As long as they pick a forward, our first-rounder should have more raw offensive talent/upside than any of our college FA signings. And, even though we may not see him for a year or two, it's something legit and positive that we can look forward to.
His development has sky rocketed since he was drafted, and if he was close to making the team out of camp last fall...I'm awfully curious to see what kind of player he'll be.
His development has sky rocketed since he was drafted, and if he was close to making the team out of camp last fall...I'm awfully curious to see what kind of player he'll be.
I'm sure you've seen him play but I was really impressed with him during the WJCs, and a pair of Houston Aeros games I watched over the net.
Great poke-check do the the wingspan. Makes a good first pass. Physical along the boards. He looked a little lost in front of his own net. He has a rocket too but didn't see very confident shooting. He was very mobile but got caught flat footed in the AHL, something that is probably normal adapting the pace.
I'm sure you've seen him play but I was really impressed with him during the WJCs, and a pair of Houston Aeros games I watched over the net.
Great poke-check do the the wingspan. Makes a good first pass. Physical along the boards. He looked a little lost in front of his own net. He has a rocket too but didn't see very confident shooting. He was very mobile but got caught flat footed in the AHL, something that is probably normal adapting the pace.
All in all, I was very impressed.
He strikes me as a shut down guy, but I wonder if he'll get the opportunity to develop his offensive game.
He strikes me as a shut down guy, but I wonder if he'll get the opportunity to develop his offensive game.
I think that, at worst, he will be a good shut-down defensman, similar to his role with the Canadian WJC. Him and Hamonic were the best defensively. At best, he will be a shut-down player who also makes a great first pass and picks up some points by getting his big shot on net.
As far as development is concerned, I hope he gets a full year in Houston. He could still fill out that frame and also get more opportunities to round out his offensive game. But, of course, if the coaching staff feel he is ready for the NHL and they can use his salary hit as a means to trade another defenseman for some offensive help, then I can see him staying.
It's just my opinion, maybe because DR kept a lot of players (some worked, some didn't), that Scandella and Cuma should play at least a year in the AHL before playing in the NHL.
I know he got suspended for a reckless elbow, but does Scandella play nasty in front of his net? The Wild could use some of that. BTW, I think Stoner can provide some of that next year.
I know he got suspended for a reckless elbow, but does Scandella play nasty in front of his net? The Wild could use some of that. BTW, I think Stoner can provide some of that next year.
From my very limited viewings (5-6), this is where I thought his defensive coverage/physical play was weak. Everywhere else he was extremely solid.
Gillies would be like Lucic without the fighting OR scoring.
I'll say this #9 pick...who could be Nino if we're lucky, or Granlund, Skinner or Bjugstad, unless we take a Russian who never comes over (Tarasenko is playing for the KHL, Burmistov supposedly has to play their next year, Kabanov is a disaster).
I'm very curious to see how Wellman, Palmer, and Prosser play next year, and think all three have a strong chance to make the Wild roster.
Also curious to see if Scandella and/or Cuma can crack the Wild lineup and be a big impact defenseman in the next two years.
