Comments for March Mock at http://hockey.dobbersports.com , comment 1 to 12 out of 12 comments http://hockey.dobbersports.com Tue, 21 May 2013 17:27:04 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/matt-bugg/3539-march-mock#comment-12741 Huberdeau played C last year and has played almost exclusively as a LW this year. Gerard Gallant said he can play both and Huberdeau has said he doesn't mind where he plays; he'll play wherever he's asked to. So, the best designation for him might be C/LW, because C is his natural position and he just started playing LW this year. - Ryan Van Horne Mon, 21 Mar 2011 04:57:14 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/matt-bugg/3539-march-mock#comment-12729 Matt, thanks for your explanation of your use of the term "late bloomer." A better term might be "riser" - he may not have been in the top five conversation last year, but he's been identified as a potential first-rounder since last season. The wording I take issue with is "weak frame and even weaker skating" - a bold negative comment to make when you admit you've only ever viewed him on an Internet webcast. The fact you haven't observed what position the player plays (LW v. C) through those viewings further calls your assessment into question. Huberdeau runs between 6-1 and 6-2, a perfectly fine frame for a hockey player. He may lack bulk but the frame isn't weak. Many scouts I've spoken with think it projects well assuming he bulks up and grows into it. I have viewed the player live more than 100 times over the past two seasons. He's fearless going to the net and has a feisty streak. As for his skating, the wording "even weaker" makes it sound as though it's terrible. I'm not suggesting he's Mike Gartner but I wouldn't describe it as weak either. Ryan's assessment in the comments is a bit more nuanced than simply calling it "weak" Re: Joyce, that was not the basis of my disagreement. Simply pointing out his accountability in specifying what his comments are based on. He not only reports on what others tell him, but adds his own viewings to the mix. I'd much rather expose a lack of knowledge about your "work" than a lack of knowledge about the subject matter. - N W Sun, 20 Mar 2011 14:04:08 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/matt-bugg/3539-march-mock#comment-12703 NW/BS Caller: No disrespect to Joyce, but he's not a "scout". He's a journalist/insider who reports on what others tell him. But I don't believe he's ever sold himself on his own talent evaluation. Re: 'Late bloomer'. What I mean by this is he was not a player on anyone's radar as a potential top five pick last season. Ryan Johansen was in a similar situation last year. And no, while you yourself might assume that it's "unsourced"- thereby exposing your lack of knowledge about my work- I invite you to a) read my archive b) talk to either Dobber or the folks at McKeen's. The fact is, [b]I[/b] am the source, and I watch games however I can- WHL games and special events in person, and OHL/Q games online. I'm curious, though; you're disagreeing with me based on something one particular individual (not you) said. Have YOU seen them play? Most folks who disagree with me do so because they frequently watch the player. What about you? - Matt Bugg Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:15:14 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/matt-bugg/3539-march-mock#comment-12674 @N W I would not characterize Huberdeau's skating as explosive. I have seen him play live and although he has a good stride and has the potential to become an explosive skater, he is not there yet. As Matt Bugg correctly points out, he has a slight frame and this lack of muscle mass keeps him from being a better skater. Nothing a couple of summers of good off-season strength development can't fix. - Ryan Van Horne Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:16:28 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/matt-bugg/3539-march-mock#comment-12643 Still waiting for your response to your background and research into these rankings. Gare Joyce of ESPN calls Huberdeau's skating "explosive" and explains where and when he viewed the player. This article needs explanation, otherwise we are left to assume this is unsourced (i.e. plagiarism from other sources not being credited) or just uninformed opinion - N W Wed, 16 Mar 2011 06:06:29 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/matt-bugg/3539-march-mock#comment-12589 The Minnesota Wild need somebody who can score. Plain. And. Simple. - buffalosoldier66 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 04:07:04 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/matt-bugg/3539-march-mock#comment-12587 Could you please provide a little more background on your expertise to make these statements and how you arrived at them? For example, just wondering how many times you've viewed Huberdeau to develop your opinion of his "weak frame and even weaker skating"? I'm assuming you've seen him live several times this season? Strange you wouldn't mention he's played left wing most of the year. Also, by what measure is he a "late bloomer"? He played in the QMJHL as a 16-year-old and has 100 points as a 17. - BS Caller Mon, 14 Mar 2011 03:41:16 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/matt-bugg/3539-march-mock#comment-12578 I know you're basing off current rankings but I can see the Avs taking control of that 2nd pick (hopefully) or even falling to that 1st pick if we get really lucky. I think the Avs need for Landeskog or Larsson is really great. We need another top D or a power winger replacement for Stewart. - Andrew K Sun, 13 Mar 2011 09:32:21 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/matt-bugg/3539-march-mock#comment-12577 Oh, I get it now haha. PS, Nugent-Hopkins has 101 points now after a 5 point night last night! Wow. - Big Ev Sun, 13 Mar 2011 09:02:13 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/matt-bugg/3539-march-mock#comment-12576 Good catch on the Preds pick- I always forget to check something like ProSportsTransactions when doing my mocks. Re: The Minnesota mention in Couturier's piece. I was referring to the a top-three spot at the Draft, which is taking place there this year. I've changed the wording, though, since I can see why it's confusing. Props to both of you! - Matt Bugg Sun, 13 Mar 2011 08:41:12 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/matt-bugg/3539-march-mock#comment-12574 Yeah you even mention Mike Fisher yet you still give Nashville the pick :P and you say Sean Couturier will be picked by Colorado and will fit nicely into Minnesota's Top 3? :P - Big Ev Sun, 13 Mar 2011 08:29:59 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/matt-bugg/3539-march-mock#comment-12571 Didn't Nashville move that pick? Redgardless, great stuff Bugg. I always look forward to your articles. - steve laidlaw Sat, 12 Mar 2011 20:51:38 +0100