Jan Levine: Hughes vs. Kakko, who would you select and why An interactive blog

at this point If I was in Devils shoes, I'd take Kakko

they'd be crazy to pass

the past few days he's been the best player on the ice in games against NHL players, he's been pretty dominant

TSN's latest mock draft has Caufield 5th overall

https://www.tsn.ca/podkol...-mock-draft-3-0-1.1296254

It's win/win. The Devils are a lot more connected to Hughes, though, so I think they take that win over the other win.

With size, strength, skills and hockey sense in combination being critical in today's game, I would prefer Kakko landing here by a very close margin over Hughes. That due to his body size advantage and physicality, and in appearing at RW to have the confidence of one who is NHL ready to more than contribute offensively, plus accelerate their rebuild.

Imagine Kakko's potential should he further strengthen his body frame only in part to the tune of a Jaromir Jagr's regimen, which could make him become equally unstoppable at minimum, when advancing his way to the net with his great puck protection skills, strength, plus excellent hockey smarts and vision. That, on top of his great skating and speed, stick handling, offensive play making skills, plus defensive responsibilities he possesses which could also allow him as Hughes is, to play center if necessary.

Hughes projected as the #1 overall 2019 pick from prior to last June's draft, is no short of Kakko in offensive ability and skills, hockey sense, vision, and fearlessness, but rather only with his smaller body frame and body strength deficit in comparison. However, that would be of no issue if Hughes can add some muscle and upper body strength to his 4" shorter, 5'10" height than Kakko's 6'2" and stronger body frame.

The Rangers are in a win situation no matter which of those top two "falls" into their hands. And look no further than an Eric Lindros to see that size advantage coupled with great talent doesn't always work out in the end to its fullest expectancy, in a sport where just one unfortunate incident can limit one's ability and career potential.

It's win/win. The Devils are a lot more connected to Hughes, though, so I think they take that win over the other win.
- archromat

I really dont think the fact that Hughes has connections to the Devils should factor in

If I were a Devils fan and they were basing their decision on that it would piss me off

take the best player, period.

Beige Fischler thinks Devils should take Kakko

I really dont think the fact that Hughes has connections to the Devils should factor in

If I were a Devils fan and they were basing their decision on that it would piss me off

take the best player, period.
- jimbro83

Kakko is a much more polished product too. I’ve heard people say Hughes has a much higher potential because he hasn’t put everything together yet.

I just don’t see how people wouldn’t like Kakko better. This isn’t just a ready for the NHL level of player, by all accounts he’s a superstar game 1.

I have always been suspicious of the reasoning that made Hughes the overall choice as #1. Matthews went to Europe when he hit the crunch and realized that the US program did not offer the level of competition necessary to fill out his game. Hughes, on the other hand, continues playing a weak schedule. Can he excel in a tough physical environment?

Tough selection choice for the Devils.

Rangers probably have the more enjoyable position. Sit back and celebrate knowing you are going to get a very good player.

I really dont think the fact that Hughes has connections to the Devils should factor in

If I were a Devils fan and they were basing their decision on that it would piss me off

take the best player, period.
- jimbro83

After winning 1st pick in the Draft lottery a month ago, Ray Shero had put down any concerns others had with size as to possibly limiting Hughes' potential, and stated that "instincts was what you look for", in leading many to believe then that Hughes would be his preference. I wonder what he thinks one month later as to the instincts of Kakko after his success in Finland's two games played thus far in this IIHF Championship Tournament.

I have always been suspicious of the reasoning that made Hughes the overall choice as #1. Matthews went to Europe when he hit the crunch and realized that the US program did not offer the level of competition necessary to fill out his game. Hughes, on the other hand, continues playing a weak schedule. Can he excel in a tough physical environment?

Tough selection choice for the Devils.

Rangers probably have the more enjoyable position. Sit back and celebrate knowing you are going to get a very good player.
- spatso

Matthews only went to Europe to play because of his birthday. He graduated from the USNTDP but wasnt eligable for the NHL draft until the following season, so he had to go play a year in the NCAA, CHL, or over seas. Hughes' birthdate allows him to go straight from the program into the draft. If Matthews was born a couple months sooner he would've done the same that Hughes will do, just like if Hughes was born a couple months later he'd probably be going to play in the NCAA next season before being able to enter the draft

If grading on todays level of development its Kakko

BUT in long run Hughes as Top elite Talent ..Just not many around that play center

With the speed of game ,center has become the most pivotal position on the ice ,it has the most demand of solid 2 way skills needed ,as well as leadership qualities

What are Needs of teams ...
N J has Hall as an elite winger same position as Kakko
With Nico & Hughes ,they are building a Cindy & Gino replica show for years

NYR needs both a top center to work with Zbanajad or top scorer
We need both so either one fits like a glove

Feel so good to know ,Mgmt really cant mess this up....

