All in all, this draft concerned me. I saw what the Giants did under Reese in this draft. Seems like the team took a bunch of guys, nobody ever fucking heard of early and acted like they knew more than everybody else. I have always praised Clark but they better be right on this. If this draft turns out to be crap, everybody needs to be fired. They drafted a couple of young players that were still 17. Seems like they were trying to duplicate the Chytil pick. Gorton said he had the goalie rated first by a long shot. One thing I do know is we have the best goalie coach in the world by a long shot. So that pick I have to trust. Vitali Kratsov Skating Kravtsov is an excellent skater. He has good speed and acceleration. He can take a defenceman wide off the rush and cut to the front of the net. His ability to change speeds is a weapon on the rush. It is also something that Kravtsov has taken better advantage of as the season has gone on. He can slow the play down to create space from defenders, and open up passing and shooting lanes, or get a step on a defender, drop his shoulder and cut into the front of the net. Kravtsov also has good agility and edge work. This makes him dangerous in one-on-one situations. He already shows good power in his lower body, as he is tough to knock off the puck, and can fight through checks. Offensive Game Kravtsov is a skilled offensive player. He pairs his great skating ability with outstanding hands. He can stickhandle in a phone booth. This makes him absolutely deadly in one-on-one situations. The best part of his game is that he can make all these moves and handle the puck while moving at top speed. If defenders back off to respect his speed and stickhandling, he has a deadly arsenal of shots that he can put on net. Kravtsov has a very good wrist shot and snapshot. Both shots feature a quick release. With the hands to also score in tight, he’s a natural sniper. Kravtsov also has the vision and passing skill to be a playmaker off the wing, though he is more of a shoot first player. If there is a criticism of Kravtsov’s offensive game, it is that he does not always make the best decisions with the puck. He can skate himself into trouble by trying to do it all himself or to dangle too many defenders at once. He could stand to smarter with the puck and keep it moving, utilizing linemates more effectively. Defensive Game Kravtsov’s defensive game is good for his age. He works hard on the backcheck and tries hard to cover his man at the point and battle for loose pucks on the boards. Kravtsov brings back pressure and works to cut down passing and shooting lanes. When a turnover is created, he is quick to transition to offence and create chances. Projection and Comparison Kravtsov has the potential to be a top-six winger in the NHL but has some areas of his game that need refinement. The natural skill is definitely there and makes him a real boom-or-bust prospect. He’s shown his high-end offensive ability and has had one of the best KHL playoff runs by a teenager, ever. Kravtsov’s game is reminiscent of Alex Kovalev, but this is a style comparison only and not one based on talent or potential. Love the scouting report on this kid. Big, nasty, physical defenseman. Understand now why they traded up to take him. K'Andre Miller Offensive Game Miller’s skating ability is combined with good puck handling skills. It is easy to see why he was a forward for so long. He can skate the puck out of danger, and start the transition game by leading the rush. He also makes a good first pass to start the transition game. If there is a criticism it is that Miller plays a game that is almost too conservative at this point. He picks his spots for when to get involved in the offence but seems to wait for a near perfect opportunity. There are times he could push the play more and does not. However, this is an area that has really improved. Miller’s passing skills translate to playing at the point in the offensive zone. He has the vision and playmaking ability to set up teammates. Miller creates passing and shooting lanes with his quick feet and good agility. Miller’s shot is accurate and he has a good release on his wrist shot but lacks the power in his slap shot to be a big-time scorer from the point. He is more of a quarterback at the point than a trigger man. Defensive Game K’Andre Miller is aggressive and physical in his own end of the ice. His skating allows him to maintain good gap control on the rush, and take his man out in one-on-one situations. When playing down low, there are still some issues with his positioning and instincts, but these continue to get better. The skills are there, but he will need to continue to refine his game. Miller is a bruising, defensive–minded defenseman…solid mobility for his size, and he does not have any issues getting up and down the ice when already moving…can have some heavy boots when starting and stopping, defending against more agile attackers but handles them by being physical and using his length…communicates well with teammates and plays responsibly in his own zone…great awareness of his defensive zone and quick decision-making ability…does not hesitate to shoot the puck when he has a lane, and his booming shot is his most dangerous offensive weapon…gets good velocity on one-timers…dishes powerful and accurate tape-to-tape passes…a confident puck carrier