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Post by BigT on Jun 21, 2024 14:04:44 GMT -6
Another good note about Demidov. Russia’s season is done in early March. So Demidov will sign with his team in March of next year and more than likely play.
I think they’re leaning Demidov. Now that his size is out there, I don’t see how they pass on him. Most pundits and draft folk are saying it’s Demi now!!!
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Post by ukhawk on Jun 21, 2024 14:47:10 GMT -6
Another good note about Demidov. Russia’s season is done in early March. So Demidov will sign with his team in March of next year and more than likely play. I think they’re leaning Demidov. Now that his size is out there, I don’t see how they pass on him. Most pundits and draft folk are saying it’s Demi now!!! This would take a lot of pressure off Bedard, both on and off the ice.
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Post by ebonyraptor on Jun 21, 2024 15:52:28 GMT -6
Another good note about Demidov. Russia’s season is done in early March. So Demidov will sign with his team in March of next year and more than likely play. I think they’re leaning Demidov. Now that his size is out there, I don’t see how they pass on him. Most pundits and draft folk are saying it’s Demi now!!! I thought the same regarding regular season ending in early March, with the 4 rounds of playoffs ending in late April - this season the Gagarin Cup was won by Kantserov's team in 4 straight games with the last game on April 24th - so maybe a 7-game series goes to end of April. However - I read on another site that the KHL playoffs for 2024/25 is starting a little later and will run into late May. The guy that stated that is a Russian guy who I trust to know what he's talking about - so not exactly confirmed but I expect it to be true. Therefore, unless Demidov's team is eliminated early - AND - his team does him a favor and terminates his contract before the official end of the season (after the Gagarin Cup is awarded) - he will not be getting into any NHL games at the end of next season. But - no biggie - draft him anyway and let the Bedard-Demidov show begin in training camp next summer.
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Post by BigT on Jun 21, 2024 16:06:40 GMT -6
Another good note about Demidov. Russia’s season is done in early March. So Demidov will sign with his team in March of next year and more than likely play. I think they’re leaning Demidov. Now that his size is out there, I don’t see how they pass on him. Most pundits and draft folk are saying it’s Demi now!!! I thought the same regarding regular season ending in early March, with the 4 rounds of playoffs ending in late April - this season the Gagarin Cup was won by Kantserov's team in 4 straight games with the last game on April 24th - so maybe a 7-game series goes to end of April. However - I read on another site that the KHL playoffs for 2024/25 is starting a little later and will run into late May. The guy that stated that is a Russian guy who I trust to know what he's talking about - so not exactly confirmed but I expect it to be true. Therefore, unless Demidov's team is eliminated early - AND - his team does him a favor and terminates his contract before the official end of the season (after the Gagarin Cup is awarded) - he will not be getting into any NHL games at the end of next season. But - no biggie - draft him anyway and let the Bedard-Demidov show begin in training camp next summer. There’s also a good to great chance that the team will be in breach of contract and he’ll not play in the KHL. So he could be earlier. I think they’re gonna loan him out to a shit team and he’ll be here by March anyways. So we’ll see!!!
