2019 Draft

[IllaZilla]

24 minutes ago, CreaseAndAssist said:

What does everyone think of Day 2 of the draft for the Wild?  Beckman is probably the one player that intrigues me, maybe Firstov if he can figure out some consistency.  The goalies might be something, but years down the road.  But for the most part all long-term projects.  

 

They have to be long term projects because the Wild keep extending the old guys and giving them NMC's. There isn't any room on the roster for young players in the next year or so... 

[CreaseAndAssist]

2 hours ago, IllaZilla said:

 

They have to be long term projects because the Wild keep extending the old guys and giving them NMC's. There isn't any room on the roster for young players in the next year or so... 

 

Yes good point and I agree with you there, but too many of those long term projects have skating issues for my taste.  

Edited June 23, 2019 by CreaseAndAssist

[EmptyShelf]

1 hour ago, CreaseAndAssist said:

 

Yes good point and I agree with you there, but too many of those long term projects have skating issues for my taste.  

Yes, and they have been burned by regulars with skating issues before - see Rask at present, and in past drafts- Zack Phillips and others.  I just don't understand how there are so many mixed messages - we want youth and speed in Fiala and Donato, but we don't want to keep the speed of Zucker.  We then draft some players that don't have speed (see our #1 this year), or have skating issues.  We also lose when we play teams of size in the playoffs for several years (see St. Louis and Winnipeg), but then get rid of some size at F, in Coyle and Nino, and go smaller/softer Fiala and Donato (and in the draft last year with our #1 at D).  Sounds to me like a 'brain-trust', and I use that term loosely, that has no clue, and is just flailing and throwing out rationale and excuses for continued inexplicable decision making....It is why I dumped my season tix - NO PLAN

[Alexandron]

23 hours ago, CreaseAndAssist said:

 

Well it isn't horrible.  Its not like last year...but I think we passed on some better players that fit the long-term needs of the organization.  Krebs is going to be a great player iMO.  

I agree - its not like last year. I think this drafting season has a much more promising future than 2018 year. And Boldy definitely is a much better choice than we had last year. I also liked that we drafted 5 forwards having more tendencies towards a scoring mentality instead of a defensive style of play which is intriguing me more and creating more interest.  Also present an interest that in at least last 3 years we are getting more Russians including this year into our team (this year 3 forwards(1 of them was born in Brooklyn, NY). This way we could improve team's mentality, because they are not following much veterans and usually playing with their own mentality to win every game.  Last 4 years Stanley cup winners had Russians in their teams.  Probably , next week we will see at least 6 Russians prospects during the training  summer camp, which never happened before in a Wild history. Regarding a goaltenders I liked that we have got 2 goaltenders including an interesting goaltender from Finland. Well known that their Finnish very responsible goaltenders are the best around the world. And we have 2 already among our prospects. Regarding a left or right handed players, I sincerely do not pay too much attention, because statistically among left handed players presents more talent than among right handed. Some days we will get right handed players too. 

Its still sad for me that Arthur Kaliyev was taken pretty fast by LA Kings during a round#2 (#33 overall). 

But any way, despite of our long-term prospects presence, some good  optimism still remain for me regarding the Wild team.

[sweetshot]

On ‎6‎/‎22‎/‎2019 at 11:08 AM, CreaseAndAssist said:

 

I think Krebs could certainly be a #1 center.  But they're both Top 6 centers.  We have two old foagies in that role right now and by the time they're ready the foagies should be out.   He has skill, scoring ability and a desire to do whatever it takes and plays with a consistency you don't see in many players his age.  A lot of people see the same traits in Ryan O'Reilly.   

 

Boldy is compared to James Neal.  Neal's game is the potential to score but also times where he's MIA.  Skating is just ok.  Haven't the Wild been down this road before of questionable skaters to see that is a problem?  

Krebs does look good. He definitely would have been picked higher had it not been for his sliced achilles.

[Icechipper]

Boldy's passing proficiency is remarkable. He stood out in person at UND in exhibition vs. University of North Dakota Grand Forks this past winter.

