6th Pick: 2014 NHL Entry Draft

[Merci]

Why is that because he's small? Yeah, so is Patrick Kane and I don't see him struggling against either of those teams. Your arguments are terrible. Seriously what kind of argument is "His numbers are stupid"

You've provided nothing of substance aside from spewing crap about a player you've barely if even seen play, so how about you take your own advice and just go away.

I said his numbers are stupid because they are ridiculously good.

I acknowledge that affect and go on to say why they won't mean much.

I specifically make jokes about how he isn't Patrick Kane and then you use Patrick Kane as an example for small players.

Just so you know. Kane had 145 points in 53 games when he was 17.

My only admission is another site says he's 183 lbs, in which case there's a chance.

[Merci]

Perlini is on a bad team too, and yes he has the size.

I really like the idea of giving Santorelli reigns on the 2nd line.

Trade Kesler for the 8th and Etem. Canucks slide to 6th.

Perlini, and Ritchie Canucks literally get 450lbs heavier and both players can still skate fast.

Perlini Henrik Jensen

Ritchie Santorelli Kassian

Daniel Horvat Burrows (Bo Horvat Training Wheels line)

Etem Gaunce Higgins

Fox Hansen

Shinkaruk and Cassels ready for injuries

Damn that looks solid as hell.

That is a top6.

[Alex Moran]

I said his numbers are stupid because they are ridiculously good.

I specifically make jokes about how he isn't Patrick Kane and then you use Patrick Kane as an example for small players.

Ehler's isn't slated to be a top 10 pick in this years draft just because of his point totals. Remember Justin Azvedo, the kid who lead the CHL in scoring in 08, yeah despite his point totals he was picked 153rd in the NHL draft. Why? Because scouts didn't see his game translating to the NHL level. Ehlers obviously possesses attributes which scouts, you know the people who get paid to watch these guys see translating to the NHL level.

Well, he sure as hell has more in common with Patrick Kane than he does with Jordan Schroeder. This illusion of 'soft' and 'undersized' players not being able to produce against the 'big strong teams' is totally fabricates, this has nothing to do with Ehler's but just look at the types of players who've has the most success against both the Kings and Sharks in the playoffs. The Sedins, Kane, Toews and Datsyuk. None of these players scream 'big' and 'strong'

[Merci]

That's a non-sequitar argument if I ever heard one.

You're confusing the correlation of Ehlers small size with other smaller elite players as proof he as a small players is going to be successful from causation of being a small player.

I could say because Nick Ritchie is so big he will be like Milan Lucic, so we should pick him.

In this scenario he will be Lucic and we should pick him so him and Kassian can tag team any tiny guy we ever see in the playoffs.

[Silfverberg Snipes]

Perlini, Nylander or Kapanen.

I want nothing to do with Ritchie or Virtanen.

[R3aL]

No to any EU. (yes hypocritical with Jensen)

After Erhoff I am probably as biggoted as you could ever be.

If we're top 7 and Perlini is gone with the other LW, we have to pick Ritchie, the kid is exactly like Kassian and we've already gotten to him.

I don't know enough about McCann or Virtanen, or Nylander but Ritchie is just the X factor, he wasn't far behind the OHL lead for goals at 38 on a meh team.

He scored big goals in the Peterborough series, and I think they beat whoever in the second round today.

Imo Virtanen, Nylander, McCann, and Fleury are all identical.

I am just too biased towards size, Kassian doesn't even play physical and you see what he's just beginning to tap into

Ritchie is the pick if the top 6 talent isn't acquirable.

A few things I feel are very wrong with this post.

1. No to any EU players is just a ridiculous stmnt and is very ignorant. The league is filled with many spectacular EU players who win championships and lead or contribute towards them.

2. Ritchie and Kassian are nothing a like, and its driving me crazy how many times I have read that in the past few days, asides from being 200+ pounds and taller 6'2 and playing for the Petes their draft year, there playing styles are completely different, I wont get into it but watch Ritchie play, he is nothing like Kassian.

3. If you have been posting in here with heavy opinions on who to draft how can you honestly be so sure if you don't know about McCann or Virtanen? Both are top 15 prospects in this draft and are very intriguing prospects, hard to give critical opinions and views when you havent really researched or watched the kids play.

Nylander is understandable most of us haven't seen him or Kapanen even play a full game.

4. Ritchie scored 39 games, which is very impressive on yes a very meh team and you can compare his draft stats to Kassians draft year stats, it is clear Ritchie carried his team, Kassian did not, it is clear Ritchie is more of a shooter compared to Kassian, as Kassian is a better puck distributer in my opinion.