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Post by ebonyraptor on Jun 21, 2024 18:19:31 GMT -6
I thought the same regarding regular season ending in early March, with the 4 rounds of playoffs ending in late April - this season the Gagarin Cup was won by Kantserov's team in 4 straight games with the last game on April 24th - so maybe a 7-game series goes to end of April. However - I read on another site that the KHL playoffs for 2024/25 is starting a little later and will run into late May. The guy that stated that is a Russian guy who I trust to know what he's talking about - so not exactly confirmed but I expect it to be true. Therefore, unless Demidov's team is eliminated early - AND - his team does him a favor and terminates his contract before the official end of the season (after the Gagarin Cup is awarded) - he will not be getting into any NHL games at the end of next season. But - no biggie - draft him anyway and let the Bedard-Demidov show begin in training camp next summer. There’s also a good to great chance that the team will be in breach of contract and he’ll not play in the KHL. So he could be earlier. I think they’re gonna loan him out to a shit team and he’ll be here by March anyways. So we’ll see!!! I'm not aware of any potential breach of contract issues regarding if SKA ships him down to the MHL again - as far as I know they're within their right to do so. Also - don't quote me on this because I don't know the rule well enough to be sure of it - but there is supposedly a KHL rule that prevents a team from loaning a player to another KHL team if they have only 1 year left on their contract. SKA loaned Michkov to Sochi last season but they could do that because Michkov had more than 1 year remaining on his contract (I think he had 3 years left ending after the 2025/26 season). Therefore I believe SKA has 3 options - (1) play him at the KHL level, (2) play him at one of their junior level teams - MHL or VHL, or (3) trade him. Obviously they have a 4th option which is to terminate his contract but that seems very unlikely because they're going to want to get something for him - either a trade piece coming back or his services somewhere in their organization. Ideally he gets to play out the last year of his contract in the KHL - either with SKA or he gets traded to another team. Wouldn't it be cool if SKA worked out a trade with Magnitka so Demidov could play with Kantserov but that's really unlikely because Magnitka is the reigning champ so SKA probably would want to make them stronger.
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Post by mvr on Jun 22, 2024 8:09:46 GMT -6
I remain concerned about how Demidov's game will translate to the NHL when playing against men. We just don't know because we have no evidence.
Not so long ago, the LA Kings had to make a very similar decision at pick two to the one facing Davidson now.
The choices came down to a group of quality defencemen - each with high floors but none considered future superstars - and a young Russian skilled phenom named Nikita Filatov, ranked as the consensus best forward available (after Steven Stamkos) because of his high ceiling.
The Kings took the conservative route and chose Drew Doughty. Bogosian went third, then Pietrangelo and Schenn. Filatov went sixth to Columbus.
Ottawa snuck up at pick 15 to select Erik Karlsson, an unknown skinny kid from Sweden not ranked on many top 30 lists. The Senator fans booed.
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Post by acesandeights on Jun 22, 2024 8:29:13 GMT -6
Another good note about Demidov. Russia’s season is done in early March. So Demidov will sign with his team in March of next year and more than likely play. I think they’re leaning Demidov. Now that his size is out there, I don’t see how they pass on him. Most pundits and draft folk are saying it’s Demi now!!! This would take a lot of pressure off Bedard, both on and off the ice. That's the way I see it too. On the ice, I don't think you want Bedard to have to spend a lot of time trying to create his own shot. This is where I think Demidov can potentially really help Bedard. With his puck skills and passing abilities, along with his IQ, imagine him getting the puck to Bedard and with Bedard having a quick release. The goalie would have to be watching Demidov. It seems like opposing goalies couldn't focus on just one player. Off the ice, with Demidov able to speak good English, imagine how sought after he would be with the media.
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Post by acesandeights on Jun 22, 2024 9:29:14 GMT -6
I remain concerned about how Demidov's game will translate to the NHL when playing against men. We just don't know because we have no evidence.
Not so long ago, the LA Kings had to make a very similar decision at pick two to the one facing Davidson now. The choices came down to a group of quality defencemen - each with high floors but none considered future superstars - and a young Russian skilled phenom named Nikita Filatov, ranked as the consensus best forward available (after Steven Stamkos) because of his high ceiling. The Kings took the conservative route and chose Drew Doughty. Bogosian went third, then Pietrangelo and Schenn. Filatov went sixth to Columbus. Ottawa snuck up at pick 15 to select Erik Karlsson, an unknown skinny kid from Sweden not ranked on many top 30 lists. The Senator fans booed. While you may remain concerned how Demidov's game will translate to the NHL, I'm betting with less than a week to go before the draft, the Blackhawks already have that part figured out. And I think it's telling that CEO Danny Wirtz himself also went to Florida for the combine. Demidov's season ended at least two months ago, so the Hawk scouts and personnel people, etc. over here have had ample time to watch his games and evaluate him, plus they have had time to talk with their Russian scout about his thoughts. I would say the big question the Blackhawks people are going through right now is who they want to take at 2.
