Do you guys think JF Houle has a future with Team Canada and AHL/NHL going foward?
Possibly but I would think Joel Bouchard is the real leader of the coaching staff... honestly I think Bouchard has much more NHL/Team Canada potential than Houle
This would be a pretty damn good lineup. Of course, I expect Bouchard to make a couple of moves at Christmas and so a couple of kids could be gone. Also, a guy like Clapperton could be included to Saint John in a deal for Huberdeau (at the draft of course). So, as the Armada try to win the Memorial Cup this year, the lineup will be weaken a bit next season.
I still think we will be quite competitive next season. We have Saint John's 1st this year (Roussel trade) which is pretty valueable. A guy like Marcoux could be traded for a big return with Phaneuf ready to take over.
So basically, this is a team that not only should be able to compete for the Cup this year, but next season will also be pretty good, and as Bouchard continues his goodwork, there isn't really a full out rebuild in the plans.
Is he playing PK roles and key defensive situations? I'm hoping he can be a more offensively oriented forward at the next level, but realistically, he may be a third liner. Not that he would be a waste, but it would make him a lot more valuable if he play defensive minutes if he tops out in a third line role.
Is he playing PK roles and key defensive situations? I'm hoping he can be a more offensively oriented forward at the next level, but realistically, he may be a third liner. Not that he would be a waste, but it would make him a lot more valuable if he play defensive minutes if he tops out in a third line role.
He does not play the PK and he is not used in key defensive situations. He isnt ''bad'' defensively but that is not his forte either. I would expect/hope the Devils try and developp him into an offensive player because that is what he is.
His play on the ice is mainly offense-oriented, he is a player that will crash the net and put himself in a position to score, he will forecheck hard and play along the boards, but he is not usually someone that will give a lot of effort to the defensive side of the game, except if someone is vulnerable enough to be hit hard lol
Of course when he breaks in, your coach might start by using him on the 4th line because he can really hit and grind it out, until he gains more experience/confidence. But he will climb up the charts pretty quick I think with his size, agressiveness, skating and shooting ability he will not last long on your 3rd line
The Devils must really like him to have not forfeited their 29th overall pick to select him...
I think what Lamoriello was getting at is that a 29th pick with one or two years of experience is more valuable than a 20-30 pick in the next two drafts.
Only way that backfires is if we get a lottery pick in the year we are forced to forfeit. If the year we forfeit the pick is over 15, it will likely be 2014 because we host the draft next year, then I think you can say that Matteau with two years of development is better than most guys you'd get past 15 in that draft.
He does not play the PK and he is not used in key defensive situations. He isnt ''bad'' defensively but that is not his forte either. I would expect/hope the Devils try and developp him into an offensive player because that is what he is.
His play on the ice is mainly offense-oriented, he is a player that will crash the net and put himself in a position to score, he will forecheck hard and play along the boards, but he is not usually someone that will give a lot of effort to the defensive side of the game, except if someone is vulnerable enough to be hit hard lol
Of course when he breaks in, your coach might start by using him on the 4th line because he can really hit and grind it out, until he gains more experience/confidence. But he will climb up the charts pretty quick I think with his size, agressiveness, skating and shooting ability he will not last long on your 3rd line
So what you're saying is he has the potential to play on a second line, mainly as an offensive player? Can you comment more on his skating and shot? From what I've heard before his skating was at best average, but recently I've also read that it's not really a problem. From what I could gather his shot is also quite underrated, am I right? Your input would be greatly appreciated!
So what you're saying is he has the potential to play on a second line, mainly as an offensive player? Can you comment more on his skating and shot? From what I've heard before his skating was at best average, but recently I've also read that it's not really a problem. From what I could gather his shot is also quite underrated, am I right? Your input would be greatly appreciated!
Well aside from his ''physical'' tools, I would say his skating and shot are his best attributes for sure.
He does not have the quickest first stride, but I'm always surprise as to how fast he is going on the ice. He is not slow, and he is not a speedster, he is just fast. For a guy his size, already being ''just'' fast is pretty good. He's got plenty of time to work on his acceleration.
As for his shooting, it is not perfect. He needs a bit of time to get it off, but that can be worked on. He has a lot of strenght on his shot, it's heavy, goaltenders have trouble controlling the rebounds. It's not as accurate as a Joe Sakic of course, but it's getting there. He can definitely pick the corners.
