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I'm still trying to figure out why an anti-Russian bias would be a bad thing. The flight risk to the KHL is a very legitimate thing. It's always going to be risk/reward with those players. The reward of a proven NHL defender in Kulikov is far more worth it compared to a young prospect or draft eligible player who has proven nothing yet. Now if an Ovechkin level player is there at your draft slot, you sure as hell are taking that guy.

The risk of a Russian prospect staying in Russia and playing in the KHL is exaggerated. There is nothing wrong or damaging to the drafting team if the prospect stays a few years in the homeland. That isn't wasted time; it is the time used for development. If you drafted a player who is 18 yrs old and he stays in Russia playing that isn't wasted time. He is still playing, physically, emotionally and socially maturing. So when you get him a few years later (the same time frame for other prospects who stay in North America) you get a more finished product and a player who is more prepared to play.

 

Take Vesey for example. He stayed four years at Harvard. He didn't waste his hockey development time while he was in school and playing at the college level. Each year he got better as a player and more mature physically, and now is ready to step in right away. My primary point is simple: Wherever the player is still will be used for player development. Most of these draftees, except for the top draftees, take a few years before they are ready. Whatever approach the player decides you still have to wait for the young player to develop into a man capable of playing at the NHL level. The Russian fear is much more diminished than it previously was.

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The risk of a Russian prospect staying in Russia and playing in the KHL is exaggerated. There is nothing wrong or damaging to the drafting team if the prospect stays a few years in the homeland. That isn't wasted time; it is the time used for development. If you drafted a player who is 18 yrs old and he stays in Russia playing that isn't wasted time. He is still playing, physically, emotionally and socially maturing. So when you get him a few years later (the same time frame for other prospects who stay in North America) you get a more finished product and a player who is more prepared to play.

 

Take Vesey for example. He stayed four years at Harvard. He didn't waste his hockey development time while he was in school and playing at the college level. Each year he got better as a player and more mature physically, and now is ready to step in right away. My primary point is simple: Wherever the player is still will be used for player development. Most of these draftees, except for the top draftees, take a few years before they are ready. Whatever approach the player decides you still have to wait for the young player to develop into a man capable of playing at the NHL level. The Russian fear is much more diminished than it previously was.

 

It's not so much that they stay over there after being drafted. The more common occurrence is them playing for a few years and then heading back. It might not be very common, but it happens much more with them than with anyone else. What's Gordie going to do, head back to Saskatoon after his ELC expires?

Posted

The risk of a Russian prospect staying in Russia and playing in the KHL is exaggerated. There is nothing wrong or damaging to the drafting team if the prospect stays a few years in the homeland. That isn't wasted time; it is the time used for development. If you drafted a player who is 18 yrs old and he stays in Russia playing that isn't wasted time. He is still playing, physically, emotionally and socially maturing. So when you get him a few years later (the same time frame for other prospects who stay in North America) you get a more finished product and a player who is more prepared to play.

 

Take Vesey for example. He stayed four years at Harvard. He didn't waste his hockey development time while he was in school and playing at the college level. Each year he got better as a player and more mature physically, and now is ready to step in right away. My primary point is simple: Wherever the player is still will be used for player development. Most of these draftees, except for the top draftees, take a few years before they are ready. Whatever approach the player decides you still have to wait for the young player to develop into a man capable of playing at the NHL level. The Russian fear is much more diminished than it previously was.

 

When they're capable of paying a player $15M per year, I don't think you can look at them as a developmental league. The actual number of players leaving for the KHL doesn't paint the full picture either. Russian players love to use it as a bargaining chip during negotiations, and it is a strong one.

 

 

What's Gordie going to do, head back to Saskatoon after his ELC expires?

 

Exactly.

Posted

 

I know they're starting to throw around the tag of "one for one deal", but there has to be something more going to Edmonton. This one would be the real life version of the "Crosby for Hodgson" rumors that young fans like think are possible. I know Larsson was very highly regarded coming into his draft, but he hasn't come close to living up to it yet. I can just picture Shero throwing that offer out there as a conversation starter and then dropping the phone when Chiarelli accepted it.

TSN has a breaking news story at the top of their website saying that Stamkos is staying with Tampa.

Posted

JUST IN: As per @TSNBobMcKenzie, @RealStamkos91 staying with the @TBLightning #TSNHockey

 

Bob McKenzie ‏@TSNBobMcKenzie 7m7 minutes ago

 

Cancel the Stamkos Sweepstakes, he has decided to return to the Tampa Bay Lightning. #TSN

 

http://www.tsn.ca/stamkos-to-stay-in-tampa-bay-re-sign-with-lightning-1.517913

 

I'm both relieved and disappointed. I would have loved to have had him, but the blood clots worried me greatly. Glad the Leafs aren't getting him.

How about Subban for Shea Weber? What a crazy 30 minutes in the NHL this afternoon.

Posted

I understand that Montreal had some cap issues with Subban's contract, but exchanging that for a little over $1 million in savings but taking on that 85 year contract that Weber has doesn't make much sense to me.

Posted

I understand that Montreal had some cap issues with Subban's contract, but exchanging that for a little over $1 million in savings but taking on that 85 year contract that Weber has doesn't make much sense to me.

Something more than salary cap savings, the player-team and coach had rumors of a rift last season. Some of it went public.

Posted

Something more than salary cap savings, the player-team and coach had rumors of a rift last season. Some of it went public.

 

And the coach will be fired long before Subban gets to the end of his contract. Hell, I think they'll still be paying Weber after half their current players are retired.

Posted

It is difficult to get an exact reading of what the stats actually reflect because as you noted who you are on the ice with and when are factos. But the stats are broken down into great detail. The stats do indicate that when on the ice with Eichel, one of our best scorers, Eichel's numbers do go up. The bottom line in assessing Pysyk is that his plus/minus numbers are very good.

 

It is very challenging to assess a trade until much later down the line. With the trade of Pysyk the Sabres moved up in the second round and drafted a player they felt was a first round value. It will be a couple or few years before we know how good he can be. In addition, I get the impression that the GM wants his defensemen to be bangers. That's certainly not the departed player's game.

 

As Murray has repeatedly stated after making deals when trading for talent you have to give up talent. It's not about hustling anyone. It's about making deals that make your roster more balanced and better.

 

They do. But how much of that is due to Pysyk & how much is due to Jack being on the ice against the other team's bottom lines (which are the guys Pysyk is normally on the ice against)? Probably more the latter.

Posted

Wow the NHL has news today. Nj robbed Edmonton. Larsson is pretty good but not at halls level. With all these deals lately it seems GMs are putting a premium on D.

 

Like rumors were Anaheim wanted buf #8 pick or MTL#9 for cam Fowler.

 

Like rumors were Anaheim wanted buf #8 pick or MTL#9 for cam Fowler.

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