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Post by T-man2010 on Jun 22, 2024 9:34:56 GMT -6
I wonder how fat all these draft choices are getting with all the dinners they're being taken out to.
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Post by mvr on Jun 22, 2024 9:51:53 GMT -6
I remain concerned about how Demidov's game will translate to the NHL when playing against men. We just don't know because we have no evidence.
Not so long ago, the LA Kings had to make a very similar decision at pick two to the one facing Davidson now. The choices came down to a group of quality defencemen - each with high floors but none considered future superstars - and a young Russian skilled phenom named Nikita Filatov, ranked as the consensus best forward available (after Steven Stamkos) because of his high ceiling. The Kings took the conservative route and chose Drew Doughty. Bogosian went third, then Pietrangelo and Schenn. Filatov went sixth to Columbus. Ottawa snuck up at pick 15 to select Erik Karlsson, an unknown skinny kid from Sweden not ranked on many top 30 lists. The Senator fans booed. While you may remain concerned how Demidov's game will translate to the NHL, I'm betting with less than a week to go before the draft, the Blackhawks already have that part figured out. And I think it's telling that CEO Danny Wirtz himself also went to Florida for the combine. Demidov's season ended at least two months ago, so the Hawk scouts and personnel people, etc. over here have had ample time to watch his games and evaluate him, plus they have had time to talk with their Russian scout about his thoughts. I would say the big question the Blackhawks people are going through right now is who they want to take at 2. Until Demidov actually plays in the KHL for an extended period, there is no way of knowing. Demidov has played just a small handful of KHL games, none of which were memorable. He has extremely limited exposure to international play (best on best) because Russia has been banned from these tournaments. Relying exclusively on videos of him playing Junior hockey against kids (plus the opinion of one Russian scout) is more than a small gamble. In truth, there is no way the Hawks scouts "have that part figured out." They'd be rolling the ice, projecting future potential based on shaky information. The player has no real track record against quality opponents and physical professionals. On the other hand, Levshunov has played against legit older NHL prospects for a full year. As its stands, his college numbers are much better than many current NHL stars. His floor is already very good. Can he become a Drew Doughty? It's not a big stretch to think maybe he can.
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Post by BigT on Jun 22, 2024 10:38:22 GMT -6
While you may remain concerned how Demidov's game will translate to the NHL, I'm betting with less than a week to go before the draft, the Blackhawks already have that part figured out. And I think it's telling that CEO Danny Wirtz himself also went to Florida for the combine. Demidov's season ended at least two months ago, so the Hawk scouts and personnel people, etc. over here have had ample time to watch his games and evaluate him, plus they have had time to talk with their Russian scout about his thoughts. I would say the big question the Blackhawks people are going through right now is who they want to take at 2. Until Demidov actually plays in the KHL for an extended period, there is no way of knowing. Demidov has played just a small handful of KHL games, none of which were memorable. He has extremely limited exposure to international play (best on best) because Russia has been banned from these tournaments. Relying exclusively on videos of him playing Junior hockey against kids (plus the opinion of one Russian scout) is more than a small gamble. In truth, there is no way the Hawks scouts "have that part figured out." They'd be rolling the ice, projecting future potential based on shaky information. The player has no real track record against quality opponents and physical professionals. On the other hand, Levshunov has played against legit older NHL prospects for a full year. As its stands, his college numbers are much better than many current NHL stars. His floor is already very good. Can he become a Drew Doughty? It's not a big stretch to think maybe he can. Everything you say reminds me of Radek Bonk. He played in the IHL for a year and EVERYONE was saying how he was big and played against men already. But that means absolutely nothing for a 17 year old. You’re forgetting that the kids are still developing. Playing against men can ruin kids. Just like Bonk who was basically a 3rd liner. He was ruined playing against men at a young age. It’s the same as ripping on a 17 year old for playing in the OHL and not against men. It’s a pointless argument. Demidov played against the best competition at his age group. Russia has 140 million people. I’m sure their jr system isn’t that bad. And Demidov cleaned up. I think it’s very narrow minded to think that the competition in the NCAA is that much greater than in the MHL. It’s not better. It’s just some older dudes or more mature. We have to realize that the kids are just that. Kids. Some can say that Levshunov only played well because of his size. But in the NHL almost everyone is big. So how will he fair if his size is no longer a factor? You can’t say that as he’s still developing!!!
