Elias Pettersson
I'm not a troll
- Jan 22, 2014
- 3,843
- 1,827
Small, chance to be Makar as wellPretty sure it's going to be Heiskanen
Small, chance to be Makar as wellPretty sure it's going to be Heiskanen
Pretty decent chance.Small, chance to be Makar as well
Every outlet has Liljegren dropping. He struggled in the AHL and couldn't produce at even strength all season.
He is below all of them at this point.
Every outlet has Liljegren dropping. He struggled in the AHL and couldn't produce at even strength all season.
He is below all of them at this point.
Idk why people keep talking like Liljegren is some offensive stud. Button was right when he said he's more of a two-way guy that is solid defensively and can move the puck well. He's not going to be a big time point scorer but that label has followed him around.
Valimaki wasnt good during the world Juniors.
He was the weakest link of Finlands top 4.
Juolevi and Joker outplayed Heiskanen and Maki quite a lot early on to take over the top pairing duties and 1st unit PP.
"Big shot"... with which he scored 1 goal in 64 games in AHL. And that's a loose definition of "elite" there.Liljegren is capable of becoming a big time PP quarterback. The tools are there including a big shot and elite footwork.
"Big shot"... with which he scored 1 goal in 64 games in AHL. And that's a loose definition of "elite" there.
At this point in time, the best argument for Liljegren > Välimäki seems to be "He was on a good team" which... isn't a great argument. Välimäki to this point has been the significantly more complete defenseman.
It's not just that Liljegren was on a good team it's that the quality of competition he was facing was substantially greater. He needs to work on his accuracy but yes he has a big shot from the point and Liljegren by any definition is an elite skater. What was most impressive was his dramatic improvement in his defensive coverage and neutral zone play.
There's no way Valimaki would have been playing 15+ minutes in the calder cup finals against tough competition.
I bet you he would’ve been on stocktons top 4 without a doubt. He could even make a push for a spot on the flames this season.
Every outlet has Liljegren dropping. He struggled in the AHL and couldn't produce at even strength all season.
He is below all of them at this point.
Which outlets?
Nothing against Valimaki at all. I can remember saying to myself when pick 16 came up in the 2017 draft, “Great! The Leafs can get one of Valimaki or Liljegren.” I would have been happy either way it worked out. And to be fair, there is no proof Valimaki (or Foote, or Brannstrom) could not have taken a regular shift in the Calder Cup finals. What you can say, however, is that Liljegren actually did it.
I remember seeing Liljegren make a particular play. He gained possession in the attacking zone just inside the blue line by the right boards. The forward came out hard to pressure him and using deft footwork Liljegren slid to his left towards the middle of the ice along the line. Was it “elite” footwork? I don’t know, but it was good enough to avoid a mature player at the level immediately below the NHL. His footwork was quick and graceful and above all it worked. It was what I would have expected from an NHL caliber defenseman. But AHL players keep at it and another defender also came at Liljegren. Liljegren simply dumped the puck safely into the corner for a Marlie winger to chase.
No stats to register, nothing exciting to see, especially if you’re the kind of fan who only looks at goals and assists. But I was delighted to see the play and I bet he got a pat on the back when he got to the bench. Liljegren was still available at pick 17 despite his skill set largely because there were questions about his hockey IQ. And dumping the puck into the corner was the right play, especially for a right hand shot under those circumstances. Earlier in his career Liljegren might have used his abundant skills and tried to force a shot through. If blocked, however, there would probably have been a breakaway the other way. The simple play was the right play. The point of this little story is that this was not a one off occurrence. The Marlies staff was not expecting or demanding big time point production this season; they were looking for smart hockey from Liljegren, and they got it regularly and increasingly.
Does this mean Liljegren will be a better NHLer than the other prospects? No way of knowing right now. But it does reinforce the pleasure I felt when Liljegren slipped to 17 and the Leafs took him.
And there is one more thing to say. In junior the forward would probably have been a step slower and there likely would have been room to get the shot off. Maybe a junior goalie would have missed the shot or given up a rebound someone would have banged into the net. Goal! Assist! Points! But not a better play, all things considered.
I'd rank them like this:
1. Foote - he may not be the best, or not even average fantasy league defenseman, and I think some of underrating is fantasy league goggles. I think out of the list he is most likely to make it in the NHL in top 4 role. Was not sold on him at the draft, but I am warming up.
2. Liljegren - bit of a mess, but what a freaking toolbox! A risky pick for sure but the payoff can be something along the lines of PK Subban (who was also hot mess at this age).
3. Brannstrom - do not really have any rational issues with him other than the size. But I have a gut feeling he has peaked.
4. Valimaki - do not like his skating or decision making.
Liljegren's 2WAY Play is insane!
Please remind yourself that Liljegren, as a 18-19 year old. Played in the AHL. Was arguably the Marlies' 2nd best defensemen (when you factor in 2-way play). And won the FRICKING CALDER CUP!
Tier 1: Liljegren
Tier 2: Valimaki, Foote, Brannstroom.
Liljegren's 2WAY Play is insane!
Please remind yourself that Liljegren, as a 18-19 year old. Played in the AHL. Was arguably the Marlies' 2nd best defensemen (when you factor in 2-way play). And won the FRICKING CALDER CUP!
Tier 1: Liljegren
Tier 2: Valimaki, Foote, Brannstroom.
Kylington had 5 less points in the AHL at the same age, Leafs fans are overating his ability to play in the AHL. Not surprising. Valimaki and Foote both could’ve been in the AHL this past year
Let’s not get carried away. Liljegren scored 1 goal in 44 AHL games. That’s hardly insane.Liljegren's 2WAY Play is insane!
Please remind yourself that Liljegren, as a 18-19 year old. Played in the AHL. Was arguably the Marlies' 2nd best defensemen (when you factor in 2-way play). And won the FRICKING CALDER CUP!
Tier 1: Liljegren
Tier 2: Valimaki, Foote, Brannstroom.