In case you missed it yesterday, Monday’s Daily Cup of Joe offered a collection of mostly external reading and audio on the Carolina Hurricanes newly-assembled management team.
Today’s Daily Cup of Joe is part two of two looking at the Hurricanes prospect depth chart by position. Part one last week looked at goalies and defensemen.
Today’s part two looks at the team’s growing organizational depth at the forward position.
Disclaimer: Many of these players can play multiple positions, but I included each player only in one slot.
Carolina Hurricanes left wing prospects
Warren Foegele leads the pack at left wing and should compete for an NHL roster spot for the 2018-19 season. But past Foegele and the potential for a center to slide over to the left side, the next wave of help for the Hurricanes at left wing is mostly a couple years out into the future. The Hurricanes have mid/late round draftees Matt Filipe, Max Zimmer and Luke Stevens still developing in the NCAA ranks and also Hudson Elynuik who is rumored to be heading back into the draft.
Carolina Hurricanes right wing prospects
Somewhat similar to left wing, the Hurricane’s have a seemingly NHL-ready prospect in Valentin Zykov. The Hurricanes also have physically gifted first-rounder Julien Gauthier though his 2017-18 transition to the AHL was a mixed bag with healthy scratches and minimal production early before a better second half of the season. Past the top two, the situation also looks similar to left wing where the next wave of help is likely a couple years out. 2017 draftee Stelio Mattheos had a strong 2017-18 season, and the right wing prospect pool also includes Spencer Smallman. If the Hurricanes use the #2 overall draft pick to add Andrei Svechnikov to the mix, that would be a substantial boost for a position where Hurricanes are light on both depth and high-end potential.
Carolina Hurricanes center prospects
Last but not least is the center position where the Hurricanes have amassed a prospect pool with both quantity and quality. Martin Necas probably offers he highest ceiling of the group, but Lucas Wallmark and Janne Kuokkanen are also capable and potentially ready for the NHL level in 2018-19. Nicolas Roy might not be as flashy, but he offers a big frame, two-way acumen and a well-rounded game that is mature for his age. Then there is Aleksi Saarela who quickly proved he can score at the AHL level and also has a fairly high ceiling.
In addition to five players who could be NHL-ready sooner rather than later, the Hurricanes also have a decent group of players farther out into the future. Morgan Geekie had a strong season in the WHL and will move up to the AHL next season where he will join Steven Lorentz and Clark Bishop. Behind them, the Hurricanes have David Cotton playing NCAA hockey and Eetu Luostarinen who is playing in Finland.
Netting it out
In total, the Hurricanes are light on depth at both wing positions but could get a boost with the #2 overall draft pick this summer and possibly a natural center or two moving to wing. But despite lack of quantity, the Hurricanes do have Warren Foegele (LW) and Valentin Zykov (RW) who will be front runners from the AHL group to move up for the 2018-19 season.
The strength of the prospect pools is the center position where the Hurricanes have a good mix of high ceiling players (Necas) and players with strong all-around games and a decent volume of professional experience (Wallmark, Roy, Kuokkanen). At all three forward positions, the Hurricanes have a decent volume of prospects who would be in a next wave of players headed to the AHL in the next one to three years.
What say you Canes fans?
1) Of the players generally referred to as part of the “next wave” that is out a couple years, who do you like to rise up?
2) Of the group past Martin Necas at the center position, which, if any, of the players at the AHL level do you think could succeed at the NHL level?
3) Which of Warren Foegele, Valentin Zykvo and/or Martin Necas do you see making the 2018-19 opening day roster? Which dark horse beyond that group has the best chance to crack the NHL in 2018-19?
Go Canes!
1) Stelio Mattheos. There was some buzz that Mattheos would be an early 2nd-rounder, then he fell. So he was a great pick in the middle of the 3rd round. This past season he performed like a late 1st-round pick. I would think by 2020 he will be on the Canes as one of the RWs. Luostarinen (from what little I am able to read) also looks to be a solid player already playing in the professional Finnish men’s league. He has good size and could make it as a strong two-way player if he shows defensive/penalty killing acumen.