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Post by mikeveisor on Jun 22, 2024 11:01:40 GMT -6
I wonder how fat all these draft choices are getting with all the dinners they're being taken out to. Young men = youthful metabolism. Except in the case of a young Phil Kessel. 🍻🌭
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Post by mvr on Jun 22, 2024 11:05:30 GMT -6
Until Demidov actually plays in the KHL for an extended period, there is no way of knowing. Demidov has played just a small handful of KHL games, none of which were memorable. He has extremely limited exposure to international play (best on best) because Russia has been banned from these tournaments. Relying exclusively on videos of him playing Junior hockey against kids (plus the opinion of one Russian scout) is more than a small gamble. In truth, there is no way the Hawks scouts "have that part figured out." They'd be rolling the ice, projecting future potential based on shaky information. The player has no real track record against quality opponents and physical professionals. On the other hand, Levshunov has played against legit older NHL prospects for a full year. As its stands, his college numbers are much better than many current NHL stars. His floor is already very good. Can he become a Drew Doughty? It's not a big stretch to think maybe he can. Everything you say reminds me of Radek Bonk. He played in the IHL for a year and EVERYONE was saying how he was big and played against men already. But that means absolutely nothing for a 17 year old. You’re forgetting that the kids are still developing. Playing against men can ruin kids. Just like Bonk who was basically a 3rd liner. He was ruined playing against men at a young age. It’s the same as ripping on a 17 year old for playing in the OHL and not against men. It’s a pointless argument. Demidov played against the best competition at his age group. Russia has 140 million people. I’m sure their jr system isn’t that bad. And Demidov cleaned up. I think it’s very narrow minded to think that the competition in the NCAA is that much greater than in the MHL. It’s not better. It’s just some older dudes or more mature. We have to realize that the kids are just that. Kids. Some can say that Levshunov only played well because of his size. But in the NHL almost everyone is big. So how will he fair if his size is no longer a factor? You can’t say that as he’s still developing!!! I think you are downplaying what Levshunov has done as a 17-18 year-old college kid. His numbers vs the other recent college defencemen drafted high are eye-popping, better than Maker, Hughes and others. Considering the weak alternatives available in his draft, Bonk was a solid draft pick and had a good if not great career; he was by no means a disappointment. There were no stars drafted early in the first round that year.
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Post by T-man2010 on Jun 22, 2024 11:05:34 GMT -6
Riechel was also a 17 yr. old playing against men in Germany too.
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Post by BigT on Jun 22, 2024 11:11:32 GMT -6
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with playing against your own age group. And if you dominate. Good. I believe that Denison’s skill is on display. I’m sure Demidovs team could hold their own vs CHL teams. Demidov is a Jr player. He played in Jrs!!!
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Post by mvr on Jun 22, 2024 11:19:16 GMT -6
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with playing against your own age group. And if you dominate. Good. I believe that Denison’s skill is on display. I’m sure Demidovs team could hold their own vs CHL teams. Demidov is a Jr player. He played in Jrs!!! But zero international experience against star players from other countries. Russia has been banned from these very important tournaments.
