Here's one thing though. Draisaitl is the only player where when I read what scouts say about him, it makes me think he sounds like someone who could be a top-shelf player, while at the same time there isn't really a major red flag to counterbalance it. When I read what they say about the Sams, it makes me think of Cory Stillman or Cody Hodgson. Really good players to draft, but maybe not what you're hoping for with a top 3 pick. Same with Ekblad, who comes over as...erm, really solid. Which is great, but again, maybe not what you're hoping for at first overall.
Liked Bennett better down the stretch. Was disappointed with leons game this year personally.
How can you be disappointed with 105 points playing on a **** team?
No, the Battle of Alberta was mean-spirited on and off the ice in 80's. The other name for the Flames/Oilers rivalry was the Uncivil War. There were the numerous line brawls featuring Semenko, McClellan, Brown, and friends vs. Hunter, Peplinski, Baxter, Sheehy, etc...; Doug Riesbrough shredding an Oilers jersey in the penalty box; Messier handing out elbows; a lot of dirty plays during each game; and, most importantly, high-level playoff hockey.
Anyways, back on topic... I am glad the Oilers grabbed Draisaitlat #3. In a few years he will be a great compliment with RNH as the top two centers for Edmonton.
Jones and Draisaitl
or
Ekblad and Barkov
I would probably go with Ekblad and Barkov combo.
We talked about this before and all the posts got deleted.
EASILY, and that is with a capslock for Jones and Draisaitl. Jones is much better than Ekblad while the difference between Barkov and Leon isn't that big.
Jones >>>> Ekblad
Barkov > Draisaitl
We talked about this before and all the posts got deleted.
EASILY, and that is with a capslock for Jones and Draisaitl. Jones is much better than Ekblad while the difference between Barkov and Leon isn't that big.
Jones >>>> Ekblad
Barkov > Draisaitl
I watched Draidaitl on the WC and was completely underwhelmed. In his draft year Barkov was just so much better than Draisaitl even though they are almost the same age. Barkov is bigger faster has better hands everything. Couldn't find anything in which Draisaitl could rival Barkov. So if you ask me it's Barkov>>>Drasaitl at this point and i'm not surprised if it's bigger in the future.
I think 4 points in 6 games as a 18 years old for a bad team are not good. You are right.
We talked about this before and all the posts got deleted.
EASILY, and that is with a capslock for Jones and Draisaitl. Jones is much better than Ekblad while the difference between Barkov and Leon isn't that big.
Jones >>>> Ekblad
Barkov > Draisaitl
What? How can you say that Jones is a lot better?
Barkov>>>Draisaitl
Ekblad = Jones
Jones is better at practically every category (and at a high talent level as well) except physicality, but I saw a physical beast for the USA at the WCs. He was rag dolling a couple of players at times which is a good sign that he's developing this part of his game.What does Jones do that Ekblad doesn't? Is it mostly due to his better mobility that you see such a massive gap?
As for Leon, I am thrilled that we landed him, we finally have a core player that's clearly over 200lbs!
I respectively disagree with all of this. Draisaitl had a great perform at the WC and even swayed a couple of scouts minds about him. I do agree that Barkov is better, but not to the point where they are at totally different levels IMO.I watched Draidaitl on the WC and was completely underwhelmed. In his draft year Barkov was just so much better than Draisaitl even though they are almost the same age. Barkov is bigger faster has better hands everything. Couldn't find anything in which Draisaitl could rival Barkov. So if you ask me it's Barkov>>>Drasaitl at this point and i'm not surprised if it's bigger in the future.
What? How can you say that Jones is a lot better?
Barkov>>>Draisaitl
Ekblad = Jones
Draisaitl is better offensively, Barkov is better defensively. I feel that for a top pick, Barkov won't live up to the hype, offensively that is. I know HF is obsessed with two-way/defensive play, but if I'm drafting top-3 I want a potential offensive force.
Barkov is a better prospect than Draisaitl. Barkov is a pretty unique prospect who has been somewhat undervalued by fans and amateur "scouts". Offensively, he has very good hands, exceptional puck protection with great vision and passing skills. He can also score too. He's a committed two way player with size and has a tremendous on and off ice committment to the sport. He's about as close to can't miss as you can get. The only concern with Barkov is the skating, but it's IMO a step above Draisaitl. Meanwhile, Barkov does pretty much everything Draisaitl can do offensively (infact, probably better) whilst offering better dimensions. The upside is the same or greater, the impact all over the rink is on another level, and he's far more polished.
Draisaitl has elite qualities that are highly projectable and he can be an elite #1 C, but he has concerns/flaws Barkov doesn't. I wouldn't take Draisaitl over Barkov offensively (Same qualities, but one has had years of production at the men's level), but when you factor in everything else, i can't really see an argument for not choosing Barkov at this current point in time.
Has he busted yet???
Am I the only one that feels Draisaitl will be sent back to Junior?? Oiler fans are really excited ofcourse(as they should be), and think hes a lock to make the team but he only had 1 really good season in WHL and he needs to work on his skating ALOT to make the jump to NHL. I have seen him play many times live the past couple seasons and yes he is a good player, but I strongly feel he isn't ready to play against men.... Nothing wrong with going back to WHL. Look at Henrik Samuelsson... same deal.. was a 1st round pick(not as high as Draisaitl) and also needed to work on his skating big time. Also was sent back to WHL and had a great dominating year and is almost ready to make the jump now to Phoenix. No need to rush Draisaitl. Oilers will be a bad team again next year and there is no need to expose another high 1st to that.
Draisaitl should get his 9 games in and get sent back. Josh Morrissey will also be a candidate to be sent back to the same team in Prince Albert. They could have a good team next year in the WHL. Let them play in junior again next year and work on what needs to be worked on and come to camp and be ready to play pro in 2015
Barkov is a better prospect than Draisaitl. Barkov is a pretty unique prospect who has been somewhat undervalued by fans and amateur "scouts". Offensively, he has very good hands, exceptional puck protection with great vision and passing skills. He can also score too. He's a committed two way player with size and has a tremendous on and off ice committment to the sport. He's about as close to can't miss as you can get. The only concern with Barkov is the skating, but it's IMO a step above Draisaitl. Meanwhile, Barkov does pretty much everything Draisaitl can do offensively (infact, probably better) whilst offering better dimensions. The upside is the same or greater, the impact all over the rink is on another level, and he's far more polished.
Draisaitl has elite qualities that are highly projectable and he can be an elite #1 C, but he has concerns/flaws Barkov doesn't. I wouldn't take Draisaitl over Barkov offensively (Same qualities, but one has had years of production at the men's level), but when you factor in everything else, i can't really see an argument for not choosing Barkov at this current point in time.