I think that would be best honestly. Start him in the AHL in case he struggles. EP and possibly OJ will have the spotlight on them
- NorthNuck

I also think it will be best if he signs, whether that means a stint in Utica or not. This is one of those rare talents where he may not need it. I say that being a huge fan of development.

I also think it will be best if he signs, whether that means a stint in Utica or not. This is one of those rare talents where he may not need it. I say that being a huge fan of development.
- neem55

just send him back to college
- mauryballstein

Playing hockey for money beats sitting in class.

Oops GroundHogging i was but back on track on the current blog 😂😂

Ty Carol

5 '10 175 pounds is actually not that disproportionate considering Ellis plays at 5'10 180.
- neem55

No it's not, if you believe those stats. He looks much smaller than Ryan Ellis, but having said that I've never seen the two side by side so the old eye test is lacking somewhat there. And that being said it's not really about size but strength, which he might have in spades. I just hope they don't rush him and ruin him.

The gangs all here.

Thanks Carol . I heard Benning on SN the other morning and he was talking about Utica saying how exciting they would be this year. He said the addition of Lind Gadjovich and Juiloevi should help the lineup. As he just announced OJs name he quickly back tracked saying providing he does not make the team .

He said if young players om Utica are ready they would trade vets for assets at TDL .

Tanev wasn't traded so I suspect we will go with this serviceable Dcore until TDL.

He also mentioned OJ surgery was a minor procedure and he will be fully ready at camp.

We picked up 2 nice Dmen at the draft , we have OJ almost ready , Chatfield Sautner and Brisebois on the farm , so I understand not going after a Dman

We need a center and some grit and then I think we are done for this year.
- VANTEL

Thats how i see it as well. Adding to that we will sign Hughes IMO & he goes to Utica & plays a ton of PP & TOI. As we sit i can foresee a D traded sooner than the TDL once a team has a top 4D go down with a big injury. Maybe say late November at the earliest or Xmas more likely. As for any UFA’s only a C is needed. Let the kids & vets fight it out for a roster spot & ice time

No it's not, if you believe those stats. He looks much smaller than Ryan Ellis, but having said that I've never seen the two side by side so the old eye test is lacking somewhat there. And that being said it's not really about size but strength, which he might have in spades. I just hope they don't rush him and ruin him.
- LemonHart

For sure, from what I've seen he's got that rare skill and confidence. Like I said, I'm all for proper development and won't be upset if his first year is in Utica. I just honestly am not sure he will need it.

No it's not, if you believe those stats. He looks much smaller than Ryan Ellis, but having said that I've never seen the two side by side so the old eye test is lacking somewhat there. And that being said it's not really about size but strength, which he might have in spades. I just hope they don't rush him and ruin him.
- LemonHart

I'd prefer leaving him in college for 1 more year as well. Mainly because he'd have more time in the weight room with less games and less travel than he would in Utica or Vancouver.


That being said, his skating is so good that he's not exactly easy to lay a big hit on. His edgework, speed and quickness is insane.

I think I'd rather see Hughes mature a little more. I think my 14 year old is bigger than him, and he's not a big 14 year old. Now granted if his skill is as good as they say then it won't really matter. I just hate the idea of exposing all the best prospects to all that losing, it can be very hard on young players.

Also, make a conditional trade with Dallas. The Canucks take Spezza off of their hands, to free up cap space, and the price to do that would either be Ty Dellandrea or their first next year and the Canucks give them some player(s) off of Utica not named Demko. The conditional part would be they will need the cap space IF they can sign Tavares.
- LemonHart

I’m all for getting Spezza. A perfect fit to get the kids offense going & we can eat the money no probs at that. I’d say a 2nd is all the Stars would give up or maybe a prosoect but I’d prefer the pick instead for the draft in Van next year.

I'd prefer leaving him in college for 1 more year as well. Mainly because he'd have more time in the weight room with less games and less travel than he would in Utica or Vancouver.


That being said, his skating is so good that he's not exactly easy to lay a big hit on. His edgework, speed and quickness is insane.
- Nucker101

This is the question, his game essentially relies on this ability. He's considered by many the best skater/stickhandler in this draft (including Dahlin). He's just not the total package like Dahlin because that physical game will never be there and his shot is fairly average. i honestly think he's better than Stecher was when he made the team and plays a very similar game. Yes Stecher got crushed a few times, but Quinn is a different beast IMO.

