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Everything posted by GreyHatnDart
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Happy to see the recognition for this kid so far, even though he spells my name incorrectly.
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It'll be Toronto of all teams again, just to piss us all off.
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Probably yes, and I'm not disagreeing with your assessment. I believe the rest of Boeser's game needs a little more work before the expected pressure to perform in a top 6 role. He's going to be going up against the very best in the world, and the last thing we want to do is ruin a players confidence. It gives him the ability to dangle into the centre and unload those crispy wristers as he's been doing. His game relies on creating plays and scoring goals. Now, granted, Virtanen has had a very very good camp but that doesn't mean he's ready. However, the difference is expectations, and if they are that he play a simple north south game and do the little things right, I think he'll be successful. Realisitically, we don't need either of them in the lineup this year, as we're not ready to challenge for a whole lot yet. Them playing together in Utica would not be a bad thing whatsoever.
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Personally I think Virtanen's game would actually translate better to our starting lineup than Boeser's. Collectively our team is starved for goal scorers, at least based on last year. I can see why management will likely start Boeser. Virtanen though would be well suited to a bottom 6 role against lower QoC. In fact I think he would thrive there, as expectations would be lower and he can concentrate on improving his 200' game and becoming a more complete player. This is year I think more so than in quite some time we see very balanced minutes throughout the lineup. I think Boeser will do better being the go-to in Utica, with 18-20 minutes a night and PP1 minutes. Either way I'd love to see them both in the starting lineup, and at least to start I think we'll likely see that. However if either get moved back down, I really hope Green and/or Benning take the time to sit them down and explain their reasons, and what they'd like to see them improve on.
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Promising start to what hopefully is a fantastic +1 year. Liked what I saw from the footage of the prospects camp. Seems to have great vision and poise. Keep an eye on this kid.
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This. As we're seeing right before our eyes, guys mature at different ages. If he's able to produce against the best in the world and live to tell the tale, he'll be ready. I predict he comes to camp next year and he gets a long look, but will end up back in the SEL for one last year.
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I'm not greatly enjoying it really, I think it's silly to be honest. Silly but amusing, because it's insane that a 6th overall prospect on a sports team can run 19000+ posts involving many many people arguing about how great or crappy this kid is. It's ridiculous. I'm as avid a fan as anyone, and yes, healthy criticism is not a bad thing. It would just seem as if Benning (or whomever) picks a player some don't like, they perpetually hate on the prospects. Aren't we all Canucks fans? Isn't it kind of our duty to cheer these kids on and hope they make a life for themselves and entertain us? I mean c'mon people. Jake isn't some a--hole. It's not as if he's a jerk athlete who everyone hates, and we're stuck cheering for him. He seemed to be an immature kid who's growing into his skin. I applaud that. If he can continue this path, we can look for him as a future bruiser, scorer, and generally fun guy to watch. Sounds good to me. Anyhow Alf, the pic is just a common meme that's been going around the internet awhile.
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Lol. I have definitely noticed, even in the GDT's, that when something bad happens for us (Canucks get trounced by LV, vs when we beat the Kings; or Virtanen plays well but OJ struggles) that those particular "negative threads" always seem to be more popular than the positive ones. Makes me wonder if there's that many trolls here, or perhaps people are just habitually cynical.
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Virtanen is stepping his game up. Pettersson looks like the real deal. OJ has struggled a tad. Realistically, if 2 out of your top 5(6) picks are impact, regular NHLers, you're doing well at the draft table imo. Anybody with half a brain knew OJ had a long road to be that player for us and anyone that's upset with his play thus far this year is as impatient as it gets.
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C'mon JR, this is the place to rag on guys like OJ cuz they're a not 19 year old Erik Karlsson.
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I'm almost happy about Juolevi not showing well yet. There's a very cerebral part of his game that will simply improve over time, and him not showing well won't force the issue of him making the squad yet. While it was a long shot at best anyways, I'd prefer him to stay in the minors or head to Europe for at least another year or two before turning into a NA pro. There's really no rush.
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Yep. But there's always gotta be someone coming first and someone coming last. Middle of the pack is definitely an improvement... I'll take it over this time last year that's for sure.
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I was more saying generalizing that age group, not necessarily hockey players. Agreed about the cocooned thing... my sister in law dated a guy who played locally in the BCHL and then proceeded on with a scholarship. Was a huge adjustment for him to be taken care of in a billet compared to looking after himself in university. And even there there's still a lot of structure compared to Joe Blow out in the real world. I've said something similar to the bolded in another thread... these kids have been some of the best if not THE best hockey players in every league their whole lives. I would think Junior would be a bit of a wake up call for most, but even then the adjustment from that to going pro must be massive. Add in the pressure to perform, big pay cheques and popularity/fame, I can understand how it's too much for a lot of young adults.
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That's easy to say, but an 18 year old to a 20 year old typically are very different people. I know I was. 18 you're likely still living at home, in high school, whatever. Still a kid for the most part. At 20 typically you're on your own, working for a living, paying bills, etc. Anyhow my point agreeing with Stawns is that having the draft at 20 takes away a lot of the guesswork with players, maintains the integrity of the CHL, and allows players to move directly into a pro career after junior.
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For sure. And while there is great coaches in the CHL it's not pro level fitness training and dieting. Lose a lot of time during a pretty important growth period, mentally and physically.
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I completely agree. I've never really understood the "either NHL or CHL" thing. I mean I guess for the Crosby's and McDavid's of the world it's great as they immediately can jump in with the best, but for 99% of the rest of the players drafted it doesn't make a difference regardless. Strange rule.
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Unfortunately it can't be an even playing field. If you have similar assets, one of which you could potentially lose for nothing, of course you'd move down the asset that you can't lose. No brainer.
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Well said. His being comfortable in front of the camera and the way he looks the reporter in the eye shows his confidence. He measures his words and speaks like a seasoned pro. Hopefuly that confidence again transfers to the ice this season and he has a fantastic draft+1 for Owen Sound.
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Usually I'll bold a particular part of a post to respond to, but man, this entire thing is just a load of sh*t.
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I've been a pretty strong supporter of Jake ever since he was drafted. A lot of people love to say they wanted Ehlers or Nylander previous to the draft. Okay? The Canucks went a different route and that's all there is to it. I understood the pick then, based off what he was talented at, and I understand the pick still. What I don't understand is the continuous bashing from certain posters calling a just turned 21 year old a wash out. Let's all be a little patient shall we? He made huge strides towards the end of last season, and we all saw what he can be capable of towards the end of the season previously. After the dismal Juniors, he played excellently to finish the year. Clearly his problem is not taking it what it takes to be a pro seriously. It looks as though he's figuring it out. How many here point fingers at a kid like that and say he's too immature, and who likely weren't arrogant punks themselves at that age. He's 21 ffs. Everyone matures differently. Yes, I realize not everyone gets a shot at being a NHL pro and that they would never throw it away. Bla bla bla. These kids dominated every league they played in their entire lives. Sometimes it takes a kick in the rear to realize their potential and make the next step at the top level. I agree that this season is really important for him to show improvement but I still wouldn't say it's make or break time for Virtanen. If he plays a solid 2 way game in Utica and is noticible on the scoreboard and on the physical side I for one would be very happy. If he manages to make a big enough impact and makes the big club I'll be ecstatic.
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I resent that remark.
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Is that weird al yankovic sans glasses?
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Seriously.
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