Aren't you the first to say people shouldn't overvalue WJC hockey? Or does it make it matter more since its in August.
- Santo_44

I think there's a combination of both things here: Don't overvalue WHC hockey (Cody Hodgson is going to be a star! Steve Downie is the next Darcy Tucker! Turris is an elite playmaker; Gabriel Bourque is a 5th round steal!), but you can look at a lot of things there that give you an idea - how well does the player react against true peer players. A lot of guys rack 'em up against Latvia, Austria, Slovenia, and so on - but how do they fare when a tougher defensive opponent clamps down? How do they look on the defensive side? I find when I watch it's little things that will stand out when they are playing the best teams if you're trying to guess about their future - and even that is totally a crapshoot.

But the other side is that we can't get too high on Knies. He's big and physical and we need more of that, but he's also 19. He will very likely get his look at the end of the year, but if he Abruzzese's all over the place - it doesn't mean anything more than he needs more time to acclimate.

Only when it isn't the Leafs prospects. I'm a massive Thrashers homer.
- AdamFrench

I mean. Patrik Stefan had 1 goal and 1 assist in 7 games and was -5 in the WJC. How did you guys not notice that he completely sucked? Douglas Murray was drafted 240 spots later, in the 8th round, and had a more auspicious career!

I'm so mad, I'm gonna kick this soapbox I'm standing on over!

I think there's a combination of both things here: Don't overvalue WHC hockey (Cody Hodgson is going to be a star! Steve Downie is the next Darcy Tucker! Turris is an elite playmaker; Gabriel Bourque is a 5th round steal!), but you can look at a lot of things there that give you an idea - how well does the player react against true peer players. A lot of guys rack 'em up against Latvia, Austria, Slovenia, and so on - but how do they fare when a tougher defensive opponent clamps down? How do they look on the defensive side? I find when I watch it's little things that will stand out when they are playing the best teams if you're trying to guess about their future - and even that is totally a crapshoot.

But the other side is that we can't get too high on Knies. He's big and physical and we need more of that, but he's also 19. He will very likely get his look at the end of the year, but if he Abruzzese's all over the place - it doesn't mean anything more than he needs more time to acclimate.
- Monkeypunk

I am high on the player, 5 games of WJC is whatever. Neimela has been whatever compared to his last stint and his high end play in Finland all last year.

Hirvonen has been one of the better players in the tournament. When you look at all 3 Hirvonen is the 3rd best prospect 10 times out of 10.

We'll see what he does in December. And if he scores a goal a game its the same thing...he is a top player for a top WJC team and the ice time will either reward him points or it wont and 5 games can go either way.

Bottom line is I don't care about this tournament, especially in August.

Also about Sandin...I see him getting traded.

He can maybe argue Lil took a couple hundred thousand less than he is worth but that's it really, they both are valued as the same right now and he should take 2x1.5M.

If not? Find him a new home he isn't good enough to hold out like this.

I think there's a combination of both things here: Don't overvalue WHC hockey (Cody Hodgson is going to be a star! Steve Downie is the next Darcy Tucker! Turris is an elite playmaker; Gabriel Bourque is a 5th round steal!), but you can look at a lot of things there that give you an idea - how well does the player react against true peer players. A lot of guys rack 'em up against Latvia, Austria, Slovenia, and so on - but how do they fare when a tougher defensive opponent clamps down? How do they look on the defensive side? I find when I watch it's little things that will stand out when they are playing the best teams if you're trying to guess about their future - and even that is totally a crapshoot.

But the other side is that we can't get too high on Knies. He's big and physical and we need more of that, but he's also 19. He will very likely get his look at the end of the year, but if he Abruzzese's all over the place - it doesn't mean anything more than he needs more time to acclimate.
- Monkeypunk

I think that’s the distinction. Leaf fans have him on the first line this year while management are likely very interested in giving him a look on the team depending on how his year goes.

