Random question as I was looking through CapFriendly.

Who would you rather have right now? Gaudreau, or Debrincat?

At 17th, my preference has lately been Zary, Lapierre, and Bourque as middle 6 center options with 2C potential. Each have excellent compete levels, defensively strong, and offense skill. Of course, each has their own drawbacks.

However, I am slowly warming up to Holloway, especially if I see descriptions like this (pulled from Powers' latest article in the Athletic; the quote is from a scout, not from Powers himself):

"He’s an unreal kid. He’s very humble and coachable. He has a big compete level. For Blackhawks fans, I’d compare him to being a powerful skater like Marian Hossa and smart like Jonathan Toews. His finish is getting better and will improve with maturity and confidence. He’s a great team player."

https://theathletic.com/2...source=emp_shared_article
- AEL_Fox

Holloway! I like him a lot.

I'm optimistic. Not that he wasn't already this year, but I think Kubalik is going to be a very nice surprise for the Hawks. The unfortunate part of the Hawks is that they have so many guys that are still so green and need to mature quickly.

I'm actually happy that ADB struggled this year. I think it will give him a better idea of what teams did to take him out of the game and what he needs to do to beat it. He seemed to play much better in the last two playoff games. Hopefully he takes that and runs. I really like that he doesn't back down and will run into opponents.
- Chunk

I agree with Kubs and Cat and honestly i thought Strome was doing a better job as each game went on in the series. Just for example Boqvist had the ability to get in the way of the forward just not the strength to neutralize them, not yet but that will come in time

At 17th, my preference has lately been Zary, Lapierre, and Bourque as middle 6 center options with 2C potential. Each have excellent compete levels, defensively strong, and offense skill. Of course, each has their own drawbacks.

However, I am slowly warming up to Holloway, especially if I see descriptions like this (pulled from Powers' latest article in the Athletic; the quote is from a scout, not from Powers himself):

"He’s an unreal kid. He’s very humble and coachable. He has a big compete level. For Blackhawks fans, I’d compare him to being a powerful skater like Marian Hossa and smart like Jonathan Toews. His finish is getting better and will improve with maturity and confidence. He’s a great team player."

https://theathletic.com/2...source=emp_shared_article
- AEL_Fox

I like that idea of grabbing a solid center who has a higher ceiling than just a 3rd or 4th line guy.
Would he be someone who could make the jump either next season or the year after ?

I'm optimistic. Not that he wasn't already this year, but I think Kubalik is going to be a very nice surprise for the Hawks. The unfortunate part of the Hawks is that they have so many guys that are still so green and need to mature quickly.

I'm actually happy that ADB struggled this year. I think it will give him a better idea of what teams did to take him out of the game and what he needs to do to beat it. He seemed to play much better in the last two playoff games. Hopefully he takes that and runs. I really like that he doesn't back down and will run into opponents.
- Chunk

Except for two games each both ADB and Kubalik struggled mightily in the playoffs.

I agree with Kubs and Cat and honestly i thought Strome was doing a better job as each game went on in the series. Just for example Boqvist had the ability to get in the way of the forward just not the strength to neutralize them, not yet but that will come in time
- BetweenTheDots

The way those three played I wasn't optimistic.

Holloway! I like him a lot.
- Tyler Cameron

I just started looking at prospects recently (because what else is there to do). Holloway seemed to stand outs a guy that does a lot of things well, and has some size/strength.

Holloway! I like him a lot.
- Tyler Cameron

Tyler just for fun, how would you grade overall and compare last years top picks that actually played this year?


Not to sound like a homer here but I think dach imo based on his ability with no training camp and his ability in the playoffs to really start to excel was the best player . I give him that because his maturity level and work ethic was very impressive

Except for two games each both ADB and Kubalik struggled mightily in the playoffs.
- rpeters01

Right. In their first experience in it. They both have things that they need to work on, but it's not like guys can't improve. I (we) know you don't hold ADB in high regard. I, however, believe he will be an important part of this team going forward.

Right. In their first experience in it. They both have things that they need to work on, but it's not like guys can't improve. I (we) know you don't hold ADB in high regard. I, however, believe he will be an important part of this team going forward.
- Chunk

I don't want to sound like I'm a cat basher. Last year the team overall was disappointing after a hard push to have a full training camp and some shoring up in free agency. Ok with that said maybe it was his new contract that not having to play for it he lost focus , but his production and detail of situations made him a huge setback . If he can correct some of those things like his offseason training might be a issue to consider .

If he has a bounce back season then it's a 1 off but if not I'd leave him unprotected .

Too bad Hawks out but I'm really looking forward to the Tampa , Boston series.

Right. In their first experience in it. They both have things that they need to work on, but it's not like guys can't improve. I (we) know you don't hold ADB in high regard. I, however, believe he will be an important part of this team going forward.
- Chunk

They both need the "good Bickell" type opposite them.

They both need the "good Bickell" type opposite them.
- rpeters01

For now...

At 17th, my preference has lately been Zary, Lapierre, and Bourque as middle 6 center options with 2C potential. Each have excellent compete levels, defensively strong, and offense skill. Of course, each has their own drawbacks.

