I don't think Draisaitl will surpass 55 points this season. Not sure what that means for his cap but I'm expecting a step down in production with Hall being moved.
- RonPielep

If he hits a reasonable 40-45, I think management would be in a position to either negotiate a bridge at like 3.5mil for 2 years or they could maybe lock him down for something like 4.75 for 7 years. If he'd take the latter, I'd be all over it as that would do wonders for our cap situation. He helps the team have more space to compete for Cup and would still be a free agent in his prime.

Nah, I see LD as a Kopitar type of player IF he reaches his full potential. LD has the potential to play the similar style of play Kopitar thrives in; the two-way complete centerman that thrives in defensive situations due to his strength, IQ, size, and positioning, but also is a force to be reckoned with on the attack due to his stick-handling, vision, and transitional ability to move the puck accordingly and relatively with his preferred pace (he controls how fast the play moves, which we have seen him do before).

In other words,
Max'd Potential-Anze Kopitar
Good Potential-Backstrom
Half assed potential-Jordan Staal
- EdmHockeyMan

Sounds like you severely underrate Nick Backstrom.

How so? Source?
- leonkennedy

Why do I need a source to take a guess? He's a reserved kid that seems to be all about winning and his closest comparable in Crosby did the same type of thing by taking a contract at his jersey number (87).

How so? Source?
- leonkennedy

Source? It's obviously speculation and it's even stated as such.

Why do I need a source to take a guess? He's a reserved kid that seems to be all about winning and his closest comparable in Crosby did the same type of thing by taking a contract at his jersey number (87).
- MaximumBone

Ah (frank) yourself for posting this first.

Ah (frank) yourself for posting this first.
- RonPielep

WHO'S YOUR DADDY?!?!

If he hits a reasonable 40-45, I think management would be in a position to either negotiate a bridge at like 3.5mil for 2 years or they could maybe lock him down for something like 4.75 for 7 years. If he'd take the latter, I'd be all over it as that would do wonders for our cap situation. He helps the team have more space to compete for Cup and would still be a free agent in his prime.
- MaximumBone

I'm hoping for something along the lines of the latter as well. I would even welcome something up to 5.5 for 6 years depending on how he performs this year carrying his own line.

WHO'S YOUR DADDY?!?!
- MaximumBone

Why do I need a source to take a guess? He's a reserved kid that seems to be all about winning and his closest comparable in Crosby did the same type of thing by taking a contract at his jersey number (87).
- MaximumBone

Because at this point with the limited view everyone has had of McDavid, this is simply wishful thinking based on a biased view as an Oilers fan.

Also there is no one at this point on the Oilers that will come even close to commanding the same dollars as Malkin did in Pittsburgh. So why would McDavid take a discount without the same set of circumstances being present, that were in Pittsburgh?

I'm hoping for something along the lines of the latter as well. I would even welcome something up to 5.5 for 6 years depending on how he performs this year carrying his own line.
- RonPielep

Would have to be over 50 for me to like 5.5mil, in my opinion. I think Nuge is a tad overpaid already so finding any savings we can at C is pretty vital.

Would have to be over 50 for me to like 5.5mil, in my opinion. I think Nuge is a tad overpaid already so finding any savings we can at C is pretty vital.
- MaximumBone

I would sign RNH's contract again in a heart-beat. Maybe it's just me but I think his IQ and wrister are both under-rated and that he will be a 60+ point C in this league at least once before the end of his contract.

Because at this point with the limited view everyone has had of McDavid, this is simply wishful thinking based on a biased view as an Oilers fan.

Also there is no one at this point on the Oilers that will come even close to commanding the same dollars as Malkin did in Pittsburgh. So why would McDavid take a discount without the same set of circumstances being present, that were in Pittsburgh?
- leonkennedy

Yes, precisely why I called it a guess. That's what a guess entails.

Instead we have Nuge, Eberle, and Lucic at 6mil and Leon looking at around 5mil (excluding Puljujarvi). That's more high paid forwards with term than they had at the time so I'd imagine it adds up to a comparable number (likely more). Eberle comes up around then so that likely balances any Puljujarvi extension.

My issue with the Kopi comparable is that Draisaitl doesn't have the frame to dominate the same way Kopi does (6'1 Vs 6'4). Beyond that, Kopitar is much more assertive in his physical game. Not necessarily through hitting, but by purely overpowering plebs in the corners. Leon on the other hand takes a more positioning and stickplay based approach to corner battles despite already having "man strength" (like Backstrom).

Kopitar is listed at 6'3'' on the Kings Official NHL website. Weight wise, they are only 10 pounds apart. As for physicality and corner battles, Kopitar is a beast to deal with, but I would rather take the tactical approach that LD uses, however, LD DOES use his body similarly to how Kopitar uses his body in corners; that is what allows Draisaitl to gain a positional advantage, which also points out to an opinion of mine; Draisaitl's style of play is smarter than Kopitar's.

