I like Valimaki better more as well, no biased involved. I thought it was close enough to be a decent poll though, some betting on Bouchard to fix his defensive issues.Valimaki by a fair margin. I have concerns over Bouchard being able to defend at the NHL level, though his offensive upside is higher.
My problem with Bouchard is the same as his draft year. He has cement boots. If he can fix that issue and be able to be more engaged defensively he could pan out nicely. If not I think he'll really struggle at this level. Some great offensive tools to build on though.
Valimaki has some things to work on as well but he's already pretty well polished for a rookie that has missed a ton of development time.
Interesting take. Im curious. When is the last time you watched Bouchard play a game?
A full game? Would probably be last preseason.
When you begin a post with this, you lose all credibilityMy problem with Bouchard is the same as his draft year. He has cement boots. If he can fix that issue and be able to be more engaged defensively he could pan out nicely. If not I think he'll really struggle at this level. Some great offensive tools to build on though.
Valimaki has some things to work on as well but he's already pretty well polished for a rookie that has missed a ton of development time.
Sure it can. It would be a major red flag if it hadn't. It's still in my viewings his primary problem. I don't even think it's necessarily speed that's the big hindrance skating wise, it's his footwork in the defensive zone.A lot can change over an off season. Apparently he is in better shape. A little lighter and faster. He will never be a burner but players can improve areas of weakness.
When you begin a post with this, you lose all credibility
I'm just shit posting on the internet, not providing expert testimony in the trial of Evan Bouchard. That's also been the main criticism of Bouchard from much more credible sources than me since before he was drafted.
In order to meet this poster's standards, you have to have 100,000+ hours scouting experience. Any opinion against Edmonton is also automatically invalid.When you begin a post with this, you lose all credibility
I played against Bouchard in minor midget. Guy was so nonchalant, barely did any off ice training and still tore it up on a nightly basis. Seems like he never really cared in the defensive end, and this has been showing. If he can get on a team with decent defensive skill and mindset development, I think he has the pure skill to outmatch Valamaki.
One is playing 15-1/2 minutes a night while playing for a good NHL team with a good d corp. The other... isn't.
One also, prior to the start of the 2020-21 NHL season, played 19 games in the Swedish Elite league scoring 19 pts and was rated the best defenseman in the league all while playing on his off side (RD).
I’m not sure why you’re bragging? none of those things are very impressive.
being called the best player to play in Finland since the last lockout (Erik Karlsson) isn’t impressive? Hmmm could have fooled me
Sure are when compared to what Bouchard is doing... and after all that's the question... Valimaki vs Bouchard.I’m not sure why you’re bragging? none of those things are very impressive.
LMAO What?? I think you might want to delete this one bro.
LMAO What?? I think you might want to delete this one bro.
Valimaki currently has a 1.00 points per game as a 22-year-old. The next 22-year-old Liiga defender is Jakob Stenqvist, a sixth round pick of the Dallas Stars in 2016, who has 10 points in 16 games, good for 0.67 P/GP. This season, Valimaki is in a tier all by himself.
Looking back through Liiga history, the list of defenders who have hit that 1.00 P/GP mark is extremely small. The last defenseman to score at that rate also happened to be 22 years old though, and it was all the way back in 2012-13.
Erik Karlsson put up 34 points in 31 games (1.13 P/GP).
You're still upset over my Lucic comment, eh?You can't please this poster, anything negative about the Oilers is losing credibility in his eyes. Don't worry, your analysis was correct and objective. I've heard the same complaints about his skating, Valimaki also has his flaws, albeit I've heard a lot less than Bouchard's apparent flaws.
You're still upset over my Lucic comment, eh?
You got mad because you and other Flames fans stated the Oilers have terrible depth, I commented on the Flames and their depth since you have Lucic on your PP.
Can you provide some specific posts I've made in regards to getting defensive about the Oilers?
I'll wait, I fully expect a response from you.