2) I like both Kuokkanen and Saarela. Though I don’t know if either plays center in the NHL.
Kuokkanen played quite well in the first two games of the season including almost scoring in the Columbus game–it took an excellent save by Bobrovsky to keep the puck out. He makes quick decisions once he has the puck, which is something that can’t really be taught.
When I saw the Checkers Saarela’s speed really stood out.
As far as making it in the NHL at center, Roy is the best candidate. His size and defensive skills are almost there, with another year of development he can definitely have a role. Roy also makes some nice passes that lead to good chances especially on the power play.
3) I will be surprised if Foegele and Zykov are not on the opening roster. Until it has an unproductive stretch of hockey, I will remain convinced the TAZ line is going to be a successful scoring line in the NHL. Foegele I see playing LW with Staal (with either McGinn or Martinook at RW)–I am going back to calling it a disruption line. Those three can be on the ice with the other team’s goal scorers and make life hard. All can three can also play on the PK.
As far as Necas, other commenters here have convinced me it makes the most sense to give him time in Charlotte. Two reasons: get him accustomed to the size of the rink and physicality of the game; starting the season with four rookies (Svechnikov, Foegele, Zykov will start in Raleigh IMO) just seems like tempting fate. That being said, once Necas is NHL-ready I think he centers Svechnikov on a second potent offensive line. That gives the Hurricanes something they haven’t had in many years.
1+3) I’m gonna predict something fun and say Gauthier for both. I think if he gets his head on straight this off season he has a shot at the roster since what he does well (skating and shooting) is NHL ready.
2) I’ll guess Roy, hopefully Aho has a full successful season at C and Necas transitions to NA ice quickly so we can stop playing guessing games when it comes to the center position at the NHL level.
Looks like Foegele and Zykov will get their shots this season. I like Foegele’s long term chances more than Zykov. Hope Zykov can overcome his skating deficiencies.
I also like Roy as a bottom 6 forward, maybe a centerman. He is a big body and not afraid to play that way. Something the Canes need, but he is probably needs another year in the AHL.
Hope Necas can stay healthy. Only played 24 regular season games this year and we saw the playoff injury. Tough breaks for the kid. Hope he is ready to come to the US this year and play in the AHL. It’s time. If he tears it up I’m sure he will be in Raleigh before the end of the season.
I’m not 100% sold on Wallmark, Kuokkanen, or Saarela. Looks as if Wallmark may get time in Raleigh. Clock is ticking on Wallmark as he is approaching 23. We’ll see how they do.
There isn’t room for all these guys without some moves over the next couple years. Some players have to go, and not just fourth liners.
1. First, interesting comment about Elyniuk – I hadn’t heard that, but it does make some sense I suppose. I would be curious about his reasoning.
Of the “out” prospects at forwards, I concur with ct – Mattheos and Luostarinen. Hopefully we will see them in Charlotte sooner rather than later to get a better assessment – I have to do a bit more research to find out where they stand relative to making the move. I will also add Geekie after his impressive season and playoff run.
2. Wallmark is definitely ready – he has shown it. And I think it is time we either plan on bringing him up or we move to trade him – his value is recognized around the league and he will succeed as a NHL center wherever he gets the chance.
I believe Saarela has been mostly playing on the wing this year – someone who followed the Checkers more closely can correct me. He scores in bunches but he is more of a sniper. And high-end AHL snipers have a hard time succeeding in the NHL.
Kuokkanen did not look as solid as I had hoped when I saw the Checkers play so I am not sure how much time he gets here.
There is a logjam of center prospects but I am only convinced of two – Necas and Wallmark – being true NHL prospects.
3. I think all 3 are on the roster on opening day – how long any of them stay here is anyone’s guess. Roy would be the darkhorse who could turn a few heads with a solid prospect camp, Traverse City outing, and training camp. Other than Staal how many big-bodied centers do we have in the organization??
1. I would not be shocked to see anyone break out, as thats just the nature of the quantity policy we’ve got going on, but I’m really intrigued by Geekie after that dominant performance he put up in the WHL playoffs. I think the knock on him is skating ability, so we’ll see how he plays out.
