I'd take him, but he isn't likely to get out of the top 10. Watched a decent amount of him this year.

http://thehockeywriters.c...ritchie-prospect-profile/
- ob18

He's got 60-70 pounds on a lot of his peers... bulling his way around the ice won't work forever.

I think I'm more partial to drafting North American kids because there is less of a learning curve, you know that they want to be in the NHL and less complications bringing them over. There are young prospects who come over seas to play junior in Canada long before they are drafted, which makes me partial to those types of players as well. I believe Jake Voracek is an example of this. Unless a kid is lights out, I would try to take someone more adjusted to North America.
- SuperSchennBros

To be very honest, that is the most overrated part of player development. The players who can adapt, will adapt. Those who can't are not helped (some have even been hindered) by coming over here to play junior hockey. The real key is knowing when the player is ready to come over and not trying to rush it.

The primary benefit of coming over earlier really isn't the rink adaptation. Rather, it's more of the language/culture adjustment (which is much less of an adjustment for the Swedes and Finns than the Czechs and especially the Russians).

He's got 60-70 pounds on a lot of his peers... bulling his way around the ice won't work forever.
- Tomahawk

No, he's going to have to learn how to use it at the NHL level. Doesn't matter he's not making it to #17

No, he's going to have to learn how to use it at the NHL level. Doesn't matter he's not making it to #17
- ob18

I'll be doing cart-wheels if/when he gets taken before their pick, much like I did w/ Wilson.

They always say you can't teach size, but I'd much rather take a chance on a severely undersized guy who's had to compensate by being smart and competitive over a guy who's been coasting via natural advantages.

I'll be doing cart-wheels if/when he gets taken before their pick, much like I did w/ Wilson.

They always say you can't teach size, but I'd much rather take a chance on a severely undersized guy who's had to compensate by being smart and competitive over a guy who's been coasting via natural advantages.
- Tomahawk

I'm sticking with who I listed in the 10 I think could make it to #17

I'll be doing cart-wheels if/when he gets taken before their pick, much like I did w/ Wilson.

They always say you can't teach size, but I'd much rather take a chance on a severely undersized guy who's had to compensate by being smart and competitive over a guy who's been coasting via natural advantages.
- Tomahawk

How many of his games have you actually seen him play, to know that he's been coasting via natural advantages?

To be very honest, that is the most overrated part of player development. The players who can adapt, will adapt. Those who can't are not helped (some have even been hindered) by coming over here to play junior hockey. The real key is knowing when the player is ready to come over and not trying to rush it.

The primary benefit of coming over earlier really isn't the rink adaptation. Rather, it's more of the language/culture adjustment (which is much less of an adjustment for the Swedes and Finns than the Czechs and especially the Russians).
- bmeltzer

Bill, I am surprised that Pitts didn't offer you the GM position?

I'd take him in a minute but they need more picks not less.
- ob18

If they moved up using a package of this year's 1st and a B-level prospect or 2 (Lauridsen/Cousins/Straka/Konan types) and were able to draft Fleury at 12, I'd be very happy.

Bill, I am surprised that Pitts didn't offer you the GM position?
- vejim

Maybe they did.

How many of his games have you actually seen him play, to know that he's been coasting via natural advantages?
- MJL

Enough of them.

If they moved up using a package of this year's 1st and a B-level prospect or 2 (Lauridsen/Cousins/Straka/Konan types) and were able to draft Fleury at 12, I'd be very happy.
- jmatchett383

You know that wouldn't be enough though

Does anyone think that the deal Dan Boyle signs could have an impact on what Kimmo might want. Boyle is two years younger and had 36 points to Kimmos 35 pts. Boyle is coming off a 6.6 cap hit and Kimmo is at 6. I was thinking depending on what Boyle signs for it could impact what Kimmo wants. Say boyle's cap hit goes to 5.5 or 5 million would Kimmo look at that and say the least he takes is 5. Could his drop depend on Boyles drop?

Does anyone think that the deal Dan Boyle signs could have an impact on what Kimmo might want. Boyle is two years younger and had 36 points to Kimmos 35 pts. Boyle is coming off a 6.6 cap hit and Kimmo is at 6. I was thinking depending on what Boyle signs for it could impact what Kimmo wants. Say boyle's cap hit goes to 5.5 or 5 million would Kimmo look at that and say the least he takes is 5. Could his drop depend on Boyles drop?
- J35Bacher

hello Honka, goodbye Kimo

Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
Jim Rutherford is going to be announced as the new GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins. #TSN
- BulliesPhan87

NOOOOOOO!!!!!!

NOOOOOOO!!!!!!
- funmaster18

?

Does anyone think that the deal Dan Boyle signs could have an impact on what Kimmo might want. Boyle is two years younger and had 36 points to Kimmos 35 pts. Boyle is coming off a 6.6 cap hit and Kimmo is at 6. I was thinking depending on what Boyle signs for it could impact what Kimmo wants. Say boyle's cap hit goes to 5.5 or 5 million would Kimmo look at that and say the least he takes is 5. Could his drop depend on Boyles drop?
- J35Bacher

Wait a minute.

Are you telling me the MARKET and not what some whim is going to dictate what Kimmo Timonen gets paid should he decide to come back? Blasphemy.

Wait a minute.

Are you telling me the MARKET and not what some whim is going to dictate what Kimmo Timonen gets paid should he decide to come back? Blasphemy.
- johndewar

Lies... all nasty little lies.

NOOOOOOO!!!!!!
- funmaster18

Put the helmet back on - take deep breaths. Everything will be A-OK.

Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
Jim Rutherford is going to be announced as the new GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins. #TSN
- BulliesPhan87

I was really hoping Pierre would get that job, just for the entertainment value.

Rutherford was a good pull for the Pens.

?
- aightwebang17

More Pierre

I was really hoping Pierre would get that job, just for the entertainment value.

Rutherford was a good pull for the Pens.
- johndewar

Seems like a lateral move at best imo

More Pierre
- funmaster18

Put the helmet back on - take deep breaths. Everything will be A-OK.
- FlyersGrace

Pierre is going to get a boner for Giroux now, just to spite the pens

?
- aightwebang17

I think he was hoping to get PM off the airwaves.

I think he was hoping to get PM off the airwaves.
- bodiva88

A guy can dream, right?