Willy's issues weren't made up, as much as they were an extension of his dad moving him from team to team and micromanaging. Everyone got to see that first hand when Sauga catered to him by hiring him to be the assistant so they could get Alex. Sauga would have loved to have had Alex back, but not the expense of dealing with Michael for another year.
I really advise anyone who wants Merkley to go watch 5 full games of him. He has good gifs and box-score. I'm not a plus minus fan, but the guy is a -69 over 2 full years in the OHL, and its absolutely reflective of his play and effort defensively.
He liked to control the puck too much and played a bit of a selfish game. Mainly where he would take the puck and skate around in circles til he saw a great pass or shot, which didn't endear him to teammates. But most of the issues were his dad's making.ok but what you describe there aren't willy's issues are they? calling him a diva because his dad was/is too hands on is making up IMO. His Dad was the diva wanting to play on a line with him and shifting him around everywhere.
Luke Henman, an excellent late round pick. His faceoff % was through the roof after a very slow start. Finished close to 51% on the season. Needs to gain about 40 pounds but had a pretty good season.
Luke Henman
I want a center because when Freddie Gauthier is your top center prospect that is a problem that must be fixed.
I agree it is, BUT we have Matthews (20) and Kadri (27?) as top 2 c's Nylander can fill in for one of those 2 unless he moves to C full time and then our top 3 C's are 21,22 and 28 next year. As for 4C there are so many you can sign for not much more than the cost of an ELC anyway, but we also have Aaltonen (who is ahead of Gauthier imo). I think we should definatley target a couple in the draft but I don't think we need to go out of our way
Think people are underrating Brooks, the kids been near PPG since given more time with Johnsson's absence. I think he easily becomes our 3rd C, or good 4C if Nylander plays C
..If all he becomes is a 4th C then he's not needed those are easy to find.
Think people are underrating Brooks, the kids been near PPG since given more time with Johnsson's absence. I think he easily becomes our 3rd C, or good 4C if Nylander plays C
Some of these rankings I don't understand at all. Bernard-Docker at 23? Barrett Hayton at 12? Kupari over Kotkaniemi? Tkachuk at 4? Boqvist at 9? I also really am not a big fan of Serron Noel. The only thing I can really say I like about this list is that they did the right thing and removed Merkley from the first round.ISS top 31 for April. They still haven't boarded the Kravtsov hype train but Martin Kaut is up to 17 in their rankings.
ISS Hockey Releases ISS Top 31 for April, Rankings of the Top Prospects for 2018 NHL Draft - ISS Hockey
If Akil Thomas is still on the board at our selection, I'd find it hard to pass him up.
I'm getting Matt Barzal-lite vibes from him.
man I was watching Merkley's highlight and he is sooo good.
I really hope we take a chance on him. I heard he has attitude issues but so what? Who knows what goes on behind the scenes? There is always 2 sides to the story
ISS top 31 for April. They still haven't boarded the Kravtsov hype train but Martin Kaut is up to 17 in their rankings.
ISS Hockey Releases ISS Top 31 for April, Rankings of the Top Prospects for 2018 NHL Draft - ISS Hockey
He liked to control the puck too much and played a bit of a selfish game. Mainly where he would take the puck and skate around in circles til he saw a great pass or shot, which didn't endear him to teammates. But most of the issues were his dad's making.