Plan B

[Wisent42]

If we somehow miss out on McEichel, we should immediately start stockpiling lottery tickets for the 2021 draft and grab Iguchi Aito. That should also give us enough time to come up with a catchfrase. Right now I can't think of any synonym for losing that works with Iguchi Aito.

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[Dreakon13]

If we somehow miss out on McEichel, we should immediately start stockpiling lottery tickets for the 2021 draft and grab Iguchi Aito. That should also give us enough time to come up with a catchfrase. Right now I can't think of any synonym for losing that works with Iguchi Aito.

Win late-o (later) for Aito.

Either way, it looks like he's playing with kids. A man among boys. I'd like to see him do that in a real league.

 

[Sabresfansince1980]

First step is a little slow, and he needs to drive the net more. He'll also need to bulk up a little if he's going to be able to battle in the corners and on the forecheck. I'm not ready to declare him the top pick quite yet.

 

[cramdizzl]

Those are the silkiest mitts I've ever seen...

 

[TannedBum]

I'm stunned by that little boy's skating technique and balance. Looks superb for 11 yr old. He would murder Reinhart already in skating contest.

 

[Ralonzo]

Edmonton also has designs on the kid and they are further along in their planning.

 

[DeadGhost]

He's a hell of a skater.

I am by no means a scout but if he wins the puberty lottery he could probably play at some notable level.

 

[26CornerBlitz]

This kid is quite the wizard. Very impressive.

 

[Jim Bob]

I expect the Japanese factor to really hurt him on draft day.

Ever since Taro didn't make it out of that first camp with the Sabres....

 

[Myllz]

Jeez. His skating and hands are crazy. It'll be interesting to follow him in the next few years to see what he does and where he goes.

 

[Jim Bob]

Jeez. His skating and hands are crazy. It'll be interesting to follow him in the next few years to see what he does and where he goes.

The top kids at 11 rarely are the top kids at 18.

It will be really interesting to see if he moves to the US or Canada or Sweden or Finland.

 

[Push Dr Tracksuit]

I was amazing at 11 too. Had 41 goals in 22 games at one point playing with the Regals. By 14 I was playing JV hockey, was 4 inches shorter and half a step slower than my teammates. They even moved me to D because once goalies could reach crossbar from their knees I magically couldn't score anymore.

 

[Myllz]

The top kids at 11 rarely are the top kids at 18.

It will be really interesting to see if he moves to the US or Canada or Sweden or Finland.

Yup, which is why it will be interesting to see what he does. He may not even want to play hockey in another year or two, who knows.

 

[tsujimoto74]

He's a hell of a skater.

I am by no means a scout but if he wins the puberty lottery he could probably play at some notable level.

Yeah, kid definitely looks like he has the talent and legs to become a player. Could be the best Japanese hockey player since Taro.

 

[moomoosoup]

I think he could use another year in juniors. He has the skill, but he gets out muscled in the corners.

 

[ZZamboni]

Future bust

 

[NotABadPeriod]

I expect the Japanese factor to really hurt him on draft day.

Ever since Taro didn't make it out of that first camp with the Sabres....

Absolutely. The struggle to bring Tsujimoto over is definitely going to impact this kid's chances of being drafted early.

 

[Wisent42]

I think he could use another year in juniors. He has the skill, but he gets out muscled in the corners.

I don't think that's an issue since the kid is going to see three minutes of icetime per game with McCormick and Kaleta.

 

[Bps21*]

I don't think that's an issue since the kid is going to see three minutes of icetime per game with McCormick and Kaleta.

If nolan was still around in 2021 we would be drafting high enough to get him.

 

[C Note]

Absolutely. The struggle to bring Tsujimoto over is definitely going to impact this kid's chances of being drafted early.

Does anyone know how his contract with Asia Ice Hockey League could affect his ability to play here? If it does, I don't see how a GM can take a chance like that with a first round pick.