Absolutely. Throw Hamrlik in there, too.

At the same time, Matthews could be the next Crosby, Daigle, Stefan, Lecavalier, etc.

Until they've played in the big show for a few years, hard to tell.
- jmatchett383

Mathews has fit right in during this world cup tournament. I think we know a little bit mroe about him than you're letting on.

2015–16 Ivan Provorov, Brandon Wheat Kings
2014–15 Anthony DeAngelo, Sarnia Sting/Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
2013–14 Derrick Pouliot, Portland Winterhawks
2012–13 Ryan Sproul, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
2011–12 Dougie Hamilton, Niagara IceDogs
2010–11 Ryan Ellis, Windsor Spitfires
2009–10 David Savard, Moncton Wildcats
2008–09 Jonathon Blum, Vancouver Giants
2007–08 Karl Alzner, Calgary Hitmen
2006–07 Kris Russell, Medicine Hat Tigers
2005–06 Keith Yandle, Moncton Wildcats
2004–05 Danny Syvret, London Knights
2003–04 James Wisniewski, Plymouth Whalers
2002–03 Brendan Bell, Ottawa 67's

Ah, it was Dougie Hamilton I was trying to suggest as a possible outcome in my previous quote. I also thought Jonathan Blum would be something special.
- mykokes

FWIW, Anthony DeAngelo (who happened to have the same pediatrician that my daughter does) is a defensive nightmare., He's basically a poor man's Mike Green.

(frank)ing KOKES!
- AdamFrench

You post the list of winners too? As a Russian fan, I wonder what you think of Provorov?

Probably not. But if you wanted the top defensemen not playing in the NHL, he's probably a top 15 if not top 10. Again, Philadelphia needs defense more than offense, so if you wanted one of the big 4, an overpayment would be necessary.

I am not saying that Sanheim is better than any of those 3 on a direct comparison.
- jmatchett383

It is difficult to compare D to forwards.

Edmonton will be a better team after the Taylor Hall trade.

Mathews has fit right in during this world cup tournament. I think we know a little bit mroe about him than you're letting on.
- mykokes

Granted, he has looked great in 2 exhibition games against "Team Europe," whatever that is.

I guess a better question is, are you certain that he's anything more than the next Pitkanen? He's an elite prospect for sure, I'm not arguing that, but he's a top 10 pick d-man....they can either become a Doughty, a Bogosian, or a Schenn as some examples.
- mykokes

I maintain that the last 3 or 4 years for the Hurricanes would have been VERY different if Joni Pitkanen was healthy. He was very good.

It is difficult to compare D to forwards.

Edmonton will be a better team after the Taylor Hall trade.
- Aetherial

I agree, but I think that will be more about the management team and roster construction than the Hall trade itself. I mean, roster moves aside from the Hall trade.

It is difficult to compare D to forwards.

Edmonton will be a better team after the Taylor Hall trade.
- Aetherial

argh....while I agree with you, I don't think its because of that trade. I also think they could've been better if Edmonton had gotten Hall's true worth. That stupid trade will screw with players trade values for the next year and a half for sure...and probably a big reason why a Mathews for Provorov deal isn't as crazy as some would think haha....ok..its crazy, but whatever.

You post the list of winners too? As a Russian fan, I wonder what you think of Provorov?
- mykokes

Love him. Best Russian defense prospect since Kulikov.

I agree, but I think that will be more about the management team and roster construction than the Hall trade itself. I mean, roster moves aside from the Hall trade.
- jmatchett383

Eh, we agreed on something at least. On that note, I'll stop talking about Provorov.

FWIW, Anthony DeAngelo (who happened to have the same pediatrician that my daughter does) is a defensive nightmare., He's basically a poor man's Mike Green.
- jmatchett383

Who had fist fights with his coach and called people racial slurs.

Love him. Best Russian defense prospect since Kulikov.
- AdamFrench

.....hmmmmmm

.....hmmmmmm
- mykokes

Yes.

Well, admittedly, I have not watched him a ton.

However, he flat-out dominated the WHL last year, and was the best defensman in the CHL. He also plays a low-key yet effective physical game, and has the body to do so. He makes reads on plays like an NHL vet, and there really isn't a weakness to his game with or without the puck. I truly believe he could be a Lidstrom-lite player, maybe a Doughty type. My opinion.
- jmatchett383

Here's the thing, he had similar stats to a middlin' Leafs prospect last year.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to have him as a Leafs prospect, but I think you are overvaluing, and overestimating him a little.

Who had fist fights with his coach and called people racial slurs.
- AdamFrench

I was going to leave his off-ice antics out of this, but, yes.

Yes.
- AdamFrench

I you

I agree, but I think that will be more about the management team and roster construction than the Hall trade itself. I mean, roster moves aside from the Hall trade.
- jmatchett383

I think it is team balance and the fact that I believe the suggestions that Hall was a negative influence in the room.

Here's the thing, he had similar stats to a middlin' Leafs prospect last year.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to have him as a Leafs prospect, but I think you are overvaluing, and overestimating him a little.
- Aetherial

Well, we're going to disagree, and like I said, it's not just his stats (which are important). I think he could be the real deal. Let's just leave it at we disagree.

Here's the thing, he had similar stats to a middlin' Leafs prospect last year.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to have him as a Leafs prospect, but I think you are overvaluing, and overestimating him a little.
- Aetherial

Now I have to go read tanners comments Frenchie.

Well, we're going to disagree, and like I said, it's not just his stats 9which are important). I think he could be the real deal. Let's just leave it at we disagree.
- jmatchett383

We only partially disagree.

I think I would do Nylander straight up for him and Nylander is a pretty highly rated prospect.

I you
- mykokes

People forget how (frank)ing sick Kulikov was in his draft year. Florida shouldn't have rushed him to the NHL.

- Symba007

It's ok man, I am sure your wife loves you anyway.

Flagged!
- Canada Cup

I maintain that the last 3 or 4 years for the Hurricanes would have been VERY different if Joni Pitkanen was healthy. He was very good.
- BINGO!

I remember when he first came up....I thought he was going to be Erik Karlsson before EK became EK. He's still a solid d-man when healthy. And while I jokingly said Nylander > Lindholm....I still have faith Elias can become a really solid player.