6th Pick: 2014 NHL Entry Draft

[thad]

I had Kapanen, and Ehlers @ 2.

Kind of changed my mind though, (as I'm sure alot of us do/have over the past month)

I've heard some not so glowing reports about Kapanen's play at U18 as far as playing with arrogance and some other things.

I still see the same things I saw before with him though and I still have him as one the top guys I want. But Ehlers has emerged ahead of him for me.

I've flopped around on my top choice a bunch too haha this thread will get you kinda leaning one way, then you start thinking about a certain players potential and you go, wait a minute maybe we should take this guy instead lol

I think I'm pretty firm on Ritchie now. I like the total package he brings. They're all risks but I want to take the Ritchie risk.

[baumerman77]

The combine will reveal Ehlers being in the 160's and under 6ft. Even his recent plays show him as noticably smaller than everyone on his team.

Huberdeau's shoulder-to-shoulder wasn't a concern like Ehlers'. Ehlers can not 'fill out' as some people suggest.

I agree that he will likely be in the 160s and under 6ft.

[TOMapleLaughs]

Ritchie is out of shape and injury-prone. He's big, but he takes a lot of penalties. Doesn't fight often. Kassian makes him redundant and his skill level isn't any better than Kassian's.

[Bingo Chili]

fla - ekblad

buf - bennett

edm - draisatl

cgy - ritchie

nyi - dal colle

canucks - sam reinhart

[Ihatetomatoes]

Ritchie is out of shape and injury-prone. He's big, but he takes a lot of penalties. Doesn't fight often. Kassian makes him redundant and his skill level isn't any better than Kassian's.

His skill level is absolutely better than Kassians in every category except playmaking.

Ritchie's shot has been described as best in the draft class. Kassian has a decent shot but rarely uses it.

Ritchie is an excellent skater. Kassian is an average skater

Ritchie is great on the rush and loves to attack the net. Kassian likes to pull up and make a pass.

IMO they are totally different players and shouldn't be compared. Kassian is a play making puck distributer. Ritchie is a goal scoring sniper that goes to the net and finishes.

They could be an absolute force together really. Why wouldn't you want two big power forwards on your team that hit, fight and score.

[thad]

Ritchie is out of shape and injury-prone. He's big, but he takes a lot of penalties. Doesn't fight often. Kassian makes him redundant and his skill level isn't any better than Kassian's.

Out of shape? Kassian was also out of shape and we whipped him into it pretty well. This org has a track record for setting guys on the path to success. Whether it's making a full time nhler out of Richardson or showing Kassian what takes to be a pro, the canucks seem to be able to do it so I am not concerned about that at all.

Nick Ritchie has all the tools and we have the tools to develop him properly. Just because he's big and tough doesn't mean he's just another Kassian. Both players can play the skill game too. I want a heart filled Canadian roster in 5 years with the toughness to not get pushed around in the playoffs. Ritchie is available to us this year, I want to take him and go for higher end skill next year.

Having both guys as I've stated before puts a contagious confidence in the locker room. Every guy on the roster plays like he's 2 inches taller and 15lbs heavier. That goes a long way in the playoffs.

Any of the top ten guys would help us tremendously and I really could care less which one we end up with but my personal preference is Nick Ritchie. I love the style he plays with and would love to watch that on the canucks for years to come.

[elvis15]

Question yourself on how the story would even arise in a USA today article if it did not exist?

I've seen more information reporting people incorrectly correlating his team changes with an attitude problem than information about the reported attitude problem itself. That's quite possibly where it found its legs.

This has been my major knock against Nylander as well.

One dimensional, soft and scores on the PP. While we need scoring, his Even Strength scoring numbers are subpar and the last thing I want to do is keep hoping for a PP specialist when we already have 4 supposed PP specialists in Kesler Burrows and the twins.

We need a guy that can score in all situations. not just on the PP. And scoring multiple points on the PP against powerhouse teams in the U-18 like...the Slovaks....

Is not impressive enough for me to want to risk a 6th overall on a guy like Nylander

While I'll admit to wanting to see more of him to back up my opinion of him, he certainly has scored off the rush a fair amount. There's PP goal in there where he controls the puck well also, but I don't think that's the only way he'll add offence to a team.

Here's a newer Youtube video I don't think has been posted yet that has his goals from this season:

He's scored the opening goal against the Fins earlier today and was apparently one of the best players in the first period. I'll be keeping an eye on that to see how he does overall.

[73 Percent]

Out of shape? Kassian was also out of shape and we whipped him into it pretty well. This org has a track record for setting guys on the path to success. Whether it's making a full time nhler out of Richardson or showing Kassian what takes to be a pro, the canucks seem to be able to do it so I am not concerned about that at all.

