BoomBoomBoeser

This draft is apparently quite deep at Center. My guess (assuming we pick in the middle of the pack), is we will be looking for a 1b/2a center. We don't have anyone for that role right now with the trade of McCann, and that player will have some time to develop given Sutter is only 26. My guess is that's who our first pick goes after (assuming of course there is no 'no brainer' other position on the board at the time)

My first post here but a few observations and potential reasons for what's going on with Virtanen (and my take on it) A. He's a bit banged up and thus has been playing a bit timid My take: if so he wouldn't be in the lineup prior to Dorsett getting hurt so my guess is while he may have some bruises its not impeding his play B. He knows the 'spot he thought was his' is going to Rodin once he returns given how well Rodin has played and earned that spot My take: As a result he's lacking the motivation to push as he knows he's going to utica (this is concerning and I will expand on below) C. Willie is on him My take: I haven't seen what others were mentioning about Willie being in his ear but if that's the case he's truly not playing hard and that is an issue. To me, Virtanen was gifted a spot last year due to a lack of size up front and a desire to see what we had, and give some youth a chance to speed up the rebuild. Clearly, he was not ready and this year he has regressed. My concern is not that he can't develop in Utica, but his play reeks to me of 'sulking'. Ie if he knows he's going down and not giving it his all since he feels he can't stick this is worrysome because its childish and shows a view of entitlement in his mind vs taking advantage of his chance right now to really show he belongs, and if not now at least in the near future. As one other mentioned, he's playing with Bo, who you see every shift trying to make something happen. Even Baer, who hasn't had a great start points wise is trying, you can see it. Most here can agree, Virt doesnt seem to be 'giving' it. His attitude appears to need an adjustment, the talks in the offseason, the training etc were all good but his immaturity in my view, is showing. Having to earn the spot and not doing it, then sulking is the sign of a child, not a pro. It seems he is upset that perhaps his Biebs hangouts and actress girlfriends may disappear if he can't parlay the pro hockey angle - perhaps that's his issue. Getzlaf, Perry, Kesler, Burr, Schnider, Bieksa, on and on spent time in the minors, he is not 'too good' not to go there I certainly hope my view on him is incorrect but having coached and developed athletes and professionals, the signs certainly point to such an attitude. Can he grow out of it, of course, but that's up to him.