Comments for NHL Prospect Wrap-Up at http://hockey.dobbersports.com , comment 1 to 7 out of 7 comments http://hockey.dobbersports.com Sat, 25 May 2013 14:31:45 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4084-nhl-prospect-wrap-up#comment-17516 I don't think Palmieri has the upside to be the guy you're looking for. He's probably going to be a good third line perhaps second line guy but his hands are the big question mark as to which one he'll become. I'm not sure what Anaheim is thinking by drafting big power forward types, but they certainly have enough of them in the organization. The guy you are looking for is not hard to find. Emerson Etem is rolling over the opposition in the WHL right now (granted he's 19) and he has shown a consistent ability to score goals right from his days with the US U-18 National team. He's fast, skates hunched over very much like Phil Kessel, and has an NHL caliber wrist shot. Phil Kessel is his upside but I don't think he'll reach it because he doesn't have Kessel's release. He should turn into a No. 1 winger with skill and is your best hope right now to "replace" Selanne if that's possible. I think Etem will score at least 30 goals (outside chance at 40) in the NHL one day although that day is at least three years from now. - Stuart McDonald Sun, 06 Nov 2011 08:39:39 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4084-nhl-prospect-wrap-up#comment-17500 Nice work Stu. I'm curious what your thoughts are on the Ducks system in terms of prospects. I swear it seems like size and grit are all these guys draft. Palmieri is a smaller guy but still builds his game around grit. Do you think he's got the puck skills and hockey sense to be that change of pace the Ducks need? I mean, there is no doubt Getzlaf and Perry are the Ducks' meal ticket but when it comes time to replacing Selanne's hockey IQ and vision they are going to need more than just ogres. Is Palmieri the answer or do they have someone else you think can fill the void? - steve laidlaw Sat, 05 Nov 2011 14:08:38 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4084-nhl-prospect-wrap-up#comment-17499 @Owen. Each to his own about Gardiner in his own end. I agree that he is certainly good at moving the puck out of his own end (it's when he doesn't have the puck that irks me, but again, each to his own) and that has led to a lot of his assists. That's a big reason why he leads all rookie defensemen in points. As for Rundblad, I agree with your point, but I was trying to emphasize that he frequently looks for the "long bomb" pass from what I've seen of him. I actually saw him make a tonne of terrible attempts at long bomb passes in the rookie tournament and I was wondering what the hell he was doing. I've seen him play a lot for Ottawa since and although he attempts those passes less, if there is a defensive breakdown on the other team, he'll likely exploit it. - Stuart McDonald Sat, 05 Nov 2011 11:41:11 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4084-nhl-prospect-wrap-up#comment-17498 Actually i think Gardiner has been very solid in his own end this season. Especially for a raw rookie. Hes arguably the best puck mover(out of his own zone) for the Leafs. As for that pass by Rundblad. Yes it was a thing of beauty but lets face it it should never should have made it that far. Brutal play by Leafs defence. Thats what made it look so good. - Owen Sat, 05 Nov 2011 11:21:22 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4084-nhl-prospect-wrap-up#comment-17497 Absolutely hate the Leafs, but I have to admit Gardiner can skate. He's the closest thing I've seen to Mike Green since, well, Mike Green. If Gardiner can ever develop a laser of a wrister/one-timer like Green has, look out. - slufoot Sat, 05 Nov 2011 10:52:14 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4084-nhl-prospect-wrap-up#comment-17496 I still think he's not great in his own zone, but I've had a chance to see him play more and his skating ability has won me over. He uses his skating to get himself out of trouble and he's especially adept at defending against teams that can skate. Gardiner has won me over plain and simple. As for Brett MacLean, ha ha, I don't think I'll ever change my opinion on him. - Stuart McDonald Sat, 05 Nov 2011 09:34:26 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4084-nhl-prospect-wrap-up#comment-17495 What's with the love-hate relationship you've got going with Jake Gardiner. Not long ago you were filling up your twitter feed with how Gardiner is awful defensively and he should be sent down as a result. Where's the patience with prospects? Now you are praising him. All I can remember is these tweets from you Stu, "Gardiner will be on the ice for an even strength goal against tonight - he's not mature defensively. Aulie won't be gone long." "Jake Gardiner team worst -2. Now it starts. When are people going to wake up and realize this kid isn't good in his own zone. #Minors" Pick a side ;) Next you will be hyping Brett MacLean Can you say, "What have you done for me lately?" ;) - Dean Youngblood Sat, 05 Nov 2011 08:51:56 +0100