Nick Ritchie has all the tools and we have the tools to develop him properly. Just because he's big and tough doesn't mean he's just another Kassian. Both players can play the skill game too. I want a heart filled Canadian roster in 5 years with the toughness to not get pushed around in the playoffs. Ritchie is available to us this year, I want to take him and go for higher end skill next year.

Having both guys as I've stated before puts a contagious confidence in the locker room. Every guy on the roster plays like he's 2 inches taller and 15lbs heavier. That goes a long way in the playoffs.

Any of the top ten guys would help us tremendously and I really could care less which one we end up with but my personal preference is Nick Ritchie. I love the style he plays with and would love to watch that on the canucks for years to come.

we did not turn brad Richardson into a full time nhl player. that statement is just ridiculous.

[Goal:thecup]

fla - ekblad

buf - bennett

edm - draisatl

cgy - ritchie

nyi - dal colle

canucks - sam reinhart : :D

If we could get Reinhart that would be almost like winning the draft lottery (but without a shot at Ekblad).

And if Ritchie is taken before we get to pick, it would be really nice to add Virtanen somehow (most suggest a Kesler trade for about a 10th - Ottawa's from Anaheim).

That would add 2 local prospects, one a possibly-1st line centre and the other a young power winger.

How high a pick would we need to get Virtanen?

Who has those picks?

[70seven]

Take Ehlers or Nylander. The rest of the bunch have desirable attributes, but they dont come close to the skill packages and offensive potential available with the aforementioned. It's always a risk no matter where you draft, but both these guys have top line scoring potential... Something the system is desperate for.


People think we'll be taking the bigger players, in hopes we land the next Lucic.... Just an FYI. Lucic went 50th overall. Backes went 62nd overall. Perry went 28th overall. Getzlaf went at 19. Kesler at 23. Pacioretty at 22. Neal at 33. Saad at 43. Benn at 129. O'Reilly at 33.

im not suggesting that you cant get a good power forward in the top 6, but the trend of scooping them up in the late 1st to 3rd rounds is there. You might well be able to find a Virtanen or Ritchie with your 2nd round pick, but the chances of scooping an Ehlers or Nylander at that point are MUCH slimmer.

[MJDDawg]

Found this scouting report on Ritchie from the beginning of this past season.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/scout-petes-ritchie-is-no-1-ranked-prospect/

A couple of paragraphs stood out:

I buttonholed a scout at the game and bounced the CSB’s evaluation off him. He didn’t blink.“I have him first in North America,” the scout said. “I’d have to see more of any European kids, but I wouldn’t have any problem with him as first overall.”

On the other hand, Ritchie has holes. Consider the assessment of a scout who, as noted, would take Ritchie first overall. “Conditioning is a question. He’s too heavy. His skating would be better if he wasn’t dragging around that amount of weight. And if he was in better shape, he might not be taking shifts off, which he does. “Health is a question, too. He missed a lot of games last year with a bum shoulder. That’s a concern, especially with the game he plays.”

Finally, Consider the testimony of another witness, an opponent who has faced Ritchie at different levels and different venues over the years. “He’s special, more special than his brother,” this current OHL player said, asking his name be withheld. “He’s already Nathan Horton size. That’s (whom) I’d compare him to. He has really good hands and an above-average pro-level shot. Everything about it is amazing — release, power, accuracy. He’s so solid on his skates. I went at him last year, and he stood me right up and sent me flying into the boards. And when he fights, he manhandles guys. He beat up (Oshawa’s) Justice Dundas, a respected fighter (in the preseason). He’s gonna be one hell of a player.”

Finally, from The Scouting Report again going back to the beginning of the season:

Ritchie looks to have put some injury woes from a season ago behind him, which has him primed for a big year. The hulking winger will have NHL teams salivating with a 6-foot-2, 220 pound frame, and speed to burn. Despite his gargantuan size, Ritchie has the explosiveness to take most defenseman wide but also shows an ability to mix up his attack by cutting in and driving the net. Ritchie's shot release is top notch and projects to grade out as a 30+ goal scorer at the next level. So what's holding his game back? Ritchie can be a mixed bag as you never know what you're going to get out of him on any given night. If the soon to be 18-year-old can find some consistency, it could help push him into the top three.

I'm still not sure this clears anything up for me on whether he'd be the right pick at number 6.

[Goal:thecup]

Take Ehlers or Nylander. The rest of the bunch have desirable attributes, but they dont come close to the skill packages and offensive potential available with the aforementioned. It's always a risk no matter where you draft, but both these guys have top line scoring potential... Something the system is desperate for.

