[Brendan Gaunce | C/LW]

another comparsion is Brooks Laich........who is also not a great skater but play all three zones, and leadership skills

Agreed. I'd say something between Laich and Pyatt, though he has some notable skills that those two don't quite have (hard accurate shot from far out and a heady sense for plays that let's him make passes in spite of poor puck handling). Don't see ROR at all. Dubinsky isn't close (he skates more and plays harder).

[Bo Horvat | #53 | C]

Nichushkin needs a centerman that can create to being him to the next level (Pierre McGuire said this today) , there are questions about his hands, some scouts say they are questionable despite being able to bring the puck to the net, that he's not able to create plays for others and his hockey sense and IQ is in question but man. His potential and upside is insane. A lot of the same things about his potential were the same things said about Filatov

His flaws are obvious if you watch anything more than his drives to the net. He is a very poor passer. He doesn't anticipate passes, he is inaccurate and he throws the puck hard so it is difficult for his teammate to control. He even entirely misses obvious passing opportunities. He has a lot of David Booth drive no matter what in him and it detracts from other elements of his game. I really question how his game will come together because it is far from complete. I would agree with Pierre that he is going to need a center to spoon-feed him one on one opportunities on the rush and I would add that he hasn't shown hints of any skills beyond that.

As for Bo, any 3rd line C projection is bunk. He may play that to start off but the guy has top line talent. He scores NHL style goals and isn't bothered by contact in the least. He is extremely intelligent on the ice, both offensively and defensively. There is a variety to his offensive decisions that shows a high level of creativity. He is constantly anticipating the play.

You shouldn't be comparing prospects statistically, but if you need one thing to separate Horvat from Gaunce it is the fluidity with which he moves from one play to the next. He plays faster than almost everyone on the ice and that isn't talking about his skating speed.

[Bo Horvat | #53 | C]

I have mixed feelings about this pick. Though he's highly touted, can any of you tell me the difference between him and Brendan Gaunce? Similar styles, same point productions, etc.

Better vision and puckhandling. Very good passing and decision making. A more dynamic offensive player. Excellent around the net. More fluid skater.

[Brendan Gaunce | C/LW]

Thanks for the updates. Nice goals indeed and he seems to have decent speed.

For real. If that's poor skating then I hope all of our prospects get pegged for poor skating. Strong strides too and it looks like he uses a defensemen stick almost.

[Jordan Schroeder Talk]

i like that he's showing that he's gotten better. i just don't know if he will be staying with the canucks much longer. he could be in the nhl, but we don't seem to be interest in having him up.

I think he really needs to learn how to exert creative control over the game offensively. That is far easier to develop in an environment where you are the best player. Its always going to be about his skills overcoming his size disadvantage for him. You've got to be willing to give that type of prospect extra time because they need greater skill development. I was skeptical before this year but now I'm cautiously optimistic as he's shown a few flashes of brilliance.

The drive to the middle of 4 defenders and subsequent pass to Weise for the goal comes to mind. It wasn't great because of the drive or the pass (though the pass was sensational and he's made a few like it). What is important about that play was that he knew what he was doing the whole time. He worked his way into a dangerous position and baited the D to cheat up on him with his eye discipline (looked off Weise like a QB). Once the D did what he caused it to do he pounced on the passing opportunity. That is controlling the play. That is what makes the Sedins elite. That is what Schroeder needs more of in order to make his physical deficiencies worthwhile. It will take time, but he's shown the potential and is still trending upwards even now.

What I hope he can pick up from Roy is how he deceptively varies his speed on the rush. It really gives the puck carrier more control over creating passing lanes and dictating defender reactions.