Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 
Forums :: Blog World :: Jan Levine: Would you be disappointed if Hughes not Kakko is the Rangers’ pick?
Author Message
2sticks1puck
New York Rangers
Location: The not quite neutral zone
Joined: 01.31.2019

May 15 @ 9:43 AM ET
yeah, I didn't think Howden was bad defensively

for a young kid, his 48.4% faceoff winning percentage not too bad either in his rookie season

- jimbro83


We will see I guess. Both guys underlying numbers were really bad, but Lias started way more in the defensive zone than Howden
jmatchett383
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Newark, DE
Joined: 03.09.2010

May 15 @ 9:47 AM ET
That's a good point. The thing that would give me pause with Hughes is with a #1 pick I want someone who can play day 1 in the league at a high level. Calling Hughes a project is a disservice to him, but there are people saying he needs to improve x,y,z to succeed in the league.

With Kakko, it looks like by all accounts he will be a superstar the moment he walks in the league, not saying that Hughes won't, but Kakko is way more polished. I also think the center vs wing argument is slightly overrated. Ovechkin vs Crosby and Hall vs Seguin are still legitimate arguments in this league. Obviously it is easier to win with just solid wingers than solid centers, but a franchise cornerstone raises you no matter what position they play.

- 2sticks1puck


I think both will be very good, if not great, players barring any significant injuries. Kakko looks like Laine; very big, strong, with pro experience. Hughes looks like...idk, maybe Tavares or Stamkos. I wouldn't put him on the Crosby/McDavid pedestal, but just one notch down. Both Tavares and Stamkos did have a learning curve and only decent rookie seasons, but became legit superstars.

So I agree that Kakko may have the bigger impact from day 1, but I think that Hughes will be the better player long-term.
jmatchett383
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Newark, DE
Joined: 03.09.2010

May 15 @ 9:48 AM ET
I think it would be Lias who wins. Lias is much better defensively than Howden (though not a high bar to clear), I think he would have more utility as a PK and grinder than Howden has. Howden doesn't really have the offensive prowess yet to trump that, but he was thrown to the fire last year.
- 2sticks1puck


Lias didn't come here to be 2nd.
mdw7413
New York Rangers
Location: I would rather see a dudes hairy balls than his hairy feet-Jimbro
Joined: 12.13.2013

May 15 @ 9:48 AM ET
We will see I guess. Both guys underlying numbers were really bad, but Lias started way more in the defensive zone than Howden
- 2sticks1puck


If I had to compare them right now I would say Howden could be a Hayes type player without the puck handling skills, and Andersson reminds me of Fast. Slower but plays hard but isn't all that skilled. They are still pretty young so things could change, but from what I have seen so far Howden looks like he has the higher ceiling.
Pete V
New York Rangers
Location: Troy, MI
Joined: 05.16.2007

May 15 @ 9:59 AM ET
On the quality of competition issue, there is no doubt that Kakko played consistently against higher a level of competition in the Finnish league. But, one thing that never gets mention is that Jack Hughes played in 10 games or so against Division I NCAA teams last year with the USA U18 team. Not only did they win several of those games (including against Michigan), but I believe Hughes had 13 points (2 goals/11 assists) in those games.

I think they are both going to be great in the league. I think Hughes is going to be absolute stud and, there is absolutely 0% chance I would be disappointed if the Devils took Kakko. Hughes is elite.
blueshirts_fan
New York Rangers
Location: NY
Joined: 01.28.2012

May 15 @ 10:00 AM ET
Yup. I think it would be Howden. I'm not giving up on Andersson but I really haven't seen much

-MDW

I agree with this (frank)ing quotes not working
2sticks1puck
New York Rangers
Location: The not quite neutral zone
Joined: 01.31.2019

May 15 @ 10:01 AM ET
Lias didn't come here to be 2nd.
- jmatchett383


I really wish he would become good, to me he has captain level fire. He just doesn't have captain level skill. I loved him throwing the medal. Yeah, it was pouty and immature, but I want my players pissed over finishing second. To use a Philly comparison, it was great seeing Embiid in tears over the loss. If he was indifferent, I'd almost want to trade him that instant.
2sticks1puck
New York Rangers
Location: The not quite neutral zone
Joined: 01.31.2019

May 15 @ 10:04 AM ET
If I had to compare them right now I would say Howden could be a Hayes type player without the puck handling skills, and Andersson reminds me of Fast. Slower but plays hard but isn't all that skilled. They are still pretty young so things could change, but from what I have seen so far Howden looks like he has the higher ceiling.
- mdw7413


If Lias is Fast, everyone should agree we majorly whiffed there, though that draft isn't looking particularly great in general as a whole.

