Matthew Frickin' Tkachuk!

[Bingo]

I do think the Backlund (lesser effect) Frolik has to be taken into account, much like the Giordano effect has been interesting between Brodie and now Hamilton.

Insert game changer ... success. Remove game changer ... mediocrity.

Backlund got Colborne a contract, Bennett most of an 18 goal rookie season, and now he's been x% of the reason Tkachuk has had such a great rookie season.

I think Tkachuk is great, but I wonder how he would fare if they flipped he and Gaudreau on the top lines.

[Enoch Root]

what's with the Wings jersey? He was drafted by the Jets

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

what's with the Wings jersey? He was drafted by the Jets

Looks like it is a photo shopped picture for this website on re-imagining the 1990 draft

http://puckjunk.com/2015/06/26/re-im...990-nhl-draft/

[Azure]

Originally Posted by Beninho

225 is pretty massive man especially if it's all muscle, Perry is an inch taller and 210-215, I mean Getzlaf is listed at 221. Tkachuk has wide frame like his dad so I guess he could bulk up a lot but 210-215 is where I think he will play his best at. He's already a really strong guy, 220+ is overkill and probably effect his skating.

Depends what frame he has. But yeah, at some point more weight doesn't help.

[Heavy Jack]

I'm basing it mostly off his dad who filled out to 6'3 / 235 lbs.

It's definitely a much quicker league though so 215/220 does make sense.

Regardless of his size and where he ends up this guy is just such a blast to watch, still can't believe we drafted him.

[tvp2003]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Earlier in the year, Backlund and Frolik were carrying Tkachuk somewhat, but for the last month or so, I would argue that Tkachuk has been better than Frolik.

Backlund has been flat out awesome all year.

Remember when Tkachuk/Bennett/Brouwer showed so much promise in the preseason? In hindsight, I think we know who was the real catalyst on that line.

[Anduril]

Am curious to how Tkachuk will continue to improve and adapt his play further in the future. His ability to see the ice is incredible for a 19yo in his rookie season. Doesn't look like he lacks confidence in anything he does.

I wonder if the rest of his career balances out to being more of a balanced offensive contributer seeing as he's going to pick up more ugly goals as he continues to work on the nuance of being an NHL level net presence.

[Beninho]

Originally Posted by Brewmaster

Now that we've seen almost a full season of Tkachuk, who are some of the best comparables for how he plays and what type of player he will turn into?

He reminds me a bit of Todd Bertuzzi in his prime years as well as Corey Perry. A rare blend of size, skill, and grit that loves getting into peoples faces.

Perry for me is the best comparable, Tkachuk is probably a better passer at this stage of their career but Perry has an amazing shot. Tkachuk has a very decent looking release as well but a bit under utizilized so far. Everything else is pretty damn similar, I lived in San Diego for 8 years and watching a young Perry is very similar to watching Tkachuk, I would always watch him wishing he was a Flame. I mean Perry was a London Knight as well, Tkachuk may be a bit further along at this stage of their career but they are pretty damn similar. Will be fun if their lines go at it in the next few games we play them.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Backlund got Colborne a contract,

No, he didn't. Colborne was really damn good down the stretch. Backlund is fantastic but we don't need to re-write history to pump up the hot players at the moment.

Similar to Tkachuk-Bennett-Brouwer in the pre season. Tkachuk looked fine in exhibition but it wasn't until later in his 9 game audition and beyond where he really turned it on.

[Beninho]

Originally Posted by Bingo

I do think the Backlund (lesser effect) Frolik has to be taken into account, much like the Giordano effect has been interesting between Brodie and now Hamilton.

Insert game changer ... success. Remove game changer ... mediocrity.

Backlund got Colborne a contract, Bennett most of an 18 goal rookie season, and now he's been x% of the reason Tkachuk has had such a great rookie season.

I think Tkachuk is great, but I wonder how he would fare if they flipped he and Gaudreau on the top lines.

I understand Backlund has a great affect on players but there's a reason why he's having a career year. Tkachuk is the perfect linemate for him

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by tvp2003

Remember when Tkachuk/Bennett/Brouwer showed so much promise in the preseason? In hindsight, I think we know who was the real catalyst on that line.

Bennett and Tkachuk were both great. They were both great on that Brodie goal a few games back and that one Bennett snipe around November, too. They're practically meant to play together like Getzlaf and Perry, but how do you justify breaking up the 3M line?

[SofaProfessor]

Originally Posted by Bingo

I do think the Backlund (lesser effect) Frolik has to be taken into account, much like the Giordano effect has been interesting between Brodie and now Hamilton.

Insert game changer ... success. Remove game changer ... mediocrity.

