Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandman
I really like the first round of this draft, and the second round is shaping up to be good too. Like Jiri said, there are some centers who have come out of nowhere (Suvanto, Shilov,Morozov, Williams, and Malhotra to name a few), plus there’s some nice wingers in Klepov and Belchetz to be had.
The real surprises have come from the backend- Piiparainen, Reid, and Carels are starting to overtake Rudolph on lists for D, then there’s dynamic offensive defensemen like Lin and Villeneuve that could also occupy the top-15. Coming up later in the round are two-way marvels in Gustafsson, Hakansson, and Schairer. Of course, Verhoeff will go in the top-two.
I think to say that this draft is “disappointing” would be way off base. Just my opinion.
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Hey Sandman,
Wondering your thoughts/coles notes on Verhoff.
From what I’ve heard/read sounds like a well rounded RHS D with a cannon. I’ve heard that his skating is so-so but skating seems like something the Flames are willing to work on and have a history of prioritizing hockey sense and competitiveness (thinking Monahan, Tkachuck, Coronato for example) over skating ability at that early age.
Do you have a good indication on how Verhoff sees/thinks the game? I’ve also seen comparisons to Ekblad, which is fine, I just question if that’s accurate how much he’s going to move the needle. Valuable piece, no question, but of the flames are able to draft him, is he the difference maker we’re all clamouring for? I’ve hear he’s as good a D prospect, outside of Makar/Schafer, as there has been over the recent past and others who aren’t as high on him.
Then again, if he profiles more like Miro Hieskanen, all situations-minute muncher who controls the play, then great. That could work well with Parekh, who’s the offensive weapon PP1 guy from the backend. Having two pairings with Verhoff and Parekh, could be very strong.
Suppose my question is, with Parekh already in the fold, do you think the Flames would want to double down on D, or are they going to lean high-end offensive winger (McKenna Stienberg) or C (Lawrence). Also, are we talking about a Hieskanen level talent or Owen Power with a better shot?
Probably getting ahead of myself but curious to know how you and others think about this.