I can see the Howden Hayes comp. I think like Hayes, Howden will be kind of the crafty player who will be successful with smarts and slippery playmaking.
mdw7413
New York Rangers
Location: I would rather see a dudes hairy balls than his hairy feet-Jimbro
Joined: 12.13.2013

May 15 @ 10:04 AM ET
Yup. I think it would be Howden. I'm not giving up on Andersson but I really haven't seen much

-MDW

I agree with this (frank)ing quotes not working

- blueshirts_fan


When the quotes don't work you have to go back out and then come back in and then they usually work. Seems to happen on the 1st page of new blogs for whatever reason.
2sticks1puck
New York Rangers
Location: The not quite neutral zone
Joined: 01.31.2019

May 15 @ 10:06 AM ET
Yup. I think it would be Howden. I'm not giving up on Andersson but I really haven't seen much

-MDW

I agree with this (frank)ing quotes not working

- blueshirts_fan


For the record, I like Howden too. Just note that after his hot start, Howden and Lias were practically the same guy the second half of last season. I do know that the coach gave Lias 58% defensive zone starts last season.
mdw7413
New York Rangers
Location: I would rather see a dudes hairy balls than his hairy feet-Jimbro
Joined: 12.13.2013

May 15 @ 10:06 AM ET
If Lias is Fast, everyone should agree we majorly whiffed there, though that draft isn't looking particularly great in general as a whole.

I can see the Howden Hayes comp. I think like Hayes, Howden will be kind of the crafty player who will be successful with smarts and slippery playmaking.

- 2sticks1puck


Yeah, it would be a whiff, but I don't think anyone in that general area is really lighting it up. I mean a lot of people wanted Vilardi and that dude has a spine made of paper mache
TommyGTrain
New York Rangers
Location: Part of NJ where its Taylor Ham not pork roll
Joined: 05.19.2017

May 15 @ 10:06 AM ET
I think we all already feel like Kakko is ours and have envisioned a long career of him


- jimbro83



Like the jersey, but I thought Kakko would get # 20.
tomburton99
New York Rangers
Location: NYR distrust, NJ
Joined: 07.13.2009

May 15 @ 10:09 AM ET
Jan Levine: Would you be disappointed if Hughes not Kakko is the Rangers’ pick?
A crazy question two months ago may not be one now...

- airjan23

Meh, to either one.
jimbro83
New York Rangers
Location: Lets Go Rangers!, NY
Joined: 12.25.2009

May 15 @ 10:09 AM ET
Like the jersey, but I thought Kakko would get # 20.
- TommyGTrain


TPC gonna kick you
TommyGTrain
New York Rangers
Location: Part of NJ where its Taylor Ham not pork roll
Joined: 05.19.2017

May 15 @ 10:12 AM ET
TPC gonna kick you
- jimbro83



Nah, he's just gonna crush on a younger player.
Slimtj100
New York Rangers
Location: Panarins NYC apt
Joined: 03.04.2013

May 15 @ 10:20 AM ET
Idc either way, very excited for either one. We’ve planned on Kakko so I think that’s what will feel weird, having to all the sudden hate him haha

I think fans are making more of this tourney then they should in saying Kakko is the better pick. This tournament is kinda silly with bad teams and not the best players in the NHL all playing. It’s a good barometer but I think the previous year of play should outweigh the next couple weeks in the Worlds

I’ll say Hughes fits in more as a center need, but never can have to many wingers.

