Ryan Wilson: Answering the rest of your questions from yesterday Answering the rest of your questions from yesterday

I think its as close to safe bet that Sprong/ZAR will not be starting the year with the pens (I think JR also confirmed this but can't recall). My bet is that Sprong gets recalled first and sticks (and even more likely if Horq/Hag are removed). I don't see ZAR sticking with the club this year.

I think its as close to safe bet that Sprong/ZAR will not be starting the year with the pens (I think JR also confirmed this but can't recall). My bet is that Sprong gets recalled first and sticks (and even more likely if Horq/Hag are removed). I don't see ZAR sticking with the club this year.
- DeflatedPucks

I think there's a better chance ZAR sticks than Sprong. I highly doubt Sprong was able to refine his ability to function within a set system in the Q which was his biggest issue when he started the season here in 15. He was definitely talented but had no idea what he was doing.

Lol

Wilson saying bozak is his favorite for 3c while ek says pens say absolutely not on bozak.

I'm so confused.

What is real? Am I even alive right now?

Lol

Wilson saying bozak is his favorite for 3c while ek says pens say absolutely not on bozak.

I'm so confused.

What is real? Am I even alive right now?
- pensfan024

Wilson says you're alive but ek has you dead by end of week (e3)

I'm not opposed to moving Hagelin, but I still think he's vastly undervalued by many around here.

I'd still choose to move Maatta.

I think there's a better chance ZAR sticks than Sprong. I highly doubt Sprong was able to refine his ability to function within a set system in the Q which was his biggest issue when he started the season here in 15. He was definitely talented but had no idea what he was doing.
- Victoro311

is that not the MJ effect and 4th lines minutes contributing to that?

is that not the MJ effect and 4th lines minutes contributing to that?
- DeflatedPucks

I'm sure it was part of it, but Sprong was also super lost so it wasn't all of it. I'm not knocking Sprong. I think he's definitely a lock to be the better player, but I think he needs more time than ZAR who played in the NCAA which has a much more structured brand of systemic hockey than the Q does and is several years older to boot. I think both will be NHL regulars by the end of the season, but if I had to put money on one making the team right or from camp I'd put it on ZAR

I'm sure it was part of it, but Sprong was also super lost so it wasn't all of it. I'm not knocking Sprong. I think he's definitely a lock to be the better player, but I think he needs more time than ZAR who played in the NCAA which has a much more structured brand of systemic hockey than the Q does and is several years older to boot. I think both will be NHL regulars by the end of the season, but if I had to put money on one making the team right or from camp I'd put it on ZAR
- Victoro311

I don't think either makes the team right away. As per usual, injuries will make space, but depending on who's injured we may not see either of them for a while. 4th liners going down will probably result in an Archibald-type call-up.

I do think it would behoove the Pens to give both Sprong and/or ZAR four or five games to start the season just to get a taste then go back down.

I'm sure it was part of it, but Sprong was also super lost so it wasn't all of it. I'm not knocking Sprong. I think he's definitely a lock to be the better player, but I think he needs more time than ZAR who played in the NCAA which has a much more structured brand of systemic hockey than the Q does and is several years older to boot. I think both will be NHL regulars by the end of the season, but if I had to put money on one making the team right or from camp I'd put it on ZAR
- Victoro311

Assuming no trade happens and Ryan Reaves takes a spot, Im with RW in that I don't thing either makes it right from camp regardless of how well they do. I haven't seen ZAR play enough but I hope its the case that he's more prepared for both ends of the ice.

...unless ZAR wins a spot at center as opposed to an audition at wing. 3C solved (but this is 54% not happening)

Assuming no trade happens and Ryan Reaves takes a spot, Im with RW in that I don't thing either makes it right from camp regardless of how well they do. I haven't seen ZAR play enough but I hope its the case that he's more prepared for both ends of the ice.

...unless ZAR wins a spot at center as opposed to an audition at wing. 3C solved (but this is 54% not happening)
- DeflatedPucks

I don't think ZAR plays center? He can play either wing though and that Gibran him another edge over Sprong.

I don't think ZAR plays center? He can play either wing though and that Gibran him another edge over Sprong.
- Victoro311

Nobody is talking about Dominik Simon. Does anyone think he has a chance at center, 4C? He's had 48 points and then 46 points last year in the AHL!

I don't think ZAR plays center? He can play either wing though and that Gibran him another edge over Sprong.
- Victoro311

ZAR has played almost entirely only at RW. Left shot that plays RW so could probably switch wings. I'd say he's more likely to make it right away then Sprong for sure being as he fits the bottom 6 a lot better. Isn't as skilled and is more of a net front scorer that brings a power game more then speed and skill. He also killed penalties in college and did a bit with WBS. Also he is 22 years old and has always been known as a 2 way forward.

I'm not opposed to moving Hagelin, but I still think he's vastly undervalued by many around here.

I'd still choose to move Maatta.
- Rinosaur

I agree with the Hags part. He was a major catalyst in 15/16 cup run. I'm a big believer in "beating the other team to the puck". Hags can certainly do that.....plus he's a damn good pk'r.

I don't see how we trade Maatta at this point. While I'm not his biggest fan, I simply don't see how they get an adequate replacement for the upcoming season.

Modano could skate and stick handle at faster speeds than Crosby. I'd say in this era McDavid and Modano are probably the most comparable as far as that is concerned.

Modano could skate and stick handle at faster speeds than Crosby. I'd say in this era McDavid and Modano are probably the most comparable as far as that is concerned.
- mnhockeyguy

- Feds91Stammer

Let me guess, Millennial...

Modano could skate and stick handle at faster speeds than Crosby. I'd say in this era McDavid and Modano are probably the most comparable as far as that is concerned.
- mnhockeyguy

LOL.

LOL.
- j.boyd919

http://edmontonjournal.co...id-is-a-young-mike-modano

https://www.nhl.com/news/...ers-in-nhl-history/c-4037

http://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers/forget-comparisons-to-gretzky-hitchcock-says-connor-mcdavid-is-a-young-mike-modano
- mnhockeyguy

Cool an article from a hack EDM writer quoting biased coaches/players anecdotal evidence.

Cool an article from a hack EDM writer quoting biased coaches/players anecdotal evidence.
- Feds91Stammer

Or you know, the coach that actually coached Mike Modano and coached against McDavid...

Or you know, the coach that actually coached Mike Modano and coached against McDavid...
- mnhockeyguy

Cool. I watched both of them play so my opinion is just as valid. You are still wrong.

http://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers/forget-comparisons-to-gretzky-hitchcock-says-connor-mcdavid-is-a-young-mike-modano
- mnhockeyguy

Of course a coach is going to reference a player he coached for 6-7 years. Those are the most vivid memories. I'm sure if you ask Disco Dan, he would compare him to Crosby in his early years. Cognitive Bias.

Of course a coach is going to reference a player he coached for 6-7 years. Those are the most vivid memories. I'm sure if you ask Disco Dan, he would compare him to Crosby in his early years. Cognitive Bias.
- j.boyd919

Whatever you are probably a millennial