Was almost tempted to ask Campbell if I could borrow his phone while waiting for a ride yesterday.
My god, he's huge. Oleksiak was only 2-3 inches taller max, and both were built like tanks.
That makes sense. Oleksiak was last listed at 6'7" and Campbell claims he's 6'4" now.
GMJN mentioned after the draft Oleksiak might have more room to grow. It's a year later, I wonder where he's at. The only mention of size I've seen is he's up to 250 lbs. I think he was at 240 at the start of the year. IIRC, they said he should play at 275 in the NHL.
Good lord could you imagine that guy getting a Chara like mean streak. He could absolutely destroy guys if he wanted to.
That makes sense. Oleksiak was last listed at 6'7" and Campbell claims he's 6'4" now.
GMJN mentioned after the draft Oleksiak might have more room to grow. It's a year later, I wonder where he's at. The only mention of size I've seen is he's up to 250 lbs. I think he was at 240 at the start of the year. IIRC, they said he should play at 275 in the NHL.
Good lord could you imagine that guy getting a Chara like mean streak. He could absolutely destroy guys if he wanted to.
In the interview video he doesn't even tower over most of the prospects. Some big boys there.
Quote I found interesting, he said as soon as the season in the NHL ended he felt like he had a "ton of work to do." Nice to see he wasn't too happy with his game and wants to improve.
I've only caught the Group B sessions so far (work yesterday and trying to rest off this weird viral illness I have today).
Given that they're still working just on drills mainly, all these comments can be taken with a grain of salt.
Shore - If he improves his footspeed, I think they have something here. He's very good with the puck, both handling and shielding it, and his shot is quality with a quick release. Definitely lacking on the acceleration and agility fronts though, IMO.
Winther - I haven't been overly impressed with him, but he does appear to be very quick and shifty enough to get open for just a split second and fire off a shot with a lightning release.
G. Smith - Blazing speed, almost no hands. When he keeps things simple, he beat almost every D-man wide with speed. When he tries to handle the puck, more often than not, he lost it.
Troock - Lots of room to fill out. Excellent shot (release, velocity, and aim). Looks very awkward handling the puck, but a good skater for his size.
Lindell - Takko is right, he needs a ton of work on his skating to be a legit NHL guy. Some of it might be leg strength, but some is probably technique, too. He looks pretty sloppy.
Bystrom - Awfully non-descript to me. He didn't really stand out at any one thing, but he doesn't particularly look bad at anything either. He was the only guy really able to deal with G. Smith's speed effectively. Just looks like a smart, steady guy to me. Definitely has the mobility to be a two-way guy, but we'll have to wait and see if that comes along.
Sinitsyn - Really torn on him. I think there's way more than enough there for a 7th round pick, but I'm not sure he'll pan out. He is incredibly poised with the puck, and he does have a very good wrister. I know, Zubov flashbacks, right? Not really. He looks like a lazy player often (especially on D). Easily frustrated. However, this is his first time through Dev. camp, and he's still incredibly young, so this may disappear with times. He doesn't quite have Zubie's moves though he's no slouch handling the puck. Skating is pretty good, but could use a little work.
Kiviaho - Haven't paid much attention to the goalies to be honest.
Out of the non-drafted guys, I've really liked McEneny. Has decent size, pretty good skater, and possibly the best puck-handling D in the group. I kind of hope the Stars take a flyer on him if he's interested.
Well Glennie did appear to hurt his hand or something at the very end of group A's session. Don't know what the heck happened but he always seems to be hurt or get hurt at these things. I bet it's no big deal I just thought it was funny. He'd better be out there tomorrow. My vote for stud of the day goes to Austin Smith. When they started opening it up and doing some drills that required speed and creativity he was definitely one of the more skilled dudes out there and scored some sick goals.
Well Glennie did appear to hurt his hand or something at the very end of group A's session. Don't know what the heck happened but he always seems to be hurt or get hurt at these things. I bet it's no big deal I just thought it was funny. He'd better be out there tomorrow. My vote for stud of the day goes to Austin Smith. When they started opening it up and doing some drills that required speed and creativity he was definitely one of the more skilled dudes out there and scored some sick goals.
Thought that too yesterday, but he's what, 2 years older than everyone else?
i've adopted gemel ("GEH-mel" or "JEH-mel"?) smith as my favorite prospect. a little flash, a little dash, a little arrogance. encourages teammates, takes some time out for the fans.
winther (& his quick release) a close 2nd.
also enjoying hohmann's and farley's moves out there.
Okay. Didn't stand out to me, and this was in the weaker group. Don't think he'll ever be more than a 4th liner.
concur. mckenzie didn't do anything impressive in my eyes. if he's mediocre in prospects camp, then he'll more than likely toil in the minors for the rest of his hockey career.
