Prospect Info: The 2015 NHL Entry Draft: Part IV

S E P H · May 22, 2015

Part I: http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?t=1731377
Part II: http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?t=1825265
Part III: http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?t=1869933

LOCATION

Avalanche · May 22, 2015

From the last thread. Link to TV's moderator mock draft.

landy92mack29 said:
http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?t=1899637

I would do backflips if that's what we ended up with. Hopefully the real draft falls that way.

tigervixxxen · May 22, 2015

Thanks, glad I did you all proud :nod:

Wasn't tough choices, I think most of us want it to go this way.

avsfan89 · May 22, 2015

In case anyone missed it, on the Avs site they did a feature on Meier.

http://avalanche.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=768280

"One area where Meier’s game shines is on special teams. Last season, Meier set the franchise record for the most power-play goals (23) in a season for the Mooseheads. Meier knows what his strengths are and likes to use them to his advantage, but he also knows he can always get better"

some ppl on here look at the better player, I look at the better fit.

my check list:

1) plays well with star players = check
2) size at 6'1 at least = check
3) right wing = check
4) pp specialist = check
5) work ethic and drive to be better = check

tigervixxxen · May 22, 2015

Hm, good question. I think the Avs kinda combine some old philosophies with a few new. I think the Avs checklist still favors things like character, leadership, compete level but have added size, two way ability, playoff experience.

One thing to ponder is the age of some of these prospects. Rantanen, Meier (and well Bittner too) are late 96 so they'll be 19 this coming season. Rantanen could play AHL any time but anyone who is a 96 could play AHL in 16/17 if need be. Zacha and Crouse are younger 97s. Just something to ponder.

trip trancid · May 23, 2015

Hi everyone. New to the board. Between the frustrations of last season and time demands, it's been kind of a challenge to follow the team. So, please forgive my ignorance. I have a couple of non draft questions but some draft questions but I thought I'd start here.

Any updates on the progress of MacKinnon's injury? Is it healed and will he be going through a similar offseason?

Any hint as to what will happen with Ryan O'Reilly and a contract? I really hope they can get him re-signed.

As for the draft. It kind of seems like this might be a strong draft. Is it better for forwards or defencemen at #10. I know it's hard to predict but these things are usually slotted.

Whoever they take at 10, is it a virtual certainty they'll be with the Avs next year?

I guess I need to read up on some of these guys. I like Rantanen but I'm probably not familiar enough with some of the others.

tigervixxxen · May 23, 2015

1. MacKinnon is fine, he just won gold with team Canada at Worlds. I have no concerns about him at all.

2. No idea on any hints or latest news on ROR. Sakic said they'll try to re-sign him. Hopefully we know something by the draft.

3. It's a stronger top 10 than usual. I'd say it's about equally as strong ~6-12, depends what you want.

4. No I wouldn't expect the pick to play on the team. Mayyybe if it's Crouse but otherwise I think they are a year out.

5. Welcome! Come hang out any time.

trip trancid · May 23, 2015

tigervixxxen said:
1. MacKinnon is fine, he just won gold with team Canada at Worlds. I have no concerns about him at all.

2. No idea on any hints or latest news on ROR. Sakic said they'll try to re-sign him. Hopefully we know something by the draft.

3. It's a stronger top 10 than usual. I'd say it's about equally as strong ~6-12, depends what you want.

4. No I wouldn't expect the pick to play on the team. Mayyybe if it's Crouse but otherwise I think they are a year out.

5. Welcome! Come hang out any time.

Thank you and thank you.

Is it realistic for Crouse to be there at 10?

tigervixxxen · May 23, 2015

trip trancid said:
Thank you and thank you.

Is it realistic for Crouse to be there at 10?

No, not realistic unfortunately. Possible but someone before us will like him.

Bone Breaker · May 23, 2015

even Rantanen is one year away from NHL? he`s playing with men, isn`t he? I`d hope for him to be on the AHL and getting some NHL play time as the first call-up...

trip trancid · May 23, 2015

Can, or would anyone care to, put into words whether it would be better to draft Werenski or Provorov?

Also, I'm kind of intrigued by Meier after reading his player profile from the link provided. He has size, skill, and I like how he put in the work to adapt his game to the more rugged style of play. He's determined to use his physicality and has demonstrated hell do what's necessary to play the style for him to be most effective. I'm picturing a guy who's strong with the puck and in the corners but also high end skills when it comes to scoring. I kind of think the Avs can use this and it would work on either line.

But one thing I really liked from that write up is how he reads the play. I always thought Stastny was great at this. And it would be good to add that back.

Is there a player that he is similar to? He kind of sounds similar to Hossa. Is this way off?

Edit--I just watched a YouTube video of him. Is that what most are doing? Anyway, I just saw his world junior highlights. The guys even stronger than I thought. The guys a bull. He's extremely strong and bold in terms of going to the danger areas.

