Ya Rockford is a good team. Leighton is gonna make it a tough series for the Griffs.
- Pasha13

McCollum, while less intimidating than Mrazek, doesn't typically give up a ton of rebounds - at least when I've seen GR play RKFD. But that coincides with GR forcing RKFD to shoot from the perimeter and preventing them from going to the front of the net.

If the Griffins can do that, the Hogs are dead in the water...

However, McCollom does not deal well with a lot of traffic in front of him, and easily gets rattled and loses track of the puck because of it. If the Hogs can consistently do that, the Griffins are in trouble.

At any rate, good luck to both teams in the series. It's going to be a fun one to watch. It might go the full 7 games to decide.

I kind of meant more specific, Jakub Zboril, Colin White, Jansen Harkins?

these guys all seem to be in the mock drafts around 19-23 pick,

again we might trade down to get two 2nds anyway, but i would actually prefer we keep it or package it into something bigger

something like Howard + prospect +1st for taylor hall, which probably would never happen, but i dont see why they wouldnt, they would be a batter team by a long shot.

or a similar package for an actual defensemen, then trade kindl for a 3rd and move XO into a full time role.
- digitalbath

I don't think the Oilers would make that trade even if the prospect was Mantha. I don't think Howard has that much value with that contract. If they could get a decent prospect and/or a decent pick for Howard they should take it and run. If he craps the bed next season the only way to get rid of him then would be a buyout or the Wings eating part of his salary.

I don't think the Oilers would make that trade even if the prospect was Mantha. I don't think Howard has that much value with that contract. If they could get a decent prospect and/or a decent pick for Howard they should take it and run. If he craps the bed next season the only way to get rid of him then would be a buyout or the Wings eating part of his salary.
- dcz28

While I agree they wouldn't make this trade which I stated in the original comment. I do think Howard has more value than being bought out. He can for sure be traded for a solid pick or prospect

While I agree they wouldn't make this trade which I stated in the original comment. I do think Howard has more value than being bought out. He can for sure be traded for a solid pick or prospect
- digitalbath

Unfortunately Howard isn't going anywhere. Also he has a NTC which significantly hinders his trade value.

McCollum, while less intimidating than Mrazek, doesn't typically give up a ton of rebounds - at least when I've seen GR play RKFD. But that coincides with GR forcing RKFD to shoot from the perimeter and preventing them from going to the front of the net.

If the Griffins can do that, the Hogs are dead in the water...

However, McCollom does not deal well with a lot of traffic in front of him, and easily gets rattled and loses track of the puck because of it. If the Hogs can consistently do that, the Griffins are in trouble.

At any rate, good luck to both teams in the series. It's going to be a fun one to watch. It might go the full 7 games to decide.
- EKolb13

Ya I go to most Griffs home games and Rockford has played them tough all year. I'll get to a few of this series in GR, I agree McCollum doesnt track well with traffic. Relies too much of his big frame to take away most the net. Rockford needs to limit its penalties with Pulkinnen being back on the team and make sure to limit space to Athanasiou or else he will split the D 1 v 1 with goalie. He had about 2-3 breakaways a game last series by using his speed to blow past the Marlies D. They also can't let Miele dance around in their zone or he will be racking up the points.

Waiting for a blog about Jim Devellano's comments on Red Wings prospect Anthony Mantha

Waiting for a blog about Jim Devellano's comments on Red Wings prospect Anthony Mantha
- porkchops1977

Is that really necessary? He said what everyone's thinking.

Is that really necessary? He said what everyone's thinking.
- Mr_Underwood

I'd rather talk about that instead of where Babcock could be going.

Is that really necessary? He said what everyone's thinking.
- Mr_Underwood

No he didn't. To me what he said is stupid. It can take time for a young guy to adjust to the pro game when they are not coming off a big injury. Given that Mantha lost part of the summer, training camp and the start of the season with his injury, that set him back by a lot for this season. If he's healthy for next season and having problems then Devellano could start running his mouth about him not being where they expect.

No he didn't. To me what he said is stupid. It can take time for a young guy to adjust to the pro game when they are not coming off a big injury. Given that Mantha lost part of the summer, training camp and the start of the season with his injury, that set him back by a lot for this season. If he's healthy for next season and having problems then Devellano could start running his mouth about him not being where they expect.
- dcz28

Couldn't agree more. Mantha lost part of camp and the beginning of the season to a broken leg. He got a good taste of what hockey at the pro level is all about and needs to have a big summer. If he doesn't produce by the half way point of next season you might have a little concern, but the jump from jrs to the AHL is a tough one. Not to mention, imo, the Q is the easiest of the CHL leagues. Just look at the trouble Drouin is having adjusting to the NHL. It might take some time, but I'm not worried about Mantha as long as he's willing to put in the work, which he seems to be.