2. I don’t see a lot of positional stagnancy on this roster. While I agree that people who can focus on one position may play that position better, I would also argue that those who can play all the positions, know better how to help their teammates succeed as well as themselves. Point is, ctcaniac is right. Who knows if Kuokkanen and Saarela play center at the next level. Did Saarela even play in the middle this year? We’ve done a great job getting players who can conceivably play every forward slot, and I hope that effort continues. Flexibility is a good thing.
3. I’m with ericiversen here, and I’m picking Gauthier. Leaving stats and the benefits of another AHL year aside, he is the one prospect we have that is near-guaranteed to endear himself to his new NHL coach, solely through his workout ability. Further, while that extra AHL year would definitely help his development, Gauthier is not one of those prospects that demands a scoring line role in order to play. He played 4th line in Charlotte this year, and with a summer of hard work, it would not shock me if he came out of the blue to earn a 4th line spot in Raleigh next year. And I don’t think a 4th line role would really stymie his development either if this did happen. Way out of left field here though.
Honestly, I see all three of Z, Foegele and Necas making the opening night roster trade permitting. We’re in a great situation of having a lot of kids needing to learn and a couple excellent veterans here this year to guide and teach them. Let it play out in my opinion.
Informative posts by all. When considering the next wave of forwards, it is remarkable how young the canes really are. Aho, TT, Lindholm, and the Russian are all top six forwards that are 23 or younger. If you look at the next wave the team can grow together and be really good for a while.
1. I thought Gauthier may have lost his way last season. Yet perhaps he is on the right track and can really break out this year.
2. Roy would be my choice for a very solid 3rd center for the foreseeable future. He may play on Staal’s wing and then assume that mantle.
3. I think Z, Foegele, and maybe Necas. Hard to tell until any trades are completed. A dark horse could be the new Finn. He has size and speed. What role he would play, I don’t know.
A mostly homegrown lineup could be in the not so distant future. Patience is challenging but I hope the brain trust sticks with it for the core of the team. Perhaps a lineup in a few years would look like this. I still don’t have a forward with Aho and TT so I’ll guess.
TT/Aho/Puljajarvi
Zykov/Necas/the Russian
McGinn/Roy/Smallman
Foegele/Lindholm/Gauthier
Just spitballing, but that would be a fun group of forwards with balance.
1. Mattheos, Geekie, and Luostarinen
2. Sorry to go off-topic but just wondering what the general consensus is for how many rookies we could/should have in the lineup next year?
Barring any trades I could see all of Svech (or god forbid someone else chosen at 2OA), Necas, Zykov, Foegele, Wallmark, Roy, and maybe even Gauthier and Kuokkanen being NHL ready at some point in the 2018-19 season.
This is a good problem to have and the league is going younger but just curious where the sweet spot is here.
3. I think Foegele, Zykov, and whoever we choose at 2OA (hopefully Svech) make opening night roster. Necas could very well join them as well but I do see the benefit of giving him some time in Charlotte if we have any questions after camp/preseason.
See #2 – Gauthier and Kuokkanen as dark horses. Wallmark and Roy falls somewhere between dark horse and Foeg, Z, Necas, and Svech. Just depends on how many rooks RBA is comfortable with.
1. Mattheos. I have been on his bandwagon since he was drafted. Solid steal and find that hidden under Patrick’s shadow. Unfortunately, he’ll be back in Juniors next year (man I dislike that rule). I hope Smallman gets back to his ability next year. Would be a solid 4th line RW that is capable of scoring 15+ goals. Foegele-esque.
2. Outside of Necas, I would say all the guys we have are capable of being successful in the NHL in the right role. Gauthier, Zykov, Saarela, and Foegel look like capable goal scorers in their own way. Wallmark, Eetu, and Roy look like 2 way centers in the bottom 6.
3. I see Zykov and Foegele making the roster with Necas having a good shot. Necas’ name has been mentioned so many times already. It seems like it is a foregone conclusion already. Darkhorse: Saarela. If he beats out Zykov in camp.
