NHL and other ice hockey discussion

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Originally Posted by DemonGeminiX

How's the Flyer's pick? Is he any good?

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I was really impressed with what the Flyers did, I think a lot of people are. You guys traded your 11th pick for 14 & 45, gambling that the guy they wanted, Cameron York, would still be there and sure enough he was. The kid was ranked 4th or 5th in defense-men in this draft but I've seen his style described as highly offensive and 'game breaking,' so obviously they liked something about him and felt they could steal him a bit later on in the draft. Obviously it'll take a few more years to develop a d-man than a forward, but I think your organization needs offensive-defense quite badly. Cam York is being compared to Keith Yandle (who is my favorite d-man in the league)

Subban traded to the Devils for two prospects, and two second round picks, interesting.

Alright, who really got the King's ransom in this draft? I don't know any of these kids, and the columnists always seem like they want to suck every draft pick off (in every sport's draft, really). So, who got the scary good kids this year?

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Originally Posted by DemonGeminiX

Alright, who really got the King's ransom in this draft? I don't know any of these kids, and the columnists always seem like they want to suck every draft pick off (in every sport's draft, really). So, who got the scary good kids this year?

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:lol:

The kid who went first overall is a beast, Jack Hughes, went to the Devils (they also traded for PK Subban yesterday so they're improving but still suck). Canucks have his older brother and he's an incredible hockey player too. There's also a younger brother who's as good. Just hockey in that family's DNA. The Hughes brothers I suspect are going to be dominating the league for the next decade.

The kid who went second, Kaapo Kakko, to the Rangers was super impressive in the World Juniors, he could end up being better than Hughes, impossible to say.

The next 10 or so picks all seem good, it was considered a deep draft, but none of these analysts really know shit. Only time will tell. Every draft class has kids go in the First who won't play more than a handful of games.

Looking at this draft further, this US National Development program is the reason US hockey is going to overtake Canadians - not in terms of numbers, but in terms of superstars which I'd argue is far bigger.

If you're not familiar, the US National Development Program put this team together of top young prospects and they play out of Michigan. They form two teams (U-17 and U-18) and play games in several leagues (it's a bit confusing): the US Hockey League which granted is generally not as good as the league where our prospects play up in Canada (the CHL), as well as playing games against NCAA teams, and thirdly in international games and tournaments like the World Juniors. This is much different from the rest of the world who generally form World Junior teams like 'all-star' teams pulling them from their respective clubs for the big tournaments.


Anyways, this USNDP had 5guys from their team drafted in the top 10 of this yea'rs draft, a new record for the most from one team. They had an additional 3 players go in the first round, and in total 17 of their players were drafted the past weekend.

That's unbelievable. I don't know that Canada can copy this formula even if they want to either due to economics. The CHL where our kids play is a arguably a professional league (the kids aren't paid, but the teams are privately owned for-profit - hence the reason the NCAA bans their players, which is a whole separate controversy). Pulling all the top prospects in order to form a super-team might not fly up here, but for the NHL what the US is doing is huge and exciting.

https://i.imgur.com/xf5AaGwh.jpg

Hard to believe we're only a week away from opening day for the NHL.

I had no idea.

Me either, I only know because I saw a story about the Bruins getting ready for their preseason finale against Chicago.

I have no idea how the Flyers' chances are looking. Maybe I should ask GF?

:-k

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Originally Posted by DemonGeminiX

I have no idea how the Flyers' chances are looking. Maybe I should ask GF?

:-k

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https://i.imgur.com/aI0Hwks.png

Just got this in an e-mail from NHL.com

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Originally Posted by DemonGeminiX

I have no idea how the Flyers' chances are looking. Maybe I should ask GF?

:-k

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I'd wager you guys make the playoffs. Shame that Nolan is hurt, as is Morgan Frost but hopefully that's not long term. You've still got a wicked first line with G and Couterier, and Konecy, and then probably a second line of Kevin Hayes (great new addition) Vorachek and JVR. I think Carter Hart in net is underrated in net as he's only 21. You have some solid D too including Shayne Gostisbehere.

Oh and Alain Vigneault is coaching for you now... easily my favorite Canucks coach of all time. I think you'll love him in interviews, he's a character and has brought several teams very close to a Cup.

Flyers should still be one of the funnest teams in the league to watch.

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Originally Posted by Teh One Who Knocks

https://i.imgur.com/aI0Hwks.png

Just got this in an e-mail from NHL.com

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I love behind the scenes shit like this, the NHL needs more personality so I've got all the time in the world for this kind of show. Hopefully I can find this show in Canada.

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Originally Posted by Godfather

I love behind the scenes shit like this, the NHL needs more personality so I've got all the time in the world for this kind of show. Hopefully I can find this show in Canada.

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You guys don't have the NHL Network up there?

I don't have the NHL network currently, but I'm sure I could "borrow" it from somewhere.