When? LOL!!
- ChicagoHope

Back when England owned us all

Not that different than Moscow owning those iron curtain countries

Back to drafting smurfs !!!!

Lol
- mrpaulish

Not really 5 11 183 at 17 yrs old plus;

Saarela likes to play physically and doles out his fair share of nice hits, Future Considerations 2019

smart and gifted … very good offensive instincts … quality stick skills … good energy and effort … noticeable every shift … good on PP and P, ISS Hockey 2017

Back when England owned us all

Not that different than Moscow owning those iron curtain countries
- vabeachbear

I get what you’re saying but the countries behind the iron curtain were countries before the iron curtain. North America was not before Europe invaded. There was no defined “country” here. We shared a continent, not any thing else.

Not really 5 11 183 plus;

Saarela likes to play physically and doles out his fair share of nice hits, Future Considerations 2019

smart and gifted … very good offensive instincts … quality stick skills … good energy and effort … noticeable every shift … good on PP and P, ISS Hockey 2017
- vabeachbear

Saarela plays next season in my favourite FEL team Ilves. So I´ll get see him a lot. I´ll keep you informed. He is younger brother of Aleksi Saarela who is with Canes organisation like every other Finn player now days looks to be..

IMO...drafting Finns often leads to good results.

Today @ 3:37 PM ET
Michal Teply'


Big off-hand left winger with soft hands, great physical attributes and an improved skating gear and footwork. Handles passes and in the Five Nations U-17, had a hat trick against the Finns. Improving as an attacker as his legs and hands are coming together. He has good vision and now is playing at a confident tempo. His co-ordination has progressed and was surprisingly physical against the Russians and applied strong forechecking pressure throughout the match. Lets go with dangerous shots through heavy traffic. Just through open ice and his solid edging helps him cut out of traffic for a good look. He is still filling his frame in.


Antti Saarela . LC 5 11.75
Quite well thought of, but projects as a long developmental center when still needs time to strengthen his overall game. Thought of as a gifted guy with smart instincts, with good energy and stick skills, but that might be a premature assessment. At the Five Nations Under-18 his zone entries were thwarted with puck losses. Was given first line responsibilities but neglected his defensive end responsibilities after he was stifled on the attack. Took a needless kneeing penalty against Russia a got a one game suspension. All this doesn’t close the book on him, just points to a need for more maturity in his on ice demeanor and in his game and skill development.
https://www.draftsite.com...ayer/antti-saarela/31880/

I like the restocking the forwards cubbard, Vlasic isn't a forward, but like the pick. Stan normally gets a goalie, anyone think he will?

I like the restocking the forwards cubbard, Vlasic isn't a forward, but like the pick. Stan normally gets a goalie, anyone think he will?
- I Am The Breadman

I like the D-man they got too. The two guys in the fourth round don't sound like much.

They used to be one country, no?
- tyweb69

Yep...Czechoslovakia was a thing for many decades. Born out of the ashes of the first world war and existing until the eastern bloc collapsed. 2 regions with distinct languages.

I haven't noticed anyone mention this (if they have, forgive me, I missed the post), but did ya'll take a close look at Tyler's post of Dach's highlight video? I mean real close. Like jump to 2:29-43 on the timeline.

Puck comes around boards to defender. He and his 2 teammates are only ones in video. Strangely, the defender is looking over his shoulder to check on something. Within a second, 'super slow' Dach comes blitzing around net into video, heading full speed to the defender. Within seconds, he comes from behind and "forced the steal" per the announcers. Puck gets knocked into middle of ice, where now it's Dach and 4 opponents, including the defender, all whom have a fair chance to get to puck (still none of Dach's teammates showing in video). But 'super slow' Dach somehow beats all 4 players, including this defender to the puck, does a sweet move to get past one, then somehow shoots what seems like a soft shot at net, but it has nice leverage and goes over the goalies shoulder. Goalie didn't even flinch, as the puck came so quick.

In essence, Dach beats 5 players, starting with the steal, so its obvious why this is on his highlight reel.

But take a close look at the defender, the one the announcers describe Dach as having "picked the pocker of the defender along the wall" before beating him to the puck and scoring.

It's none other than #44, Bowen Byram! Bowen was so concerned about that Mack Truck coming around the boards at him that he's watching over his shoulder for his approach (vs. focused on getting the puck and moving it out of zone asap). Then he gets fleeced, gets beaten to the puck, then almost lazy like doesn't respond to continue defending.

I understand this is only 1 play, 1 highlight, but still, if this is Dach's ceiling, then it clearly shows he is vastly superior to the acknowledged best defender in this draft.

Once you watch this short video a few times, those who desired Bowen or those who still wax nostalgic about wishing he was the pick (or if you're just Scott Wheeler saying Bowen was the better pick)... this scene might soften the blow of your perceptions. This brief highlight alone shows what many have spoken of about his ability to steal/backcheck and soft hands/good shot, but it also shows what few have fully noted, the impact of a 'Mack Truck' coming around the boards has on excellent defenders such as BB.
- DontKnowNutin

Good pick up with the video - thanks for sharing that. You’re right... it’s only one play, but a nice glimpse of potential.

I like the D-man they got too. The two guys in the fourth round don't sound like much.
- kwolf68

Yeah, if they contribute, develop, & progress then they will be good ... I'm not holding my breath for them all. I just like the forward focus, seeing that it is a need & addressing it the best that they can.