5. Sure Ritchie was great after the third game of that series but do you even know who the Petes are playing second round? It is the Oshawa Generals, Dal Colle, Laughton, Our boy Cassels, coming well rested off a sweep, it is going to take the Petes another miracle or chapter to their cinderella story to capitalize off their historic momentum to beat the generals.

6. What are you saying those players are identical? In draft ranking? Or the players themselves, because they could not be more different: Virtanen, McCann, Nylander and Fleury?? They are all incredibly different .

And Ritchie would be a top 5 pick I think if he did not have that shoulder injury and surgery the year before, that is scaring some scouts I believe, the highest I could see him go is 5th or 6th and if the flames drafted him their other than that I see him as 6-8 range, anything after he is a steal in my opinion, could be even better than Lucic.

Not trying to give you a real hard time, but I really disagreed with your points.

If he can pot in 30 goals a season, then who cares if he's a perimeter player.

He has the size and frame, so it's not like he's not willing to go to the dirty areas.

He actually does avoid contact quite a bit, he has the size and that part of his game can still evolve as hes young, I am very interested to see how he develops and plays next year.

[Plum]

That's a non-sequitar argument if I ever heard one.

You're confusing the correlation of Ehlers small size with other smaller elite players as proof he as a small players is going to be successful from causation of being a small player.

I could say because Nick Ritchie is so big he will be like Milan Lucic, so we should pick him.

In this scenario he will be Lucic and we should pick him so him and Kassian can tag team any tiny guy we ever see in the playoffs.

This is hockey not wrestling. You think that having big players lead to success playoffs. It doesn't work like that, build your big team and my skill team will skate around you.

[Merci]

A few things I feel are very wrong with this post.

1. No to any EU players is just a ridiculous stmnt and is very ignorant. The league is filled with many spectacular EU players who win championships and lead or contribute towards them.

It is ignorant to say, but I admitted it was biggoted and with no basis. I refuse to draft a player that doesn't watch the NHL as a 4 year old kid.

2. Ritchie and Kassian are nothing a like, and its driving me crazy how many times I have read that in the past few days, asides from being 200+ pounds and taller 6'2 and playing for the Petes their draft year, there playing styles are completely different, I wont get into it but watch Ritchie play, he is nothing like Kassian.

True, Ritchie is the scorer while Kassian is the distrubutor, I saw Ritchie fight, and have a silky skillset like Kassian in a few games so I made the comparison, Kassian is turning out to be a much more Henrik like character though with the passing, and not that fast skating.

3. If you have been posting in here with heavy opinions on who to draft how can you honestly be so sure if you don't know about McCann or Virtanen? Both are top 15 prospects in this draft and are very intriguing prospects, hard to give critical opinions and views when you havent really researched or watched the kids play.

Yea I wouldn't be upset at drafting them over Ritchie, I personally just think Ritchie with Kassian is too much to pass up. The other team would be man handled. Just look at Kassian's goal the other night and imagine that when he's 27 and Ritchie is 23.

Nylander is understandable most of us haven't seen him or Kapanen even play a full game.

4. Ritchie scored 39 games, which is very impressive on yes a very meh team and you can compare his draft stats to Kassians draft year stats, it is clear Ritchie carried his team, Kassian did not, it is clear Ritchie is more of a shooter compared to Kassian, as Kassian is a better puck distributer in my opinion.

5. Sure Ritchie was great after the third game of that series but do you even know who the Petes are playing second round? It is the Oshawa Generals, Dal Colle, Laughton, Our boy Cassels, coming well rested off a sweep, it is going to take the Petes another miracle or chapter to their cinderella story to capitalize off their historic momentum to beat the generals.

Then let's see how Ritchie peforms

6. What are you saying those players are identical? In draft ranking? Or the players themselves, because they could not be more different: Virtanen, McCann, Nylander and Fleury?? They are all incredibly different .

In general value or chance of succedding as pro's in terms of who we should value most it's Ritchie or Virtanen

And Ritchie would be a top 5 pick I think if he did not have that shoulder injury and surgery the year before, that is scaring some scouts I believe, the highest I could see him go is 5th or 6th and if the flames drafted him their other than that I see him as 6-8 range, anything after he is a steal in my opinion, could be even better than Lucic.

Didn't even know about that, now I want Virtanen

[70seven]

If theres anyone that Gillis' comments gives a push in the Canucks draft rankings, Im thinking William Nylander gets a bump into the top of their selection board. One of the most skilled pure puck possession in the draft.