However, I am slowly warming up to Holloway, especially if I see descriptions like this (pulled from Powers' latest article in the Athletic; the quote is from a scout, not from Powers himself):

"He’s an unreal kid. He’s very humble and coachable. He has a big compete level. For Blackhawks fans, I’d compare him to being a powerful skater like Marian Hossa and smart like Jonathan Toews. His finish is getting better and will improve with maturity and confidence. He’s a great team player."

https://theathletic.com/2...source=emp_shared_article
- AEL_Fox

After Zary led his team, he is probably gone before we choose. I have heard this is likely, but who knows even Askarov could be there. Some team will take Lundell. Some scouts are very high on him

Too bad Hawks out but I'm really looking forward to the Tampa , Boston series.
- HamiltonHawk

The Athetic site has writers big time going with Tampa all the way to the Cup. Not sure when Stamkos returns. Tampa might be too banged up to play well if they get to the Cup final?!..

I agree with Kubs and Cat and honestly i thought Strome was doing a better job as each game went on in the series. Just for example Boqvist had the ability to get in the way of the forward just not the strength to neutralize them, not yet but that will come in time
- BetweenTheDots

Given how many fans blasted Boqvist after the last playoff game, I will likely be in the minority for saying he played a stronger game defensively and on transitions in that game than all prior post-season contests.

In an interview between the game he was scratched and the last game of the playoffs, Boqvist did what he could to live up to what he stated he needed to work on defensively, i.e. played closer to his man, battled for pucks, and was in position more often than not.

Also, when he did have the puck, he moved it out of the zone quickly.

You can also tell how frustrated Boqvist gets when goals are scored on his shifts. Love the passion. Some label the expression on his face as fear by a rookie playing scared but I saw it another way.

It's also an example of these same players being 2 years younger in 2011 or 1 year younger and being outplayed by Canucks and Yotes. Those players got better with age and experience, if you squint enough there is talent on this roster just needs to mature
- BetweenTheDots

I agree there is talent on the team i would more balance

I like that idea of grabbing a solid center who has a higher ceiling than just a 3rd or 4th line guy.
Would he be someone who could make the jump either next season or the year after ?
- Taylorst1

The draftees who I see as able to make the jump to the NHL right away are Lafreniere, Lundell, and Rossi. Possibly Byfield.

Lafreniere is a no brainer as he is arguably the best 1st overall since Matthews in 2016.

Lundell is so strong defensively and has been able to play against men in the Finnish pros for two seasons.

Rossi already trains like a pro and is dedicated to that regimen.

Byfield seems similar to Dach, IMO, in that he may not gain much by staying in juniors but may have a significant learning curve if playing in the NHL right away.

Too bad Hawks out but I'm really looking forward to the Tampa , Boston series.
- HamiltonHawk

I'm looking forward to see how Vancouver handles Vegas. Van is young but I really like how Markstrom is playing.

My picks:

Colorado over Dallas
Vancouver over Vegas for the upset
Tampa over Boston
Philadelphia over New York

The draftees who I see as able to make the jump to the NHL right away are Lafreniere, Lundell, and Rossi. Possibly Byfield.

Lafreniere is a no brainer as he is arguably the best 1st overall since Matthews in 2016.

Lundell is so strong defensively and has been able to play against men in the Finnish pros for two seasons.

Rossi already trains like a pro and is dedicated to that regimen.

Byfield seems similar to Dach, IMO, in that he may not gain much by staying in juniors but may have a significant learning curve if playing in the NHL right away.
- AEL_Fox

You always come with a plethora of knowledge I love it. At 17 based on who you think might be available would be either ready next year or maybe the following year ?

Given how many fans blasted Boqvist after the last playoff game, I will likely be in the minority for saying he played a stronger game defensively and on transitions in that game than all prior post-season contests.

In an interview between the game he was scratched and the last game of the playoffs, Boqvist did what he could to live up to what he stated he needed to work on defensively, i.e. played closer to his man, battled for pucks, and was in position more often than not.

Also, when he did have the puck, he moved it out of the zone quickly.

You can also tell how frustrated Boqvist gets when goals are scored on his shifts. Love the passion. Some label the expression on his face as fear by a rookie playing scared but I saw it another way.
- AEL_Fox

Boqvist gets a grade of "incomplete" he's a Cub Scout playing against "Explorer Scouts." In two years he'll still be too young for an NHL Defenseman.

You always come with a plethora of knowledge I love it. At 17 based on who you think might be available would be either ready next year or maybe the following year ?
- Taylorst1

At 17th, "next year" is an awful big stretch...

You always come with a plethora of knowledge I love it. At 17 based on who you think might be available would be either ready next year or maybe the following year ?
- Taylorst1

Thanks for the good words. I just read a lot and scour the internet for anything and everything related to prospects.

To answer your question, none really stand out as being able to play in the NHL next year or really even in 2021-22 either.

I'm sure there will be some surprises either way.

Well ok then, Walsh stepping it up:

That was a helluva shot by Mackinnon!