who does not shy away from doing so…at his best when he keeps it simple…a nasty customer around the net and is physically intimidating…a solid defensive presence while still learning the position after switching to defense from forward a couple season ago…has NHL middle-pairing, physical, defensive defenseman written all over him. - Future Considerations Talented two-way defenseman with top-pairing upside who is committed to the University of Wisconsin. A strong skater with very good speed, Miller generates a lot of power into his stride and is starting to beat both opposing forwards and defenders to the outside. His stick and body positioning in the neutral zone are exceptional, and you can count on Miler to intercept more than a handful of cross-zone passes that he quickly transitions into rushes the other way. His ability to make clean passes on either his forehand or backhand, plus the manner in which he sharply pivots his way into bigger openings might explain how such a big and physical defenseman is only a few years removed from being a forward. Watching Miller smother in one end and skate effortlessly in the other makes me think his learning curve is not steep at all — he plays a clean, composed game in his own zone and looks fantastic when he’s unbridled. Miller can be physically intimidating, and his strong lower half makes rubbing out forwards of any size look easy. One thing to consider is that this group of NTDP defensemen is deep with offensively-gifted puck movers, so it’s natural for a cerebral kid like Miller to focus on his defensive-zone play and act decisively with the puck only when the opportunity makes sense. This type of approach reduces haphazard tendencies to a bare minimum. Choosing your favorite draft-eligible defensemen from this year’s version of the under-18 NTDP is a lot like being asked to pick your favorite child, but don’t be surprised if a less-heralded kid like Miller has the best NHL career out of any from his defense corps. - Steve Kournianos, The Draft Analyst Nils Lundkvist Skating Lundkvist is a good skater. He has very good speed, and excellent acceleration in his forwards skating. Moving backwards is not quite as good, but still well above average. His edge work and agility are very good, as he can change directions and make quick cuts. Lundkvist has strong pivots and this allows him to transition from offence to defence quickly, and vice-versa. He could stand to work on his lower body strength. This would give him better balance and allow him to be stronger on the puck, and in battles in the corners and in the front of the net. Offensive Game Lundkvist is skilled with the puck on his stick. He can skate the puck out of danger as well as lead the rush in the transition game. Lundkvist has poise at the point on the power play. He controls the play and can move laterally to create passing and shooting lanes. He sees the ice well, and has the passing skill to make plays from the point, to make the first pass in transition, as well as to make the long breakaway passes. Lundkvist is much more comfortable as a play maker than as a shooter. When he does get a shot, its often by sneaking in from the point and taking a shot from the top of the faceoff circles. He has a good wrist shot with a quick release. However, Lundkvist lacks power on his slap shot and one-timer. He will need to work on these. Some added upper body strength can help, but he is likely to always be more of a play maker than a shooter on the point. Defensive Game Lundkvist’s lack of size can be an issue in his own end. He can be overpowered by bigger, stronger forwards. He is willing to engage in the corners and in front of the net, but is limited. Again this is an area where added muscle mass will help him. He is good at retrieving loose pucks and moving them up the ice quickly. He also is well-positioned and has a quick stick that can poke the puck away from an attacker. Projection and Comparison Lundkvist could develop into a top four defenceman, capable of moving the puck quickly and adding some offence. He needs time to add some strength, and to continue to work on his slap shot and his backwards skating. Lundkvist will likely spend another season or two in Sweden before coming over to North America, and the team drafting him should be patient with his development. If things go well they could add a real weapon in a league that is moving more and more towards speed and skill on the blueline every year. Lundkvist’s game is reminiscent of Tomas Kaberle, though this is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on talent. Jakob Ragnarsson No clue. Couldn't find crap on him. Ol0f Lindbolm Couldn't find crap on him Joey Keane Couldn't find crap on him 84.) Nico Gross, Defence, Oshawa Generals, OHL, 6’1″, 183 lbs Gross is an excellent skater, and this leads to a solid two-way game. He is particularly quick going backwards and pairs this with excellent agility. Gross pairs this with good hockey smarts, leading to outstanding gap control and positioning. He is very tough to beat in one-on-one situations. Gross is physical in the corners and in front of the net but needs to add upper-body strength. Offensively he skates the puck up the ice well and makes a good first pass, as well as being able to quarterback the play from the point. He must get more consistent with his offensive game though.
