Because Celebrini is still the better player. Yes he plays 200', but he also scores just as much as Demidov against arguably stronger competition (if I am understanding everything that's been said here).
- Chunk

I dunno. They way some people are pumping the tires on the kid you'd think he's doing it against the Russian 5 and Tretiak in his prime.

Why is he trading Rossi? What wrong with him? He's on his ELC? The only thing that makes sense to me is they are selling high.

The only player i want from that team is Faber, he would go nicely with this young core but unfortunately that isn't happening.
- BetweenTheDots

Aside from Faber, Minnesota's defense is long in the tooth. Guerin probably wants to swap Rossi for a young defenseman.

I dunno. They way some people are pumping the tires on the kid you'd think he's doing it against the Russian 5 and Tretiak in his prime.
- Rota's Rooter

Remember when everyone was crazy about Drouin and his video clips.

I don't want KD to be scared of drafting the second best player in the draft.

But I am going to think a player who plays on the back heels of his boots and lacks strong edging doesn't go second overall in the NHL or is considered by NHL clubs a top pick besides what the draft prognisticaters say.
Don't think any of the draft lists on the internet with an opinion of the Russian, or a list whether be the top 15 or the top seven rounds have any opinion of who the team drafting second takes.
It didn't when Montreal by-passed Shane Wright for Juraj Slafkovsky. It didn't when all the lists had Matvei Michkov rated so much higher than the 7th slot he was taken in, or Matthew Berniers taken second overall, imo, a reach., or Nail Yakupov taken first

You know what?
I really don't have to an outlier, because if that Russian player agent Dan Milstein’s Red Star event happens, a Russian prospect dog and pony show the week of June 18th here in Florida, everyone sees every russians weaknesses up close.
I will try to be there and since NHL scotting staff hasn't seen any of an entire group of draft eligible class of 24 kids, KD will get an up front and personal with his staff, not the Hawk scout in Russia.
THE LARGER ISSUE IS RED STAR event is if he even is well enough to be ON THE ICE at the event, since Milstein said earlier this week Demidov's knee didn’t require surgery and should be fully recovered in 6-8 weeks.

Show me a current NHL organization who is going to take a player second overall and who scouting director has never seen him live.

(Maybe i would feel assured, if that Hawk Russian scouts name was Pavel Datsyuk, or Igor Larionov, not Joe kshmoo-ski)

And by the way, I think each team's scouting stafff sees each and every current mock draft or pick by pick ranks as the outliers.

They are not going by all our lists and opinions.

and I am all in for any swing for the fences on any kid in that top ten group as soon as the hawks see that prospect that is going to give them more to turn the decline around.

I won't look back after night one of the 2024 Draft, 50 days from today.


Below average skaters that will probably be drafted in the first three rounds:

Ivan Demidov
Liam Greentree


Cole Beaudoin
Adam Jecho
Adam Kleber
- wiz1901

Thanks Bill - It really shows how difficult of a job it is. And the Zawaski show had Chris Peters on and he was like it's probably between the Russian and MSU kid but it could be any of of those top 8 or 9 players.

Biggest take away is that it is a can't miss pick.

Meanwhile out East, it looks like the Hurricanes are going to fall short again this season. They are a good team with a good coach and lot of talent up front and on the blue line, but just can't advance beyond the 2nd round in the playoffs. Granted Pesce is out with an injury which doesn't help. This year, unlike past seasons, they made a big TDL acquistion in Guentzel. He's been a good addition, but still not enough to make it to the top.
- boilermaker100

Yeah or it's just the Rangers' year. Everything seemed to come together, especially the young'uns and what a series Shesterkin is having. Totally Boiler, this year the Canes made a big splash at the TDL so for once with Guentzel and Kutnetsov, that's not the cause.

Remember when everyone was crazy about Drouin and his video clips.
- BetweenTheDots

I was enthralled with Zadina and Podkolzin in their draft years. Their highlights were incredible, shows how much I know.

Yeah or it's just the Rangers' year. Everything seemed to come together, especially the young'uns and what a series Shesterkin is having. Totally Boiler, this year the Canes made a big splash at the TDL so for once with Guentzel and Kutnetsov, that's not the cause.
- Popsghostly

Alexis is becoming a really nice player, i remember NY media was critical of him past couple of years but he's really figuring out, that one timer last night was unstoppable.

Alexis is becoming a really nice player, i remember NY media was critical of him past couple of years but he's really figuring out, that one timer last night was unstoppable.
- BetweenTheDots

What happened to Kakko? is he a guy who needs top 6 time, or is he just what he is?

I was enthralled with Zadina and Podkolzin in their draft years. Their highlights were incredible, shows how much I know.
- ObeseOprah

Yea that's why you've got to trust your scouts. Got to really see them play live and watch what they do each shift and what not. How they take care of themselves it all matters.

What happened to Kakko? is he a guy who needs top 6 time, or is he just what he is?
- Chunk

Who?

I would argue their rules are slowly driving and will eventually drive many of the best players away.
- vabeachbear

Unlikely. There are still many players who need the CHL for various reasons, unqualified academically, closer to home, belief it’s the best path to play professionally etc.. The CHL still offers a good program despite its flaws.

