4970 replies to this topic

[digitalmonkey]

12. Ryan McDonagh, D 6'1" 200 lbs Cretin-Derham high schoolA native of St. Paul, defenseman Ryan McDonagh was named Minnesota’s high school hockey player of the year, leading his team to the state championship. He is scheduled to attend the University of Wisconsin next season.McDonagh is viewed as a solid defenseman in his own zone that also possesses some offensive ability. He can throw the punishing check and isn’t afraid to get his nose dirty along the boards, while also keeping up with the play thanks to his solid skating ability. A good shot from the point makes him a valuable player on the power play, although his style sometimes leaves his team vulnerable to scoring chances going the other way.McDonagh was selected to participate in the Under-18 World Championships with the U.S. Under-18 team in 2007; won a silver medal at the 2006 Under-18 Junior World Cup as a member of Team USA; was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2006 Minnesota State Championship Tournament after he helped his team win; and won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. Under-17 team at the Four Nations Tournament in 2005. (Source)22. Max Pacioretty, LW 6'1" 203 lbs Sioux City - USHLMax Pacioretty is viewed as a power forward that already has good size for being just 18 years of age. A native of New Canaan, Connecticut, Pacioretty is ranked 16th among North American skaters in Central Scouting’s final draft rankings. He will attend the University of Michigan this fall, after completing his first and only season in the United States Hockey League.Along with his power game, Pacioretty’s strengths are his skating ability and good wrist shot. He is also very good in the faceoff circle, and works hard at both ends of the ice. His presence around the net could use improvement, as could his overall hockey sense.Pacioretty was selected to participate in the 2007 USHL Prospects/All-Star game. Prior to the USHL, he played for The Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut. (Source)43. P.K. Subban, D 5'10" 200 lbs Belleville Bulls OHLStrengths: Subban is a phenomenal puckmover, rusher, and shooting threat from the backend with undeniable hands and skating ability. He is a confident player with the puck on his stick and is able to make highly skilled plays. He can be unstoppable at times on the powerplay with a heavy wrister and slap shot. Stunningly, as well as Subban can shoot the puck, he can dish it just as well with quick thinking, surveillance, and ability to hit open teammates most point men cannot. We do see signs of a physical edge as Subban is willing to aid teammates in need and engage opponents. Weaknesses: Although his name is PK, ironically one of his alleged areas needing improvement is his defensive acumen. DraftBuzz thinks concerns over this part of his game, while not terrifically strong, are overblown and not enough to drag down his value as a prospect. We see a marginal difference between PK Subban and player like Bobby Sanguinetti - a 21st overall draft selection in 2006 who also had plenty of offensive gifts but shortcomings defensively. He can become too risky at times leaving his own zone and navigating the neutral zone, relying on his skill rather than choosing safe plays. (Source)65. Olivier Fortier, C 5'11" 168 lbs Rimouski Oceanic QMJHLFortier is a strong two-way centerman with some good offensive upside. After a rookie season spent largely on the fourth line, Fortier took on an increased offensive role with the Rimouski Oceanic this past season, posting 64 points in 69 games. A great skater with a strong work ethic and a willingness to get involved physically in spite of his relatively slight frame, Fortier will be an integral player for Rimouski next season, on what will be a vastly improved team.While he does bring good offensive skills to the table, it will likely be his defensive game that helps carry Fortier at the next level. He is a hard worker with good neutral zone shutdown ability, and plays both the penalty kill and the power play. Playing on the checking line is nothing new for Fortier, as that was his primary role during the World Under-18 hockey championships this past April. He projects to be a good third line forward with the ability to chip in 15 goals a season. (Source)73. Yannick Weber, D 5'11" 194 lbs Kitchener Rangers OHLYannick Weber is a skilled playmaking defenseman who is a very good skater with quick feet and good mobility. He uses good body positioning and stick checking to strip opponents of the puck. Weber possesses high-end passing ability and has an accurate shot from the point. Does need to increase his physical presence and his ability to use his body to separate the opponent from the puck. Play a very similar game as his fellow countryman, Mark Streit. Could be a decent #5-7 defense man in the NHL. (Source)133. Joe Stejskal, D 6'2" 186 lbs Grand Rapids USHS- MinnesotaJoe Stejskal is a steady defenseman who is an above average skater with some offensive skill. He also likes to initiate contact and does not shy away from a physical game. His slap shots have been clocked on the radar gun in the 93-95 mph range and is a Minnesota state tennis champion. Stejskal will be attending Dartmouth next year. (Source) 142. Andrew Conboy, LW 6'3" 190 lbs Omaha Lancers USHSAnother big left winger who likes to hit and punish the opposing player. He is a gritty two way player with a developing offensive skill set. Has to show more consistency on a game to game basis. One scout stated: "he needs to round out his game and play a little more consistently". Conboy will remain in the USHS for one more year and will attend Nebraska-Omaha University in 2008. (Source)163. Nichlas Torp, D 5'11" 196 lbs HV71-JR Sweden JuniorNichlas Torp is a hard working defenseman that likes to make the simple play and has a strong shot from the point. A heady player that makesgood decisions with the puck. Likes to lead on the ice and is effective on the powerplay needs to improve his overall skating. Central Scouting ranked him seventh among European skaters. He missed most of the beginning of the season due to injury but captained Team Sweden at the Under-18 Five Nations Tournament in February, 2007 and played for Team Sweden at the 2007 Under-18 World Championships. Some see similarities to another Habs prospect, Alexei Emelin. Torp could be a steal as other teams were concerned about his knee injury which has fully recovered since. (Source)192. Scott Kishel, D 5'11" 170 lbs Virginia, Minnesota, USHLScott Kishel is a late bloomer who is a steady if unspectacular defenseman."The best thing about defenseman Scott Kishel is that he’s a late-bloomer who’s getting better every week", said Virginia-Mountain Iron-Buhl boys hockey coach Keith Hendrickson. He'll play in the USHL next season and then go to Minnesota-Duluth in 2008. Kishel is considered a true project. (Source)Here's an interesting article by Pat Hickey from the Gazette on Montreal's draft picks.

