How does Larsson and Jones compare during their draft years?
In terms of their actual draft years, both are a little underwhelming. Seth Jones started out really slow in Portland and Larsson was playing good minutes in Skelleftea but his stats weren't really jumping out at anyone.
In terms of how they're rated as prospects, there hasn't been a d-man who's looked as promising as Jones in a long time. He simply has no weakness in his game. He's smart and rarely makes mistakes, he's an elite skater, he's an elite passer, he has ridiculously good hands and puck control for a defenseman of his size, and he has a great shot and knows when and how to use it. He could be an elite, minute-munching, shutdown guy or he could be a top offensive PP quarterback kinda guy.
He could always go the way of Jack Johnson, but his ceiling is through the proverbial roof.
In terms of their actual draft years, both are a little underwhelming. Seth Jones started out really slow in Portland and Larsson was playing good minutes in Skelleftea but his stats weren't really jumping out at anyone.
In terms of how they're rated as prospects, there hasn't been a d-man who's looked as promising as Jones in a long time. He simply has no weakness in his game. He's smart and rarely makes mistakes, he's an elite skater, he's an elite passer, he has ridiculously good hands and puck control for a defenseman of his size, and he has a great shot and knows when and how to use it. He could be an elite, minute-munching, shutdown guy or he could be a top offensive PP quarterback kinda guy.
He could always go the way of Jack Johnson, but his ceiling is through the proverbial roof.
Myers and Hedman are similar to him in many ways. Ceiling isn`t everything is my point.
Myers and Hedman are similar to him in many ways. Ceiling isn`t everything is my point.
Just wanted to point that out. Continue.
Yeah I understand that, and Erik Johnson even has a lot of similarities. But in my opinion he's simply better at everything than all of those players. Not necessarily by a lot in every category, but it's all better. No one was sure if Myers was a good enough playmaker to QB a powerplay. Hedman wasn't bad at anything but some of his talents weren't elite quality. Jones is simply excellent at everything. Not just good, but excellent.
I still probably wouldn't take him first overall (or second) just because the track record is against him, but I wouldn't think less of a team that did.
I think at this point he's already quietly established himself as a legit NHL top-4 D. I really am starting to see the Lidstrom comparisons more and more. It's not just how often he makes the smart play, it's how often (and how coolly) he makes the exceptional play.
Would like to see not only more offense from him, but more agressiveness when it comes to shooting, he's pretty timid. And by timid I mean he either dumps it in or flips it passed the opposing player snd retreats for a line change. That's my only gripe but I know it'll take time. Still....
Any chance Adam Erne will be there if we draft in the middle of the first round?
Deep draft, so who knows. All it takes is for a few GMs to have other players they like better. I will say though, that if Erne is available where we draft and there's no better forward available, and Lou doesn't draft him, I will be very upset
Would like to see not only more offense from him, but more agressiveness when it comes to shooting, he's pretty timid. And by timid I mean he either dumps it in or flips it passed the opposing player snd retreats for a line change. That's my only gripe but I know it'll take time. Still....
Ya, that sense of knowing when to step up is always an issue for young defencemen. Still, I'd rather he be too timid than too aggressive and cost us goals against.
Now that we have fallen out of a playoff spot - time to think bout who we might draft if picking 12-14th.
I like Erne too and also think Nicushkin might drop ala grigorenko.
Maybe we really fail and can pick up Shinkaruk!
Chin up, probably not the thread to read after losses. I've gotten in the weird habit of doing mock drafts as a way to get my brain on cruise control before sleeping and the standings can change pretty readily. Once we get Marty and Zubrus back, hopefully things will start getting better.
As for Nichushkin, he seems to be challenging for a spot in the top 5 now. Tampa hasn't been shy about taking Russians in recent years. Washington may be in a spot to consider Nichushkin as well. It might take a team with a GM who is on firm footing and willing to wait an extra year or two.
Chin up, probably not the thread to read after losses. I've gotten in the weird habit of doing mock drafts as a way to get my brain on cruise control before sleeping and the standings can change pretty readily. Once we get Marty and Zubrus back, hopefully things will start getting better.
As for Nichushkin, he seems to be challenging for a spot in the top 5 now. Tampa hasn't been shy about taking Russians in recent years. Washington may be in a spot to consider Nichushkin as well. It might take a team with a GM who is on firm footing and willing to wait an extra year or two.
Wait, you are re-mocking every night? How many rounds are you doing? I can barely get to 2 before I figure I'm way off.
Wait, you are re-mocking every night? How many rounds are you doing? I can barely get to 2 before I figure I'm way off.
Usually just up to our 2nd round pick. I figure I'm way off by pick #10 anyways. It's become a weird mental exercise to clear my mind before bed.
On an unrelated note, I'll probably find out this week whether or not I can attend the draft. Cousin may be moving which means no more free lodging for me in NYC.
whats your first round mock look like lately? I love looking at mocks although it is probably a little early still.
Looks a little goofy usually once my overactive imagination and/or Nyquil starts kicking in (Columbus/Montreal have a bit of ammo to trade up). I posted a midseason mock a couple pages ago and it probably doesn't look too much different. Zach Fucale is probably the hardest guy for me to place.
I don't know about their history but teams like Winnipeg and Chicago could make sense depending on where they are drafting from.
After last night, Winnipeg is picking in the #25 spot. Winnipeg has a pair of late round goalies from 2011/12 that have had tremendous freshmen years in the NCAA. Maybe it's just a myth that became fact in my head, but I thought Scottie Bowman wasn't a big proponent on drafting goalies with high picks. Chicago, under Stan Bowman/Dale Tallon, hadn't taken a goalie with a top pick. Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff came from Chicago.
I'm not sure Fucale lasts that long. Might take a team with a GM with secure footing to know he might not get anything out of Fucale for 3+ years.
I would say teams with several picks could just use one and not worry about goaltending for awhile, but i suppose a team could trade down and do it as well.
Haven't researched the guy enough yet to comment confidently.
i hope we throw a late pick flyer on Mathias Niederberger, of the Barrie Colts. He's an overager, but he's doing very well on a mediocre Colts team. i've seen him play in Belleville and Peterborough a few times and came out thoroughly impressed
