2023 Traverse City Tournament

[VT]

To Voronkov. Don't forget he needs to get used to the speed, much like Marchenko did last year. This is his second game. He should be much better in camp in my opinion.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

I don't think using offensive upside or offensive skills as a negative to Voronkov is fair. He's not a skill player, he's very much a meat and potatoes guy with some finishing ability. 3rd line upside.

 

[Indy18]

I was thinking Svozil was going to be my "hot take" making the team out of training camp but starting to look like it might be Dumais. Granted we have so many wingers so that's gonna be much harder to do but I am seeing someone who could be ready to play or at-least burn a year on ELC to play his games and get him into the AHL. That Malatesta (Which looked great himself and will be a top 6 in Cleveland this year) - Fantilli - Dumais line was buzzing and almost NHL level competence.

Just to note the defense was concerning to me though Cuelmans, Jiricek and Mateychuck all had their moments I don't think Jiricek is ready to play 1-2RHD role yet. Let him cook in Cleveland a bit longer and get that defensive game fixed up, especially on the rush. We have 4 RHDs anyways so lets figure out that mess first while keeping him in the oven. Speaking of time in the oven our big Russian needs the Marchenko treatment, just get him used to the game and bring him up when injuries start to happen around Thanksgiving.

 

[Fred Glover]

I was thinking Svozil was going to be my "hot take" making the team out of training camp but starting to look like it might be Dumais. Granted we have so many wingers so that's gonna be much harder to do but I am seeing someone who could be ready to play or at-least burn a year on ELC to play his games and get him into the AHL. That Malatesta (Which looked great himself and will be a top 6 in Cleveland this year) - Fantilli - Dumais line was buzzing and almost NHL level competence.

Just to note the defense was concerning to me though Cuelmans, Jiricek and Mateychuck all had their moments I don't think Jiricek is ready to play 1-2RHD role yet. Let him cook in Cleveland a bit longer and get that defensive game fixed up, especially on the rush. We have 4 RHDs anyways so lets figure out that mess first while keeping him in the oven. Speaking of time in the oven our big Russian needs the Marchenko treatment, just get him used to the game and bring him up when injuries start to happen around Thanksgiving.

Or when injuries happen around Halloween

 

[Indy18]

Or when injuries happen around Halloween

After last season I told myself never speak those evils into existence so I stand by with what I say haha.

 

[koteka]

Fantilli should be our top center immediately.

We better find a way to keep him away from the Canadian pop stars.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

Didn't Chicago, Minnesota, and St Louis used to play in the TC tournament? Its a shame they broke off and did their own thing, would have been a treat to see Bedard vs Fantilli

 

[VT]

I don't think using offensive upside or offensive skills as a negative to Voronkov is fair. He's not a skill player, he's very much a meat and potatoes guy with some finishing ability. 3rd line upside.

Holmstrom also played 1st line. And I don't think he was Crosby, metaphorically speaking. Someone has to do the dirty work.

To Dmitri. He's not a scoring monster, but he does an incredible amount of work, which leaves his partners with open space. Besides, opponents know if his teammates so much as look at him the wrong way, revenge will not pass them by. On top of that he plays great in important games.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

So Fantilli, Dumais, Jiricek, and Mateychuk? Too many?

 

[Marioesque]

Fantilli has shown enough, let others have the stage

 

[Marioesque]

To Voronkov. Don't forget he needs to get used to the speed, much like Marchenko did last year. This is his second game. He should be much better in camp in my opinion.

Much like Marchenko, he might need to get into it in AHL for a bit. All the tools are there, just needs to adjust to the NA game

 

[VT]

Much like Marchenko, he might need to get into it in AHL for a bit. All the tools are there, just needs to adjust to the NA game

We'll see at camp.

 

[RayMartyniukTotems]

Ray he is so far beyond the "NHL ready" mark, it's not even a question. He's going to be better than a 3rd liner immediately, I think likely the Blue Jackets top center immediately.

That's a pretty lofty expectation...They have Jenner,Roslovic,Kuraly,LFoudy and CSillinger (if he can figure out he has to work)ahead of young Fantilli on the Depth chart! Now I know Adam has it all and maybe BlueJackets top pivot in no time but for now...he'll have to earn and I'm sure Babcock will handle things his way...PS There is talk that Laine will go to Centre or at least try it

 

[stevo61]

That's a pretty lofty expectation...They have Jenner,Roslovic,Kuraly,LFoudy and CSillinger (if he can figure out he has to work)ahead of young Fantilli on the Depth chart! Now I know Adam has it all and maybe BlueJackets top pivot in no time but for now...he'll have to earn and I'm sure Babcock will handle things his way...PS There is talk that Laine will go to Centre or at least try it

If you think any of those players except maybe Jenner are ahead of Fantilli at this point is just poor evaluation on your part honestly. Sillinger and Foudy? 4th liner Kuraly has you worried? Roslovic who I doubt even plays center this year? You are just naming centers and not taking talent into equation, its not a seniority position

 

[majormajor]

That's a pretty lofty expectation...They have Jenner,Roslovic,Kuraly,LFoudy and CSillinger (if he can figure out he has to work)ahead of young Fantilli on the Depth chart! Now I know Adam has it all and maybe BlueJackets top pivot in no time but for now...he'll have to earn and I'm sure Babcock will handle things his way...PS There is talk that Laine will go to Centre or at least try it

FYI Babcock was talking about how much he wants Laine and Fantilli to be on the same line, presumably splitting center duties. It seems like that's what he wants to start with and see how it works.