He seems to have the cocky bordering on arrogant attitude that this team used to play so well with. I couldnt think of two better mentors for him that Danny and Hank.

[Angry Goose]

Perlini is on a bad team too, and yes he has the size.

I really like the idea of giving Santorelli reigns on the 2nd line.

Trade Kesler for the 8th and Etem. Canucks slide to 6th.

Perlini, and Ritchie Canucks literally get 450lbs heavier and both players can still skate fast.

Perlini Henrik Jensen

Ritchie Santorelli Kassian

Daniel Horvat Burrows (Bo Horvat Training Wheels line)

Etem Gaunce Higgins

Fox Hansen

Shinkaruk and Cassels ready for injuries

Damn that looks solid as hell.

That is a top6.

Ignoring your trades, getting a bit over-zealous arn't you? Guance and Horvat making the team next year? I like Horvat alot, but I highly doubt he is ready for the NHL next year even though another year of Junior seems like a waste (it might not be because Bo is still maturing physically). I could be wrong though and perhaps he can play his way into the line up- that would be awesome. But it is better to lower expectations a bit when it comes to youth (look at the time it has taken to develop Kassian/Jensen and heck even Schroeder). Having Guance start in Utica with Hunter makes sense. Not sure if Cassels is eligible for Utica though.

[Herberts Vasiljevs]

Ignoring your trades, getting a bit over-zealous arn't you? Guance and Horvat making the team next year? I like Horvat alot, but I highly doubt he is ready for the NHL next year even though another year of Junior seems like a waste (it might not be because Bo is still maturing physically). I could be wrong though and perhaps he can play his way into the line up- that would be awesome. But it is better to lower expectations a bit when it comes to youth (look at the time it has taken to develop Kassian/Jensen and heck even Schroeder). Having Guance start in Utica with Hunter makes sense. Not sure if Cassels is eligible for Utica though.

I believe Horvat is ready.

[R3aL]

Ignoring your trades, getting a bit over-zealous arn't you? Guance and Horvat making the team next year? I like Horvat alot, but I highly doubt he is ready for the NHL next year even though another year of Junior seems like a waste (it might not be because Bo is still maturing physically). I could be wrong though and perhaps he can play his way into the line up- that would be awesome. But it is better to lower expectations a bit when it comes to youth (look at the time it has taken to develop Kassian/Jensen and heck even Schroeder). Having Guance start in Utica with Hunter makes sense. Not sure if Cassels is eligible for Utica though.

For our CHL forward prospects

Gaunce Shinkaruk Fox are AHL elligible

Cassels and Horvat are not

Stan thinks they all could be pushing for spots at camp, obviously they always say that, but it will be an interesting summer especially with the the new youth we get in the draft, say hypothetically we added: Ritchie with our first, Cornel with our second or brendan lemieux, and another 3rd round gem since we will have a higher pick throughout the draft and perhaps another first round pick from a trade... prospect camp competition for prospects then at the regular camp will be great!

I think Hunter and Gaunce and Fox will all play the full season in Utica, perhaps one or two of them get called up for injuries or if they are excelling unbelievably.

Horvat will push the hardest for a spot, I think he may be sent down for his final yr of Jr, I think our management will be too scared to rush him, but he will def get the full 9 day addition and if he deserves to stay he will, thats what I think.

Cassels will have a great camp, expectations will rise then he will go back to Oshawa and be their leader, because Laughton will be gone, and I think there is a very high chance Dal Colle wont be back but if he does him and Cassels would have an even better year than this one.

Thats what I think for our OHL guys, think they are still 1-2 seasons until they are all making an impact on our squad.

Utica is in for a treat though, and it will be interesting to see I forget if Labate or Hutton have a chance to opt out and go to Utica, or if Labate is done I cant remember! Will be interesting to see if McEneny makes the team!

Then they will have Grenier, Shinkaruk, Fox, and Gaunce leading their team offensively not too shabby at all! (At least theoretically!!)

[R3aL]

I believe Horvat is ready.

He very well maybe after a strong offseason hes gonna push for a spot and get looks for sure will be interesting!

[missioncanucksfan]

Cassels and Horvat are both one year away from being eligible to play in the minors. That being said, they will both be antsy to take the next step, much like Jensen. I can see Horvat getting a 9 game tryout and seeing where he is at. Worse case scenarii is he goes back to junior and dominates

[elvis15]

Gonna be a nail biter if the 4th place team gets announced as the 5th pick haha. British Columbia all holds their breath until #1 is revealed

But the lottery is different this year. What happens if the 11th pick ends up winning the lottery...?

o

True..