If I were to rate Matteau NHL13-style with relation to his peers (CHLers), here's how I'd do it:
Does Matteau has a legitimate chance to make Team USA, at the next WJC?
I highly doubt he doesn't make this team.
This USA team isn't as skilled as Canada or Russia. They are going to need some physicality to override that. Hell, they might just throw Biggs and Matteau out there with some skilled centerman and let them reck havoc.
Well aside from his ''physical'' tools, I would say his skating and shot are his best attributes for sure.
He does not have the quickest first stride, but I'm always surprise as to how fast he is going on the ice. He is not slow, and he is not a speedster, he is just fast. For a guy his size, already being ''just'' fast is pretty good. He's got plenty of time to work on his acceleration.
As for his shooting, it is not perfect. He needs a bit of time to get it off, but that can be worked on. He has a lot of strenght on his shot, it's heavy, goaltenders have trouble controlling the rebounds. It's not as accurate as a Joe Sakic of course, but it's getting there. He can definitely pick the corners.
If I were to rate Matteau NHL13-style with relation to his peers (CHLers), here's how I'd do it:
Thanks for the reports, good reading. Will be interesting to follow him this season and the next to see what he could do/become as a player. Will definitely watch out for him if he makes the USA WJC team this year.
Gotta say I love the Armada jerseys, an awesome look. Hopefully your team will do well this season! Edit: or rather, continue to do well.
I think they'll go after a big name overager scorer at the deadline IMO.... Or does Cisse fit that?
They could go after a big name scorer that may not be an overage player **cough** Huberdeau **cough** ...
Cisse would be a bit of a gamble but he would add offense to their roster and cost them nothing in the process ... I'm purely speculating the Armada but seems to make the most sense to me given their opening and the fact he'd be playing fairly close to home.
They could go after a big name scorer that may not be an overage player **cough** Huberdeau **cough** ...
Cisse would be a bit of a gamble but he would add offense to their roster and cost them nothing in the process ... I'm purely speculating the Armada but seems to make the most sense to me given their opening and the fact he'd be playing fairly close to home.
Moncton did own his rights but I believe they dropped him before this season. As a 20 year old, it wouldn't really matter unless we could move him for a pick. As far as him joining BLB, he plays a very similar style to Matteau. He's a hard working, strong, powerforward with good two-way play. He would be a nice addition to any team but BLB lack a true scorer more(Huberdeau).
Moncton did own his rights but I believe they dropped him before this season. As a 20 year old, it wouldn't really matter unless we could move him for a pick. As far as him joining BLB, he plays a very similar style to Matteau. He's a hard working, strong, powerforward with good two-way play. He would be a nice addition to any team but BLB lack a true scorer more(Huberdeau).
Yeah I just saw that. He's a big body that should provide even more toughness for our team. But for a 20 years old to stick around, he better put up some more points with us than he did in the NCAA. Although Olivier Hinse did play 4th line for us in the playoffs... hehehe
I expect Cisse to be a pretty solid contributor for us and I am very happy about this move. He should replace Jevpalovs on the 3rd line while he is gone to the WJCs with team Latvia, same story with Matteau.
If he plays well it means we won't have to trade away picks and prospects to acquire another 20 years old
When Jevpalovs and Matteau come back we might have a surplus at forward, probably Martel or Sanche will be gone in a trade for a defenseman or if a guy like Huberdeau is added probably both lol
Hard hitting 4th line with a power forward on each of the first three lines (Paquette, Matteau, Cisse). Plenty of skills, speed and two-way play all throughout the top-3 lines as well.
Yeah I just saw that. He's a big body that should provide even more toughness for our team. But for a 20 years old to stick around, he better put up some more points with us than he did in the NCAA. Although Olivier Hinse did play 4th line for us in the playoffs... hehehe
I expect Cisse to be a pretty solid contributor for us and I am very happy about this move. He should replace Jevpalovs on the 3rd line while he is gone to the WJCs with team Latvia, same story with Matteau.
If he plays well it means we won't have to trade away picks and prospects to acquire another 20 years old
When Jevpalovs and Matteau come back we might have a surplus at forward, probably Martel or Sanche will be gone in a trade for a defenseman or if a guy like Huberdeau is added probably both lol
I think he'll fit we'll in the team..
This is his last shot, look for him to get better as the season wears on.
