What prospect's are benefiting most from the lockout
There are always certain players that people have said that this lockout is perfect for those particular players. I can think of a few off the top of my head... Who does everyone think is this lockout PERFECT for their careers?
Obviously one of the best ones is Justin Schultz... But i'll start things off with Brett Connolly and Nino. Both were rushed into the NHL i think and spending this time in the AHL is perfect
I'd say Strome, Scheifele and Hamilton since they would all have probably been rushed to the NHL had there been a season but instead they are all playing on contending teams in major junior.
I'd say Strome, Scheifele and Hamilton since they would all have probably been rushed to the NHL had there been a season but instead they are all playing on contending teams in major junior.
All of Islanders first round picks. Nino is averaging more then a PPG in the AHL, Strome is tearing up the OHL and Reinhart is getting #1 minutes in the WHL. Sadly if their wasn't a lockout 2 or 3 of these guys might be playing on the Island due to their contracts getting the Islanders over the cap min.
I'd say Strome, Scheifele and Hamilton since they would all have probably been rushed to the NHL had there been a season but instead they are all playing on contending teams in major junior.
Even if Ice Dogs keep Strome and Hamilton, they cant contend with the teams in the West this year. Not nearly the same depth as last season.
As already mentioned for Calgary, Roman Horak. Given a chance to work on his offensive game and has thrived.
Another (not necessarily a prospect) is Mikael Backlund. Currently has 27 points in 20 games in Vasteras. As many points as Kopitar and Berglund (5 less games for Backlund) and more points than Matt Read. He needed to regain his offensive confidence and this will really help.
Kadri is finally looking like hes ready to make the jump
Agreed. Just keeping pressure off to make the team has allowed Kadri to focus on his development.
I will add Peter Holland and Tomas Tatar to this list. Not that they would have made their respective clubs, but another year in AHL will help to build confidence and allow increased time to further develop offensive skills.
its hard to say because who knows what would have or could have been... I would say the team that has been given the gift of the lockout has been NYI... If there wasn't a lockout I am sure some of their prospects would be buried in the roster and never see top minutes.... and Edmonton. The young guns gaining exp. in Oklahoma seems to be working out well.
My Wild might be in this convo as well with all of the young talent they have tucked away. Getting Granlund some north american hockey experience (before injury and now coming back) can't hurt his progression.
to sum it up, all top prospects should benefit greatly
Brodin and Granlund would have benefited from an easier introduction to NA hockey, had they not become injured.
Granlund returned from injury a couple nights ago, though Brodin will still be out for probably another month or so.
I agree with what you said though, many European prospects making the jump to the AHL benefit from the lockout by having more time to adjust to the NA style of play.
Hmmm...Yakupov. Grigorenko...Couturier? Maybe Schiefele too cause I'm pretty sure if the season started on time the Jets would've given him time that in my opinion he wasn't ready for. I wish I could say Burmistrov, because time away from major pro to find his game again should be healthy, but he's not really utilizing it.
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Originally Posted by Exit Dose
Peter Holland for the Ducks.
Yep. And I'd even say Hampus Lindholm. The lockout kind of worked in our favor in that regard. He chose not to go to Rogle because he was promised a camp invite so he stayed behind in Norfolk to wait for the lockout to end. So now we get to have him here, transitioning to the American game (one that has been almost seamless) and getting integrated into the Ducks core and future.
And it's probably benefiting Palmieri and the Ducks organization that he isn't in the NHL right now. Based on his recent play, he still has work to do. So when I say benefiting I don't mean the way it's benefiting Holland and Lindholm.
Last year there were attitude questions. Many thought he felt he deserved to be in the NHL and kind of sooked out. This year with no NHL, he's been able to completely concentrate on playing for Bingo.
I'd say Strome, Scheifele and Hamilton since they would all have probably been rushed to the NHL had there been a season but instead they are all playing on contending teams in major junior.
I'd add Grigorenko to that list. Not sure whether Buffalo would've rushed him anyway, but the lockout made sure.
Yak definitely benefited, im sure he would have done decent if he went straight to the NHL, but a year in the KHL will just make him that much more prepared.