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Post by mvr on Jun 22, 2024 11:20:22 GMT -6
Riechel was also a 17 yr. old playing against men in Germany too. Reichel was a reach his draft year. Many thought of him as a second round talent. Not Stan Bowman, however.
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Post by ebonyraptor on Jun 22, 2024 11:46:29 GMT -6
Thank goodness there is now less than a week until we know KD's answer to this question.
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Post by acesandeights on Jun 22, 2024 11:56:13 GMT -6
While you may remain concerned how Demidov's game will translate to the NHL, I'm betting with less than a week to go before the draft, the Blackhawks already have that part figured out. And I think it's telling that CEO Danny Wirtz himself also went to Florida for the combine. Demidov's season ended at least two months ago, so the Hawk scouts and personnel people, etc. over here have had ample time to watch his games and evaluate him, plus they have had time to talk with their Russian scout about his thoughts. I would say the big question the Blackhawks people are going through right now is who they want to take at 2. Until Demidov actually plays in the KHL for an extended period, there is no way of knowing. Demidov has played just a small handful of KHL games, none of which were memorable. He has extremely limited exposure to international play (best on best) because Russia has been banned from these tournaments. Relying exclusively on videos of him playing Junior hockey against kids (plus the opinion of one Russian scout) is more than a small gamble. In truth, there is no way the Hawks scouts "have that part figured out." They'd be rolling the ice, projecting future potential based on shaky information. The player has no real track record against quality opponents and physical professionals. On the other hand, Levshunov has played against legit older NHL prospects for a full year. As its stands, his college numbers are much better than many current NHL stars. His floor is already very good. Can he become a Drew Doughty? It's not a big stretch to think maybe he can. The Blackhawks haven't got it figured out yet? Going by your summary, they should have figured it out a long time ago that Levshunov has it all over Demidov and Demidov would be a waste of a #2 pick. If Levshunov should be the #2 pick, and if the Blackhawks, as KD has said, will draft the best player at 2, why is Demidov the concensus #2 player behind Celebrini? I've seen 19 rankings, plus a consolidated ranking; Demidov is #2 in the consolidated ranking. In the 19 rankings, Demidov was ranked #2 a total of 13 times, while Levshunov was ranked #2 only 4 times out of 19. If these two players are supposed to be very close in overall talent, abilities, and skillset for their respective positions, why aren't the number of rankings at #2 for each player a lot closer than 13 to 4?
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Post by mvr on Jun 22, 2024 13:13:14 GMT -6
Until Demidov actually plays in the KHL for an extended period, there is no way of knowing. Demidov has played just a small handful of KHL games, none of which were memorable. He has extremely limited exposure to international play (best on best) because Russia has been banned from these tournaments. Relying exclusively on videos of him playing Junior hockey against kids (plus the opinion of one Russian scout) is more than a small gamble. In truth, there is no way the Hawks scouts "have that part figured out." They'd be rolling the ice, projecting future potential based on shaky information. The player has no real track record against quality opponents and physical professionals. On the other hand, Levshunov has played against legit older NHL prospects for a full year. As its stands, his college numbers are much better than many current NHL stars. His floor is already very good. Can he become a Drew Doughty? It's not a big stretch to think maybe he can. The Blackhawks haven't got it figured out yet? Going by your summary, they should have figured it out a long time ago that Levshunov has it all over Demidov and Demidov would be a waste of a #2 pick. If Levshunov should be the #2 pick, and if the Blackhawks, as KD has said, will draft the best player at 2, why is Demidov the concensus #2 player behind Celebrini? I've seen 19 rankings, plus a consolidated ranking; Demidov is #2 in the consolidated ranking. In the 19 rankings, Demidov was ranked #2 a total of 13 times, while Levshunov was ranked #2 only 4 times out of 19. If these two players are supposed to be very close in overall talent, abilities, and skillset for their respective positions, why aren't the number of rankings at #2 for each player a lot closer than 13 to 4? We have talked about these internet rankings. The majority got their starts as part- time contributors on various websites. Many are unpaid volunteers. The head OHL "scout" at McKeen's, for example, is a full time high school gym teacher. They read each other's rankings and adjust their sites accordingly. The larger publications no longer have the staff or budget to research effectively to consolidate the information. Demidov might become a star. Levshunov might not. I have no idea and won't pretend to be able to predict the future. But given the information we know already, I am more confident that he will be an effective NHL player. The unknowns remain too high for the Russian winger. Drafting him with the second pick is too much of a risk. I never bought Bitcoin and could have been a wealthy man. But I also did not buy Bre-X or Blackberry or Nortel.
