WonderTwinPowers

Seems like they want him on the right side, but his big season in junior he played both wings Baer-Horvat-Virtanen Gaunce-McCann-Boeser Seems like that's where this team is heading right now at least, but some x factors like Rodin, Granlund, Etem, Vey, Zhuk could all over achieve in the coming years and push guys. Plus our high pick this year and whatever free agents we add. Mixed with some vets like the Sedins for a couple more years, and Sutter, maybe a Hamhuis extension and I like the mix.

If only this guy could start developing some offensive instincts... Lol

To be fair with Shinkaruk and Baer down the LW for the next few years as top 6 guys would make us a real tiny team. Gaunce or Boeser however would add good size and two way ability although Boeser is a natural RW

He carries himself very well, very well spoken. Rarely hear him pause or stutter when talking to media. He's going to be a great leader for the team moving forward.

Snipe!

Jake destroys Vatanen and Kesler

Love how the quotes are working on this site lately. In response to The 5th Line, I think we all wanted to see that, but it's his rookie season and he's acclimating to the league. I think next season and the following one we'll start to see more of the truculent Jake. Not many 19 year olds step into the league and throw their weight around physically right away.

Yup and even without factoring in the quality of players they're playing with, special team times, zone starts. Not to mention the intangibles that Bo brings, just like Jake does with his physicality. Development's a crazy thing, basing how these players are going to end up off their rookie years ppg is hilarious though. So keep trying to prove you're smarter JamesB or guntrix, stroke those egos

All the losers comparing PPG stats between the three are the same losers who said Nichushkin was the better choice due to his PPG. How smart do they look now?

Guess we'll have to agree to disagree again about McCann not playing over Konecny. And I've never once said anything negative about him I think Konecny is going to be a top 6 scoring forward. But I stand by my statement that Boeser will be a top 6 two way forward. His college coach was raving about his two way game, even Ron Wilson had nothing but good things to say about him at the summer evaluation camp, where he was also tried on the top line *at times*. I just think it's way to early to say Benning made the wrong pick, one tournament doesn't make a career. And considering Benning seems to want to build more around big, fast fowards who have a big shot. It seems to fit his scheme. That's certainly a big trade, makes you wonder what Virtanen would have garnered had he been returned with a forced trade Draisitl style *and thanks for the refresh tip

Is anyone else having problems getting rid of quotes? Anyways, he was moved to the top line against Canada, after Debrincat was kicked out. And he was there in another game. He finished with what 3 points? That's not horrible production from an 18 year old, especially if he didn't get any PP time of first line minutes like you say. And you fail to touch on him torching the NCAA as a rookie, also the BCHL as a younger player. He's obviously a project, just like Travis K is, it's a mid 20's pick what do you expect? Everything about Brock screams top 6 two way forward with a wicked release, and I'd say That's his floor, if his footspeed improves then he could be more.

The failure to pick the best player available at 23?... Seriously?... While you have your crystal ball out any powerball numbers? We draft one of the highest scoring NCAA rookies and people complain, he makes a 19 year old tournament and plays first line minutes as an 18 year old and you complain, good God CDC. Benning has done a fantastic job with this team, look at the youth in the lineup last night. If you don't like what he's doing then get out.

I think it would be a lot more justifiable to critique him so harshly then. He'd be in his prime scoring years, and would probably be what he'll be. Or at least be starting to show it. In his rookie season as a 19 year old, he's barely scratched the surface.

That's true, and understandable around draft time. But after 600+ pages if you don't like the player, we get it by now, just shut up already. (not directed at you of course)

So I guess we can all just come here and critique the kid for the next 10 years and say how we all know so much more than Benning because he made the wrong pick. Should be fun.

Couple good shots at the end of the period. Seems like he's getting a little more engaged at least. And he's obviously been asked to try and establish a net front presence while pushing off to his strong side for the close shots. That's what he seemed to be doing yesterday as well. Makes sense since you know Strome and Marner are trying to QB the offense.

He was practicing today from what I read #Canucks at practice appear to get Virtanen back in, move Cracknell to the middle and likely McCann odd guy out #TSN1040 That's from Jon Abbott

I always hate all the we should have taken this player, or that player talk. Who's to say those players would have developed into what they are if we'd drafted them. Different coaching, different direction, different situation could all play a pretty large factor to me.

I remember reading an article comparing players that came out of college. It basically said that most of the elite players that went that route averaged something like 4 shots a game. Which is challenging, especially in college hockey. 9 shots seems insane and obviously unsustainable, but if he could average 4 that would be a good sign.

He's not going to the AHL, if he doesn't make the team this year then he will next IMO. And who cares if it was kane's +1 year and Jake's +2? I was simply comparing rookie production. And I'd imagine Kane had a lot more ice on a crap Atlanta team. Jake was so young he was almost in the next years draft so this is nearly his +1 year. I see Jake putting up 15-25 points this year as a rookie. Which this fan base will one day realize is pretty good production for a 19 year old rookie. He's never going to walk on the team and dominate offensively until he has a couple years of NHL experience. Holding onto the puck, making better reads, positioning, all those things will improve with NHL ice

Kane had 26 points in 66 games his rookie year, I could see Jake putting up roughly that same amount, maybe slightly less. As he gains confidence he'll start to hold on to the puck a little longer, that's what happened to Bo as he gained NHL experience.

He'd still be playing much, much better goalies with improved defensive schemes, but valid point.

Yeah but no one else was near him, players, coaches, goalies in general are light years better then they were back then. Most players back then didn't even workout through summer or watch there diet, they'd smoke and drink constantly. Players today are just much better and more prepared athletes then those Gretzky embarrassed, you can't even deny it. Could you imagine how OV would have destroyed the league in Gretzky's days

This, and people still bring up Ehlers. Nylander at least has had some form of AHL success. But he had a bunch of red flags on draft day as well. I'm just looking forward to watching Jake run over players for the better part of the next decade at least, why bother being upset he won't outscore Nylander. Both are valuable players in every gm's eyes.