Based on Verbeek's comments a few weeks ago, it seems like Baby Z and Mintyukov are a long way from NHL-ready D-men. No questioning their offensive chops and Baby Z is already a better skater than 20 guys on the current roster, but it's a hell of a jump from being a playmaker against kids in the OHL to having to actually play defense against grown men in the NHL and PV didn't make it sound like these kids were anywhere near NHL-ready on the defensive end. It actually sounded like Hinds is farther along in his own end than either Baby Z or Pavel. One of these guys might be on the opening night roster, but not all three. I think San Diego will start next year with some awesome D talent and those guys will be challenged to prove that they're NHL-ready.
Warren will still be junior eligible out of camp next year. I'd be surprised (in a good way) to see that he has progressed enough to be NHL-ready. He could be a big part of the team for a long time, but PV has been really clear that he's not going to rush any of the D prospects.
Helleson has played 40+ games now in SD and it looks like his game is starting to pick up. I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a shot in Anaheim after the trade deadline.
If they can sign LaCombe he'll be 22 when he goes to camp in September and he might have a shot at the opening night roster. Longer-term there's a logjam at LD. Mintukov is a lock, Baby Z is a game changer with his skating, Fowler isn't going anywhere, and Benoit, LaCombe, Thrun, Helleson, and Hinds all play on the left side. Nice problem to have.
Unfortunately I think we'll see another dumpster dive next summer to plug in placeholders around Fowler, Drysdale, Benoit and Vaakanainen until the young guys push the old guys out.
- hardenx
Forgot about Hinds... my bad.. dude was +9 last time I checked at WJ - Love his game also..
Warren looked good this yr and already has NHL body and pass.
If PM and Baby Z were in SD next yr I'm good with that. Both have nothing left to show in Jr. Luneau is another kid that I'm excited about.
I think the Ducks could roll with 4 or more rookies next yr.
Gaucher is a lock for me. Warren 70/30 - Hinds 50/50
Helleson and one of the SD Forwards.
According to the Ducks guys I play golf with Thrun is 50/50 he'll sign but they think Lacombe will probably be signed. LaCombe really enjoyed himself last summer during rookie camp while Thrun kept to himself. We'll know soon enough, I guess. No big deal with either of them, IMO. They're both going to be bottom-six D-men and with the way Zelleweger and Mintykov are playing, there might not be any room for them anyway. 