Unsustainable
Bunch of Jerks
Jesus, goalie didn't even have a chance on that.
None, that was a laser.
Jesus, goalie didn't even have a chance on that.
During the world jrs in late december, they had the shooting contest where Saarela shot at 93 MPH. It's possible he's improved since then.
Incredible talent this guy has. Looking at his shooting skill, and skating, there's not much that 19-year-old Skinner had that he doesn't have right now at 19.
With hindsight, a 19-year-old Skinner makes any team's NHL roster. Saarela probably won't make this team's forward group this year, as mediocre as that group is likely to be. That means that the two aren't anywhere near the same level at similar ages.
I believe there's likely to be more competition for the spot we've gifted to Aho than some think. Gauthier, Saarela, maybe even Wallmark are all going to be pushing hard for a roster spot. And don't forget that Phil Di Giuseppe probably cemented his "call up" with his camp and pre-season play.
I believe there's likely to be more competition for the spot we've gifted to Aho than some think. Gauthier, Saarela, maybe even Wallmark are all going to be pushing hard for a roster spot. And don't forget that Phil Di Giuseppe probably cemented his "call up" with his camp and pre-season play.
If the "we" is we here on HF, I don't think we him gifted anything. The words coming from Peters and Francis have been pretty direct in that they think he'll be in the NHL this coming season so that's where it comes from. Of course, anything can happen, but I don't think there is as much competition as you think. To put it succinctly, while I'll never say never, I'll be very surprised if Gauthier, Saarela or Walmark are on the roster over Aho. I think PDG will likely be on the roster as well, unless he is victim of the numbers game.
With hindsight, a 19-year-old Skinner makes any team's NHL roster. Saarela probably won't make this team's forward group this year, as mediocre as that group is likely to be. That means that the two aren't anywhere near the same level at similar ages.
The "we" is both the fanbase and the team. I'm absolutely aware of Peters and Francis' comments. I'm also aware of just how excellent he's played for the last 14 months. My comment was more about the other kids who are going to be pushing hard.
PDG is the only roster player from last season who has options to go down to Charlotte and not face waivers. If the Goat or Aleksi, or Lucas outplay Aho (which may happen but I strongly doubt it) or at worst play well enough to get serious consideration. I believe Francis wouldn't be afraid to pull a minor trade that would open up a spot. But even with that said, I also think Aho will make the team, I'm still curious about those other guys given I think THEY believe they are ready.
It's gonna be an interesting camp.
Depending on how team Finland does in the World Cup, Aho may not even be here for much of training camp so it's going to be difficult for others to outplay him, per se.
I do agree though, it's going to be good to see all these guys pushing for a spot, I just think it's very unlikely anyone but Aho and PDG, of the guys you listed, are going to be on the opening night roster (injuries not withstanding).
Roy would also push for a spot like Gauthier, Saarela, and Wallmark. I agree all of those guys should be at least close to making the team if the org is open to it. The reason I don't think those guys are particularly likely to make the team is that the org will probably opt to not burn a contract year and let those guys continue to develop at the lower levels. It's too bad guys like Gauthier and Roy can't play in Charlotte this year because I think that would be the best place for them this year. Saarela too for that matter, but I expect he'll play for Lukko this year if he doesn't make the team.
BBA, I had forgotten the "calendar" thing but the gist of my point was that there are other guys who are going to be doing more that "going through the motions" and "showing for next year".
The real competition in my eyes could end up being between PDG, Bickell, and Stalberg for whatever role on the 4th line materializes. If Di Giuseppe has a camp like last season and/or shows like he did during last season, it is going to be tough to keep him out of the line up.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Jay McClement. He definitely slowed down and took a step back last season. The organization seem to be pretty high on Patrick Brown so he might have a say so in that 4C battle, but Brownie isn't much as faceoffs and that's going to be a requirement of anybody who boots Jay from his role. Perhaps Nordstrom and/or Nestrasil can be added to that mix as well, but I think Peters likes those guys with Jordan until something changes with that line's chemistry.
But even with my feelings about the Goat making a push to make the team, I think that contract situation will win out. It will be a frustrating year for Roy especially, who really came into his own this past season. I expect he'll get a hearty pat on the back and get sent back to the Q with the admonition of "keep fixing your skating".
Saarela probably will open eyes, but in the end I agree with other posters, he's got a very good chance to be a league-wide stud in Finland and that may do more for his overall development than anything at the moment.
In the end contracts are going to come into play, big time. While we don't face anything of a salary cap crunch, next season, things begin to happen regarding signing what appears to be some of our better young players. Nestrasil (who has arbitration rights), Teravainen, and Di Giuseppe will all be up for new deals. Having the youngsters' shoulder a "contract slide" year is in the overall best interests of the organization. Somebody is going to have to make it incredibly difficult to get sent back to juniors or to Europe for GMRF to commit to losing that extra contract year.
I don't feel one bit that Hanifin was rushed. He made it to the NHL as an 18 year old, and he was just ready for that assignment at age 18.
Countless scouts said that another year in college wouldn't do much for his development.
When he got drafted at the podium he already was coming with the NHL sized body & strength, the incredible skating ability, incredible hockey IQ, solid play making skills, and a decent shot, he had nothing to majorly improve upon like a lot of prospects do.
No he didn't blow the doors off. But he stepped in and looked extremely comfortable at the NHL level. That's so hard to do as an 18 year old defensemen!!
I have no doubt in my mind he's going to get a heck of a lot better
, I truly don't believe we stunted his growth.
Give him another 2-3 seasons and I truly believe he is going to be something special.
On that note don't believe the Canes factored in the possibility of Hanifin walking for free agency. He was ready to be in the NHL.