Scouting report on most of these guys was similar to the other players they traded for. Physical, high hockey IQ, great work ethic. So, we'll see.
I'm starting to like the Kravtsov pick more and more when I hear Clark talk about him. He stated he dominated vs. men when he figured it out. Let's face it. We need a first line wing. Clark thinks he can be this guy. I hope he can get out of his contract this year and be in the NHL.
If he becomes our version of Kuz or Kov then it's well worth it. Miller looks like he could be a Seth Jones type in time. Lundkvist seems like a Toby Enstrom which wouldn't be bad. Keane/Gross seem like the same type so hopefully one of them at least works out. I'd give the 1st round an A- and the last 6 rounds a D with that massive reach on the G. They had a golden opportunity to grab another impact forward. I think Drury may be a better option down the line than Clark or Gorton in running the draft.
The goalie pick is the most interesting to me. I trust BA more than anybody in the game. They get a goalie wrong once in a great while. The fact they stated they had him as the best goalie by a long shot is very exciting. I hope they are right. Seems like they are going with much more physical prospects. Thank God
Basically this draft comes down to the first three picks. I'm not a big Russian guy but this 9th overall pick seems to have a NA game. I think people are selling the team short this season. AV's defensive system was pathetic. I also think they will package some players in a deal before the season starts. The one thing I do know if that they system is freakin loaded in goal. If they do make a deal with a goalie I hope it will be for an NHL ready prospect. No more picks. The system is absolutely loaded on D now. Defenseman always have the most trade value Well, at least they are building from goal and d out. They really need Andersson and Chytil to step up this season. Also Vesey who was completely misused by moron AV.
I like Miller a lot as well. I really like that pick. My issue wasn't the player it was what we gave up to move up 4 spots to 22. No way should we have needed to give up a pick in the 40's when the Blues gave up a pick in the 7o's to move up 4 spots to 25. Asset misuse, but I do like Miller. These reports do show why you have to be patient before judging draft picks. One says middle pairing lacks power on his shot for Miller. Next says top pairing upside with booming shot for him. Not an exact science man. Need patience. That is why I won't knock the specific players, who knows how they turn out, but I do question Gorton's valuing of his assets (especially on the goalie).
The selection of the goalie also raises a concern about Shesterkin to me. Maybe they are starting to feel the kid doesn't want to leave Russia. I said a while ago that when he signed a 3 year extension with his KHL team, that was not a good sign for many reasons.
I think with Shest he signed in the K because he saw how long HL contract was going to be and he may as well stay in Russia, but in another year we'll see where it's at. I think he'll be over like Samsonov did.
Kid they took in goal was rated as the 10th best goalie in the draft one place I saw. I don't know why the morons running the Pack didn't play Halverson more. They had a crap team and he had a .906 save % in 5 games which is a miracle. Georgiev who looked pretty damn good had a .909 save % there.
You dont have much patience for someone who constantly talks about prospects not getting a fair chance.
First of all. What kind of loser goes back and looks up posts from 2 years ago. Dude, get a life. Second, it's not about patience when a prospect is 20 years old. It's about production. This is a kid who is no longer in his teens. He has regressed. Not only in the KHL this year but also in the AHL. As far as my patience. You didn't hear me talk about trading any prospect in the system this year for the most part unless it was for a young, proven top line talent. I only talked about trading guys like DeAngelo because of our right handed defense situation. Guys like Buchnevich who isn't a fit here and isn't worth what he gets paid. Or Fast who isn't going to be worth what he will get paid for the money. Sadly, you don't understand the difference between patience and honestly. The truth is that Kravtsov right now fucking sucks. He's played 32 games this year and has 6 goals and 3 assists. If your lazy ass actually did some research instead of being a dork and digging up posts from 2 years ago you would see that players at 20 with that kind of pathetic production don't amount to shit almost every time. When your 20 years old, you should not be on pace for about 20 points in 82 games if you expect to make the NHL as a scoring forward drafted 9th overall.
