Are you still happy we took Barkov

[ratmanfu]

He'll be your Kopitar.

This.

Our own Kopitar type is exactly what I'm hoping for. That's the kind of player that makes everyone around him better.

 

[Android 16]

If you're a Panther fan who watched Barkov closely this season and are now watching Kopitar in the playoffs, the similarities are uncanny. Only difference, Kopitar is completely surrounded by world class talent and Barkov isn't whatsoever. Also, maybe Kopy's shot is more developed so he chooses to shoot more than Barkov.

 

[Dread Clawz]

Boyes said the only other 18 year old he's ever seen that was that good of a two-way hockey player was Patrice Bergeron. That's a salivating compliment. In his prime he's going to be a perennial Selke candidate and one of the smartest if not smartest player in the league. Absolutely I'm happy with him at #2. Jones is going to be amazing as well but I just think Barkov has something a little more special about him.

 

[IceManCat]

Boyes said the only other 18 year old he's ever seen that was that good of a two-way hockey player was Patrice Bergeron. That's a salivating compliment. In his prime he's going to be a perennial Selke candidate and one of the smartest if not smartest player in the league. Absolutely I'm happy with him at #2. Jones is going to be amazing as well but I just think Barkov has something a little more special about him.

Have you seen Jones play in the World Championship. He has been spectacular. The both of them are excellent players

 

[CHGoalie27]

Boyes said the only other 18 year old he's ever seen that was that good of a two-way hockey player was Patrice Bergeron. That's a salivating compliment. In his prime he's going to be a perennial Selke candidate and one of the smartest if not smartest player in the league. Absolutely I'm happy with him at #2. Jones is going to be amazing as well but I just think Barkov has something a little more special about him.

Totally, that Billiards shot he made off the shin from just behind the goal line? THE most underrated goal ever. How many can do that? Datsyuk?

 

[flapanthersfan]

I didn't want Jones at the draft and still don't want him now.

He's impressive offensively, but soft as butter. I think he'll be good, but more like Tyler Myers good. Good offensively, but lacks alot in the other areas.

Give me Barkov/Kopitar comparison anyday. Barkov's defensive prowess is already blatantly evident, and the offensive talent is pretty clear too. it'll come in time

 

[Dread Clawz]

Have you seen Jones play in the World Championship. He has been spectacular. The both of them are excellent players

If there was a way we could trade the #1 to Nashville for Jones I'd do it. I want both of them. I just think there is something Barkov has that Jones doesn't. I guess it is that elite hockey sense. Barkov is a much smarter player than Jones.

Totally, that Billiards shot he made off the shin from just behind the goal line? THE most underrated goal ever. How many can do that? Datsyuk?

Yeah, I don't care what anyone says. That was on purpose. I forgot about that, that was sick.

 

[Laus723]

He's gonna be amazing. Took us forever to get a top center, now we have two, just need to surround them with the proper talent to compliment their skill sets.

 

[Haj]

Barkov is the only player on the Panthers that makes the other players on the ice substantially better. He also played against opposing team's best players. He did this at 18.

He's never going have as many Sportscenter highlights as Mackinnon, but he can have an impact in any style of game.

 

[flomarilius]

Barkov is great without a doubt. He and Bjugstad seem to have the ability to make their linemates better, however, Barkov is way ahead in that department. No doubt they hit the jackpot that was left after McKinnon.

 

[ProjectPanthers]

If you're a Panther fan who watched Barkov closely this season and are now watching Kopitar in the playoffs, the similarities are uncanny. Only difference, Kopitar is completely surrounded by world class talent and Barkov isn't whatsoever. Also,mMaybe Kopy's shot is more developed so he chooses to shoot more than Barkov.

It's incredible but when I first saw us draft Barkov I thought for sure he was a similar guy to Toews, but it's more and more evident that he's basically a Kopitar clone.

I agree that Kopy's wrister is a bit more developed but they have near identical releases.

They're both very cerebral out on the ice and you may not always notice them, but they both skate hard at both ends of the ice. I would even argue that Barkov will have better hands than Kopi does at his age.

I am still very happy we drafted Barkov. The NHL has not seen what this kid can do yet, and boy are they in for a surprise.

I'm really excited when in 2 to 3 years we're getting deep into the playoffs and we get to hear all these analysts talk about how great OUR players are.

He's gonna be amazing. Took us forever to get a top center, now we have two, just need to surround them with the proper talent to compliment their skill sets.

This is also mind-boggling to me. We went through so many years with Weiss as our only center depth and everything else in question, he was the default #1. Now we have two of arguably THE MOST sought after assets in the NHL (other than maybe elite #1 goaltending). I still don't think a lot of fans around here realize how lucky we are to have BOTH Bjugstad and Barkov as our 1-2 punch up the middle. Two really ****en big dudes with SERIOUS hockey ability. Teams like Toronto, Ottawa, and MANY others will be envious of us our center depth.

Mack is like Malkin and Barkov is like Kopitar. Who would you prefer? High-end offense of solid two-way game with the ability to contribute offense as well.