People think we'll be taking the bigger players, in hopes we land the next Lucic.... Just an FYI. Lucic went 50th overall. Backes went 62nd overall. Perry went 28th overall. Getzlaf went at 19. Kesler at 23. Pacioretty at 22. Neal at 33. Saad at 43. Benn at 129. O'Reilly at 33.

im not suggesting that you cant get a good power forward in the top 6, but the trend of scooping them up in the late 1st to 3rd rounds is there. You might well be able to find a Virtanen or Ritchie with your 2nd round pick, but the chances of scooping an Ehlers or Nylander at that point are MUCH slimmer.

Your lowest pick was 22nd - I seriously doubt either Ritchie or Virtanen is still around at 22nd.

[EagleShield]

I take Virtanen. Then trade Keeler to Detroit for Mantha and their 2014 1st. Use that to select Tuch.

Tank hard next year, but trade first overall for 2nd and 3rd (Eichel and Kylington)

Shinkaruk Eichel Kassian

Mantha Horvat Virtanen

Gaunce Cassels Jensen

Lain Matthias Tuch

Kylington Tanev

Stanton (2014/2015 2nd round pick?)

Hutton Corrado

Lack

We lack elite/high end D prospects. We should trade for the picks we need to stock up on that front.

[Langdon Algur]

This has been my major knock against Nylander as well.

One dimensional, soft and scores on the PP. While we need scoring, his Even Strength scoring numbers are subpar and the last thing I want to do is keep hoping for a PP specialist when we already have 4 supposed PP specialists in Kesler Burrows and the twins.

We need a guy that can score in all situations. not just on the PP. And scoring multiple points on the PP against powerhouse teams in the U-18 like...the Slovaks....

Is not impressive enough for me to want to risk a 6th overall on a guy like Nylander

This is the first time I have ever heard anyone call Burrows a PP specialist. For the majority of his carrer including when he was putting big numbers with the twins he rarely got any PP time. Burrows is more of a PK specialist then a PP one.

We have a ton of all round players who can play in all situations (Kesler, Burrows, Higgins, Horvat, Gaunce, Cassels) what we don't have much of is pure offesnive stars which is why our PP was so sH8Tty this year.

[asian player]

Found this scouting report on Ritchie from the beginning of this past season.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/scout-petes-ritchie-is-no-1-ranked-prospect/

A couple of paragraphs stood out:

I buttonholed a scout at the game and bounced the CSBs evaluation off him. He didnt blink.I have him first in North America, the scout said. Id have to see more of any European kids, but I wouldnt have any problem with him as first overall.

On the other hand, Ritchie has holes. Consider the assessment of a scout who, as noted, would take Ritchie first overall. Conditioning is a question. Hes too heavy. His skating would be better if he wasnt dragging around that amount of weight. And if he was in better shape, he might not be taking shifts off, which he does. Health is a question, too. He missed a lot of games last year with a bum shoulder. Thats a concern, especially with the game he plays.

Finally, Consider the testimony of another witness, an opponent who has faced Ritchie at different levels and different venues over the years. Hes special, more special than his brother, this current OHL player said, asking his name be withheld. Hes already Nathan Horton size. Thats (whom) Id compare him to. He has really good hands and an above-average pro-level shot. Everything about it is amazing release, power, accuracy. Hes so solid on his skates. I went at him last year, and he stood me right up and sent me flying into the boards. And when he fights, he manhandles guys. He beat up (Oshawas) Justice Dundas, a respected fighter (in the preseason). Hes gonna be one hell of a player.

Finally, from The Scouting Report again going back to the beginning of the season:

Ritchie looks to have put some injury woes from a season ago behind him, which has him primed for a big year. The hulking winger will have NHL teams salivating with a 6-foot-2, 220 pound frame, and speed to burn. Despite his gargantuan size, Ritchie has the explosiveness to take most defenseman wide but also shows an ability to mix up his attack by cutting in and driving the net. Ritchie's shot release is top notch and projects to grade out as a 30+ goal scorer at the next level. So what's holding his game back? Ritchie can be a mixed bag as you never know what you're going to get out of him on any given night. If the soon to be 18-year-old can find some consistency, it could help push him into the top three.

I'm still not sure this clears anything up for me on whether he'd be the right pick at number 6.

I think he just needs to clean his game up and he'll be a force. If he drops the fat and put on some muscle, practice his skating, practice his shot, amp it up physically, he'll be amazing. He's very much capable of refining his game

[baumerman77]

I take Virtanen. Then trade Keeler to Detroit for Mantha and their 2014 1st. Use that to select Tuch.

