How are the other top picks doing?

[Henry Fool]

Small skilled guys usually have to overcome significant obstacles to find a way to play their own game in the NHL. Much easier for a big two-way guy because you don't need to do anything special to get your time and space.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Henry Fool

Small skilled guys usually have to overcome significant obstacles to find a way to play their own game in the NHL. Much easier for a big two-way guy because you don't need to do anything special to get your time and space.

It's a big man's game just ask Sven who's hasn't exactly looked great in his 3rd camp with the Flames.

[dustygoon]

Originally Posted by burnitdown

According to the boxscore, Lindholm was 8/12 in the faceoff dot which is pretty impressive for a young guy. I'd still think there's some significant upside with him!

I would take Tilleys analysis of a viewed Carolina game over anything a box score in preseason says. They can't even credit goals properly.

[Stay Golden]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

It's a big man's game just ask Sven who's hasn't exactly looked great in his 3rd camp with the Flames.

He hasn't even been a factor so far. I havn't even noticed him out there on most shifts. I hope the regular season he doesn't slump like this.

[burnitdown]

Originally Posted by dustygoon

I would take Tilleys analysis of a viewed Carolina game over anything a box score in preseason says. They can't even credit goals properly.

Fair enough...pre-season boxscores are probably about as reliable as someone posting to a message board saying a player lost every draw they saw.

[Walter Reed]

Originally Posted by Zevo

Except that Perry is 6'2" and 210+ and Shinkaruk is what 5'10" and maybe 180. With that size he is a total perimeter player compared to Perry.

Not withstanding the size difference, Shinkaruk does remind me of Perry, perhaps mix in some Theo Fleury. He didn't seem intimidated by larger more experienced players and played a pesky agitating roll but also displayed some offensive skills. IMO his play was much better than highly ranked Horvat.

[Saqe]

Originally Posted by Henry Fool

Just watched a Kevin Dineen interview (Florida), and he says that they've kept Barkov out of a lot of things because he just came off a long shoulder injury and I guess had felt something there again, but should play onThursday again. Not being with NHL squad doesn't sound like an option at all.

I´ve followed Florida somewhat closely since they drafted Barkov and he is definately on the squad and playing on first or second line (not sure if Florida has a legit first line). The only real question is whether it´s Gomez or Matthias who plays center on the other top line.

Barkov had immediate chemistry with Fleischman and I´d expect when Huberdeau gets back they would line up together, which could be a really good line. I think Barkov will get every chance to fight for Calder this season if he just stays healthy.

[Henry Fool]

Originally Posted by Stay Golden

He hasn't even been a factor so far. I havn't even noticed him out there on most shifts. I hope the regular season he doesn't slump like this.

I wouldn't be as negative as that, but it has felt like he has been cruising a bit, which is disappointing. It's sad that he doesn't have to try his best, but it's a bad team and a very advantageous situation for someone like him.

[StrykerSteve]

Florida's got some fantastic prospects, no question.

[Henry Fool]

Originally Posted by Saqe

I´ve followed Florida somewhat closely since they drafted Barkov and he is definately on the squad and playing on first or second line (not sure if Florida has a legit first line). The only real question is whether it´s Gomez or Matthias who plays center on the other top line.

Barkov had immediate chemistry with Fleischman and I´d expect when Huberdeau gets back they would line up together, which could be a really good line. I think Barkov will get every chance to fight for Calder this season if he just stays healthy.

Yeah, Florida has terrible center depth as well. It's telling that Barkov has been out for a lot of the preseason, is coming from a long injury, just turned 18, and still it's not even debated whether or not he'll be with the Panthers. They talk about getting him ready for the real games, not about evaluating him.

It'll be rough to start the season like that and if it was anyone less mature than Barkov, I wouldn't give good odds. But I agree that he'll do fine. Never seen a readier guy at his age. Lack of quickness might still hinder him at this point but I don't see him struggling with the puck.

[Tinordi]

How has Mackinnon looked? I'm tempted to take him early in my keeper draft.

[Saqe]

Originally Posted by StrykerSteve

Florida's got some fantastic prospects, no question.

Agreed. They have to have one of the top prospect pools in the whole league.

Originally Posted by Henry Fool

It'll be rough to start the season like that and if it was anyone less mature than Barkov, I wouldn't give good odds. But I agree that he'll do fine. Never seen a readier guy at his age. Lack of quickness might still hinder him at this point but I don't see him struggling with the puck.

Lack of speed is pretty evident when you watch him but if he plays with faster guys like Hub and Fleischman, I don´t think it will be that big of an issue. His passing ability is pretty sick, he is one of those who can constantly make cross-ice passes tape to tape

[Saqe]

Originally Posted by Tinordi

How has Mackinnon looked? I'm tempted to take him early in my keeper draft.

Hasn´t played a game I think. Some kind of groin injury I believe.

[MissTeeks]

Hip Flexor, he's back tomorrow:

http://www.denverpost.com/avalanche/...stefan-elliott

[Henry Fool]

Originally Posted by Saqe

Agreed. They have to have one of the top prospect pools in the whole league.

Lack of speed is pretty evident when you watch him but if he plays with faster guys like Hub and Fleischman, I don´t think it will be that big of an issue. His passing ability is pretty sick, he is one of those who can constantly make cross-ice passes tape to tape

Eventually it'll be like Joe Thornton; he'll control the pace. At least that's the idea. But he likes the Datsyuk game with heavy backcheck and takeaways too, and it remains to be seen if he's quick enough for that or the PK. Maybe in the future.

[codynw]

How is Fucale looking? I assume he's going back to juniors, but I'm always interested in hearing about up and coming Canadian goalies.

[MissTeeks]

Originally Posted by codynw

How is Fucale looking? I assume he's going back to juniors, but I'm always interested in hearing about up and coming Canadian goalies.

He was sent back to junior last week.

http://canadiens.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=682848

[Tilley]

Originally Posted by burnitdown

Fair enough...pre-season boxscores are probably about as reliable as someone posting to a message board saying a player lost every draw they saw.

It was pre-season, the stat guys may have been a little rusty . I'll be watching Lindholm closely on Friday vs Buffalo and will be able to give a better report.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by MissTeeks

He was sent back to junior last week.

http://canadiens.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=682848

I figured he would go back. How did he look in camp though? Did he stand out at all, or did he just look the way you would expect a goalie coming right out of juniors to look?

[Henry Fool]

Originally Posted by Tilley

It was pre-season, the stat guys may have been a little rusty . I'll be watching Lindholm closely on Friday vs Buffalo and will be able to give a better report.

You should watch Buffalo's defense. Don't know how their numbers work out, but apparently both Ristolainen and Zadorov could be good enough for the NHL. With Myers, that'll be such a huge top-4 in the near future.