Edited June 23, 2019 by Icechipper

[sweetshot]

17 hours ago, CreaseAndAssist said:

 

Yes good point and I agree with you there, but too many of those long term projects have skating issues for my taste.  

After reading dozens of scouting reports on a variety of players, in my estimation there are over half reported to have some type of skating issue. Seems like a lot to me.

I'm not sure if the standard of a "good/strong skater" is very well defined or what.

[CreaseAndAssist]

1 hour ago, sweetshot said:

After reading dozens of scouting reports on a variety of players, in my estimation there are over half reported to have some type of skating issue. Seems like a lot to me.

I'm not sure if the standard of a "good/strong skater" is very well defined or what.

 

True, its a somewhat common complaint.  However, when they say a player isn't fast or lacks explosion I get a little worried.  Because as much as a player can work on it, one would have to imagine a lot of these players HAVE been working on it and they're still an ok or sub-par skater.  Almost any prospect that is serious about being drafted takes those steps, is working like crazy to address deficiencies.  And even after all that people are still questioning your skating...it is a big red flag for me.  

 

Its not to say Boldy will be horrible.  I think he'll be ok; at least by what I've seen and heard.  But did anyone else get the vibe that Fenton was simply happy to draft guys that were taller than he is?  He seemed to put a big premium on their height which I thought was a bit odd.  

[sweetshot]

2 hours ago, CreaseAndAssist said:

 

True, its a somewhat common complaint.  However, when they say a player isn't fast or lacks explosion I get a little worried.  Because as much as a player can work on it, one would have to imagine a lot of these players HAVE been working on it and they're still an ok or sub-par skater.  Almost any prospect that is serious about being drafted takes those steps, is working like crazy to address deficiencies.  And even after all that people are still questioning your skating...it is a big red flag for me.  

 

Its not to say Boldy will be horrible.  I think he'll be ok; at least by what I've seen and heard.  But did anyone else get the vibe that Fenton was simply happy to draft guys that were taller than he is?  He seemed to put a big premium on their height which I thought was a bit odd.  

And to your point I assume all of these prospects have been playing for most of their lives, so you'd think they would have had any issues worked out by now.

Seems like there is somewhat of a disconnect between what players think vs what scouts think. 

 

[Hockey-78]

On 6/23/2019 at 2:02 AM, Tomdog said:

That’s a 20 lb difference. Not even close 

My point was being big isn't a necessity for being effective. Just give Mark Giordano a call.

 

I'd rather take a small and fast than a big and slow forward. I reckon the Wild picked the latter. Why is beyond me... I guess Eric and Mikko told them not to pick anyone faster than they.

 

The Wild need speed. Anything else is just a charade.

[Hockey-78]

On 6/22/2019 at 11:08 PM, CreaseAndAssist said:

 

He's not fast.  

So the Wild need a center/centers and speed and use their 1st round pick on a big winger who's an average skater? Uh-oh...

[CreaseAndAssist]

1 hour ago, Hockey-78 said:

My point was being big isn't a necessity for being effective. Just give Mark Giordano a call.

 

I'd rather take a small and fast than a big and slow forward. I reckon the Wild picked the latter. Why is beyond me... I guess Eric and Mikko told them not to pick anyone faster than they.

 

The Wild need speed. Anything else is just a charade.

 

The team even said it wanted to be faster and younger.  I guess they just settled for younger.  Boldy may not be a slow player...but not being fast just makes me concerned how effective he'll be.  He might be able to rip apart the USHL in part because that team was so freakin' loaded.  I think we'll find out who were the drivers and those who were lucky to be there for the ride real soon as these players go and play on different clubs.  

[Alexandron]

Just checked Michael Russo twitter - Firstov is not going to be on the development camp roster this week, because" he went to Russia after the draft to get his student visa so he can return to US for his freshman year at UConn."

[CreaseAndAssist]

Sam Hentges isn't at prospect camp either.  

[Tomdog]

7 hours ago, Hockey-78 said:

My point was being big isn't a necessity for being effective. Just give Mark Giordano a call.