It seems like this guy would be a huge asset in terms of his skillset. By that I mean, he'd add something that is lacking (at least by my estimation from when I've watched). But I see he is ranked mid teens. I'd be completely ok with this guy at 10 even though I'm seeing him slotted slightly below where the Avs are picking.

InjuredChoker · May 23, 2015

Bone Breaker said:
even Rantanen is one year away from NHL? he`s playing with men, isn`t he? I`d hope for him to be on the AHL and getting some NHL play time as the first call-up...

it would probably be better for him to play at one more year at lower levels. he could play in small role but for his development, one more year at AHL/FHL is better.

FHL is probably better option as deano is staying.. not that everything is fine with his team in finland but still better.

tigervixxxen · May 23, 2015

Bone Breaker said:
even Rantanen is one year away from NHL? he`s playing with men, isn`t he? I`d hope for him to be on the AHL and getting some NHL play time as the first call-up...

I could see him do something like Nylander or Fiala where they went back to Europe to start but then went to their AHL team by mid season and then could get a callup. And it's possible he could start in the AHL too. I think the question was more about starting on the NHL roster.

tigervixxxen · May 23, 2015

Trip, if you want to get into videos on guys I recommend the shift by shift videos which give you a bit better idea of their game than a highlight reel would.

I personally prefer Provorov. I like his two way game, physicality. Werenski has more size and offensive upside. Provorov is closer to NHL ready.

trip trancid · May 23, 2015

tigervixxxen said:
Trip, if you want to get into videos on guys I recommend the shift by shift videos which give you a bit better idea of their game than a highlight reel would.

I personally prefer Provorov. I like his two way game, physicality. Werenski has more size and offensive upside. Provorov is closer to NHL ready.

I wasn't even aware this existed. Thanks for sharing this.

When you say NHL ready, do you mean he's ready to contribute in a way that's more positive than negative, or do you mean he's physically ready to be on the ice with grown men? I guess they're not mutually exclusive so it could be both.

trip trancid · May 23, 2015

tigervixxxen said:
Trip, if you want to get into videos on guys I recommend the shift by shift videos which give you a bit better idea of their game than a highlight reel would.

I personally prefer Provorov. I like his two way game, physicality. Werenski has more size and offensive upside. Provorov is closer to NHL ready.

Ok. Thanks agaIn. I had a chance to watch it. Gotta ask. Who are these guys putting forth this analysis?

Regarding his passiveness. It's a real question mark. A lot of big guys don't play up to their size. But he's still impactful with his skill.

Is Provorov your guy of the prospects who are semi realistic at 10?

landy92mack29 · May 23, 2015

trip trancid said:
Ok. Thanks agaIn. I had a chance to watch it. Gotta ask. Who are these guys putting forth this analysis?

Regarding his passiveness. It's a real question mark. A lot of big guys don't play up to their size. But he's still impactful with his skill.

Is Provorov your guy of the prospects who are semi realistic at 10?

Provorov wont make it to 10. One of Rantanen, Werenski, Zacha, Barzal will likely be our pick. Outside chance Crouse falls to 10.

tigervixxxen · May 23, 2015

trip trancid said:
Ok. Thanks agaIn. I had a chance to watch it. Gotta ask. Who are these guys putting forth this analysis?

Regarding his passiveness. It's a real question mark. A lot of big guys don't play up to their size. But he's still impactful with his skill.

Is Provorov your guy of the prospects who are semi realistic at 10?

Just the guy who made the video. Some don't have commentary. I don't mind it but others prefer to watch without. If you go to the guy's account he has a video for the top ~20 and some others. I think it's a real good resource for those that haven't been able to watch these players. Some of use streams that I can't go into or have watched live.

On Rantanen, to me it doesn't seem like an unwillingness to use his size but more the European style of play. I'm sure the Avs would address that with him.

I'm a Crouse fan. I like big guys who can snipe and I'm a fan of two way and physical play. But like I said earlier, probably unrealistic but I'll still hope. I'm also leaning more toward a forward with that pick over defense because the prospect pool desperately needs them. I'm on board with any of the larger forwards who could be available with that pick. I'd be happy with Rantanen. Zacha is a bit risky but if the Avs believe in him I'm on board. Meier would be fine. I prefer Provorov over Werenski because I do care about that two way play, I'm not the biggest fan of the NCAA system but I'm not writing those guys off either. I like Barzal a lot, I love his skillset but I know he's not the greatest fit for the team. So I guess combining all factors I'm hoping for Rantanen but Crouse is my big wish.

trip trancid · May 23, 2015

tigervixxxen said:
Just the guy who made the video. Some don't have commentary. I don't mind it but others prefer to watch without. If you go to the guy's account he has a video for the top ~20 and some others. I think it's a real good resource for those that haven't been able to watch these players. Some of use streams that I can't go into or have watched live.

