Comments for Big Disappointments at http://hockey.dobbersports.com , comment 1 to 15 out of 15 comments http://hockey.dobbersports.com Sun, 26 May 2013 03:21:18 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4127-big-disappointments#comment-17892 Czechline, I totally agree with you. The one non-fantasy dimension that Kreider has if his shot is non-NHL worthy is that he could be an elite defensive forward. His size and speed really lend itself to a dominant defensive player. I'm not saying I've TOTALLY given up on his offensive upside, I just think without hockey sense the odds are really stacked against him. Unless his shot is truly elite, his NHL redemption could be his defensive game. - Stuart McDonald Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:31:30 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4127-big-disappointments#comment-17855 I don't have anything to back it up handy (articles or stats), but I think I also remember hearing that Kreider was asked to play a more defensive role (or focus on learning his 'D') with the team to start. And as mentioned, he got some relatively limited ice-time at first. I think I also remember an injury early on. With his size and speed, he should be great on the back-check (if his head follows). - Czechline Sun, 20 Nov 2011 19:33:01 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4127-big-disappointments#comment-17831 I agree Alex but my main concern is not his NCAA scoring. It's how it translates to the NHL. Frattin led the NCAA in goals last season and got his first tonight. He may be fine, but I'm worried that his play is so one dimensional - good skater with a shot. Time will tell. - Stuart McDonald Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:06:15 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4127-big-disappointments#comment-17830 I agree with you that Kreider's hockey sense is a work in process. But the difference between him and Wheeler is that, finally given playing time, Kreider is over PPG this year. That's something Wheeler has never done. And I still think Wheeler can be a very successful NHL player. He had 45pts as a rookie and needs a better team around him. - Alex Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:30:20 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4127-big-disappointments#comment-17829 Way too long. Freaky looking pic for sure. - Stuart McDonald Sat, 19 Nov 2011 14:43:02 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4127-big-disappointments#comment-17828 Is it just me or is Kreiders neck really, REALLY long? - shawn cure Sat, 19 Nov 2011 13:56:28 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4127-big-disappointments#comment-17827 Oh man Steve, Wheeler would have been perfect. - Stuart McDonald Sat, 19 Nov 2011 12:23:59 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4127-big-disappointments#comment-17826 Nice work Stu. I couldn't agree more. None of these prospects have seemed all that appealing to me from the moment they were drafted. Liked the Gillies comparison for Kreider but you could have pulled from any number of guys with all the tools and no toolbox. If you want optimism I'd say Blake Wheeler is a decent comparison. - steve laidlaw Sat, 19 Nov 2011 11:52:20 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4127-big-disappointments#comment-17825 i've been waiting for so very, very long for people to join in on the kadri hatred. did no one else see how terrible he was in the WJC? the coach certainly didn't, since he kept putting him out on the top line and top PP despite the fact kadri was completely dooming canada. damnit! ever since, people continuously say he's a top prospect. ...i do not see why. if he hits 50 in the NHL i will be flabbergasted! - Noam Sat, 19 Nov 2011 11:23:13 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4127-big-disappointments#comment-17824 @Alex. I knew someone was going to call me on Kreider and I'm glad because I want to explain some more. I realize the comparison was a loose one and I used the word "loose" in my article. I read a lot about Gillies back then and a lot of people felt with his size and speed that he could "develop" into a PF. I realize Kreider has a better chance than Gillies but unlike you I'm not sure he has "NHL" hands or vision coming off the wing. He has an NHL shot, but if all he has is a shot and great speed he's one dimensional and that worries me...a lot. An elite player should be able to do it on his own and not rely on linemates to succeed because players get traded. Just look at Kovalchuk's numbers last year in NJ if you want an example. @Lukasz - Ryan for sure. JVR will score 75 points for at least a few years and I believe one of Neuvirth and Varlamov will stand the test of time, but I would be surprised if both do. - Stuart McDonald Sat, 19 Nov 2011 11:14:34 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4127-big-disappointments#comment-17823 I meant is or will be 'elite player'. - Lukasz Sat, 19 Nov 2011 10:50:17 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4127-big-disappointments#comment-17822 I tried to list those elite prospects. We need 24 players from 4 draft years. Here's what I came up with :D. 2004 - Ovechkin, Malkin, Green, Edler, Streit, Radulov, Schneider (7) 2005 - Crosby, Price, Kopitar, Stastny, Yandle, Letang, Quick, Rask (and Ryan?) (8 or 9) 2006 - Toews, Backstrom, Giroux, Bernier (and Varlamov? Neuvirth?) (4 to 6) 2007 - Kane, Benn, Subban, Couture (and JVR?) (4 or 5) That's 23 players + a few question marks. I guess you assumed one of Ryan/Varlamov/Neuvirth/JVR is (or will be) an elite prospect :)? I'm betting on Bobby Ryan. - Lukasz Sat, 19 Nov 2011 10:48:57 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4127-big-disappointments#comment-17821 Hey Stu, Love the article but have to disagree with you on Kreider. Comparing him to Gillies is really not fair. Gillies was taken as a "safe" pick to be a 3rd liner and maybe develop offensive game to be a 2nd liner. He had only 30 points in his draft year - pretty pathetic for a scorer. He had decent speed but for a guy his size and did not have the hands either. On the other hand, Kreider was drafted with 1st line potential. Of course the question is if he ever gets there. But there is absolutely no doubt about his skills - one of the fastest prospects out there (not for his size), great shot and hands. You are absolutely right that hockey sense is what keeping him from being an elite prospect. This year he is showing his scoring ability and I would not be surprised that he will have a big role on the Rangers next year since LW is a weakness on the team. Imagining him and Gaborik on the same line. Salivating . . . Just my 2 cents. - Alex Sat, 19 Nov 2011 10:42:19 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4127-big-disappointments#comment-17818 Thanks man. I appreciate the comment. - Stuart McDonald Sat, 19 Nov 2011 08:45:14 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/4127-big-disappointments#comment-17816 Love, love, love insights on prospects. Sometimes information on them is tough to find and it's often a piece here, a piece there. Thanks for giving me a great look at these guys. I have Boychuk and have always wondered what has been going on this year. As for Kadri - seems like he just doesn't want it bad enough sometimes. Great article Stu! - lcbtd Sat, 19 Nov 2011 07:59:03 +0100