[coesillian]

I had long write up to post about the draft a few days ago but I clicked a link on the page by accident and lost it, but there are a few things I would like to mention. Esposito. We didn’t pick him at 12^th and didn’t make a move for him either… it’s too bad to let another prospect homeboy slip but I trust management had their reasons, they might look bad if he ends up being great with Crosby et al, but if he couldn’t stand the pressure in the QJMHL then Montreal would of burnt him out. The media and fans are a lot less forgiving than me, but I understand their frustration. There just aren’t enough French Quebecers on the team. The people here love to support homeboys, they get a lot of pressure but sometimes it pays off. Latendresse only made the team because the fans wanted him and he did pretty good for himself and will be a very good Hab in the future. We should be giving more chance to our home grown players tho and it’s a shame we don’t have more in our organization, I really want to see a big name Quebecer get signed to the habs now during the offseason.Oh and like the sound of this Subban kid, finally somebody who might be able to let the gloves go and hold his own. Hopefully latendresse will get some more fighting experience next year, it will do some good to his caracter to get his asswhopped a couple times

[Derswick]

coesillian, on Tuesday, June 26th, 2007, 11:34 AM, said:

I had long write up to post about the draft a few days ago but I clicked a link on the page by accident and lost it, but there are a few things I would like to mention. Esposito. We didn’t pick him at 12^th and didn’t make a move for him either… it’s too bad to let another prospect homeboy slip but I trust management had their reasons, they might look bad if he ends up being great with Crosby et al, but if he couldn’t stand the pressure in the QJMHL then Montreal would of burnt him out. The media and fans are a lot less forgiving than me, but I understand their frustration. There just aren’t enough French Quebecers on the team. The people here love to support homeboys, they get a lot of pressure but sometimes it pays off. Latendresse only made the team because the fans wanted him and he did pretty good for himself and will be a very good Hab in the future. We should be giving more chance to our home grown players tho and it’s a shame we don’t have more in our organization, I really want to see a big name Quebecer get signed to the habs now during the offseason.Oh and like the sound of this Subban kid, finally somebody who might be able to let the gloves go and hold his own. Hopefully latendresse will get some more fighting experience next year, it will do some good to his caracter to get his asswhopped a couple times

Sorry to inform you but he is NOT a French Quebecer.