Offensively, Leon's game is far more pass-focused due in part to his lack of quick hands. He's got a deft touch for puck protection and backhand plays but rarely seems to dangle the opposition. It's a much quieter form of domination. Kopitar also relied far more on his shot early in his career in a way I don't think Leon ever will.

Both points are weakly portrayed (I believe that he has an amazing shot and he can also pass the puck accurately and quickly, therefore clearly displaying his high level hockey IQ when given the chance) and argued for, especially after considering this.


However, you are right in that he doesn't dangle a lot, but Kopitar isn't the greatest dangler ever either (I'll give Kopitar a slight edge in the regards of deking though).

Lastly, I think Kopi's skatework is in a tier Leon just fundamentally won't be able to reach. He's got excellent straight line speed, but lacks the edgework or explosiveness. On the other hand, Kopi started out the exact opposite then developed his top end speed to around league average.

This is quite true as well, but I think that age will only refine and improve his overall skating ability.


- MaximumBone

Some final notes on this comparison/re-emphasis of some key points and a few links:
>Drasaitl, IMO, is the smarter player due to how be can impose and direct a tactical game through the utilization of his size and strength that he seems to plan 5-10 steps in advance
>Draisaitl is more of a player that can refine his talents to new heights whereas Kopitar is a raw talent that has everything built in, therefore only needing minimal adjustments.
>Skating wise, Draisaitl takes his time to analyze, create, and synthesis plays, shooting scenarios, and offensive threats. Kopitar is more instinctive based from what I've seen (again, the raw talent factor).
>https://www.nhl.com/news/...for-young-oilers/c-724184
>http://oilers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=716239
>http://www.thehockeynews....o-the-kings-anze-kopitar/

Sounds like you severely underrate Nick Backstrom.
- RonPielep

I'm not overrating him at all.
Backstrom is probably the definition of what it means to be an elite playmaker and an underrated two-way froward.
That being said, I just feel that comparing Draisaitl to Backstrom isn't the best comparison of what Draisatl's max potential would look like.

No, don't think so. Draisaitl won't warrant enough money for that type of hype and McDavid seems like the type to do what Crosby did (take a solid discount at 9.7).
- MaximumBone

9.7m per for 9-10 years?

I'm hoping for something along the lines of the latter as well. I would even welcome something up to 5.5 for 6 years depending on how he performs this year carrying his own line.
- RonPielep

If he breaks outs into his own this year, expect 5.5+ easily.

I'm not overrating him at all.
Backstrom is probably the definition of what it means to be an elite playmaker and an underrated two-way froward.
That being said, I just feel that comparing Draisaitl to Backstrom isn't the best comparison of what Draisatl's max potential would look like.
- EdmHockeyMan

Portraying Nick Backstrom as an average outcome for Draisaitl's potential is either an under-rating of NB or a homerish expectation for LD.

I'm not overrating him at all.
Backstrom is probably the definition of what it means to be an elite playmaker and an underrated two-way froward.
That being said, I just feel that comparing Draisaitl to Backstrom isn't the best comparison of what Draisatl's max potential would look like.
- EdmHockeyMan

You're saying ld turning out to be comparable to one of the most productive players in the show over the last half decade, is selling him short??!
Crazy talk

We'd be amped if he turns out that good. So amped

Portraying Nick Backstrom as an average outcome for Draisaitl's potential is either an under-rating of NB or a homerish expectation for LD.
- RonPielep

ALRIGHT,

(100%) Max'd Potential-Kopitar
(80-90%) Damn Good, hell, CRAZY good, not wait, (frank)ing damn CRAZY good potential-Backstrom
(50%) half-assed potential-Jordan Staal

Better?

Some final notes on this comparison/re-emphasis of some key points and a few links:
>Drasaitl, IMO, is the smarter player due to how be can impose and direct a tactical game through the utilization of his size and strength that he seems to plan 5-10 steps in advance
>Draisaitl is more of a player that can refine his talents to new heights whereas Kopitar is a raw talent that has everything built in, therefore only needing minimal adjustments.
>Skating wise, Draisaitl takes his time to analyze, create, and synthesis plays, shooting scenarios, and offensive threats. Kopitar is more instinctive based from what I've seen (again, the raw talent factor).
>https://www.nhl.com/news/...for-young-oilers/c-724184
>http://oilers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=716239
>http://www.thehockeynews....o-the-kings-anze-kopitar/
- EdmHockeyMan

All these points of yours lead to a far better comparable to Backstrom in my opinion:

"that is what allows Draisaitl to gain a positional advantage, which also points out to an opinion of mine; Draisaitl's style of play is smarter than Kopitar's."

So he plays a smarter more conservative defense... precisely like Backstrom.