Backlund got Colborne a contract, Bennett most of an 18 goal rookie season, and now he's been x% of the reason Tkachuk has had such a great rookie season.

I think Tkachuk is great, but I wonder how he would fare if they flipped he and Gaudreau on the top lines.

It's a valid question but I would say Tkachuk has an edge to his game that compliments what Backlund does just as much as Backlund's game compliments his. Bennett has not only had a change of linemates this year but also a change of position. And he's started to turn the corner this past week.

Basically, I'm sure Tkachuk is experiencing some sort of Backlund effect but I also think Backlund is benefiting from a bit of a Tkachuk effect. I think they're both the type of player that makes their linemates better rather than someone like Colborne who just rode the success of Backlund.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

Bennett and Tkachuk were both great. They were both great on that Brodie goal a few games back and that one Bennett snipe around November, too. They're practically meant to play together like Getzlaf and Perry, but how do you justify breaking up the 3M line?

Yeah, it's tough, but I think it's worth debating.

First, I don't think Tkachuk needs them anymore - he is a quality NHL forward in his own right now, and is ready to be utilized wherever the team needs him.

But the other issue is: is there someone else who could step into Backlund's line and have them be able to continue to have success. Personally, I think Ferland could. I also think Versteeg would look great there.

If either of those worked, you could put Tkachuk with Bennett, and I think you'd be well on your way to having another solid line. I think:

Gaudreau - Monahan - Ferland
Versteeg - Backlund - Frolik
Tkachuk - Bennett - Brouwer

provides more balance in the attack.

Or switch Ferland and Brouwer and unleash the

Tkachuk-Bennett-Ferland

beast (but only at home where they can be sheltered defensively)

[belsarius]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Yeah, it's tough, but I think it's worth debating.

First, I don't think Tkachuk needs them anymore - he is a quality NHL forward in his own right now, and is ready to be utilized wherever the team needs him.

But the other issue is: is there someone else who could step into Backlund's line and have them be able to continue to have success. Personally, I think Ferland could. I also think Versteeg would look great there.

If either of those worked, you could put Tkachuk with Bennett, and I think you'd be well on your way to having another solid line. I think:

Gaudreau - Monahan - Ferland
Versteeg - Backlund - Frolik
Tkachuk - Bennett - Brouwer

provides more balance in the attack.

Or switch Ferland and Brouwer and unleash the

Tkachuk-Bennett-Ferland

beast (but only at home where they can be sheltered defensively)

I think Ferland might work there but I don't think Versteeg works at all. I don't think that line is because of any one player as much as their skill sets compliment each other well. Whether it was already in his game or learned from playing on the line Tkachuk has a strong sense of puck control. He is relentless on the boards and chases and protects very well, he owns the space behind the net and has a nose to be in front for the point shot. He is a prototypical power-forward and works perfectly with the forecheck and skill of his linemates.

I could see Ferland play that style but I don't think he has the skill level of Tkachuk. I think Versteeg's skills don't relate to that low pressure game, he couldn't control behind the net like Tkachuk does. Honestly the only player I could see replacing Tkachuk would be Bennett, but that defeats the purpose of moving them.

The line works, it is amazing to think how they are so effectively without offensive zone starts. I get wanting to try and spread the love, but I think the risk of wrenching this line isn't worth it.

[getbak]

Such a chip off the old block, they even both have issues with mouthguards...

[getbak]

What a beast...

[redforever]

Originally Posted by getbak

What a beast...

Don't think you should leave Joe Nieuwendyck off that list.

[AC]

Originally Posted by redforever

Don't think you should leave Joe Nieuwendyck off that list.

"Teenage Rookie"

[FlameZilla]

It's pretty harsh that he's only 5th in rookie scoring. Many other years he would be right near the top of the rookie scoring charts.

[edslunch]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Yeah, it's tough, but I think it's worth debating.



First, I don't think Tkachuk needs them anymore - he is a quality NHL forward in his own right now, and is ready to be utilized wherever the team needs him.



But the other issue is: is there someone else who could step into Backlund's line and have them be able to continue to have success. Personally, I think Ferland could. I also think Versteeg would look great there.



If either of those worked, you could put Tkachuk with Bennett, and I think you'd be well on your way to having another solid line. I think:



Gaudreau - Monahan - Ferland

Versteeg - Backlund - Frolik

Tkachuk - Bennett - Brouwer



provides more balance in the attack.



Or switch Ferland and Brouwer and unleash the



Tkachuk-Bennett-Ferland



beast (but only at home where they can be sheltered defensively)

How about starting Lazar there? (Assuming Frolik switches to LW). Similar motor to Tkachuk and Bennett, not sure about the rest....