- eichiefs9

He should be playing with Tavares next year.

He should be playing with Tavares next year.
- kindlyrick

We'll we know we disagree on that one for sure

In terms of what position we think he'll be at.

I totally get where you're coming from, but in the grand scheme (my grand scheme anyway) of judging a team, or draft, prospect's value...one tournament isn't going to make or break them.

It's nice to be able to say that Strome had two goals this morning versus Slovakia, but it doesn't make me think that he's any better than I already do. Same logic if he didn't...I'm not going to think very much less of him.

MacKinnon hasn't done a whole lot so far, 1A in 2 games, but it's not going to hurt his draft stock as the #1 overall pick.
- eichiefs9

If he continues to play half assed it very well may.

We'll we know we disagree on that one for sure

In terms of what position we think he'll be at.
- eichiefs9

agree, distribute the talent... The team will be better with 2 talented lines then one superior line that gets the most attention night in & night out. Strome should be the second line center.


XxNYIxX

I don't understand which part of that looked like me trying to pick a fight? You commented on his response to me, saying you agreed with him and then went on to make points that were similar to mine, that he disagreed with.

Cptmjl says: WJC is a good bench mark of a prospects true ability

I said: It's not, it's too small a sample size and that their play over a longer period of time (ie: the course of a season) is much more indicative of their true value
You said: You completely agree with Cptmjl, but then went on to reference Nino having a great AHL year and the same for Strome in the OHL. Am I missing something? That would be more in line with my beliefs than his, no?
- eichiefs9

BTW I'm not saying I don't agree with you or the bolded sentence I'm just saying the WJC is a bigger barometer than you may think? It's a big deal to perspective GM's. Many of these same guys the WJC holds alot of water and believe it or not they use it as a "measuring stick"(damn I said it again)to see how they stack up to elite international competition which they will be seeing in the NHL(possibly) some day.

If he continues to play half assed it very well may.
- Cptmjl

As Rick pointed out, he is playing 4th line minutes. I think all it will do is give media/bloggers a nice opportunity to write a "controversial article" as to why maybe (player x) could possibly be taken at #1 instead of MacKinnon. It happens every year as the draft gets closer. All '08-'09 season Tavares was the clear cut #1, but as the draft neared people start nitpicking on little things as to why Hedman or Duchene could/should be selected first overall.

Drouin isn't getting big minutes either, but he's making a little bit of an impact playing very well for a 17 year old.

I don't understand which part of that looked like me trying to pick a fight? You commented on his response to me, saying you agreed with him and then went on to make points that were similar to mine, that he disagreed with.

Cptmjl says: WJC is a good bench mark of a prospects true ability

I said: It's not, it's too small a sample size and that their play over a longer period of time (ie: the course of a season) is much more indicative of their true value

You said: You completely agree with Cptmjl, but then went on to reference Nino having a great AHL year and the same for Strome in the OHL. Am I missing something? That would be more in line with my beliefs than his, no?
- eichiefs9

I don't think he was disagreeing that the season and these kids overall work are important so much as he was saying that the WJC's are important. Of course it's not the end all say all but it is very important as we've seen before for these kids.

As Rick pointed out, he is playing 4th line minutes. I think all it will do is give media/bloggers a nice opportunity to write a "controversial article" as to why maybe (player x) could possibly be taken at #1 instead of MacKinnon. It happens every year as the draft gets closer. All '08-'09 season Tavares was the clear cut #1, but as the draft neared people start nitpicking on little things as to why Hedman or Duchene could/should be selected first overall.

Drouin isn't getting big minutes either, but he's making a little bit of an impact playing very well for a 17 year old.
- eichiefs9

Tavares also had an incredible WJC, the kid absolutely dominated. If he didn't than thjose "controversies" would have held a little more merit in ALOT of eoples eyes believe it or not and who knows he may have not been an Islander. Stranger things have happened.

BTW I'm not saying I don't agree with you or the bolded sentence I'm just saying the WJC is a bigger barometer than you may think? It's a big deal to perspective GM's. Many of these same guys the WJC holds alot of water and believe it or not they use it as a "measuring stick"(damn I said it again)to see how they stack up to elite international competition which they will be seeing in the NHL(possibly) some day.
- Cptmjl

I know, just making my points on my personal beliefs, in what I hope is perceived as a respectful manner. Nobody has to agree with me a 100%, I just like talking real, live hockey. More than the usual in-fighting or cookie cutter complaints about Snow/Wang.

We'll we know we disagree on that one for sure

In terms of what position we think he'll be at.
- eichiefs9

I honestly haven't seen him play enough to know whether he'd be good on the wing or better at center.

Tavares also had an incredible WJC, the kid absolutely dominated. If he didn't than thjose "controversies" would have held a little more merit in ALOT of eoples eyes believe it or not and who knows he may have not been an Islander. Stranger things have happened.
- Cptmjl

And Nino's fantastic showing at the WJC's definitely helped his draft stock in his draft year. I do think that the tournament is undoubtedly a component of judging a player. I just don't think it is a very large one.

