So you are telling that just because someone is doing really well in juniors he can´t be special? .
- MjulQvist

To be considered a shoe in for a number 2 pick in an NHL level draft... yes. I am saying I got no idea why some talking heads pretend that it is a fait accompli - because the numbers they're responding to are meaningless.

I know exactly what CKA is - as well as what CKA-1946 is. Essentially I view the KHL as more comparable to the AHL in terms of what it is. And that might be too complimentary. Also know what UCKA is as well - nevermind the lesser lights in that league that don't have big money backing -but essentially end up being a version of a lot of teams playing the Washington Generals' role to a couple of Harlem Globetrotters teams.

Only structurally is it comparable to the NHL in terms of league hierarchies- overall comparable talentwise -it is far closer to the AHL - and not necessarily top end for the vast majority of teams.

The thing about the K - since for awhile they had a thing about promoting their players' 'extraordinary scoring prowess' - they showed me one too many videos of goalies giving up unscreened goals on shots coming from the redline - I never saw really awesome shots there so much as goalies that weren't really that up to it.

I don't think they would ever do it, as they have totally moved on, but I'm slowly moving into the I'd sign Kane camp.

Too much thrown at the wall for me to be conversive thru a keyboard but it all comes down to legit questions on will Demidov come, like any prospect will the skills we've seen v Russian Jrs and no international play translate, how is he medically, are there personality issues and on and on of the normal stuff then all the funk of being in Russia............ That's why I think there is too much risk to use a #2 on with all the excellent choices that are there and would not draft Demidov. You must hit on this pick for the rebuild to reach its ceiling, but the problem is Demidov is the best option for that to happen. That's ok, I see a freakish centerman and 4 legit possible top pairing Dman that will get me to that ceiling with a helluva lot less risk.

But as far as on the ice to my eye, and the mainstream's, people who are paid to make rankings lists, Demidov is a clear cut stud. Vs jrs players I saw a Datsyuk level freak. .... I believe 90-95% of NHL franchises have Demidov as #1 or #2 on their rankings list and that's saying something with all the fantastic Dmen and Lindstrom available.

And no Wiz, NHL franchises who's mortgage is paid by some entity in the NHL do not draft players based on Dobber's list, McKenzie's or yours or mine.
- Mr Ricochet

Since San Jose is definitely tanking - could you see them taking the Russian first since they can wait the year for him to come over, get another top 2 (probably) pick next year and then be in a pretty good place talent wise in 3 or 4 years and probably not sucking in 5?

Obviously they can do the same thing with Celebrini and either send him back to the NCAA or just let him get his ass kicked for a year in the NHL. Even Fantilli didn't burn anything down and he had at least some NHL talent around him so without a lot of help I wonder how good of an idea it is to throw him to the wolves.

Or they don't have capital like the Hawks so they really have to maximize their picks. Maybe they'd be willing to move that Pittsburg one (14) for another second and 4th this year for Toronto's first next year.

And IMO we aren't hearing the other Russian's, Siliyev, enough but will come closer to the draft. IMO he has near as freaky skills as Demidov. This 6ft 7in kid skates better than anyone that big ever and better than 90% of 6 footers. There is simply no comparable for Siliyev. He's 1 of 1.

His skating, reads and reach cause havoc in all 3 zones and his KHL success this yr is record breaking. ..... I'd listen to your argument that he is the best prospect in this draft long term.

Look what Chara did and he couldn't skate!!
- Mr Ricochet

Sounds Ovechkin like 👍

I don't think they would ever do it, as they have totally moved on, but I'm slowly moving into the I'd sign Kane camp.
- vabeachbear

I'm not sure Kane is in that camp. Why play for a team that likely won't make the playoffs?

After watching this, I wouldn't mind bringing Toews back as a part time 4th liner to train Bedard in leadership if he needs it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co4RRKjCBT4&t=625s

Wiz another question without the injuries with Lindstrom would you take him over the Russian.
- Scott1977

I would

imo Hawks draft the levashov
- Scott1977

"As good 'a guess as anybodies..."

Or a different defender.

The CHL-NHL Agreement was put into place decades ago. The reason was the CHL by 10 miles was the #1 feeder league for the NHL and it's solvency is very important to the NHL.
- Mr Ricochet

I see the USHL player planning on to college after the are successful with being drafted by a team they may prefer to play on, getting to play alongside Bedar even for a few shifts in a game. He continues playing and attending his classes and decides one the improvement period, he decides IF he wants to play for the team that drafted him, continue the college hockey route and declare free agenct in August.

