I can't see a team passing on MacKinnon when you factor in the tickets he will sell with the numbers he has and will put up plus the obvious comparisons that will be made to Crosby. A possible comparison could be Taveras vs Hedman and I don't think the Islanders regret that. No if a defence needy team like the Oilers gets the first pick that obviously changes things.
Hedman isn't a comparable to Jones. At his size, strength, speed, skill, and intelligence, he's got the potential to be an absolute force. No slight to Hedman, but Jones has the chance to be a Chara-like presence on the blueline.
It's possible the Blue Jackets get Murray this year and Jones next year, giving them possibly one of the best group of defensemen in a generation. And, at long last, a team identity.
It's possible the Blue Jackets get Murray this year and Jones next year, giving them possibly one of the best group of defensemen in a generation. And, at long last, a team identity.
As a Bj's fan, would you be more excited for Murray + Mackinnon or Murray + Jones?
I can't see a team passing on MacKinnon when you factor in the tickets he will sell with the numbers he has and will put up plus the obvious comparisons that will be made to Crosby. A possible comparison could be Taveras vs Hedman and I don't think the Islanders regret that. Now if a defence needy team like the Oilers gets the first pick that obviously changes things.
Right now I would be comparing Jones' potential to Chara or Pronger, not Hedman. This doesn't mean he will get there, but I think if he were eligible to be drafted this year he could've easily made the NHL next year. Anyway, it's just my opinion and it could very well change next year based on how they both perform and develop.
Well... you can't have both Jones and Mackinnon unless if you are gonna trade for a top 2 pick next year and finish in the bottom 2. (or win the lottery)
Well... you can't have both Jones and Mackinnon unless if you are gonna trade for a top 2 pick next year and finish in the bottom 2. (or win the lottery)
I know I was just kidding. If I'm Columbus I'm taking Grigorenko, although I know that's not a popular pick. I also think they won't be as terrible next year as they were this year.
Hedman isn't a comparable to Jones. At his size, strength, speed, skill, and intelligence, he's got the potential to be an absolute force. No slight to Hedman, but Jones has the chance to be a Chara-like presence on the blueline.
I think you're selling Hedman (as a prospect) short here. The bolded was the exact same thing said about Hedman when he was draft eligible. He had tons of hype around him during the 2008-2009 season, with some having him over one of the best CHL players in recent memory.
As for the comparison, I have yet to see Jones live (should change next year), so I can't really compare. That being said, I would be surprised if a defencemen is selected first overall. For various reasons, NHL teams shy away from taking a defencemen at the top of the draft.
Both MacKinnon and Jones are impressive talents, and it'll be an interesting upcoming year.
If the Oil take Nail, then Columbus could have Murray and Jones... but if the Oil take Murray, then Columbus could go with Nail and Mackinnon.. or Nail and Jones... what is the best outcome?
If the Oil take Nail, then Columbus could have Murray and Jones... but if the Oil take Murray, then Columbus could go with Nail and Mackinnon.. or Nail and Jones... what is the best outcome?
I don't see Columbus passing up on Mackinnon next year if they take Murray this draft.
Here's an interview with Popeye Jones about his son's choice to go to Portland. There's a little bit of insight here, but not much. Most of the answers were a bit generic as to why Portland was a better fit than UND, but interesting none the less.
Finally it's official. If he believes Portland is the right path towards his development, I wish him the best of luck and hope to see him in the NHL soon, not in the Atlantic of course.
I never said they didn't. With that being said, they will absolutely be taking a step back after losing several key guys up front and their star goalie in Rimmer.
I never said they didn't. With that being said, they will absolutely be taking a step back after losing several key guys up front and their star goalie in Rimmer.
The AMS are the same story every year. They have three elite overagers who light up the league and a goaltender who stands on his head every night. They didn't lose Rimmer by accident, he was traded to make way for Comrie who is easily their most talented goaltending prospect since Price. They'll take a step back that's for sure but if Tory has shown anything its that he knows where to find 20 year olds and how to evaluate a goaltender.
Portland adds a lot more than TC next year; thats for sure. We may not have seen the best Winterhawks team in the pipeline just yet.
The AMS are the same story every year. They have three elite overagers who light up the league and a goaltender who stands on his head every night. They didn't lose Rimmer by accident, he was traded to make way for Comrie who is easily their most talented goaltending prospect since Price. They'll take a step back that's for sure but if Tory has shown anything its that he knows where to find 20 year olds and how to evaluate a goaltender.
Portland adds a lot more than TC next year; thats for sure. We may not have seen the best Winterhawks team in the pipeline just yet.
Another aspect is that Hiller is rumoured to be heading to Texas to start as the coach of the AHL's Texas Stars. That won't help things.
The AMS are the same story every year. They have three elite overagers who light up the league and a goaltender who stands on his head every night. They didn't lose Rimmer by accident, he was traded to make way for Comrie who is easily their most talented goaltending prospect since Price. They'll take a step back that's for sure but if Tory has shown anything its that he knows where to find 20 year olds and how to evaluate a goaltender.
Portland adds a lot more than TC next year; thats for sure. We may not have seen the best Winterhawks team in the pipeline just yet.
Sums up Tory's strategy nicely. Rimmer had a great year behind a deep, veteran team but TC has Long earmarked Comrie for the guy between the pipes.
It will be an interesting season for the Ams next year.
And if Hiller moves up, it could very likely be a "rebuild" type year. The Ams balance of talent at the forward spots between age groups is kind of a mess. After Feser and likely Mychan being 2 20 y/o forwards next year, the bulk of the talent falls on the young guys Williams, Rankin, and Stromwall. The Ams really do not have any top end 19 y/o forwards, only two talented but mostly unproven 18 y/o's in Rankin and Stromwall. The 17 age group looks promising (B. Williams is a stud), but the incoming 16's is huge question mark (the other Brian Williams still hasn't signed).
The Ams are setting up Comrie in a great situation for his draft year as most of their D corps will be back. If Ryckman is the 3rd 20, the Ams will have basically have a full 6 veteran Defensive lineup already set.
Scoring looks like it will be a big problem though, not surprising losing 3 100pt guys. If Bob can land a couple 18-19 y/o goal scorers (who are not easy or cheap to acquire) the Ams could be in the hunt for another 40 win season, but I just don't see it yet.
Getting back to the topic of Portland and Jones, it sounds like Jones will likely be a one and done guy anyway. It makes sense for Johnston to load up for next year again with the Blades having the Mem.Cup and therefore it being a possibly easier path to get there.
Personally I'm glad Jones is coming to the Dub, just not to a division foe. I can't believe I actually used to feel sorry for their team a few short years ago and now every other guy they have is a 1st round NHL pic. Junior hockey is cyclical, Portland's ride will have to cool off sometime. Hopefully come 2013-2014 when the Ams should be heating up again.
Has anybody gone to see any Portland pre-season games to report on how Jones has looked.
Also, maybe a mod can update this thread title so it says Portland.
Thanks
Seth apparently has played all 3 pre season games for Portland from what i can gather, also says that he didnt disappoint although being held off the score sheet all 3 games
Seth apparently has played all 3 pre season games for Portland from what i can gather, also says that he didnt disappoint although being held off the score sheet all 3 games
He played in 2 of the 3 games and picked up 2 assists.
He played in 2 of the 3 games and picked up 2 assists.
LOL......welllllllllllll isnt this embarrassing, sorry the little tidbits i read about the games made it sound like he played in all games and they didnt mention anything about pts, awful sorry
