I think Bjugstad has struggled and he's still developing his game quite a bit but he definitely has the tools and potential to become a great player. Probably a great 2nd liner on a deep team. Worst case scenario I see him as a very solid 3rd liner. Now I disagree with having Bjugstad rated so highly while Kyle Rau is not even mentioned. Rau has been as much if not more of an offensive force than Bjugstad for the Gophers this year and is definitely showing he has a great skillset. Size doesn't look to be too concerning, guy has some of the biggest checks of the year for his team and he is scoring really well in a physical and older league. If you had left Rau off your list before the season it would be understandable but his play this year for anyone that has been watching has been terrific and worthy of some recognition.
anyone limiting Bjugstad and what he can become is being very short sighted imo. there is no reason why anyone should think he wont be a top line player right now. he has things to work on, but his God given size and ability is what makes him such an enticing prospect.
as for Rau, I really am not that impressed with him. he is another smaller player that has looked good playing alongside bigger linemates. I love the fact that for a smaller player he throws his body around, but the odds are still against so many smaller players that a kid like Rau has an uphill climb ahead. if I havent put guys like Carter Camper and Andy Mieli on this list who have accomplished much more then Rau has, I cant see Rau up there quite yet...
"Brain Ferlin - love his game, size, and skill, cant wait to see him in college"
Assuming you mean Brian Ferlin and not "Brain" (although Cornell is a good school...) he was just named ECAC Rookie of the Year. Not sure if you meant you actually catching a Cornell game or if you thought he was doing a year in the USHL or something. Good read though.
What is your take on Troy Grosenick of Union? He is putting up great numbers in net for Union this year and a Finalist for the Hobey. He maybe a bit undersized but must be overcoming that!
Curious as to why Shore is ranked higher than Zucker. Zucker is a year younger, and they both scored at the same rate this year(1.25 PPG). The only thing I can see that Shore has over Zucker is a year and 3 inches.
"Brain Ferlin - love his game, size, and skill, cant wait to see him in college"
Assuming you mean Brian Ferlin and not "Brain" (although Cornell is a good school...) he was just named ECAC Rookie of the Year. Not sure if you meant you actually catching a Cornell game or if you thought he was doing a year in the USHL or something. Good read though.
hahaha, didnt see that with Ferlin...will have to change the Brain!
yes I was referring to actually seeing him in college, loved watching him last year in the USHL.
Curious as to why Shore is ranked higher than Zucker. Zucker is a year younger, and they both scored at the same rate this year(1.25 PPG). The only thing I can see that Shore has over Zucker is a year and 3 inches.
Zucker is smaller and more injury prone.... Shore is a different type of animal that has so many tools to be any type of pro to be honest.
Zucker is more skilled offensively right now, but he does have some issues that have concerned me a bit over the past 2 years
I think the thing that I did come away with from making this list was a true sense of how deep the US is at all positions (outside of goaltending) and how they have a number of high end prospects at those positions without having a top 10 pick in 3 years.
The other thing that has really stood out for me is seeing the amount of players that I had listed in the top 25 were forwards and how many of them have well above average size. Six to seven years ago, many of the top US forwards were on the smaller side or really lacking a physical presence....take a look now and that surely isnt the case anymore. The majority of our top 10-15 forwards are close to 6'2 and almost 200lbs....this is what has been missing for a long long time.
anyone limiting Bjugstad and what he can become is being very short sighted imo. there is no reason why anyone should think he wont be a top line player right now. he has things to work on, but his God given size and ability is what makes him such an enticing prospect.
as for Rau, I really am not that impressed with him. he is another smaller player that has looked good playing alongside bigger linemates. I love the fact that for a smaller player he throws his body around, but the odds are still against so many smaller players that a kid like Rau has an uphill climb ahead. if I havent put guys like Carter Camper and Andy Mieli on this list who have accomplished much more then Rau has, I cant see Rau up there quite yet...
Eh I'm just not a very big Bjugstad fan. Him and Budish play almost the exact same game but if not for injuries I think Budish would be the much better player by now. Nick has all the physical tools but he's never really put it all together, his high school numbers were very mediocre, especially including strength of schedule and his college ones aren't that much better for a league that he was supposed to dominate with his size. His speed seems to be an issue for me and when he is unable to drive by college defenders it worries me that you project him as a first liner. Haula, a 7th rounder the same year, has led him in PPG both years of college while also being a two way player and having a smaller role. Budish a player who has completely missed 2 of the last 4 development seasons with knee injuries has looked just as good on the ice when he should be years behind. Bjugstad may have the potential for first line work but right now he looks a lot closer to Patrick White and Blake Wheeler then to anyone I would want to carry my offense in the NHL.