 

[RayMartyniukTotems]

If you think any of those players except maybe Jenner are ahead of Fantilli at this point is just poor evaluation on your part honestly. Sillinger and Foudy? 4th liner Kuraly has you worried? Roslovic who I doubt even plays center this year? You are just naming centers and not taking talent into equation, its not a seniority position

I guess we'll see how things shake out and it is actually a Senority thing or rather what role the player takes! You guys probably think Fantilli is the next Anze Kopi-Star! Being a dominate College player doesn't guarantee NHL success

 

[majormajor]

I guess we'll see how things shake out and it is actually a Senority thing or rather what role the player takes! You guys probably think Fantilli is the next Anze Kopi-Star! Being a dominate College player doesn't guarantee NHL success

It's the skillset Ray, the skillset!

We're not sitting here counting his college points.

 

[WannabeFinn]

I only tuned in for a little bit. Liked a lot from the little I saw.

Voronkov
Malatesta-Fantilli-Dumais
Mateychuk

That’s a fun PP unit to watch.

 

[Marioesque]

Mateychuk is making a case for keeping him up

 

[RayMartyniukTotems]

It's the skillset Ray, the skillset!

We're not sitting here counting his college points.

My argument is that Fantilli is not Man Strong yet and would have benefited from another year training and developing that Strength he's going to need it! He could have,should have followed the model adopted by Matty Berniers! Who do the BJackets want Fantilli to become? Jean Beliveau or Doug Wickenheiser?

 

[tunnelvision]

Voronkov - AHL-bound, and it might take him longer than we think. He's big and he battles (and hits) but I'm not seeing the same kind of offensive mind from him that we see in Fantilli, Dumais, Malatesta... His passes don't connect as often or they are a foot too long/short. That between the legs blind pass was nice but that's about it.

Interesting, I don't see major problems with how he processes the game offensively. I think his off-puck game is fine and in general makes good reads with the puck in oz. The thing I worry about is the speed, he didn't look quick on the forecheck and was stripped off the puck by Wings' backcheckers a couple of times. If he didn't have Fantilli on the same line I think they would have spent much more time chasing pucks in the defensive end.

Dumais is such a damn good passer and finisher, I think he's going to make it.

There's definitely potential to be at least a Sam Gagner type PP specialist for a few years.

So Fantilli, Dumais, Jiricek, and Mateychuk? Too many?

I'd be fine with that, Svozil would sit as well if it were up to me. Let most CHL-bound guys play and rest top NHL/AHL guys. Maybe for the Dallas game I'd place Dumais next to a center who isn't expected to carry a line as Fantilli does with his speed and skill. I'd like to see more of Ceulemans, Roger, Weisblatt, Butler and Peddle.

Mateychuk is making a case for keeping him up

Last year taught me to not get too excited based on the performance of this tournament, he was also shining then but looked out of place in the preseason game vs Pittsburgh.

 

[BB88]

That's a pretty lofty expectation...They have Jenner,Roslovic,Kuraly,LFoudy and CSillinger (if he can figure out he has to work)ahead of young Fantilli on the Depth chart! Now I know Adam has it all and maybe BlueJackets top pivot in no time but for now...he'll have to earn and I'm sure Babcock will handle things his way...PS There is talk that Laine will go to Centre or at least try it

Why should basically anyone be ahead of him at the depth chart?

I guess we'll see how things shake out and it is actually a Senority thing or rather what role the player takes! You guys probably think Fantilli is the next Anze Kopi-Star! Being a dominate College player doesn't guarantee NHL success

We have pretty damm good data on recent top NCAA players and how their game has translated.
Nothing is quaranteed but the data is there.

Eichel, Tkachuk, Beniers., Johnson, etc
Outside of Eichel Fantilli has far superior numbers to comps. Then add he’s the most physically ready prospect with no clear weaknesses in his game

 

[Dr. Fire]

Watched the game. Pretty much agree with everyone's opinions.
Voronkov just looked kind of lost out there. probably trying to get used to the smaller ice, and remember the guy can't speak English. Liked how he played net front at times on the power play.
Dumais really reminds me of Cam Atkinson. He is sneaky good and is in the right place at the right time a lot.
Not much to add about Fantilli. Guy is a stud.
Getting ready to settle in and watch the game vs Dallas.

 

[Youngguns80]

My thoughts so far this will garner you nothing but here I go.

Voronkov - looks like he is trying to adjust to the pace, but he has the tools and history to be a 3rd line banger/pest/physical presence. Don’t forget the PP was also successful because he screened the goalie. He will be fine, just adjusting to the language, move (environment), support (friends), NA game and pace. I think it is good for him being in this tournament to get acclimated before he faces a steeper hill next week. He will be noticeable in camp. Probably acclimates further for a month or two in the AHL.

Fantilli - He will be fine probably comes out of camp 2nd or 3rd line center, but also worry about fan expectations when he starts to run out of gas towards the latter part of the season. I do love the no fear and playing with his hair on fire like he is a 4th liner.

Dumais - this kid is a gamer. I saw two rookie camps with him and his skating was better this year but camps were good but nothing exceptional. Turn the lights on and he cranks the volume to 10. Fantastic hands, passing and hockey sense. Too bad he can’t go to the AHL. Another year in the Q is going to do nothing for him. Could make the team but would you want to play him on the 4th line??? No!!

Malatesta - I will be honest I didn’t really look at this kid and said maybe 4th liner but probably career AHL’er. He has surpassed my expectations and if he keeps on this trajectory he definitely has a chance to play higher in the lineup. He will start in the AHL but man this is the biggest surprise for me. He seems to be putting it together at the right time and showed he can play a high level when the pressure is on.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

So Fantilli, Dumais, Jiricek, and Mateychuk? Too many?