As fans whenever the team makes picks we are going to be positive and believe that the guys running our team know what they are doing. Then a couple years later we look at production as fans and re-analyze the draft picks. If you want to sit there with your head up your ass and ignore the fact that Kravtosov's production as a 20 year old prospect sucks balls, that's your issue. Some of us here don't actually live in a fantasy world. I think this board has shown a shit load of patience with Kravtsov. We are basically going on a year and a half with this prospect. What we've seen this player take a enormous step back from his production in the first year he was drafted. You aren't supposed to be getting worse production wise as a prospect when you get older. You are supposed to get better. Also, as usual you have a very poor grasp of the Rangers overall farm system and strategy to become a playoff team. The Rangers are enormously deep and talented on defense and in goal in their farm. They don't really have the luxury of waiting for some high drafted forward prospect to take 3-4 years to figure out how to be good unless he's a franchise talent like Kakko. I'm sure the Rangers have no issue with a young forward like Chytil who chips in 15-20 goals as a young player. He's contributing. However, if you a high drafted forward who isn't going to be ready until you are 22 or 23, that doesn't fit with this team right now. Especially since the Rangers are in a position to easily go acquire a proven 26 year old talent like a Hertl or 24 year old like a Bertuzzi by packaging a Kravtsov with a defenseman prospect like Hajek and a goalie prospect like Georgiev. For Bertuzzi I would do Kravtsov and say Hajek. For Hertl, no problem giving up Kravtsov, Hajek and Georgiev. He's 26 and is 54% on draws. This team is in serious trouble at center. Strome is not the answer for the second center spot. I don't trust him at all going forward. The odds that Kravtsov would ever be as good as Hertl is slim to none. Hertl has a good contract and is locked up for 3 more years. I'm still pro Lias if he can get his head and feet fixed. However, if you look at Chytil and Kravtsov, one is figuring things out and helps the big club. The other is clueless.
As usual. You add little to the board. Some of us are probably a little concerned that the 9th overall pick in the draft has 9 points in 32 games this season and is 20.
It took all of 3 seconds to search his name...you were so high on the pick...now a 20 year old is worthless. You are always talking about prospects and how they were constantly fucked by the coaches. Its amazing how much double talk you do. He stated he dominated vs. men when he figured it out. Let's face it. We need a first line wing. Clark thinkshe can bethisguy" Your words..now he is worthless and shpuld be traded. Kid played and dominated against men in russia..comes to America..different country..different size rinks and now you give up on him.. Kakko has 16 points..should we start thinking he is a bust? Im not ready to give up on a kid who has played a grand total of 20 AHL games, call me crazy
Oh im so hurt, im on ignore. What ever will I do ? Must be great at dinner conversations. Now he may be right, it doesnt look good that this KID isnt putting up terrific numbers. But wait..havent we heard that there arent many good forwards down at Hartford? How many times have we heard from the great dump that certain players need to grow and that some get it later on? Honestly if Kravtsov was north american dump wouldnt be throwing him away so quickly. Is 20 games fair enough sample size?
Unfortunately our fan base is littered with the Rangers always do the right thing. Every year when they draft a player I take the approach they know what they are doing. The prospects will work out. However, unlike about 50% of 0ur fan base a couple years later I'm honest with what I see with prospects based off of production. Kravtsov is not a productive hockey player at this moment. Most of our fans do the same thing with our coach whoever it is. They always assume that coach knows what he's doing and makes the right personnel decisions. I believe in any sport there are a handful of coaches that actually know what they are doing. The rest fucking suck. Hockey coaches are known for making awful personnel decisions because they play favorites. Quinn is no different than Av, Torts are loser Renney. Lettieri should have been up a month ago. He looked decent at the end of last season. Howden should have been in the minors a month ago getting a lot of icetime and working on his offensive game. Howden has some some positives. He's 21 still, good size, decent skater. He will crash the net and score garbage goals. He might be a plus faceoff guy. However, offensively like Andersson he wasn't developed and needs to work on his offensive game in the minors. However, our fucking stupid coach loves Howden and is too dumb to see he's hurting his development.