Either way, he’s still the Leaf’s top prospect right

I think that’s the distinction. Leaf fans have him on the first line this year while management are likely very interested in giving him a look on the team depending on how his year goes.

Either way, he’s still the Leaf’s top prospect right
- Canada Cup

Nope

Niemela 🥇

RHD are in high demand

Nope

Niemela 🥇

RHD are in high demand
- mr.sir

We’ll find out in a month or so when Mike gets to the big reveal. Excitement builds

I am high on the player, 5 games of WJC is whatever. Neimela has been whatever compared to his last stint and his high end play in Finland all last year.

Hirvonen has been one of the better players in the tournament. When you look at all 3 Hirvonen is the 3rd best prospect 10 times out of 10.

We'll see what he does in December. And if he scores a goal a game its the same thing...he is a top player for a top WJC team and the ice time will either reward him points or it wont and 5 games can go either way.

Bottom line is I don't care about this tournament, especially in August.
- Santo_44

Obviously when you see special players, they set themselves apart - like Crosby in 2004 when he was 16. They played him in protected situations, but you could see he was that much better than the older kids who were getting more ice than him. McDavid in 2013 was maybe a little less noticeable, if I recall. Like I remember expecting a lot more from him - but the next year we saw him a number of times when Erie played in Guelph, Mississauga or . . . maybe Hamilton if the Bulldogs were an OHL team then (but again I digress) - and you could see the separation between what he did and everyone else.

I recall watching Matthews in his first WJC as an underager, which was supposed to be "Eichel's team", and I was really underwhelmed by Eichel, but I was really impressed by Matthews' poise and handling of the puck - as a 16 year old, he just seemed so calm - like the game was slower to him. Larkin or Milano - one of the smaller faster guys - was really their star, but the guy I noticed _that_ year was Matthews.

Sometimes the WJC is very telling; stats aren't the thing though. It's how composed were they? Did they make panic plays? How did they stand up to equal competition? Are there elements that stand out positively and negatively? Are they easily pushed off the puck and all that same crap we all know to look for - but against crap teams, you'll never see it. I don't know. I didn't get to see much of the US this time around, and I guess we'll see more in December.

I will totally grant that as young players learn, grow adapt and can be both significantly better or worse than they showed at the WJC as competition gets harder and as they, as people, adapt to the challenges for the better or worse.

Obviously when you see special players, they set themselves apart - like Crosby in 2004 when he was 16. They played him in protected situations, but you could see he was that much better than the older kids who were getting more ice than him. McDavid in 2013 was maybe a little less noticeable, if I recall. Like I remember expecting a lot more from him - but the next year we saw him a number of times when Erie played in Guelph, Mississauga or . . . maybe Hamilton if the Bulldogs were an OHL team then (but again I digress) - and you could see the separation between what he did and everyone else.

I recall watching Matthews in his first WJC as an underager, which was supposed to be "Eichel's team", and I was really underwhelmed by Eichel, but I was really impressed by Matthews' poise and handling of the puck - as a 16 year old, he just seemed so calm - like the game was slower to him. Larkin or Milano - one of the smaller faster guys - was really their star, but the guy I noticed _that_ year was Matthews.

Sometimes the WJC is very telling; stats aren't the thing though. It's how composed were they? Did they make panic plays? How did they stand up to equal competition? Are there elements that stand out positively and negatively? Are they easily pushed off the puck and all that same crap we all know to look for - but against crap teams, you'll never see it. I don't know. I didn't get to see much of the US this time around, and I guess we'll see more in December.

I will totally grant that as young players learn, grow adapt and can be both significantly better or worse than they showed at the WJC as competition gets harder and as they, as people, adapt to the challenges for the better or worse.
- Monkeypunk

I've watched Finland a few times but I have not seen any other games, I haven't seen Knies play once. I did watch him in the olympics where I was very impressed, he was one of the best players in both games I watched.