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mvr likes this
Post by ukhawk on Jun 22, 2024 13:14:47 GMT -6
There is also the question of who sells merch, and puts bums on seats - Levshunov or Demidov.
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Post by Nikos on Jun 22, 2024 14:23:28 GMT -6
Thank goodness there is now less than a week until we know KD's answer to this question. Even when we know the answer it will still be debated and we won't know if it was the right answer for several years down the road.
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Post by ebonyraptor on Jun 22, 2024 14:25:04 GMT -6
I must confess that my ability to assess 17/18 year old hockey players must not be quite as good as I give myself credit for - otherwise Levshunov wouldn't even be in consideration for the #2 pick. Now maybe this draft class isn't near as good as the 2023 draft class so the bar is a little lower this year to meet a top-5 ranking - ok - but still there is the actual play on ice to consider and in my view the glowing reports of Levshunov are massively inflated. I come to this opinion by my own substandard accumen to assess a player's abilities - both strengths and weaknesses.
To Start - he is supposed to have good size and good physical play. Let's unpack those claims. He's a shade under 6'2" which is decent size but not anywhere near as big as his reputation for being big. His weight is 205 - which is good - no complaints there. Now, for his physicality - Bueller ... Bueller ... anyone seen this physicality he is supposed to have? Other than maybe once a game - it doesn't exist. It's certainly not a strength by any stretch. Watch his 50/50 wall play and it looks like he's soft. Look at how he deals with checking guys in front of the net (when he happens to be in position and not standing flatfooted 10 feet away wondering where he should be) and his "big size" means nothing in making a good defensive play.
He does some things well - he skates and passes well. But if you want an RD that is an offensive dynamo - pick Parekh or even Yakemchuk who neither play defense any better than Levshunov but both are better offensively.
Here's my bottom line - I whould happily take a RD - IF - I honestly thought he was a true #1 d-man on both sides of the puck. I would value drafting a guy that will be a stud #1 d-man for the next 10-15 years - the anchor to a Cup winning team. But - Levshunov isn't that guy.