Exactly. That was my point. It wasn't a fleecing but business as usual.
- Elbows15

Sebastian Aho had his sights set on that $6.5M they have to spend on Marleau now. Stupid trade helping the Leafs. I hope Aho demands a trade.

Sebastian Aho had his sights set on that $6.5M they have to spend on Marleau now. Stupid trade helping the Leafs. I hope Aho demands a trade.
- RickJ

Canes have plenty of cap space. Think they should have gotten more for helping a team in need.

Slovakia....Czech Republic....

They share a border, so close enough.
- ArlingtonRob

It’s like Wisconsin...

It’s like Wisconsin...


- Chief4Feathers

LOL...precisely.

Actually its not 2 1st round picks 2020 is protected if Toronto pick is in top 10 its Toronto's pick then Carolina would then get 2021 1st instead its a bit misleading. From reading that's was my understanding no matter what Carolina gets a 1st. Bowman stop napping and get going!!!
- Scott1977

If Toronto’s 2020 1st rounders is in the top 10, there will be rioting in Ontario, and Babcock will be tarred and feathered.

Sebastian Aho had his sights set on that $6.5M they have to spend on Marleau now. Stupid trade helping the Leafs. I hope Aho demands a trade.
- RickJ

2 1st round picks? Im shocked they didn't have to give up a solid prospect

If Toronto’s 2020 1st rounders is in the top 10, there will be rioting in Ontario, and Babcock will be tarred and feathered.
- scottak

So it’s a win-win scenario.

Saarela plays next season in my favourite FEL team Ilves. So I´ll get see him a lot. I´ll keep you informed. He is younger brother of Aleksi Saarela who is with Canes organisation like every other Finn player now days looks to be..
- MjulQvist

Awesome. Keep us posted sir.

So it’s a win-win scenario.
- Chief4Feathers

If Toronto’s 2020 1st rounders is in the top 10, there will be rioting in Ontario, and Babcock will be tarred and feathered.
- scottak

Its conditional for one and won't be in the top 10.

This post is hilarious!
- mcmasterkev

Anything this dolt posts is nonsense

I haven't noticed anyone mention this (if they have, forgive me, I missed the post), but did ya'll take a close look at Tyler's post of Dach's highlight video? I mean real close. Like jump to 2:29-43 on the timeline.

Puck comes around boards to defender. He and his 2 teammates are only ones in video. Strangely, the defender is looking over his shoulder to check on something. Within a second, 'super slow' Dach comes blitzing around net into video, heading full speed to the defender. Within seconds, he comes from behind and "forced the steal" per the announcers. Puck gets knocked into middle of ice, where now it's Dach and 4 opponents, including the defender, all whom have a fair chance to get to puck (still none of Dach's teammates showing in video). But 'super slow' Dach somehow beats all 4 players, including this defender to the puck, does a sweet move to get past one, then somehow shoots what seems like a soft shot at net, but it has nice leverage and goes over the goalies shoulder. Goalie didn't even flinch, as the puck came so quick.

In essence, Dach beats 5 players, starting with the steal, so its obvious why this is on his highlight reel.

But take a close look at the defender, the one the announcers describe Dach as having "picked the pocker of the defender along the wall" before beating him to the puck and scoring.

It's none other than #44, Bowen Byram! Bowen was so concerned about that Mack Truck coming around the boards at him that he's watching over his shoulder for his approach (vs. focused on getting the puck and moving it out of zone asap). Then he gets fleeced, gets beaten to the puck, then almost lazy like doesn't respond to continue defending.

I understand this is only 1 play, 1 highlight, but still, if this is Dach's ceiling, then it clearly shows he is vastly superior to the acknowledged best defender in this draft.

Once you watch this short video a few times, those who desired Bowen or those who still wax nostalgic about wishing he was the pick (or if you're just Scott Wheeler saying Bowen was the better pick)... this scene might soften the blow of your perceptions. This brief highlight alone shows what many have spoken of about his ability to steal/backcheck and soft hands/good shot, but it also shows what few have fully noted, the impact of a 'Mack Truck' coming around the boards has on excellent defenders such as BB.
- DontKnowNutin

Nice observation. Thank you for the breakdown and analysis.

Agree, having a big body or physical player heading at you whether on the forecheck or backcheck is a good weapon to have in the arsenal to force turnovers and ill-advised plays by the other team. That type of fear factor is pivotal especially in the post season.

Just think, if development timelines for both suggest one more year in the WHL for Dach and the AHL for Entwistle, the Blackhawks could sport a pretty aggressive and heavy 3rd line with balanced offensive and defensive skills in Dach at center, Entwistle at wing, and say Saad at the other wing for the 2020-21 season.

Then a glimpse of the 2021-22 season could add in other middle 6 forwards in either Kurashev, Hagel, or Barratt. Kurashev at least could be ready by 2020-21 if he turns in a solid full first year for the Hogs. Perhaps Hagel as well.

Its conditional for one and won't be in the top 10.
- Elbows15

I believe that he is just saying that if Toronto sucks there will be a mutiny and not referring to Toronto losing a high pick.

Anything this dolt posts is nonsense
- GPHawksfan

GP “Silky Johnson” Hawksfan... Player Hater Extraordinaire.