Scott Gordon anyway.

Playing in the AHL as an 18 or 19 year old doesn't burn a year off an ELC. See Hagg, Robert.

Fleury is hanging by a thread I actually thought despite the short disadvantage penguins played well. Pens and caps might come down to who can take less penalties.

Edmonton dominated 1st. Ducks came out dominated 2nd. 3rd was exciting hockey. Edmonton is too invested in what the refs are calling not calling. Problems of a young team. Looked distracted. Getzlaf played like a superstar. Outplayed mcdavid in every facet.
- Tfaehner

I mentioned last night that I think a good use of review would be to allow coaches to challenge high sticking penalties. Switch the penalty if it is determined the guy fakes it. It is really annoying, especially at important times.

So, after yesterday's discussion of Ghost, his contract, and the idea of eventually trading him (possibly), Ek writes a Drouin blog saying we could be in play and that we value Sanheim over Ghost.

Thanks, Bill. Wasn't sure what his age was.
I have issues still with the top picks going back to jrs. For the most part I think they develop faster in the AHL. You get better by practice and playing tougher competition.