Prospect Info: Matthew Wood - RW | 15th Overall | 2023 NHL Draft

[triggrman]

I could see him at UConn 1 more year then start his slow transition with the AHL, but I think 2 years at UConn would be my guess for most likely.

Trotz didn't seem interested in rushing him for sure.

 

[Flgatorguy87]

His body is realistically 2 years away just based on his age. He's not a physical player at this stage. 2 years at Center at a good program while he's adding muscle sounds good to me.

 

[PredsV82]

I could see him at UConn 1 more year then start his slow transition with the AHL, but I think 2 years at UConn would be my guess for most likely.

Trotz said the plan was to "let him develop"

I'd say that means 2 years at UConn, but sign him before he graduates and could go UFA

 

[herzausstein]

Let him develop. We arent in a position where we need to try and hurry players. We also have several more nhl ready RWs. Let him cook. See if he can work out as a center.

 

[triggrman]

Let him develop. We arent in a position where we need to try and hurry players. We also have several more nhl ready RWs. Let him cook. See if he can work out as a center.

Can't let him sit in college for too long but development is what the AHL is for.

 

[Porter Stoutheart]

Can't let him sit in college for too long but development is what the AHL is for.

I think the nice thing about college... especially for him at his younger age, and in need of physical development, is that there's just more time for him to work on things. The pro schedule is a lot more games, fewer practices, less time for the gym. Whereas if he stays in college, he plays like 30-some games, doesn't have the travel, and can spend more of that time working on things outside of games.

At his current pace, he might get "too good" to stay there, of course, just in terms of the level of competition. But we can just wait and play it by ear.

 

[LCPreds]

I also like the idea of a guy who obviously loves doing intellectual activities to have an opportunity to get at least some college education.

 

[LeighDx59]

If he goes back to being a center and succeeds at it? This pick is even better imo.

 

[Gnashville]

He's got an excellent shit. That's probably the "trait" Trotzy is talking about. He's got that long stick reach like Tage too.

Dude I’m sure his bathroom habits are personal.

 

[Gnashville]

I'm a huge fan of players with excellent shit. Healthy body, healthy mind

A good high fiber diet never hurts.

 

[maplepred]

I sure hope this kid gets his skating sorted out. He could be something special like tkachuk potentially. Here’s to hoping..

 

[ODAAT]

Bruin fan living on Vancouver Island coming in peace. Got to watch Matthew many times live here when he played for the Victoria Grizzlies, you will love this kid, hard worker, skill for days, isn`t super physical but nor does he shy from it, he`ll need to put on a bit of bulk but not a ton.

guessing another year at UCONN then likely makes the jump

 

[Scoresberg]

Looks like they're really trying this kid at centre:



And off to a great start in the 1st game of the season:

 

[herzausstein]

Looks like they're really trying this kid at centre:



And off to a great start in the 1st game of the season:

He said he models his game after Tage Thompson. If he turns out anything like him, then our longterm 1C dilemma is solved

 

[Scoresberg]

He said he models his game after Tage Thompson. If he turns out anything like him, then our longterm 1C dilemma is solved

I could see that. By no stretch of the imagination are either of them considered fast but they can get to places.

Like when Trotz was describing O'Reilly, "he may not look fast but trust me when the puck is there for the taking, he can get there fast".

 

[Porter Stoutheart]

I hadn't realized Ethan Haider transferred to UConn also. I guess players moving around is becoming more common in the NCAA now without the redshirt year anymore. I see Alexander Campbell had a great 1st game in his new digs in Northeastern also. Both of them bailed on Clarkson for their senior years.

I suspect we're going to have some pretty big numbers in our prospect pool this year. Stats-watching will be more fun than ever.

 

[ShagDaddy]

He got bumped to 3rd line center for today’s game

 

[AintLifeGrand]

matt wood 3 pts (2 g 1a) in first 2 games

 

[Scoresberg]

The goal:

 

[Gnashville]

College Hockey season has already started? It seems way too early for it.

 

[nine_inch_fang]

College Hockey season has already started? It seems way too early for it.

I mean, the NHL starts tomorrow.

 

[herzausstein]

Some of our college players are off to a good start.

Campbell: 2G 1A in 1 game played
Fink: 1A in 1 game played
Fontaine: 2A in 1 game played
Ingram: 1G 1A in 2 game played

 

[Gnashville]

I mean, the NHL starts tomorrow.

I guess I never really paid attention until after Thanksgiving for college hockey

 

[AintLifeGrand]

the problem is college football is nowhere as as good as CFB, CBB , or college baseball

 

[triggrman]

the problem is college football is nowhere as as good as CFB, CBB , or college baseball

Alrighty then.