The roster in 2 years could get very interesting:
Zykov-Aho-Svech
Saarela-Staal-Foegele
TT-Roy-Necas ( I think Roy takes center from Necas)
McGinn-Wallmark-Smallman
13th: Martinook?
where does Gauthier go (when he gets to using that big body all the time)
Mattheos?
Geekie?
Kuok?
The roster gets full quick.
Two additional and disparate points:
1. We have a surfeit of forwards prospects apparently knocking on the NHL door. I have to think several will be involved in trades – so I don’t think it will be a question of how many rookies can we have on next year’s roster. I really do think we will have fewer in the pipeline by season start – I don’t want to speculate who.
But I have brought this up in the past – whoever takes Skinner will probably not want Skinner as a one-year rental. There is contract risk involved and to mitigate that risk I expect other pieces will go with him including at least one high-end forward prospect.
2. Gauthier showed – after spending time in the AHL equivalent of the press box – that when he skates he is good. Vellucci kept mentioning that as the season progressed. He is still inconsistent and I think he is actually over-cautious in his play, as though afraid to make mistakes. It’s either that or he hasn’t figured out the game and where he needs to be. I expect it will be another season before he comes up – and I think Vellucci is absolutely the right coach for him at this stage; a coach who can drive him and motivate him – and give him the confidence to make mistakes.
Matt, you list Zykov as a RW prospect, but didn’t he play LW with Aho-TT? The Checkers site lists him as RW, but Hurricanes website lists him LW. Did he play RW in Charlotte but LW in Raleigh?
I’m surprised so many people are calling for so many rookies to play next season. Some of you with 7 rookies starting. That seems… unlikely… and dangerous.
I think Svech and Zykov make the squad for sure. I’d like to see Foegle get his shot, maybe beside J Staal. Necas probably needs time in AHL, but he could beat out Foegle if they try Necas at wing. I think 3 rookies is absolute maximum you want starting on the team, and none sharing a line.
I don’t really hold to standard numbers of rookies as the ‘maximum allowable’ number of rookies. In today’s NHL, you want the best players to play. And some of the best players are going to make dumb growing mistakes, but that’s how they learn. We have many rookies who are going to challenge to be the best players to play. With Bill Peters we did the old school let the veterans play bit, and now we have the prospects that likely have far more talent than our free agent veterans.
There is risk in this scenario, but the potential reward is seemingly far higher if we give these rookies spots to fight for. We have so many potential possibilities that pretty much everyone outside the top 4-5 forwards are going to have to fight for a spot. That is awesome. I would be happy to see seven rookies in the lineup. Especially if the rookies are Necas, Svechnikov, Zadina (I want that #3 pick real bad), Foegele, Zykov, Kuokkanen and Wallmark. That would be an amazing crop of seven rookies. I’d run with that in a second.
Also, you are correct, Zykov can play both wing spots.
Ah great. That gives us even more flexibility with the lineup.
Out of 12 forward spots, Canes starters right now include:
Aho, TT, Lindholm, Skinner, Staal, McGinn, Williams, Rask. I would assume Martinook (likely) as well.
That’s at least 8, probably 9, spots filled. Martinook is likely important addition to PK.
Like a lot of people, I’m ready to move on from Rask and maybe he can be worked into a trade, but I doubt it. I expect Skinner to be traded, but also expect him to bring a forward back in return (although a goalie would be better).
A few points after reading the other insightful comments:
1) The four times I saw the Checkers I thought Zykov was a better-than-average skater. So I wanted to see what others have said. This from Elite Prospects when he was draft eligible:
A highly skilled offensive minded player. Zykov is strong, skates very well and has impressive hands and creativity. Good scorer and potential to become a high scoring player in the future. (EP, 2013)
Also, Larry Fisher has been revisiting his past Mock Drafts over at The Hockey Writers. He has been quite good for 6 years. In 2013 he had Zykov going in the first round. Not many below-average skaters ever even get mentioned as possible first rounders.
My guess is that some people are fooled because Zykov “stands” in front of the net quite a bit in the offensive zone. That is not because he is a poor skater, it is because he is nearly immovable–and that carried over to the NHL.
