Location: I'd do anything to get you humans out of my forest! Joined: 07.19.2015
Aug 8 @ 5:06 PM ET
Bill, or any of our prospect gurus, what is the consensus on Alexis Lafreniere? He's obviously the projected #1 pick for 2020 at this point, but is he a projected "generational talent" type or more of your typical #1 overall pick? Any player comparisons at this point? - jmatchett383
He's a beast, but I feel like he's a Tavares type who is so mature and advanced and pro physically and mentally but is also closer to his ceiling without the growth room of others, not that he needs it. I crazily think he could play in the NHL this season at 17, let alone next year, let alone 2 years from now (which is his actual arrival date). He's actually the type of kid who ideally would follow a Matthews draft year path, if he could. And the term "generational" is massively overused to begin with. Not often do you hear that term used for a winger too. And his skating is fine, but it's clearly not high end like others. Both of those hold him back from that type of status. He's a prodigy, but that's different.
He actually reminds me of a slightly bigger, grittier Pastrnak. Maybe Pastrnak by way of Benn? His stickhandling is so fast and smooth with a long reach; he's incredibly hard to strip pucks from because he can stick handle around you or overpower you physically in open ice or along the boards. Some snarl too. Insanely high IQ; versatile as a passer or shooter; creative; controls the play from the wing. He should be a Hart caliber wing.
He's not your average #1, and he's not McDavid. Plenty of room in between. I know some people wonder about Hughes vs. Lafreniere, and they're only 5 months apart in different drafts, but I would take Hughes.
He's a beast, but I feel like he's a Tavares type who is so mature and advanced and pro physically and mentally but is also closer to his ceiling without the growth room of others, not that he needs it. I crazily think he could play in the NHL this season at 17, let alone next year, let alone 2 years from now (which is his actual arrival date). He's actually the type of kid who ideally would follow a Matthews draft year path, if he could. And the term "generational" is massively overused to begin with. Not often do you hear that term used for a winger too. And his skating is fine, but it's clearly not high end like others. Both of those hold him back from that type of status. He's a prodigy, but that's different.
He actually reminds me of a slightly bigger, grittier Pastrnak. Maybe Pastrnak by way of Benn? His stickhandling is so fast and smooth with a long reach; he's incredibly hard to strip pucks from because he can stick handle around you or overpower you physically in open ice or along the boards. Some snarl too. Insanely high IQ; versatile as a passer or shooter. He should be a Hart caliber wing.
I know some people wonder about Hughes vs. Lafreniere, and they're only 5 months apart in different drafts, but I would take Hughes. - Mononoke
Location: Be nice from now on, NJ Joined: 03.17.2006
Aug 8 @ 5:46 PM ET
WOAHHHHHHHHHHHH - Mordecai
2018 IIHF Under 18 Gold medal game replay is on NHL channel right now. Farabee in the game playing wing with Jack Hughes in case anyone wants to watch.
The only way I see him getting time with the big club (due to Hextall’s philosophy) is a massive rash of injuries (like three goalies down- actually possible).
The only way I see him getting time with the big club (due to Hextall’s philosophy) is a massive rash of injuries (like three goalies down- actually possible). - coffee junkie
Somewhere Neuvy just pulled the "Hold my beer" meme for no reason.