In 5 weeks we get one of them so that’s really all that matters
JRR1285
New York Rangers
Location: Coach's decision, PEI
Joined: 02.21.2008

May 15 @ 10:23 AM ET
Idc either way, very excited for either one. We’ve planned on Kakko so I think that’s what will feel weird, having to all the sudden hate him haha

I think fans are making more of this tourney then they should in saying Kakko is the better pick. This tournament is kinda silly with bad teams and not the best players in the NHL all playing. It’s a good barometer but I think the previous year of play should outweigh the next couple weeks in the Worlds

I’ll say Hughes fits in more as a center need, but never can have to many wingers.

In 5 weeks we get one of them so that’s really all that matters

- Slimtj100



HAH! That's what you think!
Harambe
Columbus Blue Jackets
Location: Cincinatti Zoo - Gorilla Enclosure, OH
Joined: 07.28.2016

May 15 @ 10:23 AM ET
Yeah, it would be a whiff, but I don't think anyone in that general area is really lighting it up. I mean a lot of people wanted Vilardi and that dude has a spine made of paper mache
- mdw7413

Let's fill it up with candy and smash him with sticks
Harambe
Columbus Blue Jackets
Location: Cincinatti Zoo - Gorilla Enclosure, OH
Joined: 07.28.2016

May 15 @ 10:24 AM ET
HAH! That's what you think!
- JRR1285

TommyGTrain
New York Rangers
Location: Part of NJ where its Taylor Ham not pork roll
Joined: 05.19.2017

May 15 @ 10:25 AM ET
I don't think we lose either way at #2 overall ---- Hughes or Kakko. Could either of them be a bust? Possibly, but unlikely.

The only thing that concerns me with Hughes, is that everyone projects him to get better when he grows larger. That's not always the case with every athlete. Could Hughes be the next Brian Lawton? If he is, then EVERYONE was wrong and you can't fault a team for that.

Could Kakko become the next Pat Falloon? Unlikely. The only worry I have for him is will such a young European kid get overwhelmed by the bright lights of New York.

This is going to be so much fun, watching/comparing these 2 while they play just miles apart!
TPC
New York Rangers
Location: Bucks County, PA
Joined: 01.18.2008

May 15 @ 10:26 AM ET
Like the jersey, but I thought Kakko would get # 20.
- TommyGTrain

you are dead to me
JRR1285
New York Rangers
Location: Coach's decision, PEI
Joined: 02.21.2008

May 15 @ 10:27 AM ET
you are dead to me
- TPC



Slimtj100
New York Rangers
Location: Panarins NYC apt
Joined: 03.04.2013

May 15 @ 10:28 AM ET
HAH! That's what you think!
- JRR1285

NY Knights
jmatchett383
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Newark, DE
Joined: 03.09.2010

May 15 @ 10:28 AM ET
I really wish he would become good, to me he has captain level fire. He just doesn't have captain level skill. I loved him throwing the medal. Yeah, it was pouty and immature, but I want my players pissed over finishing second. To use a Philly comparison, it was great seeing Embiid in tears over the loss. If he was indifferent, I'd almost want to trade him that instant.
- 2sticks1puck


I loved his emotion and disappointment, I just think the actual throwing of the medal was immature (granted, he was what, 19?) and uncalled for. But yeah, you want your players to not be happy with anything less than #1.
Slimtj100
New York Rangers
Location: Panarins NYC apt
Joined: 03.04.2013

May 15 @ 10:29 AM ET
I don't think we lose either way at #2 overall ---- Hughes or Kakko. Could either of them be a bust? Possibly, but unlikely.

The only thing that concerns me with Hughes, is that everyone projects him to get better when he grows larger. That's not always the case with every athlete. Could Hughes be the next Brian Lawton? If he is, then EVERYONE was wrong and you can't fault a team for that.

Could Kakko become the next Pat Falloon? Unlikely. The only worry I have for him is will such a young European kid get overwhelmed by the bright lights of New York.

This is going to be so much fun, watching/comparing these 2 while they play just miles apart!

- TommyGTrain


Very much like Darnold and Barkley, with way less publicity
Page: Previous  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50  Next