[digitalmonkey]

Affirmative action or Stanley Cup.....hmmmmm?The french media needs to fuck off and I mean that in the frenchest way possible. This is about hockey not politics or who's french or english or russian.

[coesillian]

Derswick, on Friday, June 29th, 2007, 12:13 AM, said:

Sorry to inform you but he is NOT a French Quebecer.

Angelo Esposito (born February 20, 1989, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada)

[coesillian]

digitalmonkey, on Friday, June 29th, 2007, 9:37 AM, said:

Affirmative action or Stanley Cup.....hmmmmm?The french media needs to fuck off and I mean that in the frenchest way possible. This is about hockey not politics or who's french or english or russian.

It’s a cultural thing man. The fans want to cheer for guys they can relate to. They need players that grew up wanting to be a hab, people who understand what it means to wear the Bleu Blanc et Rouge. Watching overpaid Russians not give any effort on a given night is an insult to the fans. We want to see hockey played with heart and passion and there aren’t any better players than Quebecers to go out and overachieve. I’m not bitter about Esposito, but the French media does have a point about there not being enough Quebecers on the team. Gagner and Bergeron weren’t good enough to be drafted by the Habs, but had they tried to please the fans a little, we would have a dominating team now. If they keep ignoring the fans they will end up ruining the beautiful passion people here have for the Habs. Hockey has been affected a lot by politics and who's french or english or Russian, you must be delusional if you don’t think so.

[digitalmonkey]

coesillian, on Friday, June 29th, 2007, 10:33 AM, said:

It’s a cultural thing man. The fans want to cheer for guys they can relate to. They need players that grew up wanting to be a hab, people who understand what it means to wear the Bleu Blanc et Rouge. Watching overpaid Russians not give any effort on a given night is an insult to the fans. We want to see hockey played with heart and passion and there aren’t any better players than Quebecers to go out and overachieve. I’m not bitter about Esposito, but the French media does have a point about there not being enough Quebecers on the team. Gagner and Bergeron weren’t good enough to be drafted by the Habs, but had they tried to please the fans a little, we would have a dominating team now. If they keep ignoring the fans they will end up ruining the beautiful passion people here have for the Habs. Hockey has been affected a lot by politics and who's french or english or Russian, you must be delusional if you don’t think so.

I didn't say it wasn't affected..I imlpied that it shouldn't be. Would the french fans be happy with a last place team full of Quebec born players?

[Derswick]

coesillian, on Friday, June 29th, 2007, 7:09 AM, said:

Angelo Esposito (born February 20, 1989, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada)

Derek Roulston born Montreal Quebec. I am a Canadian, born in Quebec and NOT a Francophone, just like Exposito. There are Anglaphones born in Quebec too. He is a Quebecer but not French, speaks the language as most Quebecers do but not a Francophone. Is that clear?

[digitalmonkey]

Derswick, on Saturday, June 30th, 2007, 10:54 AM, said:

Derek Roulston born Montreal Quebec. I am a Canadian, born in Quebec and NOT a Francophone, just like Exposito. There are Anglaphones born in Quebec too. He is a Quebecer but not French, speaks the language as most Quebecers do but not a Francophone. Is that clear?

But do you like poutine?

[Derswick]

digitalmonkey, on Saturday, June 30th, 2007, 8:22 AM, said:

But do you like poutine?

Love it!

[MapleLeafpoker]

digitalmonkey, on Saturday, June 30th, 2007, 11:22 AM, said:

But do you like poutine?