 

I'd rather take a small and fast than a big and slow forward. I reckon the Wild picked the latter. Why is beyond me... I guess Eric and Mikko told them not to pick anyone faster than they.

 

The Wild need speed. Anything else is just a charade.

I agree with you to point. I just don’t see too many guys smaller than 5’ 9”. 175lbs making it long term. Yes there are exceptions. 

I also don’t really care for the 6’ 4” 170 lb guys just not enough muscle. Too top heavy. 

[Fargocase]

5 hours ago, CreaseAndAssist said:

 

The team even said it wanted to be faster and younger.  I guess they just settled for younger.  Boldy may not be a slow player...but not being fast just makes me concerned how effective he'll be.  He might be able to rip apart the USHL in part because that team was so freakin' loaded.  I think we'll find out who were the drivers and those who were lucky to be there for the ride real soon as these players go and play on different clubs.  

Didn't matter who the Wild drafted, you'd find a reason to be negative.  No matter if the reason was just more irrational hate, you'd be all in, no matter what the professionals who have no link to the Wild would say.  Call me a Homer all you want, I've got literally 20 years of posting history to prove that's BS, but I have to say I feel sorry for you Haters.  Claiming to be fans but posting chit that proves you're worse than Nuck trolls.

[Fargocase]

I'll keep checking back every few weeks hoping for intelligent conversation, opinions, and obserbations but since the home grown Hater Trolls killed the official Wild boards...  I have very little confidence it'll be worthwhile here, either.  Have fun Hating...

[ruxpin]

55 minutes ago, Fargocase said:

Didn't matter who the Wild drafted, you'd find a reason to be negative.  No matter if the reason was just more irrational hate, you'd be all in, no matter what the professionals who have no link to the Wild would say.  Call me a Homer all you want, I've got literally 20 years of posting history to prove that's BS, but I have to say I feel sorry for you Haters.  Claiming to be fans but posting chit that proves you're worse than Nuck trolls.

Especially when talking about a really very good player that had no business still being there at #12.  The criticisms are simply ridiculous. Blowing up non-flaws way out of proportion and completely ignoring the really good things the kid does and what he brings to the table. It's astounding. (shrugs), (yawns), (rolls eyes), (repeats) 

[hf101]

14 hours ago, CreaseAndAssist said:

However, when they say a player isn't fast or lacks explosion I get a little worried.  Because as much as a player can work on it, one would have to imagine a lot of these players HAVE been working on it and they're still an ok or sub-par skater.  Almost any prospect that is serious about being drafted takes those steps, is working like crazy to address deficiencies.  And even after all that people are still questioning your skating...it is a big red flag for me.  

 

So when having to state a weakness for the specific reports...and all they can come up with is that he can improve his acceleration, I"m  just not seeing a red flag there what so ever.  There probably isn't a player in the NHL besides McDavid and a few others that wouldn't say they would like to improve their acceleration.   

 

Boldy played on a line with Jack Hughes... which means his skating, hockey IQ, passing and scoring was on par with Hughes.  Most mock drafts had Boldy going in the top 10.  The Wild are lucky to have gotten him at #12.

[CreaseAndAssist]

10 hours ago, Fargocase said:

Didn't matter who the Wild drafted, you'd find a reason to be negative.  No matter if the reason was just more irrational hate, you'd be all in, no matter what the professionals who have no link to the Wild would say.  Call me a Homer all you want, I've got literally 20 years of posting history to prove that's BS, but I have to say I feel sorry for you Haters.  Claiming to be fans but posting chit that proves you're worse than Nuck trolls.

 

Whatever.  The guy who could rant for paragraphs is now the Wild's biggest fan and the rest of us are just haters right?  Funny you mention trolling since you only stop by once in a while just to give people crap.  Most people would call that 'trolling' wouldn't they?  But I digress...

 

I didn't hate the pick, but I thought we could've done better considering who was left on the board so thus...in your world, I hate Matthew Boldy.  He's got finishing ability, he's going to a top-notch college hockey program where he'll probably have a lot of opportunity to excel right away.  Great.  We'll see how it plays out.  Its tougher to really see how good / bad a player is when they play for a really strong team like the USNDT was.  