I know, just making my points on my personal beliefs, in what I hope is perceived as a respectful manner. Nobody has to agree with me a 100%, I just like talking real, live hockey. More than the usual in-fighting or cookie cutter complaints about Snow/Wang.
- eichiefs9

I honestly haven't seen him play enough to know whether he'd be good on the wing or better at center.
- Cptmjl

He's really only played center. I think he'd be a good fit playing wing along the half-wall on the PP, alongside JT.

I base a good amount of my opinion on what I read from actual experts via twitter (which usually leads to their blogs, etc...). I know the game pretty well having played forever at some OK levels, but I can easily concede that guys that scout or have scouted for a living know more than I do.

The general consensus that I see when they talk about Strome is that he'd be a better fit, with his high skill level, at center on the 2nd line. Rather than playing alongside JT. If you watch Strome he literally makes plays happen with his vision and shiftiness in the offensive zone. He pulls up a lot inside the blueline which opens new passing lanes, and that kid can thread the needle with the best of them. He creates a ton of offense with his distribution skills, which is a huge asset at the center position.

I know Rick loves Nelson's combination of skill and size/physicality (as, of course, do I), but I just feel that his kind of game can translate better to the wing than Strome's.

And Nino's fantastic showing at the WJC's definitely helped his draft stock in his draft year. I do think that the tournament is undoubtedly a component of judging a player. I just don't think it is a very large one.
- eichiefs9

Believe me I totally see your point and don't disagree with you. I just think the WJC's are more important than you do. For the most part this is the biggest stage these kids have played on, highest level of talent they've played against, they're playing for their countries. It's huge and believe me scouts and GM's alike will sometimes chose a player from these tournaments. Of course sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't like we all know. Of course a kid with decent talent could go on a tear and a kid with elite talent could have a bad showing but most are looking for the ones that step up and make a showing when it counts. That's what defines professionalism and someone whose game can translate to the NHL.

He's really only played center. I think he'd be a good fit playing wing along the half-wall on the PP, alongside JT.

I base a good amount of my opinion on what I read from actual experts via twitter (which usually leads to their blogs, etc...). I know the game pretty well having played forever at some OK levels, but I can easily concede that guys that scout or have scouted for a living know more than I do.

The general consensus that I see when they talk about Strome is that he'd be a better fit, with his high skill level, at center on the 2nd line. Rather than playing alongside JT. If you watch Strome he literally makes plays happen with his vision and shiftiness in the offensive zone. He pulls up a lot inside the blueline which opens new passing lanes, and that kid can thread the needle with the best of them. He creates a ton of offense with his distribution skills, which is a huge asset at the center position.

I know Rick loves Nelson's combination of skill and size/physicality (as, of course, do I), but I just feel that his kind of game can translate better to the wing than Strome's.
- eichiefs9

Who'd you play for? Apple core? Arrows?

Who'd you play for? Apple core? Arrows?
- Cptmjl

I played a few years with the Rebels, never any true high level of hockey, not even for NY. But between playing travel and going away to the Can/AM tourny in Lake Placid with our HS team I definitely played in some intense hockey. If I had to try and evaluate myself fairly, I would say I think the game at a real high level, but I was never a particularly skilled player.

Random unrelated thought...let me tell you...the Canadian boys are brutal to play against. Only played against a few Canadian teams but left every game absolutely battered, win or lose.

I played a few years with the Rebels, never any true high level of hockey. But between playing travel and going away to the Can/AM tourny in Lake Placid with our HS team I definitely played in some intense hockey.

Random unrelated thought...let me tell you...the Canadian boys are brutal to play against. Only played against a few Canadian teams but left every game absolutely battered, win or lose.
- eichiefs9

That they are. Yakupov was not wrong in his recent comments as even most Canadians themselves would tell you . Gotta go before my girlfriend rips my face off. Good night all!

That they are. Yakupov was not wrong in his recent comments as even most Canadians themselves would tell you . Gotta go before my girlfriend rips my face off. Good night all!
- Cptmjl

I wouldn't say they're all that dirty, but they will definitely beat the crap out of you physically.

Yes I'm off to party shortly also. Cheers, go USA

He's really only played center. I think he'd be a good fit playing wing along the half-wall on the PP, alongside JT.

I base a good amount of my opinion on what I read from actual experts via twitter (which usually leads to their blogs, etc...). I know the game pretty well having played forever at some OK levels, but I can easily concede that guys that scout or have scouted for a living know more than I do.

The general consensus that I see when they talk about Strome is that he'd be a better fit, with his high skill level, at center on the 2nd line. Rather than playing alongside JT. If you watch Strome he literally makes plays happen with his vision and shiftiness in the offensive zone. He pulls up a lot inside the blueline which opens new passing lanes, and that kid can thread the needle with the best of them. He creates a ton of offense with his distribution skills, which is a huge asset at the center position.

