As promised, here are some of my thoughts on the play in the first three games. Unfortunately I was not able to see the last game, but I believe that I got a pretty good idea on the how the guys were doing overall. This is not about whether they scored or not, it is more about how they looked. I am going to do this in two posts, so I don't lose the whole thing if it blows up midstream.
Duclair--what an explosive, exciting player. He is a gamebreaker in the making. The most offensively talented on the team, but will need to learn to take advantage of almost every chance he has (for the most part he was snake bit this tournament). Has a very good release, and can be sneaky, just needs confidence and experience. He is not ready for pro play, needs to get stronger, but in a year or two, watch out. Between Duclair and Buchnevich, there should be some offensive excitement coming in the next few years.
Hayes--big and powerful, Hayes has talent and vision; should be a third line center in the NHL this year, but I feel that he may need to adjust a bit to pro play before being really NHL ready. Got better and better over the course of the tournament and he may actually raise his level and show at training camp, playing with experienced guys, that he could fit in now. Played on a very good line with Duclair and Haggerty and it took him awhile to use them properly.
Haggerty--One of my favorites at this tournament. He has pro size and strength and thinks the game very well. When he gets the puck on his stick he goes to the net. He has a good release and reads the goalie's positioning very well. Smart player, who should be a top competitor for a bottom six role this season.
Tambellini--looks further away from pro play than I thought. Not very good on faceoffs. Did get one game winner, but I just did not see much from him. Very raw; needs much more time to develop.
McCarthy--did not tweet much about him during the tourney, but he is a very good defensive forward. Excellent on the PK, good character kid. I did not see much offense from him, but he could surprise in the AHL.
Nicholls--did well in this tournament, but I still don't see him as more than an AHL player. He is already 22 and has a bit of upside, maybe a late bloomer?
Kantor--There were times I liked him and others when I just wanted to throw my hands up in the air. Just don't see the consistency or upside necessary to move forward.