Edm finally beat Van in a game this year....

Remember when everyone was crazy about Drouin and his video clips.
- BetweenTheDots

I guess Yzerman was crazy about video clips in Tampa when they drafted him 3rd overall? It is hard to predict how good these young players will eventually be. I know Demidov is not a sure thing but the potential is very appealing. I don´t know who they are going to pick but if it is Demidov, Levshunov, Silayev or someone else they think he is the best choice. Doesn´t matter what I think or want.

There is a reason why Demidov is second in many rankings. I´m gonna be ok with anyone who they pick. If it is Eiserman I have hard time to comprehend.

I guess Yzerman was crazy about video clips in Tampa when they drafted him 3rd overall? It is hard to predict how good these young players will eventually be. I now Demidov is not a sure thing but the potential is very appealing. I don´t know who they are going to pick but if it is Demidov, Levshunov, Silayev or someone else they think he is the best choice. Doesn´t matter what I think or want.

There is a reason why Demidov is second in many rankings. I´m gonna be ok with anyone who they pick. If it is Eiserman I have hard time to comprehend.
- MjulQvist

What is your evaluation of Finnish boy K. Helenius as a prospect?

I guess Yzerman was crazy about video clips in Tampa when they drafted him 3rd overall? It is hard to predict how good these young players will eventually be. I now Demidov is not a sure thing but the potential is very appealing. I don´t know who they are going to pick but if it is Demidov, Levshunov, Silayev or someone else they think he is the best choice. Doesn´t matter what I think or want.

There is a reason why Demidov is second in many rankings. I´m gonna be ok with anyone who they pick. If it is Eiserman I have hard time to comprehend.
- MjulQvist

Yzerman is just a fallible as any other GM in the league. He is not a god.

What is your evaluation of Finnish boy K. Helenius as a prospect?
- RickJ

His IQ stands out. I think he is one of the underrated prospects this year. He already plays pro style hockey. I see Anton Lundell like player in him. His coach Olli Jokinen has praised him a lot and thinks he is ready to play in NHL next season.

Yzerman is just a fallible as any other GM in the league. He is not a god.
- wizardofi

Like no one else ever missed out on top picks.

His IQ stands out. I think he is one of the underrated prospects this year. He already plays pro style hockey. I see Anton Lundell like player in him. His coach Olli Jokinen has praised him a lot and thinks he is ready to play in NHL next season.
- MjulQvist

Sign me up, Lundell is a fine player but not at the 2 slot.... He is underrated. Helenius played 33 games in Finland's top league 2 yrs ago and 51 this yr putting up 36 pts. No small feat. 3 WJC's and a World Cup https://www.eliteprospect...er/796075/konsta-helenius

I'm intrigued by that Hemming kid. Big boy has some speed and wants to go to the net.

Helenius is kind of a safe pick. No the highest ceiling but with a high floor. Don´t see him as a first line player in NHL but reliable second or third line center. So because of that I wouldn´t use either second overall pick in him but if I was picking in 5-10 he is someone to consider.

The 18 year old draft changed many things about Canadian junior hockey. Prior to that it was a 20 and under league where kids might not even make a team until they were 19. Great competitive hockey at that time.

Apart from the obvious academic advantages of the college route, there are downsides to the 30 game a year full face shield league. It still has a long way to go in developing top flight pros. And the real good players leave school after a year or 2.
- RickJ

Rick, the NCAA is by far the very best amatuer league in the world. Much much better than any Major Junior league. Rick, the Powers, Fantillis, Celebrinis and many Canadians are following their path. Before it was Canadian kids who would be middle 6 or 3rd liners that went the NCAA route now the cream of the cream are leaving.... It is a huge threat to Major Junior.

Anyway, look at the age of the players and how many drafted ALREADY for Denver's championship squad. https://www.eliteprospect...team/2034/univ.-of-denver

U of Michigan. https://www.eliteprospect...eam/803/univ.-of-michigan

Boston U https://www.eliteprospect....com/team/633/boston-univ.

Now look at some Major Junior to compare and contrast to the NCAA.

Powerhouse London of course flush. But no 21-22-23-24 yr olds like an NCAA roster. https://www.eliteprospect...m/team/206/london-knights

They're playing Oshawa in the OHL Championship and whipped em in Game 1 8-1. https://www.eliteprospect.../team/873/oshawa-generals

Kitchner who made the final 4 in the OHL playoffs. https://www.eliteprospect...eam/870/kitchener-rangers


Portland v Moose Jaw in the WHL Finals. Game 1 was so good I never turned the sound up on the EDM @ VAN game tonight, both games started at 9:00.