I know Rick loves Nelson's combination of skill and size/physicality (as, of course, do I), but I just feel that his kind of game can translate better to the wing than Strome's.
- eichiefs9

Agreed...Strome will be the 2nd line center for the Islanders in the next year...I think you might see Nino as the other wing on JT's line.

As Rick pointed out, he is playing 4th line minutes. I think all it will do is give media/bloggers a nice opportunity to write a "controversial article" as to why maybe (player x) could possibly be taken at #1 instead of MacKinnon. It happens every year as the draft gets closer. All '08-'09 season Tavares was the clear cut #1, but as the draft neared people start nitpicking on little things as to why Hedman or Duchene could/should be selected first overall.

Drouin isn't getting big minutes either, but he's making a little bit of an impact playing very well for a 17 year old.
- eichiefs9

I heard an announcer (might have been ray Ferraro) say Seth jones could get the number one pick.

He's really only played center. I think he'd be a good fit playing wing along the half-wall on the PP, alongside JT.

I base a good amount of my opinion on what I read from actual experts via twitter (which usually leads to their blogs, etc...). I know the game pretty well having played forever at some OK levels, but I can easily concede that guys that scout or have scouted for a living know more than I do.

The general consensus that I see when they talk about Strome is that he'd be a better fit, with his high skill level, at center on the 2nd line. Rather than playing alongside JT. If you watch Strome he literally makes plays happen with his vision and shiftiness in the offensive zone. He pulls up a lot inside the blueline which opens new passing lanes, and that kid can thread the needle with the best of them. He creates a ton of offense with his distribution skills, which is a huge asset at the center position.

I know Rick loves Nelson's combination of skill and size/physicality (as, of course, do I), but I just feel that his kind of game can translate better to the wing than Strome's.
- eichiefs9

Look if you wanna have the second line be strome centering Nelson and say niño I'd be more than happy with that (this of course being a few years down the road)

Look if you wanna have the second line be strome centering Nelson and say niño I'd be more than happy with that (this of course being a few years down the road)
- kindlyrick

Dont really care who/what the 2nd line is next yr, just dont want these kids rushed to the NHL. The more these kids play together, the better they will be by forming chemistry with each other, I will except another losing season so these kids can develop properly, and not make the big club just to reach the salary cap floor, and lose their confidence.

Dont really care who/what the 2nd line is next yr, just dont want these kids rushed to the NHL. The more these kids play together, the better they will be by forming chemistry with each other, I will except another losing season so these kids can develop properly, and not make the big club just to reach the salary cap floor, and lose their confidence.
- Ur Not Me

Its pretty much a given that Strome will never see the AHL, If he didnt make the NHL this year, he would be in it next year...

Lets say they put together a second line of Nelson - Strome - Bailey, Nino, Okposo

We know JT loves playing with MM & i think i heard somewhere he likes to play with KO That would be a 1st line of MM - JT - KO .... I personally would love KO on the third line, Bailey get a shot on the first line (give it 20 games) and Nino on the second.. if Josh doesnt hack it on the first line.. then Nino gets a shot on JT wing.. KO to Stome's wing & Bailey to the third line or traded.

XxNYIxX

Its pretty much a given that Strome will never see the AHL, If he didnt make the NHL this year, he would be in it next year...

Lets say they put together a second line of Nelson - Strome - Bailey, Nino, Okposo

We know JT loves playing with MM & i think i heard somewhere he likes to play with KO That would be a 1st line of MM - JT - KO .... I personally would love KO on the third line, Bailey get a shot on the first line (give it 20 games) and Nino on the second.. if Josh doesnt hack it on the first line.. then Nino gets a shot on JT wing.. KO to Stome's wing & Bailey to the third line or traded.

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

personally, would like to see Okoposo, Grabner, Bailey traded in some way to bring back more established/proven NHL winning player that this team needs to take pressure off JT....
since Snow does not do trades, im seeing lines like this

MM-JT-B.Boyes
Grabs-Frans-OK
JJ-Bailey-??
Martin-Reasoner-?? only for this year

next yr
MM-JT-Strome
Nino-Frans-Grabs
OK-Sundstrom-B.Nelson
Martin-CC-Gallant the 4th line

Its pretty much a given that Strome will never see the AHL, If he didnt make the NHL this year, he would be in it next year...

Lets say they put together a second line of Nelson - Strome - Bailey, Nino, Okposo

We know JT loves playing with MM & i think i heard somewhere he likes to play with KO That would be a 1st line of MM - JT - KO .... I personally would love KO on the third line, Bailey get a shot on the first line (give it 20 games) and Nino on the second.. if Josh doesnt hack it on the first line.. then Nino gets a shot on JT wing.. KO to Stome's wing & Bailey to the third line or traded.

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

Wow,......I actually agree with this post!! Has hell froze over? Nicely said!