I know you weren't or still aren't too high on Poehling but do you really think Evans can be better? Not being snarky, genuinely asking. I haven't seen a ton of Evans but I just don't think he has the juice to his game that Poehling does. Surely you're being slowly swayed by some of these vids. He looks a lot more skilled than what many were saying.
For me it's just way too early to know what Poehling will be for us other then I like his chances to be an NHLer in time since he has a number of interesting qualities.
Having watched a lot of Evans since he was drafted, the big difference is physical. Evans was skinny, needed to work on his skating/speed, get stronger at the same age. Poehling already has the speed, skating, size, strength (not saying he doesn't need to improve there). Now Evans is a playmaker that is smart and hard working but skinny and not that strong based off last season as I haven't seen him yet but will get to see him several times. Poeling is also a playmaker but his defensive game and all round game are much further ahead of Evans at 18.
It's hard to guess where either will end up. For me I need to see how Evans looks in the AHL next year. I could easily see him in the NHL in 2 or 3 years, he's got a lot of interesting tools as he's great in the face-off circle, he works hard, is skilled, smart, has improved his skating/speed. Just needs to fill out and get stronger, then we have to see how his offensive game translates.
Poehling over the next two years should be very telling. What he does playing in maybe the best conference in the NCAA, playing for Team USA, how much his offensive game can develop as he's with a very good coach.
Just looked at our prospects production and saw that Evans is putting up a ton of points. I've never seen him play. Anyone watch him regularly? Does his production seem sustainable or has he been getting the bounces?
yes, have seen a lot of him. He's more of a playmaker, but he is one of those that can make his linemates better as he's smart and hard working. He knows what to do with the puck, he's not as gifted a playmaker as say Scherbak or Reway but he can play a solid two way game and if he gets stronger look out as he could be a legit top prospect for us.
Vejdemo could be having a bit of a breakout. As many points as he had all of last year already
I'd say so as it took him 10 games this year to score as many goals as he had all of last year. He's 1 away from his career high in goals.