On Rantanen, to me it doesn't seem like an unwillingness to use his size but more the European style of play. I'm sure the Avs would address that with him.

I'm a Crouse fan. I like big guys who can snipe and I'm a fan of two way and physical play. But like I said earlier, probably unrealistic but I'll still hope. I'm also leaning more toward a forward with that pick over defense because the prospect pool desperately needs them. I'm on board with any of the larger forwards who could be available with that pick. I'd be happy with Rantanen. Zacha is a bit risky but if the Avs believe in him I'm on board. Meier would be fine. I prefer Provorov over Werenski because I do care about that two way play, I'm not the biggest fan of the NCAA system but I'm not writing those guys off either. I like Barzal a lot, I love his skillset but I know he's not the greatest fit for the team. So I guess combining all factors I'm hoping for Rantanen but Crouse is my big wish.

I'm glad you said that. Lol. I thought maybe you were drinking the kool aid with their commentary. I didn't want to be rude.

I'm torn between D and F. On one hand, defensemen are so costly to get, you almost have to draft them. But on the other hand, F seems like more of a sure thing (as they're typically closer to pro ready). And with that in mind, high picks (in any sport) it's more important to not guess wrong than hit a HR. This is partly why I've really bern impressed with Meier. I think there is a greater certainty his game translates, but there also appears to be the possibility of adding high end skill to it.

From what I've seen so far, I like Connors speed element. The Avs might be the fastest/best skating team in the NHL. Connor kind of adds to that element. But it might also be a little redundant. I like Connor but I love Meier on the puck, in the corners, and using skill at the end of it.

Part of me thinks Philsdelphia will pick Rantanen. Just a gut feeling. Maybe it's influenced too much by the legion of doom days. Idk. Could be completely wrong.

And I'm not feeling good about Zacha.

Freudian · May 23, 2015

I wouldn't read that much into what prospects Avs showcase on their site. Often they just re-publish nhl.com stuff and I don't suspect they have any kind of knowledge about who is high on Avs draft list.

landy92mack29 · May 23, 2015

Freudian said:
I wouldn't read that much into what prospects Avs showcase on their site. Often they just re-publish nhl.com stuff and I don't suspect they have any kind of knowledge about who is high on Avs draft list.

They're probably just going to show the 6-15 prospects.

trip trancid · May 23, 2015

Freudian said:
I wouldn't read that much into what prospects Avs showcase on their site. Often they just re-publish nhl.com stuff and I don't suspect they have any kind of knowledge about who is high on Avs draft list.

Well, I already bought my #96 Meier jersey. Are you saying I went too far?

Ararana · May 23, 2015

trip trancid said:
Well, I already bought my #96 Meier jersey. Are you saying I went too far?

We'd get to add another player to the 90's club to replace ROR :naughty:

tigervixxxen · May 24, 2015

I bring this up mostly because I'm bored and there isn't much to talk about. I also preface this by saying I know folks in an organization are going to do their due diligence and look at all sorts of players. That said, was interesting to read in the Journal du Quebec that Roy gave the Remparts tips on Kelowna because he'd "seen all their games scouting for the Avalanche". Wouldn't think Roy would be so involved in that and why Kelowna? Doubt they'd be that interested in Merkley. Maybe for a trade of one of their older players (Morrissey?) or more for their opponent (Brandon-Provorov). Also was interesting to read Tourigny went to the u18 in Switzerland. Wonder if they were taking a look at Zacha or Barzal. Like I said I know scouts will go watch everything but a bit interesting when coaches do, no?

Foppa2118 · May 24, 2015

tigervixxxen said:
I bring this up mostly because I'm bored and there isn't much to talk about. I also preface this by saying I know folks in an organization are going to do their due diligence and look at all sorts of players. That said, was interesting to read in the Journal du Quebec that Roy gave the Remparts tips on Kelowna because he'd "seen all their games scouting for the Avalanche". Wouldn't think Roy would be so involved in that and why Kelowna? Doubt they'd be that interested in Merkley. Maybe for a trade of one of their older players (Morrissey?) or more for their opponent (Brandon-Provorov). Also was interesting to read Tourigny went to the u18 in Switzerland. Wonder if they were taking a look at Zacha or Barzal. Like I said I know scouts will go watch everything but a bit interesting when coaches do, no?

That is interesting. Outside of Merkley, nothing stands out really as a prospect that would warrant Roy doing that much homework. Maybe Bowey in trade from the Caps? I don't know much about him, but he's got good size, and put up decent numbers for a D man.

I'd say maybe he was doing Footer a favor to see where his son might fit in with the team if he went there, but that much scouting for that seems like overkill.

Maybe, Jackson Whistle as a late round undrafted pick for a goalie? :dunno:

Prospect Info: The 2015 NHL Entry Draft: Part IV

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