Dach was known as a plus skating big centerman that was a 200 ft player but never put up points. Kinda kid who barely put up 2 shots per game and IIRC wasn't too close to being a pt per game player in jrs. ....... He's developed into the same as an NHLer but even less offense.

Barkov was kinda of a can't miss blue chipper 2 way centerman with size and considerable skill but despite that his best attribute was/is his IQ. Two yrs playing pro in the top FIN league, 3 WJC's and every FIN international tournament as a younger kid (dual nationality RUS/FIN) he went 2nd after McKinnon in 2013. https://www.eliteprospect...r/50044/aleksander-barkov

The difference as 17/18 yr olds predraft between Lindstrom and those two players? For me simply said Lindstrom is an explosive quick twitch athlete that the other two aren't. All 3 big, all 3 can skate, all 3 are centerman, Dach didn't show offense but Barkov and Lindstrom did except Lindstrom is a quick twitch/explosive athlete and a better athlete than Barkov and Dach.

Barkov was the better prospect, in fact a dream prospect. Success as a pro at 17 and 18 yrs old, success in many many international showings, could skate, score and dish, played center, was big and showed a high IQ. A dream prospect........... Lindstrom is the better athlete, does that give him a higher ceiling?
- Mr Ricochet

How does Lindstrom compare to Slavkovsky and Byfield? If they were in the same draft, how would you have the 3 ranked?

Lindstrom has three flags to consider, he came out of nowhere this season, there are questions about his high end hockey smarts and his health (back problems).

Demidov plays against lower end competition, his skating is in question and of course the Russian factor.
- paulr

those are 3 big flags to me, especially the back. That young, that big, with potential back problems cannot be drafted #2.

Assuming docs will know, but that'd take him off my draft board at #2

those are 3 big flags to me, especially the back. That young, that big, with potential back problems cannot be drafted #2.

Assuming docs will know, but that'd take him off my draft board at #2
- vabeachbear

I agree, however until you know exactly what the back issue is, you cannot make a decision. Maybe it was muscular related, and he’s fine, or maybe there’s structural damage, then it’s a no go. If there are no back issues, I’d take Lindstrom. Big centers that can skate and shoot don’t fall off of trees.

Skinner looked like Sodabloom trying to control a rebound on that goal.

Oilers used up all their energy in the 1st period.

Man, the Stars really leaving Oettinger out to dry a lot in this start so far. These conference finals on both sides have some good hockey.
- breadbag

Well, that game turned around fast. Deboer must have been screaming the paint off of the walls in that locker room.

Well, that game turned around fast. Deboer must have been screaming the paint off of the walls in that locker room.
- Dieselhead

Yeah, wow, so fast. I think the game is far from a done deal with these teams.

Yeah, wow, so fast. I think the game is far from a done deal with these teams.
- breadbag

The Stars are good at hockey. Oilers getting a few key saves by Skinner, should be a fun finish.

those are 3 big flags to me, especially the back. That young, that big, with potential back problems cannot be drafted #2.

Assuming docs will know, but that'd take him off my draft board at #2
- vabeachbear

Id rather have them teach Demidov how to skate then deal with a player with any sort of back injury history.

There will be some very good prospects available in the top 10. Drafting at #2 you're looking for a game-breaker and not just someone who is very good. There are lots of guys KD could settle on, but it sounds like Demidov is the next best game-breaker after Celebrini.
- DarthKane

Agree

Id rather have them teach Demidov how to skate then deal with a player with any sort of back injury history.
- SaskHawkFan

A question raised is, can Demidov learn how to skate differently?

And, How many years until (is it) strain on an area near or knee itself will cause serious injury?

I haven’t seen a definitive answer to these questions. I do feel that KD is not going to gamble with one if not the last of his really early first round picks. As the team likely improves we may not even be in the lottery but one more season. I would have my scouts weigh in on someone like Yaremchuk and Buium if we are able to move up to around tenth overall.

