I disagree Stone has a ton of potential; his potential is that of another Corey Perry, Jamie Benn or Danny Heatley. Now with that said, he still has a lot of work to realize that potential.
Zbanejad still has a ton of potential, but it is hard to compare him with Stone. Whereas Stone has outstanding hockey smarts, Zibanejad has outstanding athleticism. Zibanejad's potential is that of a mix of Kesler and Ovechkin. If he reaches it he could very well be the most valuable forward (and possibly player) for this organization.
On top of that I think you are severely underrating Stone's play this season. While he hasn't put up a ton of points so far, he has created a ton of high quality offensive chances. With the amount of offensive opportunities that he and his line has created, he could easily have the same point totals as Silfverberg with a bit more luck. Zibanejad is in the exact same boat; fans give him flack for not putting up the points, but if you watch him play all the offensive chances he creates are high quality and they are very frequent.
Where did I mention potential?
Yes Stone has made some nice plays, but for large portions of the games he is almost invisible.
FYI I seldom look at developing players with my eye on the stats, however Stone has 13 points, 6 goals (1pp, 2 or 3 EN).
So statistics suggest he is potentially lucky to not have less production rather than more.
I respect your opinion and share your hopes for Stone, however in my opinion Stone isn't playing at the level you are suggesting.
Fair enough, personally I think Prince, Schneider and Pageau have shown more progression and have had a greater effect in the games.
Prior to Zibby's health issues, he was one of the top 2 or 3.
IMO you have been very kind to DD, but he definitely is a player that could see time on the fourth line for the Sens in the future.
Watching DD's game change and grow over the past three season is why I'm high on him. There are certain players that you think suck one year and love the next when you are a fan of a farm club. DD is one of those players, so is Cowick. Granted their games may not make it to NHL level, but you can notice a drastic improvement in their skill/ability over the course of a few years. THAT tells me the system is working.
Watching DD's game change and grow over the past three season is why I'm high on him. There are certain players that you think suck one year and love the next when you are a fan of a farm club. DD is one of those players, so is Cowick. Granted their games may not make it to NHL level, but you can notice a drastic improvement in their skill/ability over the course of a few years. THAT tells me the system is working.
Definitely agree with you, player progression is a measure of the effectiveness of the development program.
I like DD, love his game, definitely believe he will see NHL games.
The problem for players like DD, Cowick, Grant is timing, getting an opportunity at the NHL level before they get passed by younger players coming into the program every year.
Just my opinion, but I would like to see DD and Grant get an honest shot at the Sens this year, at the latest next. I believe they would be an improvement over what I believe will be the Sens 4th line this year.
DaCosta, Hoffman, Silf, Zibby, Grant, Prince, Schneider, Cannone and possibly even Pageau. I am sure this might cause some debate, but after 30 games watching the B-Sens this is how I see them today.
IMO Stone just isn't playing the game that made him successful in junior, he is passive both physically and with the puck.
At times he shows great ability to read the play, moves the puck well and is very responsible defensively. However these attributes aren't why the Sens drafted him.
I am in no way suggesting he is a bust, I just feel he needs to get stronger, be more of a physical presence and have the confidence to use his natural offensive instincts.
Ok thanks, really haven't watched as many games, but I'm a bit surprised at Schneider, Cannone and Pageau being ranked higher
We have time to develop Stone, so let's take it (like we did with Lehner)
Quote:
Think you just made my point.
While I am sure playing with Spezza and MK helped Greening statistically in his rookie season, I am equally sure that Greening made a significant contribution to their success.
While Greening has the size, speed and physical abilities for the prototypical 3rd or 4th line winger, that doesn't preclude him from being a very good top two left winger.
If Gui and Jacob play well enough to force MacLean to move Greening to the 3rd line, that will be great news for the Sens.
Yes good point but ya the Sens need to continue improving and having Greening on the 3rd line means we have better options in the top-6, which would also mean that there is a progression
Quote:
Originally Posted by sens83
Based on my assessment of performance this year so far, I'd say he's 5th.
Silf
DaCosta
Hoffman
Grant
Stone
DD
Pageau
Prince
Schneider
Cowick
Jessiman
Canonne
Petersson
Zibby -> he gets a pass, because he was injured/sick
Thanks
Very disappointed with Petersson... wow
Hopefully, he gets in shape and has a great 2nd half
The best part of Stone's game is relatively quiet imo. He's so smart without the puck, always in the right place. He's also a great passer so while he's been playing very well in Bingo I think it's harder to notice what he does. He gave a slick little pass last night through traffic with touch that led to a scoring chance. Very few players on the team (meaning Bingo) would even SEE that play let alone be capable of executing it.
He's not scoring like he should, but I think he's still been a very good player. I'm hoping they give him more time in Bingo and would like to see him up with Da Costa or Zibanejad & see if they have any chemestry.
