Just finished watching the Wolves game against the Checkers, a 3-1 win. I've watched the last few games and thought I'd share my thoughts on a few players.
Firstly, Dunn. Every time I watch him I can't help but get excited. His play with the puck really reminds me of Duncan Kieth. He has a high hockey IQ and is a strong stickhandler, but also knows when to make the simple play. Both his wrist shot and slap shot are a consistent threat (although he seems to favor the wrister). He's great at doing fake shots and dekes to create room for himself and open up shooting lanes. Consistently makes smart and creative plays in all three zones. Good outlet passes, always keeps his head up and looking for a stretch pass to spring a rush the other way. Doesn't hesitate to join the rush.
I think his ceiling is higher than most on these boards realize. I see a lot of people saying #3-4D PP specialist, which just doesn't give him enough credit for his 5 on 5 play. I don't want to over hype him too much, but I can easily see him playing a more important role than that.
Next, Thompson. He has some great tools. Really hard shot, of which I'm sure most people are already aware. He's also a good stickhandler and protects the puck well with his big body. Also doesn't shy away from going to the dirty areas and engaging in board battles and pressing on the forecheck. From my 3 or 4 viewings, he's played better than his point total would suggest (1 point in 8 games). However, he's still pretty raw. He makes poor decisions with the puck sometimes, which is to be expected for a guy just out of college playing pro for the first time. He has a tendency to over-stickhandle and try to do to much. While I'm sure this worked for him often in college, he won't get away with is much in the AHL, and definitely not in the NHL. I'm hoping it's just a habit from college that will improve with experience and coaching.
Husso played a good game, stopping 29 of 30. Overall, just a very solid goalie. He plays a positional game and reads the play well. Good at fighting through traffic to see the puck. He'll be ready for back-up duty in the NHL soon. He's passed Binnington on the depth chart in my eyes.
Blais continues to play well. He had a great goal in the game today, beat his man 1-on-1 off the rush then roofed a shot glove side with little room to shoot at. Very impressive. He looks to be developing into a solid depth player for the Blues. He plays a really smart and skilled game, which would really fit a 3rd line role well. Always seems to play the right play. He's just a very smart and well-rounded player. He looks like a steal for a 6th round pick.
Agostino was pretty quiet today, Rattie played a good game (he looked faster than I ever remember seeing).
