Wiz, if I recall something you said a few blogs ago, you commented that Moberg is reminiscent of Shea Weber (apologies if that wasn't you). I saw glimpses of that in clips I saw of him in prospect camp. If he can refine his game, I can see Moberg in a Weber or Seabrook mold.

It could just be a comfort thing but I noticed Moberg uses a really long stick so wonder if using a shorter one might help him. Every little thing counts for prospects and especially for pros so a tweak here or there for any of the youngsters could tip the scale towards growth in certain aspects of their game.
- AEL_Fox

You get taken late in the draft b/c you ARE much farther away...I bet it was refreshing for him to be surrounded by a solid group this week, more than anything. He has a ways...they all have a ways.

See, I disagree - I think that you probably did see it for what it was ... people gushing about points per game and thinking that was all that there was to playing defense ...

says more about those making the comments- but I suppose if one is trying to analyse hockey play, none of that commentary is particularly useful.

I also noticed Nylander playing centre ... I didn't think that he looked all that bad, but -well ... it was as stated ... effectively pond hockey with officiating.
- SC116

Points per game? The discussion is about Jokiharu not Gustafson.

1st 15 games of the season Joki was showing flashes of being a top 4 defenseman, he needs experience and strength, Buffalo actually got a very nice player.

You get taken late in the draft b/c you ARE much farther away...I bet it was refreshing for him to be surrounded by a solid group this week, more than anything. He has a ways...they all have a ways.
- wiz1901

They do all have a ways to go, and they don't all need to develop in one year. In fact, it would be better if they didn't.

It would be funny to go back and read the boards after the prospect camp for the last 5 years.

Remember when Hayden was going to be the next Thornton or Getzlaf

I do feel though that the organizational depth has really improved, and when coming back to IL for work or see family during the season, I'll definitely try and make some time to see a Rockford game or two.

Can't be, I remember being here the day of the draft and was told he can't skate, he was slow and plodding.
- vabeachbear

Who the first or second rounders?, well, the both CAN move efficiently.

When people start breaking down the draftees, the idea of speed merchants always enter the mix..."X" is faster than most.


The fact is these days at the high levels all use their head, stick and reactions to make plays...we could start listing fast draftees who never really made huge impacts because their not speed didn't sync with their overall game and game situations.

I think we were fortunate with Vlasic, and whether Dach's reports were based on odd clips on the offensive and a "mid-year slump" it is is refreshing to know that even Corey pronoun who had him at slot ten and non elite suddenly woke up a day after the draft to change his status.

All that means little until the kid adjusts to the grind, gets more edge (and you saw no edge with his new future teammates) but he learned after he was targeted to start giving back. For sure he handles the puck, steals the puck and has that high end smarts out there with lots go awareness and needs no thought process before just playing his game.

I am much more curious about the avalanche prospects camp and how little we have heard about it except the hike and altitude adjustment, and very little on how the uber-defender Byram looked #1 defender

I wish people would stop this narrative

He was playing OK, he wasn't their best dman, especially after he got hit a bit. If he would've stayed up all year, he would have shown his weakness when being roughed up, and teams would've been pounding him.

The board would have wanted him traded.

He showed talent, and I'm sure he will get better and will probably have a good career, but he wasn't their best dman.
- vabeachbear

Darn right. Tell it like it is. Whomever disagrees is not too bright.

They do all have a ways to go, and they don't all need to develop in one year. In fact, it would be better if they didn't.
It would be funny to go back and read the boards after the prospect camp for the last 5 years. I do feel though that the organizational depth has really improved.
- vabeachbear

I simply am unable to throw things out so I have each and every Hockey New Prospects issue, and you are correct, it is so funny to see these consensus opinions, like how Marián Hossa wasn't thought of to be in the Ottawa Senators top five grouping.

I can't recall many at this moment in time, but there is very much a herd mentality outside the true hockey organization minds about what is an average player, a top player, because these reporters base their opinions of research, and they, I believe, watch less than they type.

All I know is when I watched I had three questions:

1. How do we make sure "we" don't lose out on the unsigned goalies in camp as they progress,
2. How did they get so many good skilled stick players in "our" system,
3. Was the final shoot out selection,
a vote by the consensus coaching staff, based on the most tired hardest working kids, because I couldn't figure that last part out...I figured everybody was going to get to take a shot, after I saw the first guys going...I am just curious

I wish people would stop this narrative

He was playing OK, he wasn't their best dman, especially after he got hit a bit. If he would've stayed up all year, he would have shown his weakness when being roughed up, and teams would've been pounding him.

The board would have wanted him traded.

He showed talent, and I'm sure he will get better and will probably have a good career, but he wasn't their best dman.
- vabeachbear

That was Murphy.

