You want to put a wager on what exactly? I'm not really following you here.
- HonkFortheGoose

That Erie Will romp though the league next year like Halifax did last year.

There was a lot of hype around Tavares as well. How he was good enough that he should have been able to be drafted early and blah, blah, blah.
- HonkFortheGoose

He is right. The hype for McDavid is higher than it ever was for MacKinnon or Tavares. There were people that wanted him to play in the Junior leagues at 14, let alone the exemption at 15.

There was also speculation that Tavares would fall out of the top overall pick. IE) McDavid

http://sports.yahoo.com/n...er-be-the-N?urn=nhl,97595
- ImThatGuy

There was also some speculation that Tavares' sub-par skating would hold him back from doing great things in the NHL. His skating still isn't anything to write home about, but it hasn't hurt his production too much.

He is right. The hype for McDavid is higher than it ever was for MacKinnon or Tavares. There were people that wanted him to play in the Junior leagues at 14, let alone the exemption at 15.
- buffalofan19

The ONLY other player that has come with this much hype 2 years before he was even draft eligible was Crosby. Could something happen that would lower his stock? Sure but when you are on top as he has been since last year for the 2015 draft there is no where to go but down. Barring anything major (injury, arrest, or turns into Ville Leino) McDavid is going number 1

There was also some speculation that Tavares' sub-par skating would hold him back from doing great things in the NHL. His skating still isn't anything to write home about, but it hasn't hurt his production too much.
- buffalofan19

Correct, like someone said earlier the longer you play in the league as a prospect the more people pick apart your game.

To be fair, he's done one heck of a job considering the talent the Islanders have surrounded him with.

Generally speaking the 1sts with hype have panned out. I remember there was similar hype around Stamkos.
- Sabresfan-365

I was in no way saying he's been bad. I just don't know that he's been "Crosby" either.

There was also some speculation that Tavares' sub-par skating would hold him back from doing great things in the NHL. His skating still isn't anything to write home about, but it hasn't hurt his production too much.
- buffalofan19

So what you're saying is that him and Vanek on a line together is like watching molasses go uphill in the middle of winter?

Typical of most defensement thats why I sign up for the Rutherford dont ge D early takes to long to develope
- hubie

I believe there is an interview with McCabe somewhere around where he said his family really values the degree from Wiscy (they want him to graduate). I believe he'll play out all 4 years because of that. I'll be surprised if he goes to Rochester next year.

He couldve been playing in Rochester this year and done well. His development isnt taking longer because he cant play pro yet, its because he hasnt chosen to leave school.

I believe there is an interview with McCabe somewhere around where he said his family really values the degree from Wiscy (they want him to graduate). I believe he'll play out all 4 years because of that. I'll be surprised if he goes to Rochester next year.

He couldve been playing in Rochester this year and done well. His development isnt taking longer because he cant play pro yet, its because he hasnt chosen to leave school.
- theblueandgold

Honestly, with the logjam we have of Dmen right now anyway, I'm fine with it. It keeps him out of the picture in the meantime.

I believe there is an interview with McCabe somewhere around where he said his family really values the degree from Wiscy (they want him to graduate). I believe he'll play out all 4 years because of that. I'll be surprised if he goes to Rochester next year.

He couldve been playing in Rochester this year and done well. His development isnt taking longer because he cant play pro yet, its because he hasnt chosen to leave school.
- theblueandgold

I think this will actually develop his game more. The college game is more like the NHL game than juniors IMO. I see both styles of games. College is more a tighter checking game. Perfect place for a D to develop his game without having to use multiple years of the ELC up. Juniors is more of an open ice game.

I think this will actually develop his game more. The college game is more like the NHL game than juniors IMO. I see both styles of games. College is more a tighter checking game. Perfect place for a D to develop his game without having to use multiple years of the ELC up. Juniors is more of an open ice game.
- Stripes77

You know, this actually segways into a conversation I wanted to have around the end of the World Juniors, and that hinges on the "College versus Juniors" debate. Looking at the success that the US has had, I find it more than just a little remarkable that Canada doesn't at least look more to the NCAA ranks for players for their national team. Like you said, the NCAA is a more pro-style game, and you have a lot of these kids playing against bigger and older competition (22 even 23 year olds) that can make a big difference at ages 18 or 19. Now, granted, this could be a case of the US just having a good couple of years. Canada had won 5 tournaments in a row recently, but I wonder if the game is starting to evolve to the point that the Junior level isn't quite the "fast track" to NHL success that it used to be, at least compared to the NCAA.

You know, this actually segways into a conversation I wanted to have around the end of the World Juniors, and that hinges on the "College versus Juniors" debate. Looking at the success that the US has had, I find it more than just a little remarkable that Canada doesn't at least look more to the NCAA ranks for players for their national team. Like you said, the NCAA is a more pro-style game, and you have a lot of these kids playing against bigger and older competition (22 even 23 year olds) that can make a big difference at ages 18 or 19. Now, granted, this could be a case of the US just having a good couple of years. Canada had won 5 tournaments in a row recently, but I wonder if the game is starting to evolve to the point that the Junior level isn't quite the "fast track" to NHL success that it used to be, at least compared to the NCAA.
- buffalofan19

the juniors system seems so antiquated. "happy 16th birthday, congratulations on your hockey ability, bus leaves for moose jaw tomorrow at 6am. probably wanna bring something warm".