Tank hard next year, but trade first overall for 2nd and 3rd (Eichel and Kylington)

Shinkaruk Eichel Kassian

Mantha Horvat Virtanen

Gaunce Cassels Jensen

Lain Matthias Tuch

Kylington Tanev

Stanton (2014/2015 2nd round pick?)

Hutton Corrado

Lack

We lack elite/high end D prospects. We should trade for the picks we need to stock up on that front.

Projecting Shinkaruk as our top line LW is extremely wishful thinking.

[elvis15]

Huffman, a poster on hfboards, posted some of nylander's highlights

Against the Czechs (exhibition):
http://ljsp.lwcdn.com/api/video/embe...3-12f08f6d2d3b
http://ljsp.lwcdn.com/api/video/embe...3-12f08f6d2d3b

Germany:
http://ljsp.lwcdn.com/api/video/embe...3-12f08f6d2d3b

Slovakia:
http://ljsp.lwcdn.com/api/video/embe...3-12f08f6d2d3b

Russia
http://ljsp.lwcdn.com/api/video/embe...3-12f08f6d2d3b

edit: he's #21

Nice. Passing, shooting, stickhandling, a nice pass from his knees after fighting through a check and a beautiful shootout goal - even a blocked shot that got himself a breakaway. He's so patient with the puck and plays with his head up to create chances for himself and others. It almost looks like he's not really doing anything but yet he's creating so much.

I like his skill level so much that it elevates him over the other picks we could take, especially considering we lack that level of skill in our prospects currently. Shinkaruk has some of that offensive talent, but I'm not as sure about the same level and attributes Nylander has. Maybe we find that top line player of the future somewhere else, but why not take it while we can?

I think he'll be fine and get plenty of ice in Sweden and then the AHL before he's ready for the NHL.

With Coho, you have to realize that there were other issues which contributed to him asking for more ice-time than just to showcase his talent. There was conflict with the coach calling him out in the media and his father was rumoured to be influencing his decisions. AV is no longer with the Canucks, and I assume Nylander's father will be a positive influence, teaching him what it takes to be a pro in the NHL. There is really nothing to worry about when it comes to his attitude.

The latter situation you mentioned is probably how it plays out.

Absolutely on the difference in the two players' fathers. CoHo didn't have the attitude issues so much as his father and agent were trying to push for more opportunity. You can't assume what's happened with Nylander getting more opportunity so far will be the same in the NHL as CoHo's situation, although it'd be nice to know more about the situation for exactly what kind of influence Nylander's dad will be.

I see you beat me to that youtube video as well.

[Langdon Algur]

Projecting Shinkaruk as our top line LW is extremely wishful thinking.

Projecting that many prospects will make an NHL team is also wishful thinking.

[BanTSN]

Nylander is not the guy to bank any kind of positive future on. He's not in the top-5, of which one may fall. And he's not the best beyond the top-5 either. He's below Kapanen, another flash in the pan smallish euro, in terms of skill (see that fancy through the legs goal he scored? wow!), and Nylander simply isn't built for this division, if even the NHL.

I don't know how you can get excited about those highlights when it's either perimeter power play passing or floating up the ice waiting for a pass, but yeah, he's good when no competition is around him. Is it reasonable to expect that kind of competition level in the NHL? Nope.

He needs to go to a team where the fans are still amused by fancy-looking preseason trash like Sergei Shirokov. I think the majority Canucks fans are done with it. Those kind of players don't win jack unless they're sheltered and carried.

His dad was nothing but a perimeter-style powerplay specialist in the NHL until he was on a line with Jagr. We don't have a Jagr.

I want nothing to do with that girlie boy being on my team. PASS. If the Canucks pick him up, then the future with Linden in charge is just more of the same crap. That's not good.

[elvis15]

I'm not sure we watched the same highlights.

Sure, he had points from out at the blue line on the PP, but he also had a bang in goal at the side of the net, a goal coming off the side wall and finding space in the slot, a blocked point shot that got him free on a breakaway (which a team mate finished on the rebound after Nylander had two defenders draped on him while shooting), a pass from his knees to set up a goal after fighting through a check behind the net trying to come out front, etc...

No junior-aged player faces NHL level competition. He's at least had time playing against men (even if they aren't as physical in the SEL) versus his own age group.

I've said it earlier in the thread, but I used to watch Paul Kariya play with the Penticton Panthers in the BCHL. He did very little except hang out at the blue line and wait for his team mates to get the puck and set him up with a breakaway pass. Well, to be fair I guess he did get a whole whack of PP time as well where he controlled the puck from the outside.

Many, many junior players do that when they've outclassed their age group and then ratchet up their game as they play against better players. If they have the skill level and drive to do so, I don't see any reason to fault them for finding ways to get easy points (not that we agree all his points were 'easy').