Totally agree with you, hope the rumors of him being dangled in the Hemsky trade are inaccurate.
I find it hard to believe we'd make Jurco a part of any package. He was our first pick in the most recent draft and he's having an awesome season and a consistent season which was seen to be one of his flaws. No way he's a part of any deal IMO.
I find it hard to believe we'd make Jurco a part of any package. He was our first pick in the most recent draft and he's having an awesome season and a consistent season which was seen to be one of his flaws. No way he's a part of any deal IMO.
I sure as hell hope not. That rumor of him and a 1st for Hemsky is so bad.
I just read over at RWC that Hakan Andersson is suggesting it might be time for Almqvist to come play in North America. It sounds like he's not getting enough IT with his team and if he were to join the Griffins he'd be given a larger role on the power play. I have no idea what his contract situation is as far as when he'd be able to make the move. The only downside is I'm not sure he'd get better coaching from Curt Fraser. With that being said that's a risk I'd take, the sooner he comes over the more likely he is to have success as a DRW prospect.
So we're at the all star break and I figured I would do a bit of a ranking on how the season has went for our prospects up to this point.
1a) Smith - hes really tore up after it took him a bit to get in shape after missing some of the season from suspension. His ability to step up and intercept passes with his hockey sense is very impressive, he has a very high offensive skill set and is one tough SOB. Hard to argue him as number 1. Has star potential
1b) Nyquist - A rookie putting up a ppg is pretty stellar in pro hockey, not only that but watching him play is even better. The way he owns the ice and sets up guys who cant finish (AHLers) would have him more points playing with goodd guys. One of only 3 guys with real star potential in the system I think
3) Jarnkrok - Kid is pretty damn good. 29 points in 42 games in the lowest scoring pro league going. He has star potential as well, but I think he will end up being more of a very good core type of guy. More of a Franzen then a Datsyuk.
4) Sheahan - the only big powerforward with skill in the system. A very safe bet to make the NHL, is putting up around a ppg on one of the best NCAA teams in the nation, is one of the best defensive center prospects in the NHL and has a tendency to throw his weight around quite a bit. Looking to be a second line center, or be a very solid shutdown third line center that can chip in offensively.
5) Tatar - he has shown to be able to keep up with and play at the NHL level but looks more to be a 50 point complimentary guy to me. Has a high compete level that I really like, doesnt let his size get in his way
6) Mrazek - this might come as a shocker to some but after that WJC and putting up those numbers in the OHL he has solidified himself as a top notch goaltending prospect. Might be a bit premature to rank him this high but he is going pro next season and it will be interesting to see how he does
7) Jurco - Size and skill combo is great and he has consistently lit it up tis year. Still has questions though about his work ethic
8) Pulkkinen - he seems pretty low here but I'm not sold on his size/skating combo at all really. He is also very one dimensional. I hope he proves me wrong. Having this guy at 8 shows how well the wings prospects are doing
9)Andersson - not much upside but his NHL readiness is hard to ignore. Might be taking over as 4th line center next year.
10) Xavier Ouelett - Making the q his ***** this season. Extremely well rounded, near the league lead in goals for dmen (2 goals off or so) and the only person his age even close to the points lead. Very good defensively and also willing to hit and fight.
HM's Tvrdon, Jensen, Sproul, Ferraro and Callahan
Good read! I think your rankings are very solid. I agree regarding Pulkkinen's shortcomings and don't know what he'll project as if/when he comes to North America. The top three prospects seem like can't miss guys and Sheahan arguably falls into that category as well. I feel quite confident all of top 4 will play in the NHL and Tatar is a good bet to be a solid NHL'er as well.
Good read! I think your rankings are very solid. I agree regarding Pulkkinen's shortcomings and don't know what he'll project as if/when he comes to North America. The top three prospects seem like can't miss guys and Sheahan arguably falls into that category as well. I feel quite confident all of top 4 will play in the NHL and Tatar is a good bet to be a solid NHL'er as well.
I think the first 3 are pretty likely to be difference makers in the NHL. Nyquist will for sure be a top 6 player I have no doubt, and Smith will be good enough to QB a powerplay while being tough as nails at the very least. Jarnkrok looks destined to be a top 6er as well.