Watch #6

https://youtu.be/Q_d894a_CV0

Watch #6

https://youtu.be/Q_d894a_CV0
- walleyeb1

No poop, it ws a nice move

Darn right. Tell it like it is. Whomever disagrees is not too bright.
- jhawk59

?? Don't think that's what i said.

Who the first or second rounders?, well, the both CAN move efficiently.

When people start breaking down the draftees, the idea of speed merchants always enter the mix..."X" is faster than most.


The fact is these days at the high levels all use their head, stick and reactions to make plays...we could start listing fast draftees who never really made huge impacts because their not speed didn't sync with their overall game and game situations.

I think we were fortunate with Vlasic, and whether Dach's reports were based on odd clips on the offensive and a "mid-year slump" it is is refreshing to know that even Corey pronoun who had him at slot ten and non elite suddenly woke up a day after the draft to change his status.

All that means little until the kid adjusts to the grind, gets more edge (and you saw no edge with his new future teammates) but he learned after he was targeted to start giving back. For sure he handles the puck, steals the puck and has that high end smarts out there with lots go awareness and needs no thought process before just playing his game.

I am much more curious about the avalanche prospects camp and how little we have heard about it except the hike and altitude adjustment, and very little on how the uber-defender Byram looked
- wiz1901 #1 defender

See they just signed him

You get taken late in the draft b/c you ARE much farther away...I bet it was refreshing for him to be surrounded by a solid group this week, more than anything. He has a ways...they all have a ways.
- wiz1901

Of course, most prospects have a long path to the pros. Some have longer routes than others.

IMO, this year's draftees like Moberg and Teply showed some glimpses of great skill to go along with their size but they could easily be flashes in the pan.

Boon or bust prospects: could either be impact players in the NHL or never even come close to the big show.

I wish people would stop this narrative

He was playing OK, he wasn't their best dman, especially after he got hit a bit. If he would've stayed up all year, he would have shown his weakness when being roughed up, and teams would've been pounding him.

The board would have wanted him traded.

He showed talent, and I'm sure he will get better and will probably have a good career, but he wasn't their best dman.
- vabeachbear

https://chicago.suntimes....huts-down-star-opens-eyes

Coach Q

“He’s out there against top guys. He’s got a tremendous gap; he’s got quickness; he recovers well. He’s going to get better with his stick. He makes a lot of direct plays. He’ll get better in that area, recognize options offensively. But getting exposed to [those] type of assignments at this stage of his career is pretty flattering, but he’s handled it extremely well.”

Seabs
“He’s been great,” defenseman Brent Seabrook said. “I thought he was exceptional, the way he played. The way he’s able to skate and move, as a young defenseman, he makes a lot of smart plays. He’s good with the puck, confident with the puck, and he can shoot it.”

Keith
“He allows me to play my game, for one thing,” Keith said. “For 19 years old, he’s pretty poised. He’s a great skater, he’s good with the puck, makes smart plays, good defensively. Defense isn’t an easy position to break into, and he’s doing it like a veteran.”

Narratives

I wish people would stop this narrative

He was playing OK, he wasn't their best dman, especially after he got hit a bit. If he would've stayed up all year, he would have shown his weakness when being roughed up, and teams would've been pounding him.

The board would have wanted him traded.

He showed talent, and I'm sure he will get better and will probably have a good career, but he wasn't their best dman.
- vabeachbear

You would think he was going into the HOF along with Anisimov reading here

IMO I think they traded Joki cause they had him scheduled for Rockford, and the brass made the decision to turn Bovquist pro, they didn’t want them fighting for ice time in the Rock. They also have Mitchell that they are planning to sign right after his season ends this year.

See they just signed him
- vabeachbear

All first rounders will get signed...

Scott Powers on Nylander after the scrimmage...

“Alex Nylander has skill, looks the part in some ways and may succeed in time with the Blackhawks, but I still have no idea why the Blackhawks traded Henri Jokiharju for him.”


You and me both Scott. Also, Dach is a stud and Boqvist is already a better offensive player than Gustafson. Sell high on Gus and put Boquist in the lineup.

Dach gets the 9 game tryout no doubt. His skill with the puck is impressive.

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/10/29/18463545/blackhawks-rookie-defenseman-henri-jokiharju-shuts-down-star-opens-eyes

Coach Q

“He’s out there against top guys. He’s got a tremendous gap; he’s got quickness; he recovers well. He’s going to get better with his stick. He makes a lot of direct plays. He’ll get better in that area, recognize options offensively. But getting exposed to
- gazza53[those] type of assignments at this stage of his career is pretty flattering, but he’s handled it extremely well.”


Seabs
“He’s been great,” defenseman Brent Seabrook said. “I thought he was exceptional, the way he played. The way he’s able to skate and move, as a young defenseman, he makes a lot of smart plays. He’s good with the puck, confident with the puck, and he can shoot it.”

