Right. It's more just hazarding against drawing such definitive conclusions, esp. on highlights alone which are even more deceptive.
I have my inclinations in terms of fits generally but not to the point where I'm pounding the table or anything.
For example.
Take any moment @ video of Alzner trying to get the puck from opposing forward. He's often trying to use his muscles along the boards and he's often not strong enough. But his technique is visible I think (what do I know, thou). While he's a positional dman he's still trying to outmuscle guys. And we can see it.
Gaunce's highlights aren't showing any indication he's trying to use his muscular advantage. That's kinda strange, right?
Raikkonen: Gotcha. I don't know the highlights but he isn't a model of consistency from what I've seen. Skating/agility hold him back on the forecheck somewhat but if he had that consistent determination in his game he would be ranked higher across the board. Inconsistency makes projecting a player difficult, esp. when it's intertwined with other concerns. I could see a guy like Laughton that's a little more put together at this point go higher yet Gaunce could certainly end up a quality 2C down the line if he really works hard, the light goes on and he puts it all together.
@DamoSpin: Another reason why Mikhail Grigorenko's status is plummeting? "I think he's 20, not 18," said one Western Conference GM.
Not on the record but this curious whisper has been out there for a while.
Craig Button and Pierre McGuire mock draft on TSN has the Caps picking Teravainen and Finn at 11 and 16 respectively. Grigorenko at 17th.....Pouliot at 14, both questionable. I would cry if we passed on Grigorenko to take Matt Finn...
Grigorenko is 20 years old now? Sounds like a smokescreen so that western conference GM can see him slide down to his team...where he would happily select him.
"I've heard the "Grigorenko is 20" rumor before. He's played in several IIHF events and there are a lot of age-specific docs required." - @chrismpeters
Grigorenko is 20 years old now? Sounds like a smokescreen so that western conference GM can see him slide down to his team...where he would happily select him.
Totally a smokescreen to throw that out there on hopes that he slide. If he's there at 11 gotta take him.
Wait Grigorenko is two way? Button who ***** on him and Canadians in general attack Russians as lazy defensively, so I doubt he would of pulled that one out of his ass.
I could see Morgan Rielly potentially slipping a few spots. Not terribly far, but potentially into the 10-13 range. We don't really need him, but you should always go with the BPA. If he's the BPA, take him.
I am not part of the group that feels like the window is closing. I feel like we missed a good opportunity. GMGM missed the boat on getting the quality veterans we needed while this core was still on the cheap side. The way I am looking at things now this core will be our vets. And we have guys like Mojo, Orlov, Kuznetsov, Eakin, Galiev, and our two high draft picks that will become guys that will be able to contribute on the cheap end.
I feel like it would be a mistake to make a trade to try to hold on the the opportunity that already passed us.
We are in a good spot. And an even better one if we can find a coach that can get these to play a good two way game.
