Rask v. Lindholm
- Thread starter AKL
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tarheelhockey
Offside Review Specialist
Rask is a goal-scoring center. Big rangy guy who bulls through traffic. Working on his defensive game. Kind of a Staal clone, more of a Jordan than an Eric.
Lindholm is a more finesse-oriented playmaking winger. He has the skills to be a center but he hasn't developed enough to take on that responsibility just yet. He works well in a cycling game where he can hold onto the puck and circle while looking for opportunities.
Both are looking like guys who should hit 60-65 in their prime.
Rask has been playing better and is looking more likely to reach his max potential. Lindholm has a higher ceiling and I'd bet on him to be the better player in the long run.
Probably not, it would really set this team back if they had to replace either of these guys. They're already shallow in terms of young skilled forwards (it's basically them plus Skinner) so it would leave a big long-term hole to be filled.
NotOpie
"Puck don't lie"
I'll take a stab at this and am sure my board colleagues will weigh in with their opinions.
Rask is a workmanlike but skilled player that continues to grow and learn in his game. Once thought to have very subpar skating he's worked on that and improved it immensely. Lindy is hardworking also, but is a bit behind the development curve as he was rushed to the NHL by our previous coach/GM. He is essentially suffering his sophomore slump this year. He's been shifted up and down the line up but seems to have settled in next to Rask and Skinner and his points are coming. Both players are responsible defensively, even to the point of being considered very good defenders, especially Lindholm. The comparable that I have for Rask....to me he's a bit like Rikard Rakell of the Ducks....although I think Victor's upside is higher.
I see Rask as a high 40's to mid 50's scorer. Lindholm's ceiling is much higher but the jury is still out as to whether he will reach it. Outside of Jordan Staal and maybe Jaccob Slavin Rask has been one of the best players on the team this year. He was slowed briefly by what appeared to be a shoulder or elbow injury but has come back with purpose these last 5 games or so. He's also good and getting better in the faceoff circle. Lindy just had a horrible start to the season and appeared lost at times. He has come on pretty well lately with 10 points in his last 15 games. My guess is Lindholm ends up this year between 35 and 40 points. Over the long haul and if he reaches his potential, I could see him as a 55 to 65 point guy. He still needs to get stronger in my opinion (something Victor Rask worked on in the off season and it shows).
Rask is likely unavailable unless a stupid overpayment was offered. For a while Lindholm was considered an untouchable cornerstone of the franchise going forward. I still think that is the case but he's going to have to show up strongly in 2016-17. Both of these young Swedes are coveted by the franchise as much as or more than any outsider probably would.
TheOllieC
cajun filet
1) What kind of players are they? What style of game do they play? Any good NHL comparables right now?
Rask is more of a goal scorer. Good at faceoffs. His agility and skating are weaknesses but he's improved them a bit since coming into the league so hopefully he continues to do so.
Lindholm is a better playmaker, outstanding vision (probably his best asset) and even has a better shot than Rask, but doesn't use it a lot. He's timid. Once he gains confidence and utilizes his tools, he could take a considerable jump into a high level player. At times he's a pesky backchecker with continuous hustle to regain control of the puck. Would like to see more of that. He has good instincts but for a player with such great vision and playmaking ability he needs to improve decision making, and that plays into confidence I suppose. Needs to continue developing physically.
2) What do you see their ceilings as? How many points?
Rask should be a good 2nd line C for the foreseeable future. 45-55pts.
Lindholm is impossible to project because he said he prefers playing the wing, but Francis and Peters have both said they see him at center in the near future to maximize the effectiveness of his smarts and playmaking ability. I would say Krejci is a good comparable.
3) Which one is better now? In the future?
Rask has been better this season but it's still quite close because they play different style of games, Lindholm in the near future.
Rask is more of a goal scorer. Good at faceoffs. His agility and skating are weaknesses but he's improved them a bit since coming into the league so hopefully he continues to do so.
Lindholm is a better playmaker, outstanding vision (probably his best asset) and even has a better shot than Rask, but doesn't use it a lot. He's timid. Once he gains confidence and utilizes his tools, he could take a considerable jump into a high level player. At times he's a pesky backchecker with continuous hustle to regain control of the puck. Would like to see more of that. He has good instincts but for a player with such great vision and playmaking ability he needs to improve decision making, and that plays into confidence I suppose. Needs to continue developing physically.
2) What do you see their ceilings as? How many points?
Rask should be a good 2nd line C for the foreseeable future. 45-55pts.
Lindholm is impossible to project because he said he prefers playing the wing, but Francis and Peters have both said they see him at center in the near future to maximize the effectiveness of his smarts and playmaking ability. I would say Krejci is a good comparable.
3) Which one is better now? In the future?
Rask has been better this season but it's still quite close because they play different style of games, Lindholm in the near future.
Stickpucker
Playmaka
- Jan 18, 2014
- 15,394
- 37,184
Rask reminds me a ton of Mikko Koivu. He has improved his skating and thinks the game well. I do see a lot of times where if he were a little faster skating he could make a lot more big plays on both sides of the puck.