French Fries+Cheese Curds+Gravy= How can you NOT like poutine?This off topic feel from hockey makes me think Im part of the TSN crew killing time waiting for a signing during todays "signing day special".

[nell789]

MapleLeafpoker, on Sunday, July 1st, 2007, 11:59 AM, said:

French Fries+Cheese Curds+Gravy= How can you NOT like poutine?This off topic feel from hockey makes me think Im part of the TSN crew killing time waiting for a signing during todays "signing day special".

Dave Hodge's quote about the "Free Agent Frenzy" banner becoming a collectors item after today got some good laughs around the studio.I for one, completely saw this coming. I'm surprised they would even expect enough signings to happen in the first two hours to warrent a 3 hour special.

[MapleLeafpoker]

nell789, on Sunday, July 1st, 2007, 2:04 PM, said:

Dave Hodge's quote about the "Free Agent Frenzy" banner becoming a collectors item after today got some good laughs around the studio.I for one, completely saw this coming. I'm surprised they would even expect enough signings to happen in the first two hours to warrent a 3 hour special.

I dont know why, but I kept thinking there would be a lot right off the start. I could swear it was like this last year, but then I heard the first signing last year was Chara, at like 2:30pm. So why they expected so much so early and built a show around it, im not sure. then again, better this show than nothing......its not like i was gonna watch Golf This Week, or whatever they usually have on Sunday at noon.

[nell789]

MapleLeafpoker, on Sunday, July 1st, 2007, 1:22 PM, said:

I dont know why, but I kept thinking there would be a lot right off the start. I could swear it was like this last year, but then I heard the first signing last year was Chara, at like 2:30pm. So why they expected so much so early and built a show around it, im not sure. then again, better this show than nothing......its not like i was gonna watch Golf This Week, or whatever they usually have on Sunday at noon.

Yeah, that's true.Maybe their show at 6:00 will be more action packed.

[digitalmonkey]

Habs sign Hamrlik.

[MapleLeafpoker]

digitalmonkey, on Monday, July 2nd, 2007, 6:33 PM, said:

Habs sign Hamrlik.

What do you think of that for 4yrs and 5.4mill a year?

[digitalmonkey]

MapleLeafpoker, on Monday, July 2nd, 2007, 6:35 PM, said:

What do you think of that for 4yrs and 5.4mill a year?

I think it's a little too much, but Hamrlik does fill one of Montreal's needs and could be a great partner with Markov on the point.I think Gainey is working on a trade.

[MapleLeafpoker]

digitalmonkey, on Monday, July 2nd, 2007, 6:41 PM, said:

I think it's a little too much, but Hamrlik does fill one of Montreal's needs and could be a great partner with Markov on the point.I think Gainey is working on a trade.

I think its too much as well. Im not sure why Hamrlik gets paid that much, I feel like a few of these signings are teams getting desperate after losing out on their first choice. Who do you think they're going for? Center? Power Winger?

[digitalmonkey]

MapleLeafpoker, on Monday, July 2nd, 2007, 6:44 PM, said:

I think its too much as well. Im not sure why Hamrlik gets paid that much, I feel like a few of these signings are teams getting desperate after losing out on their first choice. Who do you think they're going for? Center? Power Winger?

I think they are after a centre. If the price is right I think Bertuzzi would be worth a gamble for a power winger.P.S. I guess that confirms that Souray has turned down at least a 4-yr $22 million offer.

[MapleLeafpoker]

digitalmonkey, on Monday, July 2nd, 2007, 6:47 PM, said:

P.S. I guess that confirms that Souray has turned down at least a 4-yr $22 million offer.

I was just thinking if Montreal signed Hamrlik for 5.4mill/yr, does that mean Souray is getting somewhere around 6-7mill? If so, thats a ridiculous number. Way too much for Souray, I cant imagine SJ giving him that much, but i could be wrong. He would be a good fit there, but 6mill+? That will hurt them too much long term on that team.