It’s going to be really interesting to see how Munzenberger progresses when he turns pro. He’s in a really poor spot to be using stats to judge his progression, especially this year where Vermont added a 5th year transfer dman who’s leading their team in scoring. But he’s a guy who looked really good every time I saw him play internationally for Germany. His play style and age could lead perfectly to be a replacement for Ekholm down the line(assuming Ek is extended for 2/3 years after his current deal ends), obviously that is extremely lofty goals for him but I could definitely see him showing well when he eventually ends up in Bakersfield.Luca Munzeberger continues to keep his head above water on a mediocre U Vermont team. Big shutdown minutes and PK guy he's +7 on a 9th place Hockey East Team with -12 goalshare. Recently bombed 5-2 by top BU, Vermont actually killed 4 of 5 PP's, and the Munz came out at even. Bombed in the other game against BU 5-1, Vermont gave up 3 PP goals on 8 attempts, Munzenberger again came out at even.
2023-24 Hockey East Men's Standings - Hockey East Association
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He's been a national level junior which is positive pedigree.It’s going to be really interesting to see how Munzenberger progresses when he turns pro. He’s in a really poor spot to be using stats to judge his progression, especially this year where Vermont added a 5th year transfer dman who’s leading their team in scoring. But he’s a guy who looked really good every time I saw him play internationally for Germany. His play style and age could lead perfectly to be a replacement for Ekholm down the line(assuming Ek is extended for 2/3 years after his current deal ends), obviously that is extremely lofty goals for him but I could definitely see him showing well when he eventually ends up in Bakersfield.
He projects to be absolutely nothing like Ekholm. Ekholm has always had a bit of offence to his game. Munzenburger has absolutely none of that. Projecting a top 3 defender out of a guy that is trending to be a 6/7 AHL guy right now is, insane not even lofty. Maybe with a Desharnais trajectory, but as a bottom pairing guy.It’s going to be really interesting to see how Munzenberger progresses when he turns pro. He’s in a really poor spot to be using stats to judge his progression, especially this year where Vermont added a 5th year transfer dman who’s leading their team in scoring. But he’s a guy who looked really good every time I saw him play internationally for Germany. His play style and age could lead perfectly to be a replacement for Ekholm down the line(assuming Ek is extended for 2/3 years after his current deal ends), obviously that is extremely lofty goals for him but I could definitely see him showing well when he eventually ends up in Bakersfield.
He's been a national level junior which is positive pedigree.
I'd urge extreme caution about projecting an Ekholm replacement who is an elite two way NHL defenseman. The jump to pro hockey is considered to be the biggest jump for players. There's some hope Munzenberger might have NHL third pairing projection but his game is limited without any scoring potential. Vermont is a very low scoring, rebuild program but you'd like to see a bit more finishing. Still he's a good size, shutdown defender with decent wheels and some inclination to play in hard areas.
Munzenberger was a draft riser when the Oilers reached to take him. Getting into a pro development environment is very important instead of spinning his wheels with a mediocre college team. A year old here's a reasonable scouting report from an ex NHL amateur scout: Scout's Analysis: Checking in on Oilers, Flames prospects playing in NCAA and Europe
It’s a personal opinion I’ve had since first watching Munzenberger that his instincts and skill set could lead to more offensive production. He’s a guy who’s had a really bizarre development path between having some shortened years with Covid seasons plus playing for one of the lowest scoring teams in the NCAA so his development has been stunted to a degree. It’s hard to put up any kind of offensive numbers when he’s got one forward above 0.5ppg on his entire team. I should’ve been more descriptive with the Ekholm comment, I mean that moreso in the sense of being a defensively responsible guy who would let a Bouchard/Akey do their thing offensively without having to worry. It’s obviously more likely than not that you guys are right and he’ll be lucky to get much of a crack in the NHL at all but I’ve just always had him as a bit of a sleeper prospect in the pool.He projects to be absolutely nothing like Ekholm. Ekholm has always had a bit of offence to his game. Munzenburger has absolutely none of that. Projecting a top 3 defender out of a guy that is trending to be a 6/7 AHL guy right now is, insane not even lofty. Maybe with a Desharnais trajectory, but as a bottom pairing guy.
I guess fair.It’s a personal opinion I’ve had since first watching Munzenberger that his instincts and skill set could lead to more offensive production. He’s a guy who’s had a really bizarre development path between having some shortened years with Covid seasons plus playing for one of the lowest scoring teams in the NCAA so his development has been stunted to a degree. It’s hard to put up any kind of offensive numbers when he’s got one forward above 0.5ppg on his entire team. I should’ve been more descriptive with the Ekholm comment, I mean that moreso in the sense of being a defensively responsible guy who would let a Bouchard/Akey do their thing offensively without having to worry. It’s obviously more likely than not that you guys are right and he’ll be lucky to get much of a crack in the NHL at all but I’ve just always had him as a bit of a sleeper prospect in the pool.
Appreciate your pov. To me, he's the kind of player who probably would have benefited more from playing junior with its style of play and high # of games versus college.It’s a personal opinion I’ve had since first watching Munzenberger that his instincts and skill set could lead to more offensive production. He’s a guy who’s had a really bizarre development path between having some shortened years with Covid seasons plus playing for one of the lowest scoring teams in the NCAA so his development has been stunted to a degree. It’s hard to put up any kind of offensive numbers when he’s got one forward above 0.5ppg on his entire team. I should’ve been more descriptive with the Ekholm comment, I mean that moreso in the sense of being a defensively responsible guy who would let a Bouchard/Akey do their thing offensively without having to worry. It’s obviously more likely than not that you guys are right and he’ll be lucky to get much of a crack in the NHL at all but I’ve just always had him as a bit of a sleeper prospect in the pool.
You mean the guy I did a lot of research on a few months ago when I thought the Oilers were going to be in the lottery again? #reliefThe Beanpot finals featuring Boston University vs. North Eastern goes tomorrow (Monday) at 5:30PM on TSN3 & 5. Take in a viewing of Shane Lachance and even top prospect Macklin Celebrini.
Ryan Fanti is quietly having a solid return to action after missing the first half of the season with injury, 2.36 GAA and .916Sv% in 5 games in the ECHL. Hopefully he can continue the strong play and move up to Bakersfield next season.
I was kind of surprised some team didn’t take a flyer on him after he was OHL Goalie of the Year in his Draft +1 season. Unfortunately for him being 6’ and 180lbs he’ll always be looked over to a certain degree. Would definitely be a guy worth getting on an AHL deal next year though, see if he can work his way up and show well in Bakersfield.I agree with you. Oilers scouts should take a look at Brett Brochu who is playing with Fanti in Fort Wayne. He's only on a echl contract. Build up some goalie depth for once.