It's kind of eerie how similar the Kopitar-Carter combo at center is to Barkov-Bjugstad combo we have right now. Pretty wicked company IMO.

 

[K19*]

Definitely jealous of Barkov. He's your 1C for the next 15 years. 29 teams are envious of you. Only concern is injuries.

 

[Android 16]

We wouldn't be any better off with Drouin or Jones since we'd still have a #1C hole looming in our lineup. Bjugstad and Barkov both had the 1C spot at various times this past season and we witnessed different results. Bjugstad differs than Barkov, in that Barky seemed to embrace the 1C role more than Bjugstad. Overall I'd be satisfied if we drafted Ekblad, because then we're looking at Barkov #1C and then Ekblad #1D (potentially). If we took Jones, now our decision would rest between Reinhart and Bennett. I'm not sold on either one being a #1C in the NHL. I think wherever the two Sams end up, they will be moved to the wing for sure. So, taking Barkov was a bold move, but it will pay off as long Barky stays healthy like the previous poster mentioned.

 

[pb1300]

It's incredible but when I first saw us draft Barkov I thought for sure he was a similar guy to Toews, but it's more and more evident that he's basically a Kopitar clone.

I agree that Kopy's wrister is a bit more developed but they have near identical releases.

They're both very cerebral out on the ice and you may not always notice them, but they both skate hard at both ends of the ice. I would even argue that Barkov will have better hands than Kopi does at his age.

I am still very happy we drafted Barkov. The NHL has not seen what this kid can do yet, and boy are they in for a surprise.

I'm really excited when in 2 to 3 years we're getting deep into the playoffs and we get to hear all these analysts talk about how great OUR players are.



This is also mind-boggling to me. We went through so many years with Weiss as our only center depth and everything else in question, he was the default #1. Now we have two of arguably THE MOST sought after assets in the NHL (other than maybe elite #1 goaltending). I still don't think a lot of fans around here realize how lucky we are to have BOTH Bjugstad and Barkov as our 1-2 punch up the middle. Two really ****en big dudes with SERIOUS hockey ability. Teams like Toronto, Ottawa, and MANY others will be envious of us our center depth.

Mack is like Malkin and Barkov is like Kopitar. Who would you prefer? High-end offense of solid two-way game with the ability to contribute offense as well.

It's kind of eerie how similar the Kopitar-Carter combo at center is to Barkov-Bjugstad combo we have right now. Pretty wicked company IMO.

That is what Im looking forward to the most! We are deep into the playoffs, and all they can talk about is how dominant Bjugstad is, or how smart of a play that was by Barkov, etc. The only problem with this happening sooner, than later, is...are our youngsters going to be able to grow playoff beards

This isnt Horton, Weiss, and Bouwmeester we are talking about now...what I feel/believe in our youth now, I never felt in the past with those three. We are nearing the finish line, our youth is starting to become role players on this team, and Im looking forward to how good they can become, and how far they can take us.

 

[Android 16]

That is what Im looking forward to the most! We are deep into the playoffs, and all they can talk about is how dominant Bjugstad is, or how smart of a play that was by Barkov, etc. The only problem with this happening sooner, than later, is...are our youngsters going to be able to grow playoff beards

This isnt Horton, Weiss, and Bouwmeester we are talking about now...what I feel/believe in our youth now, I never felt in the past with those three. We are nearing the finish line, our youth is starting to become role players on this team, and Im looking forward to how good they can become, and how far they can take us.

Then.

Weiss - small, top-six two-way center, mediocre offensive ability
Horton - serviceable, top-six sniper
Booth - borderline top-six forward with goal-scoring grinder
Bouwmeester - smooth-skating, shutdown defenseman with some offensive ability

That was pretty much the whole core. I don't count Olli, because he was older and acquired via trade.

Now.

Barkov - large, two-way top-line center, high offensive ceiling
Bjugstad - large, two-way, top-six center, some goal-scoring ability (not calling him a sniper yet)
Huberdeau - decent-sized, creative winger with a high offenisve ceiling
Gudbranson - tough dman with leadership ability, good skater
(Ekblad) or (Reinhart)

We are a LOT better off now than we were during the sunrise express era (trying to forget about that era)

 

[gudzilla]

"borderline top-six forward" @ booth

he scored 30 goals...

 

[ProjectPanthers]

Then.

Weiss - small, top-six two-way center, mediocre offensive ability
Horton - serviceable, top-six sniper
Booth - borderline top-six forward with goal-scoring grinder
Bouwmeester - smooth-skating, shutdown defenseman with some offensive ability

That was pretty much the whole core. I don't count Olli, because he was older and acquired via trade.

Now.

Barkov - large, two-way top-line center, high offensive ceiling
Bjugstad - large, two-way, top-six center, some goal-scoring ability (not calling him a sniper yet)
Huberdeau - decent-sized, creative winger with a high offenisve ceiling
Gudbranson - tough dman with leadership ability, good skater
(Ekblad) or (Reinhart)

We are a LOT better off now than we were during the sunrise express era (trying to forget about that era)

It's ridiculous how good this prospect core has turned out to be. We're also still waiting to see what Howden can do, and honestly last season he impressed me a lot at times and could still turn into that perfect 3rd line winger/PK specialist we wanted him to be. His speed alone could give him an NHL job.

