I know he’s too old to be eligible in your prospect rankings, but where would you slot Justin Hryckowian and is there optimism that any of the AHL guys push for an NHL spot in place of Blackwell or Back?
It's tough to say for Hryckowian. He's a player that I think would fit on a more skilled line to really be maximized. He's smart with his movement, and even a little plucky. Being next to players who can make plays around him and who he can make plays for is, I think, the ideal environment. Next to Faksa and Blackwell or Back, doesn't do anything for his offense, and thus, really suppresses his best offensive traits (finding open teammates, and working off the cycle).
The Faksa resigning, imo, points towards a profile on bit players we want, thus the picks made past the first two selections.
Maddening I'm sure, but it does point towards to a method to the madness.
I do have to wonder if the lack of defenseman selected points towards a shift in philosophy? Do the Taylor & Kyrs pick ups over the previous offseasons point towards a point of emphasis on types of defenseman we want to develop, and why would an emphasis on college UFA's fill that mold?
This draft is all about reasonable expectations. If they get 50 NHL games played out of all of these guys it is a win. Remember when it used to be the 1st rounders that were the 4th liners of the future.
A discount Guri would seemingly fix one of his biggest problems, expectations. He was always a decent player but never lost the quick BUT in his description. Even if Schmidt only gets to be a career AHLer teams need a guy who can be the finisher to a developing playmaker.
Nobody digs into Stars draft coverage as deep as you do. Awesome stuff, thanks!
Thanks Chris!
I know he’s too old to be eligible in your prospect rankings, but where would you slot Justin Hryckowian and is there optimism that any of the AHL guys push for an NHL spot in place of Blackwell or Back?
It's tough to say for Hryckowian. He's a player that I think would fit on a more skilled line to really be maximized. He's smart with his movement, and even a little plucky. Being next to players who can make plays around him and who he can make plays for is, I think, the ideal environment. Next to Faksa and Blackwell or Back, doesn't do anything for his offense, and thus, really suppresses his best offensive traits (finding open teammates, and working off the cycle).
Also, the Guri comp has he popping bottles!
https://youtu.be/V-jXZ7yuSFI?si=EEAGHUsIAhCwQBJf
What a pick! Can't wait to see Cameron do that Schmidt in the big leagues!
The Faksa resigning, imo, points towards a profile on bit players we want, thus the picks made past the first two selections.
Maddening I'm sure, but it does point towards to a method to the madness.
I do have to wonder if the lack of defenseman selected points towards a shift in philosophy? Do the Taylor & Kyrs pick ups over the previous offseasons point towards a point of emphasis on types of defenseman we want to develop, and why would an emphasis on college UFA's fill that mold?
This draft is all about reasonable expectations. If they get 50 NHL games played out of all of these guys it is a win. Remember when it used to be the 1st rounders that were the 4th liners of the future.
A discount Guri would seemingly fix one of his biggest problems, expectations. He was always a decent player but never lost the quick BUT in his description. Even if Schmidt only gets to be a career AHLer teams need a guy who can be the finisher to a developing playmaker.