"Both points are weakly portrayed (I believe that he has an amazing shot and he can also pass the puck accurately and quickly, therefore clearly displaying his high level hockey IQ when given the chance) and argued for, especially after considering this. "

So he has an underrated shot that he doesn't utilize as often as we feel he should? Precisely like Backstrom

He rather passes the puck than shoots. A shame, since he is a pretty decent goal scorer. However, his release needs improvement and could be more accurate, but more so powerful.

"However, you are right in that he doesn't dangle a lot, but Kopitar isn't the greatest dangler ever either (I'll give Kopitar a slight edge in the regards of deking though)."

Leon's method to getting through traffic is all about positioning and using his wingspan to retain possession. Kopitar is a fantastic dangler that's great at getting the puck through traffic, but he can do either.

"This is quite true as well, but I think that age will only refine and improve his overall skating ability."

You mean the same way Backstrom's did?

Bäckström is not really slow on his skates, but he lacks that extra gear and his acceleration could use improvement.

The extra gear that they both added after a year or two in the league.

"[Leon] is the smarter player due to how be can impose and direct a tactical game through the utilization of his size and strength that he seems to plan 5-10 steps in advance"

That describes Backstrom to a tee.

"Draisaitl is more of a player that can refine his talents to new heights whereas Kopitar is a raw talent that has everything built in, therefore only needing minimal adjustments."

So pointing out a fundamental difference between the two you're comparing helps your point how?

I think it might be a matter of agreeing to disagree here or perhaps you haven't seen enough of Backstrom to catch the nuanced brilliance of his game (if this is the case, I can't recommend it enough). Either way, I think we've laid out our opinions sufficiently to know where the other stands.

9.7m per for 9-10 years?


- EdmHockeyMan

If he was allowed to sign for more he certainly might, but that's against the rules sooooo...

ALRIGHT,

(100%) Max'd Potential-Kopitar
(80-90%) Damn Good, hell, CRAZY good, not wait, (frank)ing damn CRAZY good potential-Backstrom
(50%) half-assed potential-Jordan Staal

Better?
- EdmHockeyMan

Guess my whole point was that the Oil should count themselves extremely lucky if LD turns out as a Backstrom comparable.

You're saying ld turning out to be comparable to one of the most productive players in the show over the last half decade, is selling him short??!
Crazy talk

We'd be amped if he turns out that good. So amped
- HB77

Alright, alright, no need to embed sarcasm. I get it, I might have gone over the top, but still, I think that the best comparison for LD is Kopitar.

Backstrom is an amazing playmaker, I cannot ignore that nor should I, but don't forget that having a guy on your team that usually plays on your line and has scored 50+ goals for the last 3 years as well as having scored 50+ goals in 50%+ of the seasons he has played in during his career as a cap is definitely a big advantage to have points wise.

Guess my whole point was that the Oil should count themselves extremely lucky if LD turns out as a Backstrom comparable.
- RonPielep

Gah!

All I'm saying is the style of play that LD represents suits him as a better comparison to Kopitar than to Backstrom.

All these points of yours lead to a far better comparable to Backstrom in my opinion:

"that is what allows Draisaitl to gain a positional advantage, which also points out to an opinion of mine; Draisaitl's style of play is smarter than Kopitar's."

So he plays a smarter more conservative defense... precisely like Backstrom.

"Both points are weakly portrayed (I believe that he has an amazing shot and he can also pass the puck accurately and quickly, therefore clearly displaying his high level hockey IQ when given the chance) and argued for, especially after considering this. "

So he has an underrated shot that he doesn't utilize as often as we feel he should? Precisely like Backstrom



"However, you are right in that he doesn't dangle a lot, but Kopitar isn't the greatest dangler ever either (I'll give Kopitar a slight edge in the regards of deking though)."

Leon's method to getting through traffic is all about positioning and using his wingspan to retain possession. Kopitar is a fantastic dangler that's great at getting the puck through traffic, but he can do either.

"This is quite true as well, but I think that age will only refine and improve his overall skating ability."

You mean the same way Backstrom's did?



The extra gear that they both added after a year or two in the league.

"
- MaximumBone[Leon] is the smarter player due to how be can impose and direct a tactical game through the utilization of his size and strength that he seems to plan 5-10 steps in advance"

That describes Backstrom to a tee.

"Draisaitl is more of a player that can refine his talents to new heights whereas Kopitar is a raw talent that has everything built in, therefore only needing minimal adjustments."

So pointing out a fundamental difference between the two you're comparing helps your point how?

I think it might be a matter of agreeing to disagree here or perhaps you haven't seen enough of Backstrom to catch the nuanced brilliance of his game (if this is the case, I can't recommend it enough). Either way, I think we've laid out our opinions sufficiently to know where the other stands.

I think when it comes to comparisons like these, personal opinions can always give leeway to what a person will take into consideration. However, I think the case may be that you have seem A LOT of Backstrom gameplay, but not a lot of Kopitar gameplay (vice versa for me).

I guess the best way to go at it is to agree to disagree.