You know, this actually segways into a conversation I wanted to have around the end of the World Juniors, and that hinges on the "College versus Juniors" debate. Looking at the success that the US has had, I find it more than just a little remarkable that Canada doesn't at least look more to the NCAA ranks for players for their national team. Like you said, the NCAA is a more pro-style game, and you have a lot of these kids playing against bigger and older competition (22 even 23 year olds) that can make a big difference at ages 18 or 19. Now, granted, this could be a case of the US just having a good couple of years. Canada had won 5 tournaments in a row recently, but I wonder if the game is starting to evolve to the point that the Junior level isn't quite the "fast track" to NHL success that it used to be, at least compared to the NCAA.
- buffalofan19

Would be something fun to discuss but I have to leave but ill leave on this.

as for forwards
JRs has the upper hand on scoring
College seems to be up in terms of two way selke guys (or maybe just the fighting Sioux)

You know, this actually segways into a conversation I wanted to have around the end of the World Juniors, and that hinges on the "College versus Juniors" debate. Looking at the success that the US has had, I find it more than just a little remarkable that Canada doesn't at least look more to the NCAA ranks for players for their national team. Like you said, the NCAA is a more pro-style game, and you have a lot of these kids playing against bigger and older competition (22 even 23 year olds) that can make a big difference at ages 18 or 19. Now, granted, this could be a case of the US just having a good couple of years. Canada had won 5 tournaments in a row recently, but I wonder if the game is starting to evolve to the point that the Junior level isn't quite the "fast track" to NHL success that it used to be, at least compared to the NCAA.
- buffalofan19

of course the hobey baker list is pretty much just a bunch of guys that played in the nhl. besides broten, kariya, and miller anyways

You know, this actually segways into a conversation I wanted to have around the end of the World Juniors, and that hinges on the "College versus Juniors" debate. Looking at the success that the US has had, I find it more than just a little remarkable that Canada doesn't at least look more to the NCAA ranks for players for their national team. Like you said, the NCAA is a more pro-style game, and you have a lot of these kids playing against bigger and older competition (22 even 23 year olds) that can make a big difference at ages 18 or 19. Now, granted, this could be a case of the US just having a good couple of years. Canada had won 5 tournaments in a row recently, but I wonder if the game is starting to evolve to the point that the Junior level isn't quite the "fast track" to NHL success that it used to be, at least compared to the NCAA.
- buffalofan19

Junior level will be the fast track to the NHL for at least another decade. NCAA is gaining ground, but it isnt close yet. Theres literally only 1-3 NCAA players or to-be players drafted in the 1st round for the last couple years, compare that number to juniors.

What I like about the NCAA is that the schedules dont feel so condensed. You're literally playing on the weekends and maybe weeknights once in a while. You have time to develop physically and mentally.

Junior level will be the fast track to the NHL for at least another decade. NCAA is gaining ground, but it isnt close yet. Theres literally only 1-3 NCAA players or to-be players drafted in the 1st round for the last couple years, compare that number to juniors.

What I like about the NCAA is that the schedules dont feel so condensed. You're literally playing on the weekends and maybe weeknights once in a while. You have time to develop physically and mentally.
- theblueandgold

Part of the reason for that, though, is the fact that if you do plan on going pro early, you're going to Juniors because you don't have to go through so much red tape to get out, worry about eligibility, etc. For example, the NBA has the "one and done" rule with college basketball, where high school players now have to play in college (or in a European pro league) for at least one year before they are draft eligible. If there was a junior program in basketball, you wouldn't see as many one and done players in the college ranks. You're probably right. Junior players are going to get the better draft status for quite a while because it's assumed that they are playing in a better league. The question is, though, how much better is the Junior league compared to the NCAA, now that more players are joining it (often for other reasons besides hockey)?

Junior level will be the fast track to the NHL for at least another decade. NCAA is gaining ground, but it isnt close yet. Theres literally only 1-3 NCAA players or to-be players drafted in the 1st round for the last couple years, compare that number to juniors.

What I like about the NCAA is that the schedules dont feel so condensed. You're literally playing on the weekends and maybe weeknights once in a while. You have time to develop physically and mentally.
- theblueandgold

Also allows the players to earn a degree (in the event their NHL endeavor fails its a very solid backup plan)

Part of the reason for that, though, is the fact that if you do plan on going pro early, you're going to Juniors because you don't have to go through so much red tape to get out, worry about eligibility, etc. For example, the NBA has the "one and done" rule with college basketball, where high school players now have to play in college (or in a European pro league) for at least one year before they are draft eligible. If there was a junior program in basketball, you wouldn't see as many one and done players in the college ranks. You're probably right. Junior players are going to get the better draft status for quite a while because it's assumed that they are playing in a better league. The question is, though, how much better is the Junior league compared to the NCAA, now that more players are joining it (often for other reasons besides hockey)?
- buffalofan19

I dont think its too difficult to get out of the college and go to the NHL. The only restriction on the college route when it comes to hockey is that you cant have a sports agent, play any professional hockey (tryout games). Some players leave after a year, most players leave after 2-3 years, few players are playing their full 4 years anymore and some players leave before they set foot on campus (Girgensons).

I still think that juniors are a better league than the NCAA. The best talent is playing in the Canadian junior leagues, youre playing longer schedule against tougher competition. Each league has its advantages and disadvantages, but right now, and for at least another 10 years the CHL is going to trump college.

https://twitter.com/Sabre...status/417749604570898432

https://twitter.com/SabresStats/status/417749604570898432
- theblueandgold

interesting.


looks photo shopped

interesting.


looks photo shopped
- cabin

But its not even a picture....

The Sabres should look into this guy:

http://whl.ca/roster/show/id/1026

But its not even a picture....
- theblueandgold

Happy New year one and all.
I sincerely hope 2014 treats mostly everyone well here.
13 was not very kind, not very kind at all to me nor my family or friends.
Start it right to end it right I always say.

Happy New year one and all.
I sincerely hope 2014 treats mostly everyone well here.
13 was not very kind, not very kind at all to me nor my family or friends.
Start it right to end it right I always say.

- BuffaloHardHat

Thanks Hat. Wish you and your family a better 2014 as well.