Eh I'm just not a very big Bjugstad fan. Him and Budish play almost the exact same game but if not for injuries I think Budish would be the much better player by now. Nick has all the physical tools but he's never really put it all together, his high school numbers were very mediocre, especially including strength of schedule and his college ones aren't that much better for a league that he was supposed to dominate with his size. His speed seems to be an issue for me and when he is unable to drive by college defenders it worries me that you project him as a first liner. Haula, a 7th rounder the same year, has led him in PPG both years of college while also being a two way player and having a smaller role. Budish a player who has completely missed 2 of the last 4 development seasons with knee injuries has looked just as good on the ice when he should be years behind. Bjugstad may have the potential for first line work but right now he looks a lot closer to Patrick White and Blake Wheeler then to anyone I would want to carry my offense in the NHL.
Blake Wheeler looks to be doing very well carrying the Jets the past 2 months....I have no problems if Bjugstad turns into a Blake Wheeler type player. it took some time for Wheeler, but he can dominate at times and I think he is just starting to be the player he can be.
as for Bjugstad, I just dont see anything close to what you are with him. time will tell, and though I love Budish...there is a gap between the two skill wise and potential wise as well imo .
Could anybody give me a scouting report on Vincent Hinostroza?
Vinny is a small shifty forward. he has some edge to his game and will throw his body around. I like him as a player, but he needs to add some lbs over the next few years. he has offensive ability, just doubt he will be anything more then a really good college/AHLer if he cannot beef up some.
Love my boys Nelson and Lee...
Lee is going to make alot of people mad imo.
Also Russo and Mayfield...
Isles got some good ol American boys
you forgot the best dman of the bunch imo, Matt Donovan. that kid is going to be a real good player for you guys next year and beyond. I love his game and the way he can move the puck.
the Oilers still have some hope for big d-man Kyle Bigos, though he's been passed by several d-men in the system and he's apparently a UFA after this year. i feel he'll probably move on after this year. pretty good list, supreme talent, though i'd rank Chris Kreider a bit higher.
needs to get to college before I can even talk about him.
that Penticton team in the BCHL is loaded with American kids. Lucia, Fogarty, all 3 Reilly brothers, plus Joey Benik and I am certain a few more....
I dont see much if any BCHL games so maybe someone else can chime in on Fogarty...I am hoping for good things from him though, a nice riser for his draft spot.
Where we can put Mac Bennett ??? somewhere 60-75 or lower ?
he is having a decent year. I wouldnt say he is in the top 75, but he has the ability to move up if he continues to get stronger, but his offensive game is still not where I thought it would be. he should stay all 4 years, but he likely turns pro after next year.
I know it's only drafted and signed prospects...but for argument's sake, where would you slot Dan DeKeyser on this list?
I have been pretty impressed with him this season. Compares pretty favorably to Ryan McDonagh in my opinion (though not quite on the same level skating-wise).
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"Here we can see the agression of american people. They love fighting and guns. when they wont win they try to kill us all." -HalfOfFame
I know it's only drafted and signed prospects...but for argument's sake, where would you slot Dan DeKeyser on this list?
I have been pretty impressed with him this season. Compares pretty favorably to Ryan McDonagh in my opinion (though not quite on the same level skating-wise).
I am a fan of his, would be on the up and comers list, but as I have said in other threads, I like Matt Tennyson (his teammate) more.
DeKeyser is very talented, mobile, and big...but I just dont how highend he can really be. I guess tons of scouts love him, and they know more then I do, but I have come away more impressed with Tennyson 6'2 215 - monster shot and hitter then DeKeyser
#11 on your list just turned pro -- will lace 'em up for MIN on Thu.
thats crazy stuff...first Drew Shore signs with Florida, now Zucker...I thought for sure Zucker would stick one more year for strength reasons...but I am pulling bigtime for the kid.
I hope Denver has a great recruiting class. Nick Shore and Beau Bennett will need to carry the load.
it will be good for them to get Quenton Shore and Dakota Mermis in the fold...would have loved to have seen all 3 Shores together though!
