If i remember correctly, the knock on Point was his skating. He looks pretty good now. Raymond looks like he has the tools to make his skating better. At least we can hope
Seems like a lot of varrying opinions on Wallinder Rated as high as 20 by Button on TSN and as low as 57 by McKeens rankings. Seems to be a big, good skating, puck handling defenseman
Also years ago I used to post on Letsgowings forum. Decided to check there last night to see their opinions on the Raymond pick and it seems the weirdos of our fan base live there because they are floating a conspiracy theory about Draper looked pissed announcing the pick so whoever is in charge of the draft room must have told him to make the pick and it wasn't who he and Yzerman wanted....some ridiculous stuff
I think it’s a second round Sanderson situation. You’re basically anticipating that there is more offense there than he’s shown. He’s probably as good as McIssac though.
I don't think that's true, obviously, but Draper did look nervous as hell when he was announcing the pick. Guessing that was his first time doing that and didn't want to screw up.
Big fan of the Wallinder pick. One scout said he is the most technically skilled D in the draft. 6’4” almost 200 lbs and is a month away from being eligible for next years draft.
All these picks have insane upside. There is definite risk in Niederbach and Walinder but if they hit, look out.
I think that’s the way to draft in any sport. You might miss, but eventually will hit. And that’s the only way to turn a franchise around.
Don’t know much about Hanas. Seems like a reach but the one consistent thing is he’s supremely talented with the puck.
Eemil Viro seems like another divisive pick. Craig Button had him his #32 prospect, Elite Prospect had him #82. Although rankings this year were tougher than normal
Alex Cotton is an interesting pick. Went undrafted last year and then absolutely blew up in whl this year. Went from 11 points the year before to 67 points. A year older but a guy who potentially was just a late bloomer
Big fan of the Czech goalie pick. Put up a 2.73 and .917 as a 16 year old in the Czech pro league. 6’4” and almost eligible for next years draft. Playing in the Q this year so he’ll have a head start on getting used to NA ice.
The goalie prospect looks intriguing. Fire and forget and see in 4 years where he's at, certainly has the measurables.
Not a surprise with Staal, Biega, Nemeth, Dekeyser, and Hronek already under contract. Plus guys like Seider, Cholowski and Lindstrom who could break through full time. Also wouldn't shock me if they made a run at another FA Defenseman. No real room for Bowey
The team seems to be in way better shape than last year. Idk why you wouldn’t want a new coach to bring his culture in now vs 2 years from now when the team is knocking on post season hopes
Because we will still be bad this year and there isn’t a reason to spend money on a new coach when you can just let Blash play out the string. Guys I would consider the two best options, Gallant and Lambert, will still be available next season.
Yeah but he’s a July birthday, so with his bloodlines it’s worth a flier to see if he fills out. I am fine with blanketing the later rounds with D.
My new prospect ranking (I consider Zadina graduated) 1. Raymond: Elite 80 + point potential 2. Seider: Top pairing D for the next 15 years 3. Berggren: Top six winger with 60 point potential 4. Veleno: 3C that will be a top PKer and chip in 40 points 5. Johansson: Top 4 D; could be Seider’s partner for a long time 6. McIssac: Top 4 D potential 7. Rasmussen: Top 9 forward with PP1 net front potential 8. Tuimisto: Offensive upside is through the roof; one trick pony right now 9. Niederbach: Has sky high potential but years away 10. Wallinder: See above
I mean he has some talent and since he’s playing juniors before college we have five years to see what happens
Think he was #186 ranked NA skater on NHL rankings. They rank NA and European skaters and goalies seperate.
12 players drafted is quite a haul. More chances to hit on one of these later round guys. Last three pick seem to be reaches considering their rankings, but it was such a hard year to scout, I would trust our scouts over guys making these rankings anyway. We will see how it turns out