Keith
“He allows me to play my game, for one thing,” Keith said. “For 19 years old, he’s pretty poised. He’s a great skater, he’s good with the puck, makes smart plays, good defensively. Defense isn’t an easy position to break into, and he’s doing it like a veteran.”

Narratives
"We always say good things about the new young guys, the new additions and the the early drafted, because that it how our team sells seats and pays our salaries."


When was a presser where questions were asked about newbies answered with negativity?


Powers also said in the comments how the hawks wouldn't answer further questions on Henri's departure, refusing to go negative.

the NHL and it's professional handling of all matters.

You would think he was going into the HOF along with Anisimov reading here
- rpeters01

Not really, just to give up on a possible top 4 dman at 20 its foolish if you think you have an over abundance of them in your farm system. They do not grow on trees, correct me if im wrong but the Blackhawks system has not drafted one since 200(frank)ing5, when did we struggle to win a playoff series when Oduya was traded, then we struggled to make the playoffs when Nik was traded, Murphy is not a top 4 dman

Some here will say Nik was declining well when he's not playing with a top 4 dmen like Seabs like Keith their numbers just aren't as good. Niks declining is still better than Murphy who lacks hockey IQ

Joki might not be a top 4 but I'd rather take my chances with him than Nylander who couldn't even bury a shot against no name goalies

Scott Powers on Nylander after the scrimmage...

“Alex Nylander has skill, looks the part in some ways and may succeed in time with the Blackhawks, but I still have no idea why the Blackhawks traded Henri Jokiharju for him.”
You and me both Scott. Also, Dach is a stud and Boqvist is already a better offensive player than Gustafson.
- EnzoD

Maybe Kurashev, Entwistle, Nylander, Boqvist amd Beaudin get cups of coffee this season, but I think some are more likely to make the team next year. Dach is a given for next year if not this season. Then there will be Mitchell and lesser lights like Carlsson, Saarela, Hagel and Johnson knocking on the door in 20/21 too.

Would Stan and Colliton accept 5 or 6 rookies on the roster in 20/21? Then the next question is who do they replace? Next summer is shaping up as interesting as this summer.
- boilermaker100

Even more interesting if you like superlative young talent - hungry and improving talent!

Narratives
"We always say good things about the new young guys, the new additions and the the early drafted, because that it how our team sells seats and pays our salaries."


When was a presser where questions were asked about newbies answered with negativity?


Powers also said in the comments how the hawks wouldn't answer further questions on Henri's departure, refusing to go negative.

the NHL and it's professional handling of all matters.
- wiz1901

Hopefully Nylander pans out. He’s played 3 years in the AHL and didn’t stand out for good plays in the prospect scrimmage.


Dach is going to be a heck of player. Very very excited about him. Just dominant during the scrimmage. Hopefully he can play great at Traverse City and make the Hawks decision a tough one.

Scott Powers on Nylander after the scrimmage...

“Alex Nylander has skill, looks the part in some ways and may succeed in time with the Blackhawks, but I still have no idea why the Blackhawks traded Henri Jokiharju for him.”


You and me both Scott. Also, Dach is a stud and Boqvist is already a better offensive player than Gustafson. Sell high on Gus and put Boquist in the lineup.

Dach gets the 9 game tryout no doubt. His skill with the puck is impressive.
- EnzoD

I don’t mind Jokiharju being dealt, he wouldn’t have been my choice to go but I accept that not all of the defensive prospects would become Blackhawks. I’m just not sold on Nylander yet, but I’m willing to be patient and give him time to show us what he can do in a new organization. I fully expect Nylander to start in Rockford and get a callup or two during the season.

I agree that Dach gets 9 games, but I can’t say if he’ll stick or not. Next season he makes the team for sure (barring anything unforeseen).

My guess is that Boqvist spends the entire season in Rockford and replaces Gus next year.

Hopefully Nylander pans out. He’s played 3 years in the AHL and didn’t stand out for good plays in the prospect scrimmage.


Dach is going to be a heck of player. Very very excited about him. Just dominant during the scrimmage. Hopefully he can play great at Traverse City and make the Hawks decision a tough one.
- EnzoD

As far as the upcoming season goes, I wouldn’t put much stick into the performance so at development camp. Let’s wait until training camp starts to see how the prospects perform with more structure and better competition.

I don’t mind Jokiharju being dealt, he wouldn’t have been my choice to go but I accept that not all of the defensive prospects would become Blackhawks. I’m just not sold on Nylander yet, but I’m willing to be patient and give him time to show us what he can do in a new organization. I fully expect Nylander to start in Rockford and get a callup or two during the season.

I agree that Dach gets 9 games, but I can’t say if he’ll stick or not. Next season he makes the team for sure (barring anything unforeseen).

My guess is that Boqvist spends the entire season in Rockford and replaces Gus next year.
- DarthKane

Maybe he wanted to be traded because they didn’t agree on his developmental path.