 

I didn't expect him to still be there, neither did the Wild.  They said as much.  Does that make them haters too?  I pointed out his strengths, but I don't ignore or gloss over his flaws.  The Wild need this kid to develop into an impact player.  They need some of their later round guys to become contributors.  True, I haven't been real excited about a Wild draft pick since Matthew Dumba but it doesn't mean I can't grow to like him.  I liked Alex Tuch eventually, and after his strong play for Iowa in the playoffs and the World Championships I'm starting to like Luke Kunin more.  

 

Oh, he just needs to add acceleration.  Ok.  Maybe that can be had by adding more strength but maybe it won't.  If it was easy to fix your skating as simply lifting weights / training we wouldn't have any poor skaters at all.  But some of that is something you either have or you don't.  The good thing about going the college route is you have more time and opportunity to work out and fill out your frame so its as pro-ready as possible.  But overall, in today's age of athletics where anyone who feels they might be a big deal taking camps, personal trainers, etc especially from a player playing for the USNDT which I'm going to guess they provide a lot of that if they still have an issue like that?!?!  

[CreaseAndAssist]

10 hours ago, ruxpin said:

Especially when talking about a really very good player that had no business still being there at #12.  The criticisms are simply ridiculous. Blowing up non-flaws way out of proportion and completely ignoring the really good things the kid does and what he brings to the table. It's astounding. (shrugs), (yawns), (rolls eyes), (repeats) 

 

What is astounding is how jealous you are of our pick.  You have a lot more quality in your prospect pool than we do.  Even with Boldy.  

[Antti_Laxative]

Thanks Wilds, for passing on Caufield 

[CreaseAndAssist]

8 hours ago, hf101 said:

 

So when having to state a weakness for the specific reports...and all they can come up with is that he can improve his acceleration, I"m  just not seeing a red flag there what so ever.  There probably isn't a player in the NHL besides McDavid and a few others that wouldn't say they would like to improve their acceleration.   

 

Boldy played on a line with Jack Hughes... which means his skating, hockey IQ, passing and scoring was on par with Hughes.  Most mock drafts had Boldy going in the top 10.  The Wild are lucky to have gotten him at #12.

 

Ok, he played on a line with Jack Hughes.  That's a ridiculously loaded line offensively.  But is Boldy the driver of that line?  Or is your 1st Overall pick Hughes really driving the train there.  So as Boldy advances and doesn't have the elite playmaker on his line or a lethal sniper opposite of him in Caufield and opposing defenses can focus more on shutting him down how will he fare?   We don't really know that, yet.  I kind of felt the same apprehension a few years ago when we drafted Alex Tuch, because he played on a line with Jack Eichel and Sonny Milano.  Eichel obviously was a top tier talent and the driver of the line so you ask is Tuch good or does he look good because of who he's playing with?   Tuch eventually proved he could do some great things on his own.  Like I said earlier in the thread, we'll see what Boldy can do when he's not surrounded by a giant collection of the best players in the league.  Then we'll have a better idea of what we have and what we don't.  

Edited June 25, 2019 by CreaseAndAssist

[CreaseAndAssist]

Just now, Antti_Laxative said:

Thanks Wilds, for passing on Caufield 

 

Meh, that didn't bother me much.  While Caufield seemed to be stewing pretty good by the time the Wild passed on him, I think he'll be a great power play specialist but I'm not sold on him beyond that.  No doubt the Canadiens were probably not expecting him to be available so they were happy as hell to get him, afterall they seem to love drafting American-born players.  Like they said on TV and everywhere else, we'll find out eventually if those teams like the Wild that passed on him made the right choice or missed on a great opportunity.  It could age well or be awful pretty quick.  

[Antti_Laxative]

Not Wilds draft related - but I'm listening to Adam Sandler on the Dan Patrick show right now and he (Sandler) mentioned he went to the Yankee game last night and added he was in a box with Jack Hughes and said he was "the nicest kid he's ever met"