Sheahan is a for sure NHLer in my eyes because he seems to be at least a very solid defensively, physical 4th line center with potential to anchor a third line or get second line duties as well. He might not be the difference maker of the others though.
I like Jarnkrok's upside for sure, but until I see him play at the NHL/AHL level over here it's hard to call him a sure top6. Some players just never fully make the adjustment.
No points for Pulkkinen, Jokerit lost again, this time at home to Ässät. The game was available for free viewing on the national sports betting company's website, so I got watch it. jokerit looked absolutely dreadful for most of the game, Pulkkinen and Lahti looked almost pissed off that they had to play with Tomi Mäki. No co-ordinated attacking what so ever from that line. Kerälä was moved to that line in the 3rd and they created a scoring chance almost immediately. The lack of the two best centers is painfully visible in Jokerit's game.
Was looking over some of the prospects, and saw that Tvrdon is putting up great numbers in the WHL in his rookie season. He's 6'2, 212lbs(on RWC) and a right handed winger.
Could this guy be a diamond in the rough? I know he had a decent WJC, but how is his play overall in the WHL? I have never seen him play.
Was looking over some of the prospects, and saw that Tvrdon is putting up great numbers in the WHL in his rookie season. He's 6'2, 212lbs(on RWC) and a right handed winger.
Could this guy be a diamond in the rough? I know he had a decent WJC, but how is his play overall in the WHL? I have never seen him play.
He doesn't have Jurco's hands, but he's a bit more physical and more in the powerforward mold, sort of.
Was looking over some of the prospects, and saw that Tvrdon is putting up great numbers in the WHL in his rookie season. He's 6'2, 212lbs(on RWC) and a right handed winger.
Could this guy be a diamond in the rough? I know he had a decent WJC, but how is his play overall in the WHL? I have never seen him play.
Very good player on the couple of occasions I have seen him play. Inspired the avitar change. A couple of points he actually shoots left-handed at least from watching him I thought that and both eliteprospects.com and whl.ca have him listed that way. Was surprised Hakan Andersson didn't like his intensity level as much as Jurco's at the WJC.
When I watch him it is always one of the things that stands out especially in his WHL games. He already has the body of an NHL kid and will probably fill out north of 220 and skates well for a kid his size. He is technically a rookie in the WHL and sits second in points one back with nine fewer games played than the guys in front of him. Some argue he is an old rookie, but most of the guys he is actually around aside from Bozan (current leader) and wonder kid Sam Reinhart are actually 18 or 19 and past their draft years. For instance the Canes early second round pick Victor Rask a player many people the Wings had interested in is below him. Has a hard shot, drives the net and was a much better passer than I expected him to be. He looks very good, had he played last season there is no way he falls out of the second round, I have a feeling he might have been a low first. Great gamble pick by the Wings. A lot to like especially for where they drafted him, also looks to be fully back from his shoulder issue, so no long-term concerns.
On another note
Richard Nedomlel scored two goals last night and added an assist, he is now in the top 20 in d-men scoring in the WHL.
Thanks for the video that definitely clears up my right versus left shot question, he clearly shoots left. I guess somebody should tell Matt over at Redwingscentral.com
Very good player on the couple of occasions I have seen him play. Inspired the avitar change. A couple of points he actually shoots left-handed at least from watching him I thought that and both eliteprospects.com and whl.ca have him listed that way. Was surprised Hakan Andersson didn't like his intensity level as much as Jurco's at the WJC.
When I watch him it is always one of the things that stands out especially in his WHL games. He already has the body of an NHL kid and will probably fill out north of 220 and skates well for a kid his size. He is technically a rookie in the WHL and sits second in points one back with nine fewer games played than the guys in front of him. Some argue he is an old rookie, but most of the guys he is actually around aside from Bozan (current leader) and wonder kid Sam Reinhart are actually 18 or 19 and past their draft years. For instance the Canes early second round pick Victor Rask a player many people the Wings had interested in is below him. Has a hard shot, drives the net and was a much better passer than I expected him to be. He looks very good, had he played last season there is no way he falls out of the second round, I have a feeling he might have been a low first. Great gamble pick by the Wings. A lot to like especially for where they drafted him, also looks to be fully back from his shoulder issue, so no long-term concerns.
On another note
Richard Nedomlel scored two goals last night and added an assist, he is now in the top 20 in d-men scoring in the WHL.