The best part of Stone's game is relatively quiet imo. He's so smart without the puck, always in the right place. He's also a great passer so while he's been playing very well in Bingo I think it's harder to notice what he does. He gave a slick little pass last night through traffic with touch that led to a scoring chance. Very few players on the team (meaning Bingo) would even SEE that play let alone be capable of executing it.
He's not scoring like he should, but I think he's still been a very good player. I'm hoping they give him more time in Bingo and would like to see him up with Da Costa or Zibanejad & see if they have any chemestry.
On the training camp topic, I feel Lehner should ride out the season in Bingo - More minutes and its a short NHL season where our Number 1 is gonna take a while to get into it...
On the training camp topic, I feel Lehner should ride out the season in Bingo - More minutes and its a short NHL season where our Number 1 is gonna take a while to get into it...
I felt that way initially, but am starting to come around to the idea that giving Lehner a real shot to earn the #1 spot makes sense, mostly because he actually might be a key guy to give us a chance to make the playoffs again during this sprint of a shortened season.
I really don't think it makes sense for him to be the back-up, but if he outplays Anderson and Bishop next week, I think we give him the opening night start. I'm concerned about Anderson not having played this year, given he is sort of a streaky guy - we can't afford to give him 10 games to get his game back. Good to see Bishop playing well though too, so at least if all of the goalies are solid next week, you send Lehner back to Bingo until such time the Anderson-Bishop tandem shows it isn't up to snuff, which might mean a late season call-up for Lehner.
I also think it's a fair reward for Lehner to get a shot here next week because he has been arguably the AHL MVP this season thus far. He'd at least be in the conversation.
I felt that way initially, but am starting to come around to the idea that giving Lehner a real shot to earn the #1 spot makes sense, mostly because he actually might be a key guy to give us a chance to make the playoffs again during this sprint of a shortened season.
I really don't think it makes sense for him to be the back-up, but if he outplays Anderson and Bishop next week, I think we give him the opening night start. I'm concerned about Anderson not having played this year, given he is sort of a streaky guy - we can't afford to give him 10 games to get his game back. Good to see Bishop playing well though too, so at least if all of the goalies are solid next week, you send Lehner back to Bingo until such time the Anderson-Bishop tandem shows it isn't up to snuff, which might mean a late season call-up for Lehner.
I also think it's a fair reward for Lehner to get a shot here next week because he has been arguably the AHL MVP this season thus far. He'd at least be in the conversation.
Lehner has already beat out Bishop for the #1 job in Bingo but I think contracts will be the biggest factor they keep Lehner in Bingo as well as give Bingo another shot at a Calder Cup run. Both Anderson & Bishop have one way contracts & Lehner has the two way. I think he might get a game or two but at some point my guess is that he is sent back to Bingo for the remainder of the yr. However, if or when Bishop is traded then he could be back but I don't expect that until maybe the trade deadline or in the off season.
Lehner has already beat out Bishop for the #1 job in Bingo but I think contracts will be the biggest factor they keep Lehner in Bingo as well as give Bingo another shot at a Calder Cup run. Both Anderson & Bishop have one way contracts & Lehner has the two way. I think he might get a game or two but at some point my guess is that he is sent back to Bingo for the remainder of the yr. However, if or when Bishop is traded then he could be back but I don't expect that until maybe the trade deadline or in the off season.
I figured contracts would dictate it mostly, too. But if he gets a game or two, and is oustanding, it might be tough to send him back. And based on some of Murray and MacLean's comments, he'll get a shot (I initially didn't think he would).
And I think "beat out" might be a relative over-statement to a degree. Lehner inherited the #1 roll when Bishop was not at camp initially, and then Bishop was hurt (or was it sick?) when he got there. The battle never really materialized, as Lehner was hot out of the gate before Bishop got a chance to compete. Since he's been back, he is only a hair behind Lehner and has played quite a bit. A .928 save % is one of the top 5 best in the league, although Lehner's league best .944 is obviously rather eye-popping.
What I think people forget is by having prospect graduate from Bingo other prospects are afforded a greater role in Bingo.
This years camp is unique. It doesn't surprise me that players like Prince are not being invited. Bumping them up the depth chart in bingo is exactly what they deserve and in my opinion is best for development and progression.
I am really happy with our current goaltending situation, will be interesting to see how camp plays out. I'll be watching that closely.
François Allaire is one of the best goaltending coach... ever
Yeah he is good - I used to go to his hockey schools - for a while there half the NHL goalies had been to his schools or had him teach them. Brian Burke and the Maple Leafs through him under the bus in Toronto. Said his style was outdated - pretty sure that Martin Brodeur used him as a goalie consultant and he's not butterfly. Either way Brian Burke sucks.
gonchar's back, check senstv. Decided not to stay for KHL all-star game because he didnt think there was enough time to get back and ready for the season after that, and also because he left his family in ottawa.
loved listening to him list off his route back: bratislava to prague, prague to moscow, moscow to magnitogorsk, magnitogorsk to moscow, moscow to frankfurt, frankfurt to ottawa.