Looking ahead in the playoffs I see Dallas vs probably NYR but Florida could possibly upend the Blueshirts

The way Dallas leaves Ottinger out to dry I can see Dallas trying to come back and loosing a game or two due to their falling behind like that.

How about the NYR in Cup final or even winning it all with Gus on defense

Holy cow

A question raised is, can Demidov learn how to skate differently?

And, How many years until (is it) strain on an area near or knee itself will cause serious injury?

I haven’t seen a definitive answer to these questions. I do feel that KD is not going to gamble with one if not the last of his really early first round picks. As the team likely improves we may not even be in the lottery but one more season. I would have my scouts weigh in on someone like Yaremchuk and Buium if we are able to move up to around tenth overall.
- jhawk59

I wish I understood the intricacies of skating like others here. Cause i watch what is available to me on the internet, and all i see in Demidov is someone who skates by and around most he's playing against. I understand its the MHL (I am curious what league that would compare to in NA), but his MHL stats are better than most of the Russians you're familiar with in the NHL.

And we're questioning when his knee injury will happen in the future because of his skating? I'd be much more worried about a big center with a history of an actual back injury.

I wish I understood the intricacies of skating like others here. Cause i watch what is available to me on the internet, and all i see in Demidov is someone who skates by and around most he's playing against. I understand its the MHL (I am curious what league that would compare to in NA), but his MHL stats are better than most of the Russians you're familiar with in the NHL.

And we're questioning when his knee injury will happen in the future because of his skating? I'd be much more worried about a big center with a history of an actual back injury.
- vabeachbear

I don’t know anything about Demidov’s skating issues and if there’s a chance for potential injury? Quite frankly I’ve never heard of that. He was playing in an inferior league, most players of his caliber are in the KHL. The reason he apparently wasn’t playing for his St. Petersburg KHL team was because he refused to sign an extension past next season and demoting him was ‘punishment’. That suggests Demidov is targeting the NHL sooner rather than later. But the earliest he’s available is the 25/26 season. Will his KHL team continue to stop him from playing next season? If so will they allow him out of his contract?

That said if Lindstrom is deemed healthy, his back injury isn’t chronic, I still think KD selects him.

I don’t know anything about Demidov’s skating issues and if there’s a chance for potential injury? Quite frankly I’ve never heard of that. He was playing in an inferior league, most players of his caliber are in the KHL. The reason he apparently wasn’t playing for his St. Petersburg KHL team was because he refused to sign an extension past next season and demoting him was ‘punishment’. That suggests Demidov is targeting the NHL sooner rather than later. But the earliest he’s available is the 25/26 season. Will his KHL team continue to stop him from playing next season? If so will they allow him out of his contract?

That said if Lindstrom is deemed healthy, his back injury isn’t chronic, I still think KD selects him.
- paulr

If Michov is getting out of his, and Demidov isn't going to sign an extension, and St. Pete is going to leave him in the MHL as punishment, then they may let him out for cash. Most picks don't go from drafted to NHL so not sure what the big deal is about another year in at home. Hell Toews didn't come straight to the league

A question raised is, can Demidov learn how to skate differently?

And, How many years until (is it) strain on an area near or knee itself will cause serious injury?

I haven’t seen a definitive answer to these questions. I do feel that KD is not going to gamble with one if not the last of his really early first round picks. As the team likely improves we may not even be in the lottery but one more season. I would have my scouts weigh in on someone like Yaremchuk and Buium if we are able to move up to around tenth overall.
- jhawk59

I guess the better question is... does he have to? Yes, his skating is different. I'm sure everyone and their mother knows this by now especially opposing teams/players/coaches. If it was truly a flaw or weakness, wouldn't someone have exploited it already, or is there no one in the MHL who can even keep up with him at this point?

