I love both of these guys, Personally I think Lindholm shows more offensive upside than Barkov does but with Barkov's skill and size how can you pass him up? My question is that if you had the choice between the two who would you take?
It was Lindholm before the WJCs for me and it still is.
Same for me, loved him at the U18 tourney last year I think he could be a star in the NHL. Would be great to see him in a habs jersey! But for that to happen we would need another 3rd overall pick
Lindholm is the sexy pick right now because Sweden went to the finals and Lindholm is playing well. But lets not forget that Barkov is 9 months younger than Lindholm even though both players are draftable in the next draft.
Barkov's defensive game is just so good that you'll know he'll be a solid defensive guy in the NHL. With Barkov's size that combination alone is a very valuable thing to have. But add his offensive abilities that we didnt really see enough in the WJC's (but have seen in the FEL this season) this guy is a complete package. His skating isnt very fast, sure, but he's determination and work ethic makes me believe that he will actually end up as a pretty good skater. If Barkov was playing for Sweden right now he would look so much better.
I admit i dont know much about Lindholm but what i've seen from him this WJC (he's been great) i just wouldnt be able to pass up on Barkov because of him.
Based only on the games I've seen I'd take Lindholm, I have seen him a lot more than Barkov though and I'm sure I haven't seen Barkov at his best. Barkov is having a wonderful season, incredible for a guy that young.
I'm not overly convinced at Barkov's offensive potential at the NHL level but there are too many good things about his game not to take him over Lindholm. Safer pick imo.
I'm not overly convinced at Barkov's offensive potential at the NHL level but there are too many good things about his game not to take him over Lindholm. Safer pick imo.
I think Barkov will become a good offensive player in the NHL, needs to work on his skating though.
Im not saying Barkov will score almost 40 goals multiple times like Jokinen did (i dont know how though, he isnt that good of a scorer) because its unlikely, but he's defensive game and playmaking are top notch. Very good shot and nose for the rebounds aswell + the moves he occasionally shows. Just thinking about it he might surprise and score some crazy numbers in his prime. The only thing holding him back is skating like we all know but he is 17 years old and huge, its understandable thats the thing he needs to improve on.
Comparing Barkov to Jokinen is an insult to Barkov IMO. 5 years from now, im pretty sure there's nothing Jokinen does better than Barkov.
I have to agree with this. Jokinen used to have a major attitude problem (I think it's a bit smaller these days) and he was an alcoholic. These problems factored into his development- or lack of it. The risk of Barkov going the same way is small.
I've seen handsfull of Brynas games and alot of Barkov. I might have biased opinion but i try to give small picture about these 2 elite prospects.
Lindholm brings flashier and more entertaining game, Barkov is more of complete player who plays simple and effective game and has high end talent aswell. I might sound biased but i'd take Barkov ahead of Lindholm without thinking twice. Barkov is 9 months younger, is more NHL-ready and is complete package. Lindholm has good two-way game as well but Barkov has elite defensive game for centre foward. Lindholm isn't #1 center for his team in SEL or plays in #1 PK unit, #1PP.
Elias Lindholm is an player who is very usefull because he is very capable as an winger and he's natural center.
I take Barkov because of:
-9 months younger
-More NHL-ready and likely going to step right away into NHL and play in every situation. Lindholm needs atleast 1-2 years of developement.
-Barkov plays simple and effective game which will work in NHL aswell.
-Offensive potential is hard to tell at this point. Lindholm sure looks flashier and faster but Barkov has all the tools to become better offensive player if he isn't already. Barkov is still growing and his skating will get better but never will be as good as Elias Lindholm in that department.
-Better two-way player and controls the all 3-zones better than Lindholm. Is the better player without the puck.
-Size. Barkov is an manchild. His body type will be Jagr, Thornton, Ovechkin-Like
Why i would take Elias Lindholm before Barkov:
-More entertaining player to watch flashier, physical, and plays more intense game.
-Adapt well as an winger and is an natural center which would attract teams beause of the versatility.
-skating. Barkov has the size Lindholm has the amazing skating. Barkov has alot of room to catch Lindholm in the skating department but never will be as good skater as Elias Lindholm.
If i would build an franchise it would be definetly around Barkov because this guy has it all at Elite, amazing level could step into NHL-right away. Is more of the complete player of these 2. In offensive game i don't see much difference except Lindholm is flashier but i believe Barkov has more potential to develope his offensive game because his skating will get better which isn't bad at all but better skating would boost his offensive game into another level.
But i could see some teams taking Lindholm because of the entertaining game, can play at wing or C and still is pretty good two-way player with physical edge.
why? he hits more + harder and plays more intense game
6'3 210 pounds vs 6'0 190 pounds for instance. There never has been any doubts about the roughness of Barkov and Lindholm isn't that physical to begin with..
6'3 210 pounds vs 6'0 190 pounds for instance. There never has been any doubts about the roughness of Barkov and Lindholm isn't that physical to begin with..
lindholm has like 2 + hits in every game. barkov never hits, is not his game.
