Today's Slapshot updated Blue Jackets Prospect rankings

[StevenToddIves]

I thought you folks would enjoy my latest, a Blue Jackets prospect re-ranking and brief draft recap:

http://www.todaysslapshot.com/nhl-prospects-2/nhl-prospects-blue-jackets-updated-top-5/

I think with another great draft and the Saad deal, Columbus has a legit shot of winning the division next year. I'd love to hear your comments on the column, and congrats on an outstanding week for the organization!

Click to read more...

 

[blahblah]

Thanks, interesting read.

Not sure we're going to look to flush more depth for a top line RW however. Partly because you'll have to flush Atkinson to find the cap space and then you've dumped another RW. Our RW situation isn't optimal, but I'm not sure it's a huge concern at this point either.

 

[Gargyn]

Thought Bjorkstrand would be top prospect or at least number 2.

 

[Jackets16]

The only guy I would have him above on that list is Rychel.

 

[spintheblackcircle]

Not to be that guy again, but Bjorkstrand is number one clearly.

 

[WannabeFinn]

How isn't Bjorkstrand on the list?!

 

[CBJx614]

Close but no cigar. IMO it's

Werenski
Milano
Bjorkstrand
Rychel
toss up between Bittner and Carlsson

Wennberg by any means is no longer a prospect.

 

[Fro]

Bjork not even mentioned is a fail

 

[Gargyn]

Werenski just seems like the safe pick. Do you guys see a high end offensive dman? I see a steady number 2 who can chip in some points, but wont ever put up big numbers. Hope I am wrong, really want to see the Jackets succeed.

 

[CBJx614]

Ollie not getting mentioned definitely is a fail, but he's definitely not #1 on the list. Top pairing D potential >>> top line wing potential. Even if Bjork is closer to getting there. Also I think Milano has a higher end the Bjorkstrand.

 

[WannabeFinn]

Werenski
Bjorkstrand
Milano
Rychel
Bittner/Carlsson/Heatherington

that's my top 5

 

[stevo61]

Werenski just seems like the safe pick. Do you guys see a high end offensive dman? I see a steady number 2 who can chip in some points, but wont ever put up big numbers. Hope I am wrong, really want to see the Jackets succeed.

He's 17 and just put up 25 points in 35 games including 9 goals... to compare he had a similar season offensively as Mike Reilly at 20. He was the 2nd highest scoring Dman in the Big-10 and tied for 1st in goals. Did I mention he's 17? Just in case I didn't, he's only 17

 

[StevenToddIves]

He's 17 and just put up 25 points in 35 games including 9 goals... to compare he had a similar season offensively as Mike Reilly at 20. He was the 2nd highest scoring Dman in the Big-10 and tied for 1st in goals. Did I mention he's 17? Just in case I didn't, he's only 17

I firmly believe Werenski's upside is comparable to Hanifin and Provorov, and way higher than Reilly. I see him as a hybrid between former D-partners Weber and Suter.

 

[Gargyn]

He's 17 and just put up 25 points in 35 games including 9 goals... to compare he had a similar season offensively as Mike Reilly at 20. He was the 2nd highest scoring Dman in the Big-10 and tied for 1st in goals. Did I mention he's 17? Just in case I didn't, he's only 17

Ya he did well and i hope it translates. As far as comparing him to Reilly, I think Reilly is overrated and made a mistake to sign in Minnesota. He is left handed and in no way is he getting pp time ahead of Suter or Dumba.

 

[StevenToddIves]

Werenski
Bjorkstrand
Milano
Rychel
Bittner/Carlsson/Heatherington

that's my top 5

Living in NY, I have watched a ton of Milano. I like Bjorkstrand (he's a 7.5 too in my book) but Milano's upside is far greater.

 

[CBJx614]

Living in NY, I have watched a ton of Milano. I like Bjorkstrand (he's a 7.5 too in my book) but Milano's upside is far greater.

Especially with the weight gain Milano has put on making basically 200lbs.

 

[WannabeFinn]

Living in NY, I have watched a ton of Milano. I like Bjorkstrand (he's a 7.5 too in my book) but Milano's upside is far greater.

Milano's got a better upside if he'll ever learn to take a shot that isn't backhanded

 

[stevo61]

I firmly believe Werenski's upside is comparable to Hanifin and Provorov, and way higher than Reilly. I see him as a hybrid between former D-partners Weber and Suter.

I know I was just using Reilly as he is fresh in our mind and seen as an offensive dynamo in college hockey. When you have a 6'2" 214lb 17 year old defensive scoring 9 goals, being a plus 9 with only 8 penalty minutes (prides himself on not taking penalties) you have someone who is and really can be special

 

[major major]

I'm actually fine with the prospect ranking, assuming you've also got Bjorkstrand close.

My two quibbles are that you're reading too much into the LW vs RW issue - our guys can play either one, and you offhandedly claim that we paid a lot less for Saad than Calgary paid for Hamilton. IMO Dano and Anisimov is worth a bit more than a mid-first and 2 2nds.

But I'm crazy,
Marko Dano IMO, > Wennberg, Rychel.

 

[stevo61]

I'm actually fine with the prospect ranking, assuming you've also got Bjorkstrand close.

My two quibbles are that you're reading too much into the LW vs RW issue - our guys can play either one, and you offhandedly claim that we paid a lot less for Saad than Calgary paid for Hamilton. IMO Dano and Anisimov is worth a bit more than a mid-first and 2 2nds.

But I'm crazy,
Marko Dano IMO, > Wennberg, Rychel.

Ive been on the Dano wagon since the draft and been criticizing Rychel since before the draft so you have at least 1 person who agree's