I wish I understood the intricacies of skating like others here. Cause i watch what is available to me on the internet, and all i see in Demidov is someone who skates by and around most he's playing against. I understand its the MHL (I am curious what league that would compare to in NA), but his MHL stats are better than most of the Russians you're familiar with in the NHL.

And we're questioning when his knee injury will happen in the future because of his skating? I'd be much more worried about a big center with a history of an actual back injury.
- vabeachbear

Not sure it was because of his skating, but...

On the other hand, Demidov dealt with a knee injury this season — although Hawks general manager Kyle Davidson has said he doesn’t believe that will be a long-term issue — and has an unusual skating style.

“I don’t think it’s necessarily a speed issue; his speed is OK,” Peters said. “It’s whether he has the ability to separate. He has kind of a jerky stride. He can sometimes over-rely on his edgework instead of [moving] north-south.”

Not sure it was because of his skating, but...

On the other hand, Demidov dealt with a knee injury this season — although Hawks general manager Kyle Davidson has said he doesn’t believe that will be a long-term issue — and has an unusual skating style.

“I don’t think it’s necessarily a speed issue; his speed is OK,” Peters said. “It’s whether he has the ability to separate. He has kind of a jerky stride. He can sometimes over-rely on his edgework instead of
- Chunk[moving] north-south.”

A jerky stride is irrelevant, Duncan Keith wasn’t exactly the smoothest or prettiest skater but that didn’t hold him back. I’d be curious why he relies on his edges and isn’t inclined to play a north south game. Does he lack top end speed? Is he inclined to a perimeter game? Is it just his style? I’ve seen very few clips of his overall game, just highlights.

KD and staff could be really scratching their heads on this pick. Maybe they are finding flaws in each of the leading candidates.

Demidov - skating? level of competition? Russian factor?
Lindstrom - Narrow window of elite play (1/2 season before wrist injury)?, hockey IQ?, back injury?
Levshunov - Stock seems to have been falling recently for whatever reason?

Is there an outside chance he drops down a few spots? Maybe Montreal if they are in love with any of these three. #2 for #5, a young prospect ready for the NHL, and either #28 or Montreal's 1st next year. Hawks still get a good player at #5 - Catton, D!ckinson, Buium among the choices

I don’t know anything about Demidov’s skating issues and if there’s a chance for potential injury? Quite frankly I’ve never heard of that. He was playing in an inferior league, most players of his caliber are in the KHL. The reason he apparently wasn’t playing for his St. Petersburg KHL team was because he refused to sign an extension past next season and demoting him was ‘punishment’. That suggests Demidov is targeting the NHL sooner rather than later. But the earliest he’s available is the 25/26 season. Will his KHL team continue to stop him from playing next season? If so will they allow him out of his contract?

That said if Lindstrom is deemed healthy, his back injury isn’t chronic, I still think KD selects him.
- paulr

Public Service Announcement....

If they draft a Russian who has to play another season in a Russian junior league before POSSIBLY coming to North America, the Board of Doom will freak out, even some who want the team to draft said Russian.

A jerky stride is irrelevant, Duncan Keith wasn’t exactly the smoothest or prettiest skater but that didn’t hold him back. I’d be curious why he relies on his edges and isn’t inclined to play a north south game. Does he lack top end speed? Is he inclined to a perimeter game? Is it just his style? I’ve seen very few clips of his overall game, just highlights.
- paulr

More from the Pope article on Demidov:

“The shot, the stickhandling ability, the passing ability, the hockey sense are all very high-end,” Peters said. “His skating is average, but his ability to process the game offensively with some creativity can make him a potential gamebreaking player.

“Demidov gives the opportunity to get a player that’s not [exactly] an equal to Bedard but a comparable running mate, which is what makes him an attractive option at No. 2.”

The 5-11, 181-pound, 18-year-old right winger absolutely dominated the Russian junior league this season, racking up 88 points in 47 games during the regular season and playoffs combined. His ability to maneuver effectively through traffic stands out on his highlight reels, which are something to behold.