Portland. https://www.eliteprospect.../749/portland-winterhawks

Moose Jaw. https://www.eliteprospect...am/672/moose-jaw-warriors


It ain't close anymore, brah. The NCAA has many more NHL draft picks on their rosters and have 21-22-23-24 yr olds mixed in...... Look at Slaggert, who's skill set probably has him top out as an NHL 3rd liner. Kid came straight into the NHL with tons of good habits, poise, maturity and strength from yrs of NCAA where he had more film time, practice time, strength training against better competition than any kid outa Major Junior. ...... A big attraction for NHL organIzations.

Major Junior is still a big player anmd of course has a big seat at the table for prospects but the USHL has had more kids drafted 7-8 yrs in a row than the Q and goes toe to toe with the OHL for kids drafted outa their league. The USHL has a minimum 50 kids from a 15 team league drafted every yr.

Like no one else ever missed out on top picks.
- MjulQvist

Exactly

Since San Jose is definitely tanking - could you see them taking the Russian first since they can wait the year for him to come over, get another top 2 (probably) pick next year and then be in a pretty good place talent wise in 3 or 4 years and probably not sucking in 5?

Obviously they can do the same thing with Celebrini and either send him back to the NCAA or just let him get his ass kicked for a year in the NHL. Even Fantilli didn't burn anything down and he had at least some NHL talent around him so without a lot of help I wonder how good of an idea it is to throw him to the wolves.

Or they don't have capital like the Hawks so they really have to maximize their picks. Maybe they'd be willing to move that Pittsburg one (14) for another second and 4th this year for Toronto's first next year.
- fattybeef

Fatty, if the Sharks covet Demidov over Celebrini my guess is they would try and trade down to get a decent haul than to take the Russian at #1. ..... But, watching Bedard take his lumps on a roster devoid of talent, like SJ's is now, they just might keep him at BU and go full tank mode again next yr.

But, if they took Celebrini along with Smith they have a nice looking 1-2 punch at center for the next decade. ...... And, Celebrini has a lotta Toew's like traits in that his compete is crazy and he's a 200 ft drag your team into the fight kinda player and probably has a higher offensive ceiling than Johnny.

Just watched the highlights of Slovakia vs Germany. Some blast from the past names were playing

Dominik Kahun
Marko Dano

Reichel wasn’t in the lineup. Not sure if he’s there or not. I read an article that said he was.

Just watched the highlights of Slovakia vs Germany. Some blast from the past names were playing

Dominik Kahun
Marko Dano

Reichel wasn’t in the lineup. Not sure if he’s there or not. I read an article that said he was.
- Chunk

US lost 5-2 to Sweden. There were two EN goals. Jones played mostly with Werenski, and Vlasic with Jeff Petry. Both ended with an assist. Vlasic was +1 Jones was even (and Jones is wearing an “A”).

Bedsy with Bunting and Paul. Stadium is packed for GB vs Canada. Bedsy with two goals after two periods. He isn't doing any cellys on his goals.

Bedsy with Bunting and Paul. Stadium is packed for GB vs Canada. Bedsy with two goals after two periods. He isn't doing any cellys on his goals.
- wizardofi

Old school, act like you’ve scored before, I like that. I wish younger players would start the non celly again.

I guess Yzerman was crazy about video clips in Tampa when they drafted him 3rd overall? It is hard to predict how good these young players will eventually be. I know Demidov is not a sure thing but the potential is very appealing. I don´t know who they are going to pick but if it is Demidov, Levshunov, Silayev or someone else they think he is the best choice. Doesn´t matter what I think or want.

There is a reason why Demidov is second in many rankings. I´m gonna be ok with anyone who they pick. If it is Eiserman I have hard time to comprehend.
- MjulQvist

I just have to ask how much video is there of him out there? Is there much available or, and is it about the stats he put up as well? I'm just curious

It seems like his videos are limited.

No doubt his game enhanced by playing with teammates like those 2, who's wouldn't? He was a 100 goal man in 3 years of junior at 16,17 and 18 before going to Michigan.

So don't underestimate Hyman, he goes to the paint, scores nifty goals, uses the body, team guy. I'd rather be paying him $5.5M for results than what AA, Hall and Foligno deliver.

And right about now the Leafs had they kept him would definitely rather be paying him that instead of Marner and Tavares $.

And worth mentioning - drafted 123rd overall.
- RickJ

Im not underestimating him, just stating the obvious that his numbers would be well off not playing with those two. Would love him on the hawks.