I M O .. I want Kakko, i look at size and like most females admit.... SIZE MATTERS

I have always been suspicious of the reasoning that made Hughes the overall choice as #1. Matthews went to Europe when he hit the crunch and realized that the US program did not offer the level of competition necessary to fill out his game. Hughes, on the other hand, continues playing a weak schedule. Can he excel in a tough physical environment?

Tough selection choice for the Devils.

Rangers probably have the more enjoyable position. Sit back and celebrate knowing you are going to get a very good player.
- spatso

definitely, I'd rather be in this spot, 100%

If grading on todays level of development its Kakko

BUT in long run Hughes as Top elite Talent ..Just not many around that play center

With the speed of game ,center has become the most pivotal position on the ice ,it has the most demand of solid 2 way skills needed ,as well as leadership qualities

What are Needs of teams ...
N J has Hall as an elite winger same position as Kakko
With Nico & Hughes ,they are building a Cindy & Gino replica show for years

NYR needs both a top center to work with Zbanajad or top scorer
We need both so either one fits like a glove

Feel so good to know ,Mgmt really cant mess this up....

I M O .. I want Kakko, i look at size and like most females admit.... SIZE MATTERS
- NASHTYGUY

definitely, I'd rather be in this spot, 100%
- jimbro83

You say that now, but if you really think one is way above the other, I’d rather have #1 pick every time. At least we don’t have the third pick. Now that’s going to be a stressful decision.

I was full Hughes train but Kaako has certainly shown enough in the last two games to give me pause.

I know it's what have you done for me lately, but Hughes is still the guy who broke and shattered numbers in the U-18 program put up by other Americans like Matthews, Kessel and Keller. He passed Ovechkin for career points in the U-18 tournament.

Both players are going to be amazing it looks like. I'd still go Hughes but I'd certainly want see what happens the rest of the tournament.

You say that now, but if you really think one is way above the other, I’d rather have #1 pick every time. At least we don’t have the third pick. Now that’s going to be a stressful decision.
- 2sticks1puck

If I was picking 3rd, I'd be going Byram. At this point, I think he's a no brainer in that spot, especially for Hawks.

As a Devils fan NJ is in the tough position as they have to choose between two great prospects.

Hughes is extremely talented and considered number 1 for years; however, before th World Championships I wanted Kakko. The Devils have plenty of small skilled players who like to pass first. They need big players who shoot first to compliment that which is what Kakko does. Also Kakko is a right handed RW that can play center. Besides Palmieri our RW are playing the off wing (Bratt / Coleman / Wood). All of our centers are lefty too. The Wold championships have solidified my opinion so far.

Many in NJ are saying they are weak at center too.. This is true Hiescher is a first liner Zajac is a third liner. Zacha has not developed into a 2nd liner ar we hoped. He shows flashes but also has not been in a position to play with quality wingers that shoot. Kakko changes that.

Chances are NJ takesHughes and Kakko is scoring on us for years to come with the Rangers.

Personally want Kakko, but wouldn't be crying about getting Hughes.

If I was picking 3rd, I'd be going Byram. At this point, I think he's a no brainer in that spot, especially for Hawks.
- jimbro83

Yeah, I can see why the Hawks would pick him. Honestly, if I was 4th I’d want Caulfield. I still think he’s the most dynamic player in this draft.

Too bad World Championships didn't happen after draft!

I go from pissed when I think the devils take Kakko, then to elation when the Rangers end up with Hughes. I still cant believe the Rangers are getting one of these guys but I’d prefer Kakko

As a Devils fan NJ is in the tough position as they have to choose between two great prospects.

Hughes is extremely talented and considered number 1 for years; however, before th World Championships I wanted Kakko. The Devils have plenty of small skilled players who like to pass first. They need big players who shoot first to compliment that which is what Kakko does. Also Kakko is a right handed RW that can play center. Besides Palmieri our RW are playing the off wing (Bratt / Coleman / Wood). All of our centers are lefty too. The Wold championships have solidified my opinion so far.

Many in NJ are saying they are weak at center too.. This is true Hiescher is a first liner Zajac is a third liner. Zacha has not developed into a 2nd liner ar we hoped. He shows flashes but also has not been in a position to play with quality wingers that shoot. Kakko changes that.

Chances are NJ takesHughes and Kakko is scoring on us for years to come with the Rangers.
- Devils622

Kakko is LH shot

TSN's latest mock draft has Caufield 5th overall

https://www.tsn.ca/podkol...-mock-draft-3-0-1.1296254
- jimbro83

Damn Podkolzin is sinking like a stone

At this point, especially if the Rangers get Kakko, I so badly wanna trade up for Zegras

Damn Podkolzin is sinking like a stone
- Slimtj100

Let him sink to like 15 trade the 20th and the 2nd to move up and grab him