Np.

I agree, Dumba is with guys like Rielly and Grigorenko and previously Nino that aren't quite NHL ready but can't go to the AHL...they need a loophole for top competitors.

As for Granlund, you're right he does need a massive statement, size has always been a problem and that he likes to pick his spots on the perimeter. In my opinion the only thriving perimeter guys in the NHL right now are Patrick Kane (Skilled like nobody else and is at his best when he actually goes to the scoring areas) and PA Parenteau.
- AdamFrench

I just trade Parenteau straight up for Lecavalier in our keeper league. I do not feel good about the point situation but I do feel good about getting another Flyer. Parenteau is not flashy, not a great skater but has hockey sense like Gretzky. I have watched him work his way up in the AHL and when he starred for the Isles every said it was his linemates but now that he has emerged has top line pp guy in Colorado people now realize he has something special. I really like his game plus he is durable.

Just throwing this out there, who do you think will be a better nhl scoring sensation between Reilly and Dumba. Reilly reminds me of Brian Leetch and Dumba more of a Bobby Orr type with his seemingly reckless and fearless style. Any thoughts.

I really like them both but I drafted Dumba and hoping he succeeds big time. Don't want to rush him to make sure he does not turn out like Gilbert Brule who clearly was ruined by the Blue Jackets by playing him as an 18 year old against men.

Just throwing this out there, who do you think will be a better nhl scoring sensation between Reilly and Dumba. Reilly reminds me of Brian Leetch and Dumba more of a Bobby Orr type with his seemingly reckless and fearless style. Any thoughts.

I really like them both but I drafted Dumba and hoping he succeeds big time. Don't want to rush him to make sure he does not turn out like Gilbert Brule who clearly was ruined by the Blue Jackets by playing him as an 18 year old against men.
- flyerdude17

I would lean towards Rielly. Dumba is the much better shooter and obviously he hits like a truck and loves it. Rielly has that more cerebral game, better defensively in his reads, better puck mover and passer. If you're in a league where PIM's, hits and goals count for more you should be just fine

I watch 25 MHL games live and 22 KHL games live. Check my TV for some Elitserien games or SM-liiga games when they come on. See some junior stuff (CHL) on hockeystreams. I write everything down game by game. Then I ask people I know on twitter like Huddle/Cordell/Rossy and others who follow other leagues more closely their opinions, formulate everything I can and try to paint the broad picture. I love to see the U18's and U20's when they get streamed too...though last one was hard because half the streams were in Swedish and I can only swear in that language.
- AdamFrench

Not bad where about are you located ? Canada, USA ? and I wouldn't mind catching a Colts game with Todd sometime he is a really smart guy.

Good blog Adam, Thanks! At least someone takes the time to appease the handful of Minne fans left here on HB.

Wild went from arguably the top prospect pool to now a bare cupboard of sorts. Hoping Dumba can make the team this season, but I'm skeptical that Fletcher/Yeo will risk burning a year of his contract if they think he can further develop better in Red Deer.

If not for his ineligibility to play in the AHL, I'm guessing it would be an easy decision for the Wild.

Granlund is the player that will have the most to prove this season, he has not looked like the budding superstar that he was advertised to be with all the hype surrounding him after the Wild drafted him. He's had a difficult time transitioning to the North American game and rink sizes. Hope he doesn't turn out to be a bust. And by bust I mean anything short of 20-30 goals and 70+ points per season. Anything less after all the hype and he'll forever be considered by Wild fans the Finnish star that never was.
- MnGump

Which prospect(s) are you guys giving up for Vanek at the trade deadline?

Not bad where about are you located ? Canada, USA ? and I wouldn't mind catching a Colts game with Todd sometime he is a really smart guy.
- blizzzard

Orenburg.

As for Granlund, you're right he does need a massive statement, size has always been a problem and that he likes to pick his spots on the perimeter. In my opinion the only thriving perimeter guys in the NHL right now are Patrick Kane (Skilled like nobody else and is at his best when he actually goes to the scoring areas) and PA Parenteau.
- AdamFrench

With his skill set, size isn't the biggest problem. It's just the smaller North American rink. Less time to think, less space. That is where his skills are lost.

Orenburg.
- AdamFrench

Russia ?

Russia ?
- blizzzard

да моя това́рищ

да моя това́рищ
- AdamFrench

Haha I honestly always thought you hung out with a lot of the guys from the Toronto thread I kinda assumed you where from T.O I couldn't have been farther off lol

I would lean towards Rielly. Dumba is the much better shooter and obviously he hits like a truck and loves it. Rielly has that more cerebral game, better defensively in his reads, better puck mover and passer. If you're in a league where PIM's, hits and goals count for more you should be just fine
- AdamFrench

Thanks Adam, I like Reilly too but Dumba's got a great name and a lot of pop in his game. Have you any opinion or ever seen Teuvo Terravainen play live? Do you think he will be a Kane clone as some say or possibly a bust??

Orenburg.
- AdamFrench

Orenburg, what a cool looking city http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isbYd7D_nF4

Frenchie, how does this years draft look?

Haha I honestly always thought you hung out with a lot of the guys from the Toronto thread I kinda assumed you where from T.O I couldn't have been farther off lol
- blizzzard

Frenchie is from GTA (Mississauga if I'm not mistaken), but lives in Russia... moved there for work (I believe)

да моя това́рищ
- AdamFrench

In Soviet Russia, you dont draft player. player drafts you.

I couldn't help myself.

Frenchie, how does this years draft look?
- BetterCallSaul

Pretty good. Three former sons of NHLers all in the presumed top-5 right now with Samwise Reinhart III, William Nylander, Kapanen's kid. Plus you have Ekblad.


It's interesting because last year was the best draft in terms of depth of pretty much all time for the QMJHL and one of the worst in recent memories for the OHL. The OHL is really picking up the slack though. Barbashev (Moncton) and Goldobin (Sarnia) are two guys who don't get as much talk because of the whole Russian thing, but should be knocking on the top-10 by seasons end.