Ranking Prospects 2023-24
- Thread starter herman
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Highlander
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Guilt Trip said:
I really like what I am seeing in this kid, exactly what we need a fighter who is also a skilled goalscorer. I can think of few from the past who had the proper "truculence".
herman
Well-known member
Still very early goings, but what do we think of Easton Cowan cracking the opening night roster next season (even if it's just for a cup of coffee <9 game flyer)?
There are some things to iron out in his game: similar stride/stance issues to Robertson, developing his shot further, stick-penalties, but he clearly is a nice pick on an upward trajectory.
There are some things to iron out in his game: similar stride/stance issues to Robertson, developing his shot further, stick-penalties, but he clearly is a nice pick on an upward trajectory.
herman said:
I still say no. I don't even really think Minten should be considered for a NHL spot without at least a cup of coffee in the AHL first. It's a hard league and as much as we like them these kids aren't exactly considered A+ all-star prospects that would generally be coming into the NHL at their age.
The other issue is the team next year, like they have been for multiple years, will almost certainly be capped out with a 20 or maybe 21 man roster. So the team will likely need to create space for one of them and/or they'll be forced to play every game because there isn't an extra forward on the roster. The Leafs, in order to keep Minten up for just 4 games, decided to trade Lafferty. In hindsight, that was a pretty poor decision to take a massive chance on Minten.
herman said:
I think it is unlikely - some similar reasons to CtB
It wasn't certain that Cowan was going to make Team Canada.
With his performance in Leafs training camp, his season in London so far and now WJCs for Canada, he has established that the Leafs had some justification for drafting him in the 1st round.
But his size and experience still concerns me. I'm reserving judgement. I'll reassess after the WJCs and his 2023-24 season and what the Leafs roster looks like for 2024-25. If I had to call it now, I'd say no.
herman
Well-known member
I think those are all great points. I still think he makes it a tough call for them.
For your size concerns, Cowan is reported by Leafs training camp to be 5'11" 185 lbs, which is a stouter Mitch Marner (6', 180) or a bigger Nick Robertson/Brayden Point (5'10", 178). Cowan's a farm boy too, not an erstwhile gamer.
The whole Lafferty thing shouldn't be ascribed to a Minten-shoehorning though: that's more a new GM signed Ryan Reaves thing.
For your size concerns, Cowan is reported by Leafs training camp to be 5'11" 185 lbs, which is a stouter Mitch Marner (6', 180) or a bigger Nick Robertson/Brayden Point (5'10", 178). Cowan's a farm boy too, not an erstwhile gamer.
The whole Lafferty thing shouldn't be ascribed to a Minten-shoehorning though: that's more a new GM signed Ryan Reaves thing.
herman said:
Trading Lafferty was done specifically to make room for Minten. If Minten had a mediocre camp the odds of Lafferty still being on the team at the end of camp (and the Leafs needing to start the season with a 20-man roster) would have increased dramatically.
Sure, Reaves never should have been signed and if he wasn't Lafferty would still be here too. But prior to camp Lafferty and Reaves were both expected to be on the team. Minten's play is what forced him out.
Guru Tugginmypuddah
Active member
CarltonTheBear said:
BT may not be a good GM.
Rob said:
He's been a bit of a mixed bag, but so is almost every GM ever really. How he addresses the defence with Klingberg's contract on LTIR will be a big test for him.
herman said:
While appreciating his many skills, Marner's physical strength in puck battles remains a concern for me.
That was a fair jump 1" of height and 15 lbs of weight in a year.
I've seen lots of waterbugging on the PK highlights in London for example.
The real test will be how he handles himself against men in training camp.
For short periods of time, size differences can be overcome. We see it a lot in training camp. Guys look good and then in the 1st 20 games of the season, they hit a wall. I think we saw it some with Minten - who has decent size.
herman said:
I agree that there was more to it. Reaves contract was a factor.
An enticing factor for me was that Lafferty's dollar difference would allow them to keep an extra man on the NHL roster.
Another for me was that Lafferty had not really clicked with the roster to deliver as much as was touted when he was acquired. He did step it up in the playoffs some. But he seemed to fall back in training camp. If he'd been producing like he has in Vancouver, it might be a different story.
Guilt Trip
Active member
Hildeby was the only reason the game was close going into the third. Solid and calm is the best way to describe him. He looks like the real deal.herman said:
Highlander
Active member
Yes and my Christmas wish is "NO MORE SAMSONOV".Guilt Trip said: