What’s the argument of Thrun over LaCombe?
Thrun is more advanced at defense than LaCombe, but also has been engaging in offense more. This past year, Thrun put up 32 points in 35 games (0.91 ppg) and a +9 rating. The reason Thrun fell to the fourth round was the same reason Pastujov fell to the third round, bad skating.
Thrun
2019-20, Harvard (NCAA): 21 points in 31 games and +17 rating
2020-21, Dubuque (USHL): 22 points in 24 games and +4 rating
2021-22, Harvard (NCAA): 32 points in 35 games and +9 rating
I think Thrun's defense suffers a bit while developing his offense. He's got the 4th best plus/minus rating for defensemen on the team:
Rifai: +23
Moore: +16 (this is our Ian Moore)
Siedem: +16
Thrun: +9
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LaCombe is a converted D and has been learning to play defense at Minny. He's an offensive guy from high school who skates like the wind! For the past three seasons, his offense just doesn't show up at the start of the season, but once it starts showing up, then he's on a tear. Maybe he can fix that this season.
LaCombe's Plus/Minus rating for the past three seasons at Minny:
2019-20: -1 rating in 37 games
2020-21: +19 in 27 games
2021-22: + 26 in 39 games
I would include blocked shots, but Minny's website must be migrating to a different platform as no stats are available right now. From what I recall, he was first in shot blocks in his freshman year, 2nd/3rd in his sophomore year, and first last year, his junior year.
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It appears both prospects have improved in aspects they're not known for, Thrun with offense and LaCombe with defense. I just hope we can sign both at the end of their college careers!