Great read. A question about the video. Why does his Giants jersey have the number 14 at times and the number 17 at times?
Great read. A question about the video. Why does his Giants jersey have the number 14 at times and the number 17 at times?
I think he has switched numbers, eliteprospects have him as #14, I think he wears 17 now though. Maybe it is trade related or something. Also would not surprise me if they retired a number there or something along those lines, they did win a memorial cup not to long ago maybe they honored someone from that team.
I think he has switched numbers, eliteprospects have him as #14, I think he wears 17 now though. Maybe it is trade related or something. Also would not surprise me if they retired a number there or something along those lines, they did win a memorial cup not to long ago maybe they honored someone from that team.
I see... Well, the #17 is available in Detroit from what I remember... Oh wait no it isn't. Patty Eaves.
Tvrdon had the number 71 during camp. That number is kind of cool. It's just reversed like what Hossa did.
Jurco apparently has #28. Hmm... Rafi's old number... I'm not feeling it. Maybe they should just give him Hossa's old number 81. It's the comparison he's drawing anyways.
Quote:
What’s in a Number?
I began my discussion with Tomas by asking him why he has chosen the number 13 for his jersey number. Jurco seemed to light up when I asked him about this. He said it all started as his older sister and him idolized a player who wore this number who starred for a hockey team in his Slovakian hometown. His sister plays hockey as well and too wears lucky #13. He stated he has worn the number ever since as does his sister.
“Actually, when I first came to Canada and Quebec (the QMJHL) I had #91. They (Saint John Sea Dogs) would not let me wear #13. They were very superstitious. However, when I came back for the second season this year, they let me wear my number. I’m not sure why they let me this year!”
So the #13 has some special meaning for him. It's too bad he won't get that number in Detroit. For a very good reason. By the time he hits his prime/peak years he'll probably see it hanging from the rafters of the Joe or whatever arena the Wings will be in.
1b) Nyquist - A rookie putting up a ppg is pretty stellar in pro hockey, not only that but watching him play is even better. The way he owns the ice and sets up guys who cant finish (AHLers) would have him more points playing with goodd guys. One of only 3 guys with real star potential in the system I think
It'd be great to have him with the Wings next year. Unfortunately the only scenario in which I see that happen is if the Wings go with 3 scoring lines next year. I mean, if the Wings lose Bert and Homer for whatever reason, I don't know if you can just slot Nyquist in their spots because he's a different kind of player. Plus I don't know if you want him on your 4th line.
Thanks for posting this! He's got some obvious skill and a nice shot. Also nice to see he's strong on his skates as he was able to get in close and score while having defenders in front of him.
It'd be great to have him with the Wings next year. Unfortunately the only scenario in which I see that happen is if the Wings go with 3 scoring lines next year. I mean, if the Wings lose Bert and Homer for whatever reason, I don't know if you can just slot Nyquist in their spots because he's a different kind of player. Plus I don't know if you want him on your 4th line.
I think it's more likely than not that Nyquist is on the team next year, at least for most of the season. He plays a good enough two-way game that he should be fine starting on the 3rd line (though I admit I'm not enthused about the idea of him being centered by Helm). Between Nyquist, Tatar, and Andersson, the Wings have glut of upcoming forwards, so I think it would behoove them to get at least one on the team and Nyquist seems to be first in the pecking order.
It'd be great to have him with the Wings next year. Unfortunately the only scenario in which I see that happen is if the Wings go with 3 scoring lines next year. I mean, if the Wings lose Bert and Homer for whatever reason, I don't know if you can just slot Nyquist in their spots because he's a different kind of player. Plus I don't know if you want him on your 4th line.
Totally depends what they re-sign and bring in, how he does in training camp and so on. I don't think you can draw up a firm scenario already.
I can see one of Hudler and Bert get re-signed, even both. I can also see them being gone by the start of next season. Do they go after a truly big FA like Parise?
As I see it, you can bank on Dats, Z, Mule, Flip being four of the six top forwards next season. Two spots are up for grabs.
Hes been really good his last 10 games or so after a slump it seems
I think most of ya'll are already aware of it but it's really tough to score and put up points in the SEL, all teams are so defensive minded and majority of the games are low scoring trap-games basically, he would be tearing up the CHL if he played there.
His stats are really good for a young player in the SEL.