I realize he isn’t fast, but I have few concerns about his skating.
2)Agree with tj that some prospects are going to be moved. My only concern is that until they have played in the NHL and had success other teams won’t fully value them. For instance, I think Roy is likely (better than 50/50) a 45-pooint two-way player. However, in a package trade now he would mostly be considered as a “nice add” to compensate for Skinner being in his last year. I have no problem with some prospects being moved, but I expect we will lose some of those trades 2-3 years from now.
3) I am not as high as others on Gauthier (but that is good as I am usually wrong). So I would be ok if he is the add in a trade that brings back a goalie.
4) My answer to virtue is 3 forwards and, maybe, one defenseman. I would be super cautious having a single line with two rookies. Originally I wanted Necas and Svechnikov together because I think they will form the core of the second line as soon as next season. However, others have made much better arguments that too many rookies all but commits 18-19 to another rebuilding year when it could be a playoff contending year.
As I have said before, it is a good problem to have–too many prospects for the available positions. It also makes having four balanced forward lines almost mandatory; no more grinders, no more limiting some players to 7 minutes.
Must disagree with you and all the mock drafters out there. Zykov’s edges are not good. Watch him start and stop. Watch him try to change direction. Not good. Yes, he can go fast straight ahead and is strong on his skates, but that is only part of skating. His skating needs much work. This is about the only place where I hear people defend Zykov’s skating.
I am not so high on Gauthier either. The lack of assists at times concerns me. Seeing a first round pick get healthy scratched is an eyeopener as well. Seems like he has having some trouble figuring it out. Hope he gets it together. He has some time, but I certainly wouldn’t expect him with the team any time soon.
Three rookies that get significant playing time tops this season. The Canes are trying to win, not rebuild. I also expect any trades to bring back a veteran or two. They’ll need the salary if they trade a Skinner or Faulk, and a solid veteran presence is something they can certainly use.
Welcome back, everyone. I have long believed that the Canes have a wonderful collection of scoring talent, if not the most impressive in the NHL. Reading the above only serves to confirm that.
But I must disagree (respectfully) with my fellow fans here about whom we should select with our number two overall pick. Allow me here to quote The Hockey News’ Ken Campbell in his recent article, “The Brady Hunch”, “…any team…that chooses another player over Brady Tkatchuk does so at it’s own peril. We have him ranked at No. 3 in this very publication, but would the Carolina Hurricanes pluck him at No. 2 and put him directly into the NHL next season? They would if they’re smart.” Campbell sees what I see. We need what the rest of the league needs; a scoring, playmaking, big, strong, center with a mean streak.
I realize that, in this regard, I am a minority of one here on this site. I am one of very few here who sees that we desperately need forwards and defensemen who are big, strong and gritty.
So go ahead and write me off as one of those dinosaurs who don’t know what they are talking about. We don’t have any appreciation for the “new NHL”.
I have long been trying to understand what makes fancy stats fanalysts tick. Why do they think about the game I love the way they do? To me, it seems like we are from different planets. But why? I get some who try to revise NHL history to fit their agendas. But what is their agenda?
Recently, I read an article by David Staples of the Edmonton Journal’s “Cult of Hockey”. He, like I, is fascinated by the success of the Vegas Knights. What can their secret be?
He believes that the secret is their coach (I know, guys, here I go again with the human element in hockey, but hang in for a few minutes, you might find this to be interesting). Gerard Gallant was an early casualty from the coup that took place when the analytics department staged a hostile takeover of the Florida Panthers a couple of years ago. Tom Rowe took the GM power from Dale Tallon and traded the glue guy of the team, Eric Gudbranson. He then fired Gerard Gallant and the staff because they wouldn’t buy into the new management think. Remember?
Well, the good guys finally got back in power. The Panthers are recovering. Tallon is back in the driver’s seat and a very embarrassed Mr. Viola would like it if everyone would forget it all happened.
But a man with Gallant’s chops does not stay unemployed in the NHL for even a nanosecond. The Vegas owners scoffed him up, even before they had selected their team.
