IMO we should have kept our mouth shut about adding a goalie prospect, now every team knows that, i hope we leapfrogs couple of teams in the 2nd rd to get our guy.
This interview with Barzal says Philly was one of the teams that showed the most interest in interviews, but didn't he say the Flyers didn't interview him?
http://www.thenownews.com/sports/barzal-calm-in-eye-of-nhl-draft-storm-1.1972896
Yes he did in a video interview. Either the author got it wrong or Barzal is off his rocker.
Appleyard, could you give some information on novak? I'm very unfamiliar with him.
I have only seen highlight videos (as he is a USHL guy) alongside reading quite a bit on him but I have quite liked him most of the year. (had him at #27 in my top 60 in March.)
What jumps out is him stick-handling, good skating (very elusive) and vision, as well as how quickly he sees the game play out offensively. He also seemingly works hard all the time and is decent on D. He really needs to shoot more as he has a good wrister.
I have seen him described as the kind of guy who the puck follows round the rink.
I think he has the ability to be a playmaking ~70 point NHLer if he pans out... his offensive ability seems very impressive. Also I think he is pretty 'safe'as he could be a decent 3C with his skillset, he is close to 6'1 but only 180lbs, once he fills out he will be no-where near small.
In another draft he would likely be taken around 20 overall... but tbh he likely goes 25-40 in this draft.
Also, while listed as a C he can play LW, I don't think that many people know that but he did in high school at times and on the national programme at times.
Remember you said that.
The Hockey News ranked Peter Forsberg 25th when the Flyers surprised people by taking him 6th overall. They wanted to make sure they got him. I wouldn't say that ended up a mistake.
Granted, that's an extreme example.
But I think Red Line Report ranks Guryanov 8th or something like that, saying if he played Canadian junior he'd be a top 10 lock.
And from what I've seen, he is an INSANE talent.
His ceiling is through the roof.
I'm on record as being a Barzal guy, and after that Connor, Konecny, and Crouse. I'd love to get one of them AND Guryanov by trading up from 29. That would be ideal.
But I'm really not sure I'd risk missing Guryanov to take one of them instead. That's how much I like what I see from Guryanov.
(I think it's probably a moot point, because the Flyers seem hesitant to take Russians early, as evidenced by their ranking of Nichushkin.)
I quoted you to express that I enjoyed your mixed metaphor. You aren't in construction, are you?
On Guryanov, I'd be very pleased if he fell to 29. Take the home run swing rather than a safe choice like Carlo.
On Guryanov, I'd be very pleased if he fell to 29. Take the home run swing rather than a safe choice like Carlo.
Button compared him to Kreider last night on NHL Network. At #29 there wouldn't really be much of a risk as you're typically waiting on kids in that range for a while anyway.
The risk I mentioned is Guryanov remaining in the KHL.
My final top 100:
The risk I mentioned is Guryanov remaining in the KHL.
My ideal scenario:
McDavid to the Oil
Eichel to Buffalo
Arizona goes Strome
The rumors of the Leafs' interest in Provorov is true and they take him
The rumors of the Canes' interest in Crouse is true and they take him
Devils see Hanifin sitting there and have him ranked the 3rd best player in the draft, and so decide they have to take him.
Marner is ours!
IMO we should have kept our mouth shut about adding a goalie prospect, now every team knows that, i hope we leapfrogs couple of teams in the 2nd rd to get our guy.
I understood you. My point was that in the back half of the first round you're typically waiting on kids in regards to cracking your lineup for a while regardless of what league they're coming out of. So the risk is lessened especially in a situation like the Flyers where they're already selecting beforehand in the top 10.
another heads up. Craig Button's Mock draft is on tonight at 730 pm on TSN.