His skill set would complement Bedard well. He’s not a high-volume shooter like Bedard, Peters said, but more of a playmaker. He’s also eager to forecheck and drive the net, which could create more possession time and space for Bedard.

I found this on a reddit blog regarding Demidov. Some no name blogger is the source. To me it looks AI generated so take it for what it's worth.

"Demidov's skating is characterized by irregularities; while he exhibits great power on his edges, his transitions suffer due to a wide stance, leading to questionable but explosive pivot work. Despite this, his rapid acceleration and agility enable him to navigate through traffic seamlessly, while his powerful stride generates significant momentum, making him a constant threat in transition. Let’s clear up a misconception; Demidov is not a bad skater. He’s got decent speed, a good handle on body control, power on the inside of his edges and with quick crossovers, etc. His posture and stance need work, but this is something that looks completely fixable at the NHL level. It doesn’t require a rebuild of his skating style, rather a retool that can utilize his edgework as a base. Instead of hunching over at the end of a shift and losing speed and energy, Demidov can rely on quicker small movement cuts on for rapid movement and longer, albeit slower strides while holding himself higher to preserve energy while covering distance. While the 10 and 2 skating that Demidov employs isn’t conventional, it allows him to see a good deal of the ice, and when in close provide breaking speed towards the play. Fixing the reliance on 10 and 2 also offers faster top level skating and easier quick pivoting in a 200ft game, rather than a longer turn. Again, his skating is unorthodox – but it isn’t bad. It’s not mechanically sound, but it can be polished to a high level without a large amount of concern. Because of how unpredictable his skating is now, scouts across the board acknowledge that it potentially even grants an advantage as his body is harder to read."

Edit - Here's the complete reddit article.

https://www.reddit.com/r/..._for_2_that_never_should/

I found this on a reddit blog regarding Demidov. Some no name blogger is the source. To me it looks AI generated so take it for what it's worth.

"Demidov's skating is characterized by irregularities; while he exhibits great power on his edges, his transitions suffer due to a wide stance, leading to questionable but explosive pivot work. Despite this, his rapid acceleration and agility enable him to navigate through traffic seamlessly, while his powerful stride generates significant momentum, making him a constant threat in transition. Let’s clear up a misconception; Demidov is not a bad skater. He’s got decent speed, a good handle on body control, power on the inside of his edges and with quick crossovers, etc. His posture and stance need work, but this is something that looks completely fixable at the NHL level. It doesn’t require a rebuild of his skating style, rather a retool that can utilize his edgework as a base. Instead of hunching over at the end of a shift and losing speed and energy, Demidov can rely on quicker small movement cuts on for rapid movement and longer, albeit slower strides while holding himself higher to preserve energy while covering distance. While the 10 and 2 skating that Demidov employs isn’t conventional, it allows him to see a good deal of the ice, and when in close provide breaking speed towards the play. Fixing the reliance on 10 and 2 also offers faster top level skating and easier quick pivoting in a 200ft game, rather than a longer turn. Again, his skating is unorthodox – but it isn’t bad. It’s not mechanically sound, but it can be polished to a high level without a large amount of concern. Because of how unpredictable his skating is now, scouts across the board acknowledge that it potentially even grants an advantage as his body is harder to read."

Edit - Here's the complete reddit article.

https://www.reddit.com/r/..._for_2_that_never_should/
- boilermaker100

I think that is text to speech captioning from a video or something

I don't think the Lindstrom back issue is anything to be alarmed about. He's probably grown 2 feet in the last few years.

I'd think it is more an issue of growing super fast, not having the best strength base and needing to spend some time in the weight room to strengthen up a bit and some yoga or whatever to get some mobility. Sounds like he's in the gym 5 days a week and skating 3 for a normal summer routine.

If his back was a big issue they'd be resting it not doing at least 8 training sessions \ week.

Hockey buzz can rest easy… i will NEVER buy a thing from Chicos. Most annoying pop up.