Watched a couple U18 games. Was not impressed with Clarke, particularly. Agree on Edvinsson, not Hedman. Beniers was great at WJC. If we win a lottery spot at least our scouts have seen UMichigan…What part of 5 minute highlights don’t you understand, wank?
Visually, Clarke looks like an average-above average skater. It definitely doesn’t standout at first glance — not negatively either. His footwork actually seems quite good though, and maybe there’s sneaky power in his stride with work. Obviously, I haven’t seen him for 25 minutes in a game using that skating situationally. Hughes of course shines (he kind of skates like shorter Travo). But boy, the other two just look gross. Upright, no stride, no footwork, stop moving their feet under pressure. I had to do a double take. But they are big boys!
Hakstol looks like he wants to lick NP's faceI do miss the heartwarming draft moments like these though.....
I think LD is the last position they should draft (unless its one of Hughes, Power or Edvinsson but unless those guys fall, they shouldn't be available). I'm intrigued by Svechkov but have no idea where he goes in this draft.
I haven't seen Lucius, but Lysell and McTavish stand out above the others. I'd feel better about Sillinger if he showed more of a playmaking element. I'm really hesitant to take non-dual threat wingers in the lottery. Lambos would be a really disappointing pick in the lottery for this team. Solid defender, but if they are taking a LH shot, they have to have difference-making skills. Lambos is not that imo. Cuelemans would be a second round or trade back into the late first round option for me. I was kind of expecting more at the u18s. I didn't even think he was the second best defenseman on that team and that wasn't a great blueline to begin with.
Svechkov has been climbing in the rankings. I doubt he gets taken before the Flyers pick though. He is a very good complete player, very adept defensively and a strong playmaker on offense. He has a decent wrist shot. He has played very well in the VHL, something not many u18s do. He has a high hockey IQ. He is strong on his skates, and has really good lateral bursts, though his seed is just good. He is a puck hound who doesn't shy from getting hit. He probably goes in the top 20, maybe the top 15. I am always a little leery of taken Russian players in the first if there are comparable Canadian, American, Swedish, or Finnish (who the Flyers don't take) available. Too much risk on something going wrong for my tastes. That said Svechkov is a very good prospect.
I didn't see McTavish's skating as an issue. He moves pretty well from v. limited U18 views. I'll watch them again but it didn't seem to be an issue. Probably not a top 5 pick, but a lot of people have him top 10ish, and certainly in the Flyers' range.
That top three looks like mine right now.
He was, but not THAT good. Here's Larry's version of scouting. That guy looks just like Couts on that play, who is he? McTavish. Then, late in the gold medal game, I saw a player flying up ice on the forecheck wreck a Dman and take the puck and make a nice play. Who's that? Oh, McTavish again. Small sample, but a guy who keeps making outstanding plays where he stands out gets noticed. Good hands for passing, great shot, big strong kid. Dad Dale was a Peterborough Pete who played in Europe.
If Guenther falls to ninth like this article says, you have to think seriously about trading up to nab him. He is a highly skilled player. The kid has as much star potential as anyone in the draft. I have him in the top 4 (not that I know anything).
I like his physicality combined with his ability to shoot the puck. He might be this year's Foerster, and Foerster's success in the AHL might be also driving him higher in the charts.He was, but not THAT good. Here's Larry's version of scouting. That guy looks just like Couts on that play, who is he? McTavish. Then, late in the gold medal game, I saw a player flying up ice on the forecheck wreck a Dman and take the puck and make a nice play. Who's that? Oh, McTavish again. Small sample, but a guy who keeps making outstanding plays where he stands out gets noticed. Good hands for passing, great shot, big strong kid. Dad Dale was a Peterborough Pete who played in Europe.
I would be happy with him or several other guys in the range. Whatever, we need speed and size up front or a really good all around Dman. Hence they will pick a goalie.
Guenther is good but I get Dylan Cozens vibes. More solid than star imo.
