ChicagoBullsFan
Registered User
Lundell's breakaway goal vs Switzerland today got also 2 assists so 3 point ( 1+2) game for Anton.
I agree. I don't think Lundell has enough skill to rise to the top-3 if the draft is strong from the top. Probably a solid two way second line center for most teams in his prime but not someone you'd like to build your team around.I think he will go 4-6 in the draft. But it's so early to tell yet. But from what i've seen from him myself thus far he is good at positioning. He has great numbers in Liiga and Juniors for his age. Doesn't play a flashy game.
Not the type of player that catches my eye but i wish everything good in his fortune. Can become a very good player. But for now the hype has been way too premature for this guy imho.
Barkov-lite, I'd say. Great IQ, good hands, excellent defensively. His skating has improved quite a lot over a year, so it should not be a problem for him. His vision is great, but I think he lacks a bit of the offensive creativity that is required from an Aho-level center. At the moment I see his potential as being a 70-point center with Selke-level defense, which is an excellent player, but not quite Barkov or Aho.What's his ceiling? Is he as promising as KK or have the capacity to be an Aho-level centerman?
What's his ceiling? Is he as promising as KK or have the capacity to be an Aho-level centerman?
What's his ceiling? Is he as promising as KK or have the capacity to be an Aho-level centerman?
I'd say his ceiling is Patrice Bergeron Light, maybe around Mikko Koivu. 60-70 points with excellent two-way game.
Not every top 5 pick is the type of player that can dominate games with dekes and skating. These types of players who play more of a understated style way too often get underrated on a website like this, but not by NHL scouts. I'm not saying Lundell is better than players with more perceived potential, but I could see him going higher than some people think.
One of the best producers in his draft class at club and international level, plays the center of the ice, clear first line upside, no big weaknesses and he'll be one of the most NHL ready players in the draft.
He described Lafreniere well, but also Lundell. Both players get a lot of right place at the right time points and have high hockey IQ's. There are some similarities between the two in being very good players who aren't all too dominant or flashy, yet very effective. I think Lafreniere has better stick skills, while Lundell plays the center of the ice and is a better two way player.
Centers and Dmen have enormous value in the draft and even the D's and C's projected to go lower go higher because of how valuable they are. You can't have too many defensemen and a C can always be moved on wing. Anton Lundell is a pure center who plays a very solid pro game at the age of 17. He'll be extremely sought after.As a HIFK fan i can easily agree on all that what Sam Stern said about Lundell.
But personally i don't believe Lundell gets any-kind advantage on that he's center.
Yes center is valuable than winger that's for sure.
But if drafting team hasn't clear need to center in that situation position doesn't matter and pick turns BPA.
Do i believe Lundell has chance to rise TOP3 ? Yes i do but it will require very good season in SM liiga.
Barkov and Kotkaniemi went TOP3 in their draft years because drafting team had clear need for center and both were BPA's as well. Is that scenario possible to Lundell ? not necessarily but there is chance for that.
Centers and Dmen have enormous value in the draft and even the D's and C's projected to go lower go higher because of how valuable they are. You can't have too many defensemen and a C can always be moved on wing. Anton Lundell is a pure center who plays a very solid pro game at the age of 17. He'll be extremely sought after.
Show me a bad NHL team who's projected to draft high next year that does not need a center.
TLDR: You're wrong.
I mean, top 5 is high too. Just because next year's high picks look really good doesn't mean it's anything away from Lundell. I'd go as far as to predict that he'll play in the NHL after his draft year.So what if i'm wrong it wouldn't be first time in my life.
Yes NHL teams cannot have too much centers because injuries happen.
So center depth isn't bad thing to have.
Of course i want see Lundell going high in draft night but the competition will be hard in TOP3 range.
I mean, top 5 is high too. Just because next year's high picks look really good doesn't mean it's anything away from Lundell. I'd go as far as to predict that he'll play in the NHL after his draft year.