I’m all for getting Spezza. A perfuct fit to gethe mid offense going & we can eat the money no probs at that. I’d say a 2nd is all the Stars would give up or maybe a prosoect but I’d prefer the pick instrad for the draft in Van next year.
- Nighthawk

I still think you guys are overestimating how badly the Stars want to dump him. He only has 1 year left and there's some belief that he rebounds away from Hitch.

If they sign Tavares then it's a different story.

Sorry good lacrosse player but not hockey. My oldest boy loved hockey, but alas was only a house/B player, unlike his uncle that played for the Blackhawks back in their bleak years before Kane & Toews.
- LemonHart

Bleak is an understatement 😂😂
When Daddy Wirtz passed they finally had hope.

5 '10 175 pounds is actually not that disproportionate considering Ellis plays at 5'10 180.
- neem55

Centre of gravity is a big key & how well Hughes can take hits. Trottier wasn’t big but rock solid on his skates. Not saying Hughes is that but i hope he can adjust accordingly.

I'd prefer leaving him in college for 1 more year as well. Mainly because he'd have more time in the weight room with less games and less travel than he would in Utica or Vancouver.


That being said, his skating is so good that he's not exactly easy to lay a big hit on. His edgework, speed and quickness is insane.
- Nucker101

I can see your rationale but i like him playing a full schedule as part of his development. The jump from an NCAA schedule is a big one & BB went thru that.

I still think you guys are overestimating how badly the Stars want to dump him. He only has 1 year left and there's some belief that he rebounds away from Hitch.

If they sign Tavares then it's a different story.
- Nucker101

A 2nd only if the Stars are motivated for a salary dump for whatever there reason is.

Playing hockey for money beats sitting in class.
- A_SteamingLombardi

I think for his development going back and dominating would be best. Not like his family is hurting for cash.

Look at what this kid did after the break was a point a game player as the youngest kid in college hockey. He would probably win the hobey baker next year and his team would have the chance at a championship. Plus a part of me just wants to see what kind of crazy numbers he will put up. Utica the hockey is just so crappy it might not benefit him playing with a bunch of scrubs.

I think for his development going back and dominating would be best. Not like his family is hurting for cash.

Look at what this kid did after the break was a point a game player as the youngest kid in college hockey. He would probably win the hobey baker next year and his team would have the chance at a championship. Plus a part of me just wants to see what kind of crazy numbers he will put up. Utica the hockey is just so crappy it might not benefit him playing with a bunch of scrubs.
- mauryballstein

Disagree 100% the hockey is crappy in Utica. I don’t think you watch Utica or the AHL much at all.

I think for his development going back and dominating would be best. Not like his family is hurting for cash.

Look at what this kid did after the break was a point a game player as the youngest kid in college hockey. He would probably win the hobey baker next year and his team would have the chance at a championship. Plus a part of me just wants to see what kind of crazy numbers he will put up. Utica the hockey is just so crappy it might not benefit him playing with a bunch of scrubs.
- mauryballstein

Lind Gadjovich Dahlen Jasek Palmu Juolevi Chatfield Brisebois Sautner Mceneny Demko? Those scrubs?

Utica will be much more interesting this year

Lind Gajovich Dahlen Jasek Palmu Juolevi Chatfield Brisebois Sautner Mceneny Demko? Those scrubs?
- NorthNuck

If they are scrubs we are doomed for a 10yr rebuild. 😂😂👍

If they are scrubs we are doomed for a 10yr rebuild. 😂😂👍
- Nighthawk

No kidding

Lind Gadjovich Dahlen Jasek Palmu Juolevi Chatfield Brisebois Sautner Mceneny Demko? Those scrubs?

Utica will be much more interesting this year
- NorthNuck

to be fair, at least half of those guys will end up being scrubs. That's just the reality of prospects.

to be fair, at least half of those guys will end up being scrubs. That's just the reality of prospects.
- Nucker101

Probably correct. But for this year it will make for good exciting hockey

Juolevi is honestly the only Dman I see making the NHL on that list

IMac says Bozaks asking price was too high Canucks dropped out.

IMac says Bozaks asking price was too high Canucks dropped out.
- VANTEL

to be fair, at least half of those guys will end up being scrubs. That's just the reality of prospects.
- Nucker101

Maybe so but it only takes 1-2 out of that group to move in to good NHL careers that matters. If more then its big bonus. Thats the nature of draftees & only 23 roster spots to be had. As we sit we have so many prospects in the system as we have miw that can push for an NHL career. At worst they are legit assets to move.