I have heard much commentary here as well as out there about holding players accountable for their errors. I would imagine that it is a fact of life in the “new NHL “. We now have the stats and DVDs to show(browbeat) players where they went wrong. I have heard the litany of complaints about Skinny, Ryan Murphy, Scot Darling, et al not being accountable.
All of this is for their own good. Right?
Now I am beginning to understand.
So when a reporter asked Mr. Gallant about holding his players accountable a week or so ago, Mr. Staples was so impressed with Gallant’s answer, he devoted a column to it.
The reporter asked Mr. Gallant about holding his players accountable for their errors. Mr. Gallant said that he didn’t. Not believing his own ears, the reporter asked, “It’s obviously a big part of your success though. Like, is accountability a big part of your success?”
Gallant’s reply was amazing to both Mr. Staples and me. He said, “I guess it is to a point. But, again, I’m not holding my players accountable for making mistakes…..So don’t worry about your mistakes.”
Wow! No wonder the Knights are so loose out there. Nobody on that team seems to be tense.
No wonder men like Skinner and Faulk and Fluery seem to be very tense and frustrated. I hope Roddy is more like Gallant than Peters.
I recommend Staples’ column highly to any who might be interested in the human element of hockey.
With all due respect, if I held the 2nd overall pick I would easily take a 6’3″, 187-lb winger who scores bunches from all over the O-zone over a 6’2″, 194-lb 3rd line (most likely) center. Then, as part of the passel of trades involving underperforming D-men and forwards on the current roster and a few prospects as well – who we probably won’t miss terribly because we have so many – pick up, among other things, that third-line center.
Anything else is an irretrievable waste of a resource.
I would perhaps take Tkachuk over Zadina – just because I think Zadina as a pure sniper in a weak league in juniors has a lot more risk in the NHL.
But Svechnikov will be a gamechanger – Tkachuk not so much, if at all.
You can always trade for Tkachuk equivalents – but not for Svechnikovs.
^What raleightj said !!
I think the Russian may be the best pick, but don’t sell Brady Tkachuk short. He is a special talent in his own right. Players like him don’t come around very often. Big body (that should get bigger), big motor, smart player and a boatload of intangibles. He will be way more than a third line player. The Canes have plenty of experience in the draft room. If they choose Tkachuk it will be for a good reason. You want to see a young line go? Put Tkachuk with Aho and Turbo.
Powerless-thanks for the reading suggestions. You may be right about Tkachuk. The draft is a challenge and a certain amount of good or bad fortune. The canes took Murphy in the first round and Aho in the second. We know how that turned out.
The reason I am a big proponent for the Russian is not because of analytics or Corsi or advanced stats- maybe those are the same thing. The guy is a scoring machine. When I see his name in the same sentence as Laine and Ovechkin or near identical PPG as McDavid and Stamkos in juniors, that gets my attention.
I am not saying he will be any of those guys but it is encouraging. Carolina got a gift with the second pick. The “smart” hockey people are near consensus that the Russian should go second. After looking at his points scored and highlights, I would agree.
Whoever Carolina picks, thanks for your reasonable viewpoint. This is one of the few sites, maybe only one, where people can disagree without personal attacks. Look forward to your future posts.
Hear, hear jm. Powerless, I respectfully disagree on draft prospect, but your opinion is always valued. Few people have your grasp on the human element to hockey. Any way we pick, I’m thinking we’re likely to get a really good player. Please keep on chatting with us, and here’s to a fun hockey offseason here to come.
I followed the Checkers very closely this year attending 5 or so regular season games and couple of playoff games. Also listened on radio. It was a fun year.
My observations.
Yes we are stacked with some high quality prospects some of whom should make the bigs soon whether it is with the Canes or with other teams via trade. Top of my list that all have mentioned and are in order
Z, Wallmark, Fog, and Saarela
– Z could be the next Wayne Simmonds. Big bodied and hard to move while wreaking havoc in front of opponents goalies. We desperately need this. Also saw him singlehandly win a game in OT by rushing the net from side wall and lifting top shelf. A goal scorers goal and in OT at that.
