Calgarypuck Prospect Ranking 2023 - Round 3

[TheIronMaiden]

Honzek is a year or two away from the pros. Pelletier is going to be an impact player next season.

[Monahammer]

I think it's Pelletier until we see Honzek again.

Had a good first WHL season, looks extremely talented, but it's a very small NA sample size. His production prior to last season in the euro leagues is all over the place. I think we need to see consistency proven out over a whole season before we can say he's better than Pelletier. But there are definitely attributes to be excited for.

Pelletier might have less exciting attributes, but I feel comfortable based on his attitude and production in AHL + his production and play in limited NHL time to say that his floor is a 3rd liner in the NHL. Hopefully he continues developing, but hes a solid prospect.

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

I think it's Pelletier until we see Honzek again.

Had a good first WHL season, looks extremely talented, but it's a very small NA sample size. His production prior to last season in the euro leagues is all over the place. I think we need to see consistency proven out over a whole season before we can say he's better than Pelletier. But there are definitely attributes to be excited for.

Pelletier might have less exciting attributes, but I feel comfortable based on his attitude and production in AHL + his production and play in limited NHL time to say that his floor is a 3rd liner in the NHL. Hopefully he continues developing, but hes a solid prospect.

Yeah but a Honzek could be anything. Even a Pelletier!

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

To me Pelts is an NHLer, so it's a bit awkward placing him on this list. I doubt he becomes a 30 goal guy one day, but he has a good chance at playing 400+ games.

Honzy has the chance to be a top-line guy, so I voted him. Next round will be Pelts for me, then it gets interesting.

With his age, number of games played (Calder eligible), and the fact that he went back down for the AHL playoffs I think it would take more mental gymnastics to not have him on this list.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Certainly a balance between a more known player, who has shown some ability to play at the NHL level, and a less known player with more upside.
I generally focus more on potential/upside, though as the player moves through the ranks, that starts to crystalize.
But overall I think Pelletier tops out as an effective all around 3rd liner (nothing wrong with that), whereas I think Honzek has potential to be a top 6.
it's pretty even, but went with Honzek.

[JTech780]

Voted based on upside. I like Pelletier a lot but to me he is a middle 6 winger in the NHL. Honzek has top line upside.

[D as in David]

Still needs some work on his skating.

[TheIronMaiden]

I think Pelletier is going to shock some folks this season.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Honzek by a nose, and I like Pelletier.

If he levels up, he could be something special.

[kehatch]

It will be interesting to see where Honzek ends up on media prospect rankings. I think many publications will have him as one or two. I have him as number two. I think you can make a case for Honzek, Coronato, Pelletier, Zary, or even Poirier for the two to six spots.

[topfiverecords]

It's early but I'm calling it. Morin.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

I think Pelletier is going to shock some folks this season.

I actually agree.

I think his progression has been exactly what you want too see.

His "popping" possibility is really high as he starts with the club from camp.

[Khel]

Pelts for me, he's put in the AHL time and nearly a PPG.

He's making the club out of camp and having a great year.

[Savvy27]

I went with Pelletier. It was close as I agree with most that Honzek has a tantalizing upside, but Pelletier has done everything that we could have hoped since being drafted, will likely play a full season this year, and his positive energy and leadership qualities boost his importance to the future of the team in my view.

[Enoch Root]

I am just happy that we have solid prospects to choose between.

I went Honzek, because I think his upside is really high, but I am also in the camp that thinks Pelletier might pop this year.

Both really good players. And Morin and Zary are right behind them

Edit: figured this would be a really close, 2 horse race

[cral12]

Honz.

I focus on likelihood of success at NHL level and overall upside, not simply current NHL readiness status.

Pelts up next.

[kehatch]

Originally Posted by transplant99

I actually agree.

I think his progression has been exactly what you want too see.

His "popping" possibility is really high as he starts with the club from camp.

I hope so, but I am managing expectations. It isn't unusual for forwards to break into the NHL in their D4 year. (Maybe its a bit late for a first rounder, but given the pandemic I don't think there is a reason for concern.) But most of those forwards take a few years to find their stride after breaking in.

Dube and Mangiapane are good comparables. Different pathway, but Backlund and Coleman are similar as well.

I think 70 games and 25 points is a reasonable projection for him next season. If he can do that and keep his head above water that is a successful season. If he does more then gravy.

[CroFlames]

Really close race. Runoff tomorrow!

[Nelson]

Pelletier! He is thought of as a two-way guy, but his point totals have been impressive at every level except the NHL (so far). That said, I thought he looked really good last season despite a few mistakes that got him benched for long periods.

[8sPOT]

I vote based on who's the best today and to me Pelts is better than Honzek today. Not to mention there is way more evidence that suggests Pelts will become an NHL player (QMJHL, World Juniors, AHL). Where as Honzek has a single abbreviated season in the WHL.