Who's been the biggest surprise thus far: I knew Jack Studnicka was a premier prospect. IMO he's been the biggest positive who has exceeded expectations and should be in Boston. Perhaps the biggest surprise still is goalie Daniel Vladar. I guess you could add Robert Lintousi
Biggest disappointment: Oskar Steen so far but he's been player better lately so hopefully he gets what it's like playing in North America and can become the player we hoped. The biggest disappointment include Peter Cehlarik who couldn't take the next step I think. Also disappointed in Jakub Lauko trouble staying healthy
Most improved from last year: Most players have improved none more than Daniel Vladar and Joona Koppanen. Trent Frederic has really improved too and Zach Senyshyn is a better player. Jakub Zboril is more consistent imo. Don't forget Jeremy Lauzon, finally injury free. Liked all year in Providence and now Boston. He's been very consistent and got his reward.
Agree with just about all of this except for Studnicka being a surprise, but that’s just because I do nothing all day except stream hockey and eat hot pockets.
Injuries have been unfortunate and it really does suck for Lauko and Keyser. They work hard, get extremely excited to play on a personal level and then just have brutal luck. I hope the best for the quick recoveries because they’re two great prospects in their own rights.
Steen is definitely the biggest disappointment for me, along with Vaakanainen. I think both have their reasons and explanations for it, but just having down years. It happens and I still have pretty high hopes for them.
Koppanen is someone I absolutely did not see coming. The points aren’t exactly telling because I think he’s cooled off and just got hot at the right time, but he’s made significant improvements to his all-around game. His skating is more refined and he gets around much easier. Still doesn't really have the puck-skills, especially relax wise, but genuinely improved in many areas.
Senyshyn is and always will be the whipping boy no matter what he does. I agree with you here and agree with your second post about him. If you watch closely there’s actually a significant improvement to his all-around game and strength from last year regardless of what the numbers say. Looked good in Boston, but just had a bad string of luck and got injured at the wrong time.
