I hope the NHL, I think his PP abilities + shot would be a nice addition with 3rd line minutes, but I have a hard time slotting him in unless he can move to the left side which he plays during PP's anyways, so maybe...
He might get a crack in one or two games (and then further if need be) depending on his training camp and preseason but I see him in the OHL next year for the most part.
Let him go back, captain his team deep into the playoffs, dominate and build some confidence before he steps into the pro life.
If a midget like mza can play for us, why can't Thomas? If dstep can play, why not Thomas. Same with McDonough.
These guys came in and produced at a high level fairly quickly. We do not know what will happen but I can tell you this, if he comes into camp and scores goals, And I mean goal scorer goals off pipe and in the corners, he will get a legit look see. As he should.
He will come into camp with an sniper rifle shot. This dude can really bring it and we really have no one who has a gun like this kid. And more than just his shot, he knows where to go and where to be to score. He's a one timer freak who shoots it while backing up as hard as most shoot when they step into it. He's really got a great eye for the net and his shot mechanics are top notch.
I give him a good shot at making the team and playing a lot of pp minutes and getting 5 on5 top 9 NHL minutes.
If a midget like mza can play for us, why can't Thomas? If dstep can play, why not Thomas. Same with McDonough.
These guys came in and produced at a high level fairly quickly. We do not know what will happen but I can tell you this, if he comes into camp and scores goals, And I mean goal scorer goals off pipe and in the corners, he will get a legit look see. As he should.
He will come into camp with an sniper rifle shot. This dude can really bring it and we really have no one who has a gun like this kid. And more than just his shot, he knows where to go and where to be to score. He's a one timer freak who shoots it while backing up as hard as most shoot when they step into it. He's really got a great eye for the net and his shot mechanics are top notch.
I give him a good shot at making the team and playing a lot of pp minutes and getting 5 on5 top 9 NHL minutes.
With Kreider out of the picture that's one less competitor for a spot. Still think at least 1 rookie makes the team...I don't see why Thomas can't beat out Hagelin and Grachev. If he has a great camp then I think he'll make the team.
With Kreider out of the picture that's one less competitor for a spot. Still think at least 1 rookie makes the team...I don't see why Thomas can't beat out Hagelin and Grachev. If he has a great camp then I think he'll make the team.
I just want to point out, that at the same age, Grachev scored 40 goals and put up 80 points in his FIRST season in NA and in the OHL. He has had 2 more years of development and while people love the "new shiny toy" in Thomas, people have to realize that the other players in the organization are good players too.
While Grachev's stats may not be "earth-shattering", he has improved his overall game and was much more noticeable the 2nd half of this season(Supposed to be his 1st AHL season if he didnt leave the OHL prematurely).
Brandon Dubinsky in his 3rd season after he was drafted:
Hartford Wolfpack: 71gp 21g 22a
Evgeny Grachev in his 3rd season after he was drafted:
Connecticut Whalepack: 73gp 16g 22a
I just want to point out, that at the same age, Grachev scored 40 goals and put up 80 points in his FIRST season in NA and in the OHL. He has had 2 more years of development and while people love the "new shiny toy" in Thomas, people have to realize that the other players in the organization are good players too.
While Grachev's stats may not be "earth-shattering", he has improved his overall game and was much more noticeable the 2nd half of this season(Supposed to be his 1st AHL season if he didnt leave the OHL prematurely).
Brandon Dubinsky in his 3rd season after he was drafted:
Hartford Wolfpack: 71gp 21g 22a
Evgeny Grachev in his 3rd season after he was drafted:
Connecticut Whalepack: 73gp 16g 22a
Agreed and neither is Dubinsky for that matter. Dubinsky is solid and brings alot to the table, and hopefully so will Grachev in time, but to me Thomas is a superior skill player to both of them.