Remember when everyone was crazy about Drouin and his video clips.
- BetweenTheDots

No kidding. It got me thinking of another guy and this summary from elite prospects in 2016:

...a big winger who combines size, skating and skill. A strong skater who can blast past the opposition in full speed. Able to use his size, reach and stickhandling skills to retain the puck in speed. A smart player at both ends of the ice, both on and off the puck. Great work ethic and positive attitude. More of a playmaker than a scorer and could improve his shooting skills, although already equipped with an accurate release. Doesn't shy away from physical play, but could use his size more to his benefit. (EP 2016)

They were talking about Jesse Puljujärvi picked by the Oil at #4

They also have the time and resources to build size and speed.

Any of those big ten schools are going to have top notch strength and conditioning programs and I think there is some merit to these kids playing fewer games but having the time to recover and get bigger, stronger and faster.

The NCAA also seems like it does more developing of players where in the CHL they want to win.
- fattybeef

The CHL offers development through competition and also offers the same strength and conditioning programs. One of the strongest and most fit players in this coming draft is Cole Beaudoin of the Barrie Colts of the CHL. There are lots of pros and cons of both opportunities related to hockey. The overall advantage, and to me the most important element of College over the CHL is the education.

Remember when everyone was crazy about Drouin and his video clips.
- BetweenTheDots

and no one attributing his totals to playing junior with McKinnon.

Who?
- BetweenTheDots

Dis guy.

https://www.eliteprospect...player/396655/kaapo-kakko

and no one attributing his totals to playing junior with McKinnon.
- wiz1901

So how do you (collective you, not you personally) determine if a player's totals are due to himself or his line mates? ADB, played with McDavid and Strome who were both really good in junior. At what point do you attribute the points to the player himself?

So how do you (collective you, not you personally) determine if a player's totals are due to himself or his line mates? ADB, played with McDavid and Strome who were both really good in junior. At what point do you attribute the points to the player himself?
- Chunk

Just my 2 cents.
I think you have to watch the player play as much as possible. That is where the scouting watching the player has to do their work, note the habits of the player, their strength and weaknesses above the point totals. I think you can tell which player is driving the play, which player makes things happen with the puck on their stick if you watch enough games.

I also think there is a level of understanding where the player is playing, who they are playing with and what situation they are playing in. Not just in one season either, but most of the best prospects I think there is information going back pretty far to draw some conclusions on.

Although I am currently in the Demidov camp (subject to change) I could see KD drafting Levshunov if he thinks some scoring wingers might be available at #20 (or sooner if he can move up). Is there a chance Eiserman falls that far? If Kyle can walk away with Levshunov and Eiserman after day 1 of the draft he'd be a superstar!

Dis guy.

https://www.eliteprospect...player/396655/kaapo-kakko
- Chunk

I was just kidding, he was dubbed the unanimous 2nd pick of the draft after Hughes. Due diligence

I was just kidding, he was dubbed the unanimous 2nd pick of the draft after Hughes. Due diligence
- BetweenTheDots

I know. That's why I posted his Elite prospects page and not his NHL page. He came out with such high regard, and thus far has struggled. Although, maybe not. He has dug into his role as a checking forward, and is pretty well regarded there. Just not what you expect from a #2OA.

I know. That's why I posted his Elite prospects page and not his NHL page. He came out with such high regard, and thus far has struggled. Although, maybe not. He has dug into his role as a checking forward, and is pretty well regarded there. Just not what you expect from a #2OA.
- Chunk

To his and Lafreniere’s credit, they’ve put up their mediocre numbers while getting minimal PP time. Rangers coaches have refused to bump Zibanejad or Kreider for one of these kids. It’s worked well for the team so I get it, but at some point you gotta let the kids drive.
Lafreniere is starting to blossom, Kakko I think has Nichushkin written all over him. A power forward who is highly touted but is stuck behind more trusted vets. He’ll get his shot eventually and become more of a PPG producer. He’s already a force on defense.

Although I am currently in the Demidov camp (subject to change) I could see KD drafting Levshunov if he thinks some scoring wingers might be available at #20 (or sooner if he can move up). Is there a chance Eiserman falls that far? If Kyle can walk away with Levshunov and Eiserman after day 1 of the draft he'd be a superstar!
- DarthKane

Chicago’s #2 for Montreal’s #5 and Caufield

To his and Lafreniere’s credit, they’ve put up their mediocre numbers while getting minimal PP time. Rangers coaches have refused to bump Zibanejad or Kreider for one of these kids. It’s worked well for the team so I get it, but at some point you gotta let the kids drive.
Lafreniere is starting to blossom, Kakko I think has Nichushkin written all over him. A power forward who is highly touted but is stuck behind more trusted vets. He’ll get his shot eventually and become more of a PPG producer. He’s already a force on defense.
- ObeseOprah

NYR don't have a 2nd round pick this year....

https://twitter.com/sdpns...i8KgWWpzEbd1SUwa1x-g&s=19

I don't know if this is true, but if it is i imagine this new league will have an impact on the NHL.

You know there is a problem getting Russian players out of Russia. Remember the goalie who had to sign up for military service? I would stay away from any Russian player in the first round. I would take either Levshunov or Eiserman.