Prospect Info: HFAvs Prospect Ranking Poll 2021 #5

[Richard88]

We don't know the circumstances of it all. I could easily see Leivermann walking and going to Chicago instead. I just think assumptions of the Avs signing, not signing, or a player not wanting to sign are outside the scope of this. I can get debates on players not being worth contracts (and there should be a debate there on Leivermann as he isn't a sure thing pro), but Weiss could walk too. Ambrosio could walk. Hell, Helleson could walk. He could see how stacked the Avs are on defense and decide to wait a year to have his own choice.

Helleson should see that even with solid defensive depth there is a very clear path to the NHL for him in the NHL with the Avs.

Right now the Avs have only two RHD's in Makar and Johnson, the latter of which is aging and injury prone. Even if Barron takes a big leap there would still be a 3RHD spot for Helleson on the roster for him to claim.

 

[Pokecheque]

I don't see why Kaut leading the poll here is so controversial. Limited upside, yes, but he's shown he can play at the NHL level in an impactful role, albeit in a VERY limited sample size. Foudy is more talented but we've only seen him at the AHL level thus far.

If Kaut actually makes the team and finally realizes his potential, then there'll be zero argument to be had. If he doesn't, well, that's a pretty glaring first round bust to go along with some other bad draft picks.

 

[henchman21]

Helleson should see that even with solid defensive depth there is a very clear path to the NHL for him in the NHL with the Avs.

Right now the Avs have only two RHD's in Makar and Johnson, the latter of which is aging and injury prone. Even if Barron takes a big leap there would still be a 3RHD spot for Helleson on the roster for him to claim.

Sometimes guarantees out rule paths. If Helleson continues to progress, there would likely be a team out there willing to give him minutes and high bonuses on an ELC. Certain teams out there have the rep that agents trust. Especially when it is a 1 year burn, 2nd year ELC, 3rd year multi-million contract situation. Easily possible for a team to waive ~3-5m with the track record to back it up, while the Avs say, work a year in the AHL and they you'll get a 2 way 2nd deal. I'm not saying he will do that (I think he signs after this season and burns a year), but options will be out there if he has a strong year.

I don't see why Kaut leading the poll here is so controversial. Limited upside, yes, but he's shown he can play at the NHL level in an impactful role, albeit in a VERY limited sample size. Foudy is more talented but we've only seen him at the AHL level thus far.

If Kaut actually makes the team and finally realizes his potential, then there'll be zero argument to be had. If he doesn't, well, that's a pretty glaring first round bust to go along with some other bad draft picks.

It is only controversial since he's beating out Behrens.

 

[McMetal]

Kaut may be in the lead, but it's a narrow one, with 32% of the vote. To put that another way, nearly 70% of us voted for someone else. That's the nature of these polls sometimes. It's just rare to see it happen so early, usually this doesn't happen until you get into the 10+ crapshoot range. I actually anticipate we're going to see this kind of chaos most of the rest of the way through this year.

 

[Patagonia]

Kaut.

He might have the highest upside on the list. Considered Helleson with his recent junior heroics. No guarantees based on draft position, but Kaut had a much better junior career and joined the AHL team at 18. Only 21, he's 1 year older than Helleson/Newhook/Byram.

Add Bowers.

 

[ASmileyFace]

It is only controversial since he's beating out Behrens.

I have to admit, I know nothing about Behrens. But seeing how many of ya'll voted for him, whose opinions on prospects I trust more than my own, makes me think I need to do some research.

 

[henchman21]

I have to admit, I know nothing about Behrens. But seeing how many of ya'll voted for him, whose opinions on prospects I trust more than my own, makes me think I need to do some research.

He’s a risk, but he’s got Ryan Ellis upside.

 

[Pierce Hawthorne]

I don't even know if Kaut is in my Top 10 at this point.


Foudy, Helleson, Ranta... They're all definitely ahead for me. Then there's Behrens, Maltsev.


He's probably in the ~9 spot but certainly not Top 5.

 

[Perratrooper]

Chris Tanev. Bigger, can play physical but usually doesn't, excellent first pass, good gaps and IQ... limited offensive skills.

I think a healthy bigger Chris Tanev is a #3, but I guess we could get into a rabbit hole debating what quantifies a #3 vs #4

 

[Tommy Shelby]

I'd say Foudy has a much better chance to make the NHL. His skating and transition game are already NHL level and those skills alone can carry players to the NHL. Foudy might not ever end up more than a 4th line PK specialist, but I think he's a NHL player.

I'd say we can nearly rule out any second line ability in Kaut. He's just not skilled enough and doesn't play with enough pace. Plus, Helleson I'd say is being a spot underrated. I'd say the comparison on upside is that of a #4D vs 3rd line wing.

If Foudy can become Brad Richardson with better skating, that's an absolute win for us.

Agree on Kaut, the pick was a risk at the time, and in this case it doesn't look like it panned out. What's more puzzling is that Ty Smith was taken right after, and he had "Typical Avs Pick" written all over him.

 

[Perratrooper]

If Foudy can become Brad Richardson with better skating, that's an absolute win for us.

Agree on Kaut, the pick was a risk at the time, and in this case it doesn't look like it panned out. What's more puzzling is that Ty Smith was taken right after, and he had "Typical Avs Pick" written all over him.

Wouldn’t have minded Liam Foudy either. 6’2” center that skates like the wind, sounds like someone who woulda been the perfect 3C here. Hopefully Kaut still pans out to be an NHL player.

 

[Freudian]

The path is paved for Kaut to play in the NHL this year. Chances are someone like Foudy will play 30+ games as well, if Bednar likes his hustle.

 

[Cousin Eddie]

I hope Foudy goes back to junior

 

[Richard88]

I hope Foudy goes back to junior

Getting Foudy back to the OHL would probably be the best way of getting him to develop his offense more. Specifically it would give him a year to really work on his ability to get to the center of the ice more, as well as his shot.

 

[henchman21]

I hope Foudy goes back to junior

I can guarantee he's going to Windsor!




(just don't know if it will be Colorado or Ontario)

 

[tigervixxxen]

Consistency is important. Also a kid going back to billet life after he’s been on his own lol.

 

[expatriatedtexan]

My issue with Kaut is it looks like he’s playing at half speed compared to everybody else.

He seems like a passenger at all times. Lack of intensity, energy, engagement, whatever you want to call it. Not a good enough skater to look as disengaged as he appears most of the time.

I have serious doubts on him being an NHL regular.

That's really sad. I remember thinking we found a third line version of Hejduk when we drafted him.

 

[S E P H]

I understand that Kaut had a good season in the AHL, but if you can't bring that in the NHL then you're a fringe player at best. I do agree that he hasn't been given a fair shake from Bednar, but sometimes you gotta push and grind your way to be given a chance. Kaut is still a valuable top 6-8ish or so prospect, but he's trending downwards for me until otherwise noted. Foudy and Helleson on the other hand both had fantastic years and took a critical leap in their development.