Zajac was also a 6'2 200 pound first round pick that played in the World Juniors and was 19 when he put those numbers up not 20 and 21. Numbers are not a good way to determine what a guy will no in the NHL
I like Gregoire but we have much better,younger and solid guys at this point.
But they both play a sound two way game. And Zaje never played WJC.
I like Gregoire but we have much better,younger and solid guys at this point.
That's really where i'm not so sure. Personally see Jason Gregoire with the high-end potential of being a real solid 3rd line two-way winger who can plug a hole in the top 6 if need be, chip in on the PP and PK. My comparison is Matt Cullen. Gergoire is noted to be quite a versatile forward who could possibly even be in the mix for a roster spot as early as this season. At this point he's mentioned as having a pretty mature game, good offensive instincts, quick release and accurate, coachable and isn't afraid to play a bit of a rough and chippy game. He's got decent size so long as he competes hard at nearly 6' and 200lbs.
I honeslty think a player of this ilk will be a strong chip for Noel. Jason Gregoire seems to be just the player that Noel likes, and a player that could thrive under Claude.
I would say the biggest hurdle that will work against Gregoire at this point in time, is he is coming into the pro ranks and the schedule is a lot more difficult than that of WCHA, generally there is an adjustment there as well to the physicality and speed of the pro game. When he adjusts, and I think he will, he should be a good one, in my opinion.
Voted Postma, think Vinny Saponari should be added.
Postma will likely evolve into a full-time 5/6 dman who gets some PP minutes. I could even see him evolving into the top 4 role if his defense improves.
I like Gregoire but we have much better,younger and solid guys at this point.
I look up and down the list and I can't find many to be quite honest, which is a testament to the shallow talent pool. I guess a case could be made for Adam Lowry and Ivan Telegin, but I have them just below Gregoire at this point.
Zajac was also a 6'2 200 pound first round pick that played in the World Juniors and was 19 when he put those numbers up not 20 and 21. Numbers are not a good way to determine what a guy will no in the NHL
I like Gregoire but we have much better,younger and solid guys at this point.
Zaj didn't play at the World Juniors; he played at the U18s and men's championships.
I'm not sure if Gregoire has the same upside that Zaj has. Also, I'll admit I don't know a tonne about Gregoire, but I know very few guys who work as hard in the off season as Zaj.
But I picked Gregoire for the #4 spot; as much as I like Postma, and I do like Postma, I don't see him being more than a #4 guy (Jan Hejda type) . Gregoire could be a very solid #2 center (Shawn Horcoff/Matt Cullen kind of guy).
I like Postma, a lot actually, but to me he has more bust potential than a guy like Gregoire. I think both Gregoire and Postma carry solid high-end potential, but I feel safer saying Gregoire will make it than I do saying that for Postma.
Zaj didn't play at the World Juniors; he played at the U18s and men's championships.
I'm not sure if Gregoire has the same upside that Zaj has. Also, I'll admit I don't know a tonne about Gregoire, but I know very few guys who work as hard in the off season as Zaj.
But I picked Gregoire for the #4 spot; as much as I like Postma, and I do like Postma, I don't see him being more than a #4 guy (Jan Hejda type) . Gregoire could be a very solid #2 center (Shawn Horcoff/Matt Cullen kind of guy).
Zajac's point totals don't look that impressive some years and that's cause he always plays with that defense first mentality which is what Gregoires UND coach said about him. After seeing him play this year, I have to admit that he will challenge for a roster spot, if not, one year in the AHL won't hurt.
I can understand Scheifeflefozen or whatever his name is being considered the #1 prospect, even though I really believe his draft position doesn't really reflect well.... I'm afraid he'll suffer from Jim Slater Syndrome..... But Klingberg at #2? Seriously? Postma will have more of an impact on this team than Klingberg. Cormier probably gets shipped off in the next year or two since Dudley's no longer around. here's how I'm looking at it....
Machacek really gets forgotten, but honestly, there's no reason he shouldn't be on the opening night roster this year. He's like Postma....there's really no reason for him to be in the A again next year.
Postma was getting number 1/2 minutes in the AHL last season and responded with a pretty great season and there was only 1 guy younger then him that put up those kinds of numbers.
I think his upside is as a solid number 2 guy in the Ryan Whitney mold
Gregoire doesn't strike me as a guy who will dislodge anyone from the top 6
Haven't seen Gregoire play but the islanders had him ranked 4th on their depth chart for prospects on hockey's future considering the islanders have some pretty good prospects i think gregoire should also be ranked pretty high in our system.
Last edited by Le Golie: 07-29-2011 at 03:36 PM.
Reason: didn't edit, clicked wrong button.
Haven't seen Gregoire play but the islanders had him ranked 4th on their depth chart for prospects on hockey's future considering the islanders have some pretty good prospects i think gregoire should also be ranked pretty high in our system.
HF ranked him much lower than 4th in the Isles prospect pool.. more like 10th I think.
I think 2 day polls are 1 day to long. Most of the people who participate do so within the first day. Mr Momentum would you mind reducing the poll time to 1 day?
Machacek really gets forgotten, but honestly, there's no reason he shouldn't be on the opening night roster this year. He's like Postma....there's really no reason for him to be in the A again next year.
Haven't seen Gregoire play but the islanders had him ranked 4th on their depth chart for prospects on hockey's future considering the islanders have some pretty good prospects i think gregoire should also be ranked pretty high in our system.
The NYI prospect poll going on right now has Brock Nelson at 11th. Nelson is a first round pick with tons of potential who played for the US last World Junior and just dominated their rookie camp two weeks ago, he would easily be our #2 in our system.
If Nelson is 11th, the best Gregoire could dream of is 12th in NYI's system. Which is probably why he left to seek opportunity elsewhere.
I think 2 day polls are 1 day to long. Most of the people who participate do so within the first day. Mr Momentum would you mind reducing the poll time to 1 day?
I'm cutting the more lopsided votes off at one day but I think for the close votes, like this one and last one, two days makes more sense to get a wider range of voters; not just the regulars.
That being said if this is the overwhelming consensus in the forum I can reduce it to 1 day.