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Post by ukhawk on Jun 22, 2024 15:23:14 GMT -6
I must confess that my ability to assess 17/18 year old hockey players must not be quite as good as I give myself credit for - otherwise Levshunov wouldn't even be in consideration for the #2 pick. Now maybe this draft class isn't near as good as the 2023 draft class so the bar is a little lower this year to meet a top-5 ranking - ok - but still there is the actual play on ice to consider and in my view the glowing reports of Levshunov are massively inflated. I come to this opinion by my own substandard accumen to assess a player's abilities - both strengths and weaknesses. To Start - he is supposed to have good size and good physical play. Let's unpack those claims. He's a shade under 6'2" which is decent size but not anywhere near as big as his reputation for being big. His weight is 205 - which is good - no complaints there. Now, for his physicality - Bueller ... Bueller ... anyone seen this physicality he is supposed to have? Other than maybe once a game - it doesn't exist. It's certainly not a strength by any stretch. Watch his 50/50 wall play and it looks like he's soft. Look at how he deals with checking guys in front of the net (when he happens to be in position and not standing flatfooted 10 feet away wondering where he should be) and his "big size" means nothing in making a good defensive play. He does some things well - he skates and passes well. But if you want an RD that is an offensive dynamo - pick Parekh or even Yakemchuk who neither play defense any better than Levshunov but both are better offensively. Here's my bottom line - I whould happily take a RD - IF - I honestly thought he was a true #1 d-man on both sides of the puck. I would value drafting a guy that will be a stud #1 d-man for the next 10-15 years - the anchor to a Cup winning team. But - Levshunov isn't that guy. Exactly this. I think this is why I am leaning towards Demidov too
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Post by bigbarn27 on Jun 22, 2024 15:25:54 GMT -6
Everything you say reminds me of Radek Bonk. He played in the IHL for a year and EVERYONE was saying how he was big and played against men already. But that means absolutely nothing for a 17 year old. You’re forgetting that the kids are still developing. Playing against men can ruin kids. Just like Bonk who was basically a 3rd liner. He was ruined playing against men at a young age. It’s the same as ripping on a 17 year old for playing in the OHL and not against men. It’s a pointless argument. Demidov played against the best competition at his age group. Russia has 140 million people. I’m sure their jr system isn’t that bad. And Demidov cleaned up. I think it’s very narrow minded to think that the competition in the NCAA is that much greater than in the MHL. It’s not better. It’s just some older dudes or more mature. We have to realize that the kids are just that. Kids. Some can say that Levshunov only played well because of his size. But in the NHL almost everyone is big. So how will he fair if his size is no longer a factor? You can’t say that as he’s still developing!!! I think you are downplaying what Levshunov has done as a 17-18 year-old college kid. His numbers vs the other recent college defencemen drafted high are eye-popping, better than Maker, Hughes and others. Considering the weak alternatives available in his draft, Bonk was a solid draft pick and had a good if not great career; he was by no means a disappointment. There were no stars drafted early in the first round that year. No matter what happens Artie will be a fun one to watch many have stated he is the 4-5 rated Dman maybe a #3 guy. I believe he will be a top pair guy for many years I believe he is the smartest Dman in the draft and he is just learning the game time will tell. He was the main part that took an average team to contenders Just my 2 cents.
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Post by vadarx on Jun 22, 2024 16:06:22 GMT -6
Thank goodness there is now less than a week until we know KD's answer to this question. Even when we know the answer it will still be debated and we won't know of it was the right answer for several years down the road. yeah, this will hang over KfC until he is fired or the 'hawks succeed. he can't bomb it nor can he take one and have the other turn into a superstar. I think that is why most pundits are predicting Levshunov, as he is the "safe" pick.
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Post by vadarx on Jun 22, 2024 16:12:02 GMT -6
I think you are downplaying what Levshunov has done as a 17-18 year-old college kid. His numbers vs the other recent college defencemen drafted high are eye-popping, better than Maker, Hughes and others. Considering the weak alternatives available in his draft, Bonk was a solid draft pick and had a good if not great career; he was by no means a disappointment. There were no stars drafted early in the first round that year. No matter what happens Artie will be a fun one to watch many have stated he is the 4-5 rated Dman maybe a #3 guy. I believe he will be a top pair guy for many years I believe he is the smartest Dman in the draft and he is just learning the game time will tell. He was the main part that took an average team to contenders Just my 2 cents. yep, he and Augustine took that team from being shite to conference champs. big personality, great teammate, and a rink rat. whether he is a 1D as a finished product is debatable, imo, but if he continues on his trajectory (which what the scouts are counting on him doing), he could very well be just that. he has a ways to go, though.
