I'm just wondering if Patrick is the one Colorado and Arizona are both targeting. Obviously skilled centremen aren't grown on trees but the Avs have definitely been lacking that all situation d-man. Arizona has a crop of young talent lead by Clayton Keller and Dvorak at C. Do you think they try to find a suitable winger for them (besides Domi and Duclair) seeing Vrbata looks like he's on his way out of the league?
Just playing devils advocate here.
I like Makat ALOT. It does make me nervous when players rise that fast though. Similar to PLD last year. He hasn't been having the best year which makes you wonder if there's guy can fluke out for half a season. I don't know, something to consider.
I read through this three times now. I'm just trying to see what your point is? Respectfully.
Also so due to Columbus's lack of high-end centre depth I wouldn't necessarily call drafting Dubois a curveball. With that being said Benning had Juolevi higher than most people though on his list. Us drafting Juolevi should not just be thought of as reactionary to Columbus drafting PLD.
I think you misunderstood me "5th line". I said "comparable" and not that they were the exact same player. Obviously they have different stat lines. They were both perceived to be more or less "instant" NHL players and fell somewhat short. There is no question Detroit thought Mantha would be ready sooner than this year. This is good news for Virtanen fan's as Mantha is another power wing that we can draw similarities to with respect to developing later down the line. Instead of panicking and calling Jake a bust.
Perhaps a not so distant comparable to Jake could be Anthony Mantha. Drafted one year before Jake and is just starting to be relevant for the Red Wings this year. Sometimes it takes a little marinating for these larger wings.
I'll tell you that you have to have some massive balls let alone nerve to be drafted generously in the 5th round then go ahead and screw your team by not signing with them ... I just don't see that happening, and people should stop thinking this is a common option.
Anyone who didn't catch Bob Mackenzie's mid season draft rankings here:
http://www.tsn.ca/patrick-has-decided-edge-in-tsn-hockey-mid-season-draft-ranking-1.661533
Que the same guys that think Boeser is holding off contract talks because he won't sign here.
Next year it it will be to everyone's delight that we will Horvat locked up long term, and Boeser signed to his ELC.
Keep it Bo, sky is the limit.
I definitely know what you mean, however this years draft is a clear notch lower than last year so we really shouldn't compare last years players to this years.
Just throwing that out there, not saying you were.
I literally know nothing about this prospect.... zilch.
The WJC will be like when you meet your son for the first time and hope he's turned out okay in your absence.
Luke....
YOU ARE A CANUCK