– Wallmark to me is a playmaker in the mold of Aho. I have said this before. He is smooth on his skates and knows where he needs to be on the ice and where his line mates are.
– Fog is an agitator and will go in corners and stir it up. He can also score and has good hands. Would be great addition to team if only for his penalty killing. I see him taking place of Nordstrom.
– Saarela is a true sniper. I saw him score twice from the side wall from crazy angles and the goalie never saw it. Where he fits I am not sure but he is a true scorer something we need.
– My sleeper is Roy. I saw flashes of greatness intermittently. I think with time and good coaching will only will get better. He is not afraid to crash the net and strong on his skates.
Even if only 2 of the above mentioned become solid players this would much better than our recent past prospects track record from ie Murphy, Dalphe, Sampson, who can forget Boychuk and the list goes on.
One last thing – Gauthier I agree with Raleightj. He is still trying to find his way and seemed lost and pouty at times. He may be a bust but wow is he big and strong. Next year in Clt should show us what he is made of.
How these guys translate in the bigs who knows……,,but it sure is exciting to dream about it.
Go Canes and please please management address the disaster in goal.
I will never understand why Z didn’t get called up sooner last season. Anyone could see that the team needed a big net front presence AND that Charlotte had just that in player that was the AHL’s leading goal scorer.
There is a great distance between “Respectfully,…” and “With all due respect…” When a person begins with “respectfully”, they are actually reminding themselves that they need to show respect to the person or people whom they are addressing. And, they usually do.
“With all due respect” usually is saying to those being addressed that what is coming at you is as respectful as I think you deserve, which isn’t much.
Thank you raleightj and c1rhino. I got it loud and clear. I have been put down with the resounding “thud” you were going for. You have let me know that I am unwelcome here.
I hope you guys have a great season.
Thank you jm97.
Thanks, lessthanstable.
I think when we talk about holding players accountable we are not saying they can’t make mistakes, we are saying (at least I am saying) that the players should show up motivated, work hard and give it their all, every minute of every game.
That is what the Vegas team has done consistently this year. They showed up with fire, chips on their collective sholders, and a hard working, never-say-die attitude.
They made mistakes, in this league everybody does, but they played hard every game.
So when I say holding players accountable, I am talking about Darling showing up to camp out of shape, Skinner not backchecking, defensemen standing around rather than defending the crease, forwards not going to the front of the net.
I don’t expect them to be perfect, it’d be a boring league if they were, but I do expect them to try, not to show up to collect a paycheck or make themselves look good rather than helping the team win.
I feel like the Canes did too much of that.
Zykov’s numbers speak for themselves in his short stint. If he keeps those numbers up he can be one of the top point getters on the team. If they don’t he can be sent down to Clt. He has earned his shot at NHL success if anyone has. He is not a guarantee to make it, but if he never gets the chance he never will.
This is rewarding hard work and dedication, which is the human element.
I won’t comment on the pick. All I ask is that the team don’t trade the pick and select the best player available. I go for the Russian myself but I do not have the experience or knowledge that our scouting team does. They have messed up some first round picks but with the number 2 pick I hope they can do it.
All I ask is if they want to take a player they are sure will be available at #3 or #4 they trade picks with that team and get some additional help.
That is exactly what Gallant does in Vegas and was recently quoted as saying – accountability for effort, not for making mistakes.
Amen, raleightj. So long as they give it their all, I’m 100% cool with them if they make mistakes. That’s the #1 learning tool. And I can accept if they have an off game every now and again, because human.
With this team though, I really think that, given the opportunity, a lot of these prospects will answer the call. No guarantees, obviously, but I’m still down to gamble on it.
Watching both Hanifin and Fleury this past season, I think I have seen both players afraid to make mistakes at times. I think it was, in part, an issue with how BP ran the show behind the bench.
And if you look at other players – including Lindholm, Skinner, Rask, Kruger – there wasn’t the level of effort on display for the most part, yet no accountability – either from the coach or team leadership. Williams didn’t chew on Skinner’s ear why?
I really do think that one benefit of RBA/Williams/Staal (who always put in the effort) is that accountability will be in play and coaching/leadership will be on the same page.