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Post by jacksalmon on Jun 22, 2024 16:26:46 GMT -6
I remain concerned about how Demidov's game will translate to the NHL when playing against men. We just don't know because we have no evidence. Not so long ago, the LA Kings had to make a very similar decision at pick two to the one facing Davidson now. The choices came down to a group of quality defencemen - each with high floors but none considered future superstars - and a young Russian skilled phenom named Nikita Filatov, ranked as the consensus best forward available (after Steven Stamkos) because of his high ceiling. The Kings took the conservative route and chose Drew Doughty. Bogosian went third, then Pietrangelo and Schenn. Filatov went sixth to Columbus. Ottawa snuck up at pick 15 to select Erik Karlsson, an unknown skinny kid from Sweden not ranked on many top 30 lists. The Senator fans booed. Didn't Filatov make his name selling Filatov cabbage rolls at KHL games; and throughout Mother Russia; after failing to make a name for himself in the nhl.
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Post by Nikos on Jun 22, 2024 17:49:09 GMT -6
I remain concerned about how Demidov's game will translate to the NHL when playing against men. We just don't know because we have no evidence. Not so long ago, the LA Kings had to make a very similar decision at pick two to the one facing Davidson now. The choices came down to a group of quality defencemen - each with high floors but none considered future superstars - and a young Russian skilled phenom named Nikita Filatov, ranked as the consensus best forward available (after Steven Stamkos) because of his high ceiling. The Kings took the conservative route and chose Drew Doughty. Bogosian went third, then Pietrangelo and Schenn. Filatov went sixth to Columbus. Ottawa snuck up at pick 15 to select Erik Karlsson, an unknown skinny kid from Sweden not ranked on many top 30 lists. The Senator fans booed. This draft very similar to 2008 where Stamkos and Celebrini were both consensus #1 overall and then 3 to 4 D likely to go very high in the top 10 along with a high end Russian forward. Erik Karlsson went #15 and John Carlsson went 27th to Caps. Who will be the Erik Karlsson and John Carlson this year? Yaremchuck, Adam Jirucek, Stian Solberg, Eric Emery or Swedish Leo Sahlin Wallenius?
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Post by mvr on Jun 22, 2024 19:20:54 GMT -6
I remain concerned about how Demidov's game will translate to the NHL when playing against men. We just don't know because we have no evidence. Not so long ago, the LA Kings had to make a very similar decision at pick two to the one facing Davidson now. The choices came down to a group of quality defencemen - each with high floors but none considered future superstars - and a young Russian skilled phenom named Nikita Filatov, ranked as the consensus best forward available (after Steven Stamkos) because of his high ceiling. The Kings took the conservative route and chose Drew Doughty. Bogosian went third, then Pietrangelo and Schenn. Filatov went sixth to Columbus. Ottawa snuck up at pick 15 to select Erik Karlsson, an unknown skinny kid from Sweden not ranked on many top 30 lists. The Senator fans booed. This draft very similar to 2008 where Stamkos and Celebrini were both consensus #1 overall and then 3 to 4 D likely to go very high in the top 10 along with a high end Russian forward. Erik Karlsson went #15 and John Carlsson went 27th to Caps. Who will be the Erik Karlsson and John Carlson this year? Yaremchuck, Adam Jirucek, Stian Solberg, Eric Emery or Swedish Leo Sahlin Wallenius? I was at that draft in Ottawa. We had tickets a few rows up from ice level where several of the players sat in reserved seats. We had an especially good look at Drew Doughty as he impatiently waited with his family for his name to be called. He was still a small and physically immature kid at the time, as were most of the prospects we came across. I remember the shock in the crowd as the Kings, then the Thrashers, then St. Louis and then Toronto all bypassed the skilled forward, Filatov, that year's consensus "best player available" at pick two (from CSKA Moscow Jr league). Obviously, the NHL amateur scouts knew something the draft gurus did not. The truth is that these prospects at age 18 are really no more than malleable clay. Most are nowhere near ready for NHL action. The team drafting them still must develop them effectively. It takes years of good coaching and a kid's commitment to get better. So much of what happens three or four years down the road can't be predicted. What we do know about this year is that Levshunov scored 35 points as a university freshman at a big program. Clearly, he is almost ready.
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