I know one thing is for sure and he has one of the best releases in the tournament, why wasn't he scoring with it? I have no idea. Was he utilized for it on the PP? Was he just off with it? Zero clue because I haven't paid attention to USA's tournament one bit.

I've watched Finland a few times but I have not seen any other games, I haven't seen Knies play once. I did watch him in the olympics where I was very impressed, he was one of the best players in both games I watched.

I know one thing is for sure and he has one of the best releases in the tournament, why wasn't he scoring with it? I have no idea. Was he utilized for it on the PP? Was he just off with it? Zero clue because I haven't paid attention to USA's tournament one bit.
- Santo_44

I agree with that - you have to be able to watch, because you can't assess anything from the stats in this tournament. Their usage, their line mates, their role, and even the way they are played and matched up in a short tournament affect a lot of things. And just like you - I saw no US games this time around. I'm still working from home, so I'll have games on in the background, but I actually don't face a television, so I have to go out of my way to look at it; if a game sounds exciting and I'm not occupied, I'll watch for a bit.

The only takeaway I have from this WJC at the moment is that I expected more from Bedard. I have almost no doubt that he'll be a star at the NHL level, but I'm not sure he's been as dominant in some of the areas that I expected him to be (like with the puck in transit; crafty passing; overall speed). He definitely looked better at Christmas (to a point about August hockey: when he was in game shape, and not summer shape).

Wasn't he supposed to be on our first line?
- AdamFrench

Its funny that some thought he would just jump on our top line.
Chill expectations people.

Shayna
@hayyyshayyy
Sounds like one of the top UFAs of this summer, Nazem Kadri, is finally getting off the market 👀

my sources say he he either signing with the Leafs or another team

Sounds like 7x7.5m for Kadri....Good on Kadri for making money but use your (frank)ing head Lou

Edit:Nope to CGY

Sounds like 7x7.5m for Kadri....Good on Kadri for making money but use your (frank)ing head Lou

Edit:Nope to CGY
- Santo_44

Lou’s going to be pissed when he gets up

Lou’s going to be pissed when he gets up
- Canada Cup

Good he didnt sign Kadri but he has made a mess of that team regardless and hasn't done anything this offseason.

His best move was not giving Kadri 7 years when they already have too much money tied up to players who will be 35 with 5-7M deals.

my sources say he he either signing with the Leafs or another team
- senstroll

Looks like its the flames
If so, theyve come out on top after the tkachuk situation.
Dubas take note, in case this occurs for any leafers.

Sounds like 7x7.5m for Kadri....Good on Kadri for making money but use your (frank)ing head Lou

Edit:Nope to CGY
- Santo_44

That would be a huge overpay. Any report on money, I havent seen it.

Sean Monahan could be on the move

new blog everyone

That would be a huge overpay. Any report on money, I havent seen it.
- Archaic

No report on contract yet

Looks like its the flames
If so, theyve come out on top after the tkachuk situation.
Dubas take note, in case this occurs for any leafers.
- Fakepartofme

Replacing Tkachuk with Kadri is not a win. One player is 24 and the other is 32. And Kadri did not just drink from the fountain of youth.

They lost a star 1st line winger for a good 2C who only has a few seasons left before declining.

Looks like its the flames
If so, theyve come out on top after the tkachuk situation.
Dubas take note, in case this occurs for any leafers.
- Fakepartofme

the same calgry flams that nazeen didnt want to be trade to?

Replacing Tkachuk with Kadri is not a win. One player is 24 and the other is 32. And Kadri did not just drink from the fountain of youth.

They lost a star 1st line winger for a good 2C who only has a few seasons left before declining.
- Santo_44

It is a win when you include they got Huberdeau and Weegar.
Tkafack out
Kadri
Hub
Weeagar in

the same calgry flams that nazeen didnt want to be trade to?
- senstroll

Apparently.

Treliving did well considering the sitch

Flames now my 4th favourite team 👍