I'm going to guess they start from 14th and go from there.

Maybe, I guess? Or do they do the countdown from 5 and if it's not the 5th last place team then everyone would be waiting to see what team from 6-14 got the 1st overall.

[Rush17]

Who here is sold on selecting Ehlers with our first pick? I was vehemently opposed before but given we are looking to return to the puck possession game do you think we might consider him? I personally would like us to draft the most NHL ready player with good puck possession and offensive skills. (A puck possession specialist if poss). I personally would rather acquire a forward what do you guys think?

Should we go for a fast dyanmic player like Ehlers or something else who might assist us now or a more long term player like Ritchie?

[thad]

Who here is sold on selecting Ehlers with our first pick? I was vehemently opposed before but given we are looking to return to the puck possession game do you think we might consider him? I personally would like us to draft the most NHL ready player with good puck possession and offensive skills. (A puck possession specialist if poss). I personally would rather acquire a forward what do you guys think?

Should we go for a fast dyanmic player like Ehlers or something else who might assist us now or a more long term player like Ritchie?

I think I like Nylander over Ehlers. Scouts don't talk about very many players the way they talk about him. Something about the way they drool over his "puck skills". Referring to him as an "artist" with the puck or saying they want to pay for the ticket just to see him play. All this hints to me this is going to be a real special player.

It's like you see it in the scout or analysts face when they start talking about him. It's like an 'I got a gut feeling he might be the best player in the draft but I'm not gonna be the guy to say it' look haha

I think had he played his junior days in the ohl, he would be talked about like Reinhart or Bennett

[Wedge-tailed Eagle]

Maybe, I guess? Or do they do the countdown from 5 and if it's not the 5th last place team then everyone would be waiting to see what team from 6-14 got the 1st overall.

Last year they went from 14 down

[Junkyard Dog]

What do you guys think of Haydn Fleury? 6'3'' 204 lbs LHD Defenseman. He is expecting to go in the 1st round late in the top 10.

Here's a profile I found.

A rangy two-way defenseman, Haydn Fleury has made his way to the number six North American skater in Central Scouting's rankings. He is solid defender and uses his speed, composure, vision and physicality to control the defensive zone. He has not quite developed his offensive play to the same level, but that is not to say he lacks promise. He has an above-average shot and moves the puck fairly well but he his vision is somewhat limited in the offensive zone. He has, however, improved in these areas this season and has produced better numbers because of it.

As far as comparisons go, I would liken him to a Brent Seabrook or Jay Bouwmeester. Defensively he plays a similar game to Seabrook because of his size, speed, and physicality, while offensively he could potentially turn into a Bouwmeester-like player, due a good shot, the ability to jump in on the rush, and above average passing.

Never a bad thing to improve your prospect pool when it comes to Defense but we need more wingers though. Would really like to get him if we somehow manage to get another top 10 pick.

[canucklehead44]

What do you guys think of Haydn Fleury? 6'3'' 204 lbs LHD Defenseman. He is expecting to go in the 1st round late in the top 10.

Here's a profile I found.

A rangy two-way defenseman, Haydn Fleury has made his way to the number six North American skater in Central Scouting's rankings. He is solid defender and uses his speed, composure, vision and physicality to control the defensive zone. He has not quite developed his offensive play to the same level, but that is not to say he lacks promise. He has an above-average shot and moves the puck fairly well but he his vision is somewhat limited in the offensive zone. He has, however, improved in these areas this season and has produced better numbers because of it.

As far as comparisons go, I would liken him to a Brent Seabrook or Jay Bouwmeester. Defensively he plays a similar game to Seabrook because of his size, speed, and physicality, while offensively he could potentially turn into a Bouwmeester-like player, due a good shot, the ability to jump in on the rush, and above average passing.

Never a bad thing to improve your prospect pool when it comes to Defense but we need more wingers though. Would really like to get him if we somehow manage to get another top 10 pick.

I wouldn't mind Fleury. I am kind of hoping we take a big scorer like Ritchie or Perlini and land another top 10 pick and select either Ehlers/Nylander or Fleury. Perhaps if we grab a pick around 20 the two guys I would look at would be either Goldobin or DeAngelo. Considering there was only one other player with 60 points (Latta with 68) their numbers are astronomical compared to others on the team.