krsmith17

I think this may be true for the most part of young (18-19 year olds), but can go either way when looking at prospects that are a little older (21-22 year olds). Zadina is still only 18 years old (will be 19 in a week from today), so the fact that he is near a point per game (6 points, 4 goals, 2 assists in his last 7 games) bodes well for him becoming the player we all think he can be. Like I've said a few times now, if Zadina goes to the WJC next month and once again, dominate there, I think he will go back to GR and continue his upward trajectory and become a point per game player in his first pro season. I don't think anyone should be concerned with Zadina at this point.

If you're talking about an extension today, it would be Blashill, no question. I want Nyquist and Howard traded at this year's deadline. I'd be okay with either (all three) returning next season though. I know I'm in the minority, but I actually think Blashill is a good coach, has done a really good job with the young players, and a great job getting a team that was expected to be a bottom feeder to be competitive every night. Ideally, I'd like to see Nyquist and Howard traded at the deadline, and Howard re-signed in the offseason at a similar (maybe slightly less) cap hit, for 2, 3 years max. Nyquist, I'd just assume let him test free agency, but if he wants to come back at a similar, short term deal, sure, why not.

Yeah, I'm thinking McLellan is next to go.

Another coach fired.

He's currently 18th overall, but 11th in points per game, which is the stat you used. I agree though, I did expect him to dominate more than he has. He's still been better thus far than Rasmussen was at this point last season (not a knock on Ras, just sayin'). Rasmussen made the team out of camp this season, and I don't see any reason why Veleno can't take a similar path next season. Why are you using league stats for Veleno and team stats for Zadina? Veleno is number one on Drummondville in goals, assists, points, shots per game, etc. I said it a few weeks ago, and I'll say it again. I fully expect Veleno to be top 3-5 in most meaningful categories by the end of the season. I'm not disappoint with Zadina. But for those that are, I think it's more so relative to where he was drafted. I didn't expect him to dominate right away. I agree, both will be more than fine. McIsaac is looking really good. I think he has top 4 potential.

Who the f*** said anything about Hossa? F*** that guy. Zadina is the next Kucherov. Get it straight. Seriously though, you've made some bold predictions in the past that have been pretty dead on, so I hope this isn't another one of those... I think / hope you'll be dead wrong on this one. Tatar isn't a bad player by any means, but picking 6th overall, you'd hope to get a (borderline) elite talent...

I hear ya. I'm hoping he'll start to pick it up a bit here soon. Maybe after gaining some confidence at the WJC. It's very difficult for any 18 year old to make an impact right away in the pros, coming from junior. I'm not worried though. I still think he'll be a very good player for the Red Wings in the near future. You're impression has been that he is NHL-ready? I haven't seen that at all from the few games I've seen... He's shown flashes, but overall I've been pretty underwhelmed after each game I've seen...

Zadina and Veleno are the same age. It's not like I'm saying Veleno would be ready before Zadina... Veleno looked more ready than Zadina in this year's training camp / pre-season. He'll also likely be as NHL-ready as Rasmussen was this season. Why would you think he's further behind in his development? Just because he was picked 30th overall and not in the top 10? Maybe Veleno will need some time in GR. I didn't say he'd make the jump out of camp (although I think he will), but I definitely think he'll make the Red Wings at some point in the 2019-20 season. There's also a huge difference between a two-way forward that is already reliable in all three zones, and a scoring forward that needs work away from the puck. I think they'll both be NHL-ready by this time next season.

Even if it may not be the best thing for their development? He's 18 years old. There's no rush. Have some patience. Zadina and Veleno will be on this team full time next season.

No. Because I don't think he's ready. I've watched half a dozen Griffins games this year, and from what I've seen, he needs more time in the minors to work on some things. Hopefully he goes to the WJC and dominates there (again), gets back and starts taking over games in GR. Then maybe if he proves he's ready, he gets a call-up to Detroit around the deadline. What's the rush?

You're really pushing the hot takes lately. I'll take this bet all day. Here's my hottish take... Filip Zadina will be closer to Nikita Kucherov (point per game player), than he will be to Tomas Tatar (little better than half a point per game player). Mark it!

Yeah, I'm pretty sure he was "shaken up" mid way through the game, before his goal. I'm sure he's fine. No. He's not ready.

I think the Pearson trade was a good one for the Pens. I'd still like to hear Kenny kicking the tires on Sprong...

Daley is so bad...

https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/taking-flight-from-q-to-the-d/c-302003232

The Red Wings jumped from 25 all the way up to 11 on TSN's Core 4 Under 24 list... https://www.tsn.ca/mcdavid-carries-oilers-to-top-of-core-4-under-24-list-1.1192759 RedWingsCore4Under24.img

Not close. And if they ever get there (they won't), they'll be making league max. Now there's a hot take... I like it.

We also need an Yzerman type, making Nielsen type money. And a Lidstrom type, making Ericsson type money...

As someone who HATES the Maple Leafs, I would HATE this trade...

Guess who's going to score their first NHL goal tonight?... It's all good though. Wings win 4-2. Athanasiou with a goal and an assist, because that's all he knows how to do.

I'm fine with this. I'm sure at least one or two of Cholowski (20), Rasmussen (19), Zadina (18), Veleno (18), whoever we draft next year (17), will be on this list over the next two seasons. The hope is that one of these players will crack the top 5-10 in that time. Maybe Zadina? Maybe Hughes?... We have plenty of very good young players. We need an elite player.

The site is f***ed...

If all Holland can get for Howard is a 3rd round draft pick, I think he should take it. I'd still re-sign him this summer regardless if he's traded or what he's traded for.