Bjugstad and Barkov are the big ones here. I think Bjugstad still has a lot to show. He showed glimpses of ELITE level play last year (i.e that goal against Detroit where he pretty much made Datsyuk look fooliosh). He scored at a .5 PPG pace in his rookie season. Expecting 50 points next year is not insane at all. The guy has the size and all the tools to be a BIG impact player in the NHL. Not a lot of players have his kind of puck handling/poise and reach to go with it.

"borderline top-six forward" @ booth

he scored 30 goals...

Honestly he was. Not quite a 3rd liner but just on the cusp of being a consistent 2nd liner. He played top minutes for us and yes, he did score 31 goals one year and 23 in another which isn't bad, but with his play at the end of his run here and his total lack of success in Vancouver goes to show that he just isn't good enough to maintain that level for an extended period of time.

 

[gudzilla]

It's ridiculous how good this prospect core has turned out to be. We're also still waiting to see what Howden can do, and honestly last season he impressed me a lot at times and could still turn into that perfect 3rd line winger/PK specialist we wanted him to be. His speed alone could give him an NHL job.

Bjugstad and Barkov are the big ones here. I think Bjugstad still has a lot to show. He showed glimpses of ELITE level play last year (i.e that goal against Detroit where he pretty much made Datsyuk look fooliosh). He scored at a .5 PPG pace in his rookie season. Expecting 50 points next year is not insane at all. The guy has the size and all the tools to be a BIG impact player in the NHL. Not a lot of players have his kind of puck handling/poise and reach to go with it.



Honestly he was. Not quite a 3rd liner but just on the cusp of being a consistent 2nd liner. He played top minutes for us and yes, he did score 31 goals one year and 23 in another which isn't bad, but with his play at the end of his run here and his total lack of success in Vancouver goes to show that he just isn't good enough to maintain that level for an extended period of time.

he got knocked out like hell, he never was the same player after. concussions make a lot of players more aware. if you're a 3rd liner, or a fringe 2nd liner, when u score 31 goals in your eyes, idk what you expect from top lines

 

[spacemanatee]

i'm definitely happy with barkov even tho i was suprised at the draft i'm really happy bout florida picking him now.

 

[ProjectPanthers]

he got knocked out like hell, he never was the same player after. concussions make a lot of players more aware. if you're a 3rd liner, or a fringe 2nd liner, when u score 31 goals in your eyes, idk what you expect from top lines

For a couple of seasons Booth was playing like a top-6 forward. I'm never going to sit here and tell you that 30+ goals ISN'T top-6 production, because of course it is.

But clearly he wasn't what we expected him to be. Yes he got rocked, but he had a bad habit of skating with his head down and watching plays. That wasn't the first bad hit he take, except this time Richards absolutely destroyed him and he's never been the same since.

 

[Laus723]

It's kinda funny to read all the love for our prospects, but still see some out there kinda down on Tallon. Guy's been killing it with the prospects like really no one prior to him and was only held back by previous ownership. I frigging love the guy!

 

[Android 16]

he got knocked out like hell, he never was the same player after. concussions make a lot of players more aware. if you're a 3rd liner, or a fringe 2nd liner, when u score 31 goals in your eyes, idk what you expect from top lines

Consistency is one thing I expect from my top lines and the second full year after Booth had the 30 goals, his point total dropped from 60 to 40. That's a 20 point drop-off. Not something you want from top-line players. There after, things went from bad to worse. Without a doubt, the M. Richards hit affected his play, but we can't change that and it ended up affecting the team as well.

 

[ShootIt]

Consistency is one thing I expect from my top lines and the second full year after Booth had the 30 goals, his point total dropped from 60 to 40. That's a 20 point drop-off. Not something you want from top-line players. There after, things went from bad to worse. Without a doubt, the M. Richards hit affected his play, but we can't change that and it ended up affecting the team as well.

Didn't he get his bell rung versus the Leafs the same year?

It's a damn shame he skated with his head down.

 

[Android 16]

Didn't he get his bell rung versus the Leafs the same year?

It's a damn shame he skated with his head down.

For sure, everything was magical for him until Mike Richards trucked him. Completely changed the poor guy. Then Booth comes back and gets nailed by Spacek on the Habs I believe it was. Can't have your eyes in the wrong place in the NHL or you'll regret it.

 

[gudzilla]

His 288 setup passes (a stat used to estimate the number of passes by a player that led directly to a shot on goal) through 54 games reflected an average of 5.33 setup passes per game. If Barkov maintained that pace for the full 82-game season, he would have finished in the top 50 in the entire NHL. (All advanced stats courtesy of Extraskater.com).

was posted on the official panthers site

pretty insane when you think about it, but playing with bergenheim inflates that stat i guess :L)