groovy

Really? Which athlete are you referring to? Johnny Hockey or Nick Ritchie?

I was playing as a 20 year old with similar height against men at about 165. Shortly after at about 180 and finally at 200. Today 220 but not game shape. This kid is 18! Give him a chance.

I agree. Hockey does not need primadonnas like that. It is a self-placed label which is likely to shorten your career one way or another. Ultimately Forsberg was the better player, and a cup winner (unlike Lindros). But I agree, that sort of arrogance has no place in hockey. Before the league became as big as it is now, players were under paid compared to other pro athletes. A friend was making less than 100k as a full time big heavyweight in the mid 80`s. Before that many guys used to work in the summer including a former Leaf captain whose son I played with in Europe. I am glad players are getting there due these days but there should never be room given for arrogant prix.

End the season with a faint gasp of life and let`s hope the stars align to get a little lotto luck this time We need it badly.

At the moment this is in question, along with character to show up game in and game out. Hopefully this kid is hungry and willing to learn the pro game. He seems to be making positive strides since he was drafted. Fingers crossed.

I like your optimism. Playoffs - 7 game series. Wearing down another (top) teams D. Will cross my fingers rather than hold my breath, but anything is possible.

I guess that`s why he made the list of top 100 NHLers EVER. You must really understand hockey

How would you describe JV at 17? Let`s not ignore recent history of the Canucks being pushed around and the big bad Bruins winning the cup (witnessed first hand by JB) to the California clubs physical dominance and LA winning 2 cups. Yes, hindsight is 20/20 but many fans were pretty sick and tired of not being able to compete on a physical level. Sure the game is changing in a different direction somewhat now, but JV was drafted as a raw talent with amazing wheels, NHL shot, and could hit like a Mack truck. We all want more from JV but no sense being bitter. It aint over till its over.

What value do you perceive another organization attaching to Jake if we suggest him as part of a deal? And based on current track record, how likely will another team suggest Jake as part of a deal? In a "big package" you will get NOTHING for him, so either he gets his sh#t together with the help of Travis or he will ultimately (give him some time to find his game) bust. Better off trying to nurture his talents/maturity in the right direction IMO, as a package will only superficially hide the fact that we get nothing for him at this point. If he busts it should be in Utica. Fingers crossed!

My thoughts exactly. Even if the coach is questionable wouldn`t it be a no brainer for him to just leave OJ out on the ice until he begged to come off? Not sure how his ice looks in London, PP PK etc.

I came on here to get an idea how Jake is doing. Obviously in the wrong place. CoHo, Linden -vs- Horvat... WTF?

Unfortunate to agree. Hope he can get flying out there and turn it around. Maybe he is putting too much pressure on himself rather than playing a smart, simple game.

Doug Gilmour a power forward comparable to Jake? Love Doug Gilmour (power forward @ ca. 170 lbs)but see zero comparison to Jake. Gilmour vs Bobby Clarke a WAY better comparison in IMHO.

   

    Based on performance this year I wonder where Jake would be drafted were he to be drafted this year. Any thoughts?

    Now now boys, it`s getting late. Time to go brushy wushies.

    Seriously? Timing is off this season because of his injury last summer? If that is true how did he ever get onto team Canada at the WJC? That makes zero sense to me. It is great to be supportive but ...

    I am thinking Phoenix, actually.

    2nd star I guess. 1st De Niro 4 posts, Virtanen 2 points haha. De Niro please change to a Raging Bull shot! Thanks for the updates!

    The LAST thing a player loses is strength. The FIRST thing is jump/quickness. By the time strength affects your game you`re already out of the game at that level.

    Ice time and particularly in which role, game situation, linemates etc. seems more pertinent to production % unless a guy has forgotton how to shoot. As for %, the above conditions will determine the number and quality of the shots, in which zone on the ice they may be most frequently attempted.Which D men have a high shooting %?

    If there is still rust from surgery he would not have played in the WJC!

    Another year in junior won`t hurt. Let him develop his game and body. Hopefully under great coaching which has been frequently questioned.

WTF? Looks like you started typing with only one hand again. Hope you locked the door.

You seem to have forgotten that there is new management and coaching staff. Yes, it is hard to develop players in 6 months. Possible Jake ends up a 3rd/4th liner at the NHL level but I hope not.