Jakub Kindl- Potential Elite NHL’er?

[Aussie_Wing 354]

I’ve been doing a bit of research about this great young prospect and I can’t wait to see him play. Prior to first playing in the OHL, Kindl was considered a potential top 10 pick, even a top 5 pick by some scouts. I like this quote by a guy on HFBoards:

I wouldn't worry about his production offensively. I have seen him play and he is the real deal. The tools are there, but I feel that maybe his offensive upside might not have been tapped just yet due to his overwhelming defensive responsibility. He didn't seem like he'd take a chance to create a chance. His offense will come around and take it for what it's worth but in my opinion he's a lock for being a top 10 pick and I would rank him in the top 5 without hesitation.

The hype fell away after his first year with Kitchener as he barely put any points on the board despite being talked up for his offensive capabilities.

However over the past two seasons Kindl has put his rookie season behind him by scoring points at will and he’s also become a bit more of a physical presence. All that remains to be seen is how he’ll adapt to the pro game. If he takes it in his stride, how good do you see Kindl becoming in the future? Top 2 defenceman capable of putting up 50+ points?

[Guest Crymson]

I’ve been doing a bit of research about this great young prospect and I can’t wait to see him play. Prior to first playing in the OHL, Kindl was considered a potential top 10 pick, even a top 5 pick by some scouts. I like this quote by a guy on HFBoards:

The hype fell away after his first year with Kitchener as he barely put any points on the board despite being talked up for his offensive capabilities.

However over the past two seasons Kindl has put his rookie season behind him by scoring points at will and he’s also become a bit more of a physical presence. All that remains to be seen is how he’ll adapt to the pro game. If he takes it in his stride, how good do you see Kindl becoming in the future? Top 2 defenceman capable of putting up 50+ points?

I've never seen him play before at all, let alone seen him play enough to make any sort of prediction.

[Earthhuman 8]

I'm in the same category as Crymson, but I sure hope he will!

I've never seen him play before at all, let alone seen him play enough to make any sort of prediction.

Then what was the point of posting?

Just messin' around.

[rick zombo 3,739]

I predict now that he will be significantly better than Kronwall.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

I've never seen him play before at all, let alone seen him play enough to make any sort of prediction.

Well of course it’s all speculation.

He was considered a potential top 10 pick until he had a bad first up season in the OHL. He’s proved that he simply struggled to adapt to the game but in the last two seasons he’s really developed. Last season he was runner up in the OHL defenceman of the year voting to Marc Staal, and everyone knows the hype Staal receives. Kindl hasn’t been talked up too much but he’s on track to be the excellent player he was expected to become.

[BeeRYCE 2]

I watched him in a few Kitchener games. He seemed to be very valuable, kind of reminiscent to what Lidstrom is to the Wings. Not that I'm comparing him to Lids at all, but it goes to show how he can play with a team on his shoulders, and that's a good sign. He seemed to be responsible on the PP, and out on the ice every other shift. However, I guess that's what any junior, 1st round NHL prospect defenseman should have as attributes.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

I watched him in a few Kitchener games. He seemed to be very valuable, kind of reminiscent to what Lidstrom is to the Wings. Not that I'm comparing him to Lids at all, but it goes to show how he can play with a team on his shoulders, and that's a good sign. He seemed to be responsible on the PP, and out on the ice every other shift. However, I guess that's what any junior, 1st round NHL prospect defenseman should have as attributes.

Good post. This quote reflects that:

“He’s like a man amongst boys,†said McDonnell. “He’s playing a ton, probably too much, but it’s good for him. He’s played very well.â€Â

[Wildwings44 5]

It would be great in Kindl pans out. However, from what I've seen and heard of Erickson (sp), he's the one I'm most excited about seeing.

[Sepster 0]

I saw Kindl play in the Wings' Red and White game the fall after he was drafted. He was 18 at the time but looked very comfortable out on the ice. Granted it was an inter-squad scrimmage but what I took away was how well of a skater he was. And not just, "oh, he's a good skater for a big man (like Fishcer was)," but he's a flat-out great skater for any size.

I, also, saw both Kindl and Ericsson play twice during the pre-season last year and they both looked capable of playing D in the NHL.

Needless to say if they both continue to progress this up-coming year for Grand Rapids I see no reason the Wings shouldn't make room for them on the Wings for the '08-'09 season.

[OsGOD 3]

Aye, he looked silly against the whalers in the playoffs... but then again the champions always make others look silly. Me watched him play li'e 3 games... He verily didn't stand out t' me more than sayin', "hey he could be a win' soon". Howe'er, with that said, he has one hellu'a cannon. I was impressed with the quickness and speed he had on his shots.

The jury is still out for me. Aye.

[scotzman 29]

I am really looking forward to seeing him in the Winged Wheel. He and Ericsson are the guys I really want to see come up soon. To me having Lids and Cheli around to teach these guys would be huge. Look at Quincey in the playoffs skating with Cheli had to be an amazing learning experience.

[westcoastredwings 0]

i live in grand rapids and saw him play at the tail end of the year for the Griffins. The thing that stuck out most for me was his shot from the point. He has a hard shot and keeps in low and he was great on the power play. On defense he always seemed to be in good position and used his strength well. I wouldn't be suprised if he was wearing red and white this year especially if schneider is gone.

[Hank 0]

i live in grand rapids and saw him play at the tail end of the year for the Griffins. The thing that stuck out most for me was his shot from the point. He has a hard shot and keeps in low and he was great on the power play. On defense he always seemed to be in good position and used his strength well. I wouldn't be suprised if he was wearing red and white this year especially if schneider is gone.

And the coaching staff loved him when he was there. I think he's in GR for one year and then he makes the jump to the NHL. I think he's going to be a dandy.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Too early to judge. That said in all the games I saw him , he plays like a north american (Scouting reports agree) has a great shot , good offensively and defensively , Potential to be a top 2 guy.

I dont think he'll be the next Niedermayer or Lidstrom , but he'll be pretty darn good.

[Crashnburnluder 385]

I was curious if anybody knows of any links of video of him on the internet... I searched youtube.com and only found like 3-4 videos... I wanted to get a chance too look at this guy play... also anybody know of any video on erikson?

[Mickeyisms Rule! 0]

I was curious if anybody knows of any links of video of him on the internet... I searched youtube.com and only found like 3-4 videos... I wanted to get a chance too look at this guy play... also anybody know of any video on erikson?

Jonathan Ericsson has got a bit of a nasty streak it appears.

[Cicada 4]

the only youtube stuff you'll find on kindl is the s*** that went on with london last year

[Guest REDWINGS4LYFE]

under my umbrella ella ella ella eh eh eh

[Guest snowman89]

I have not seen him play either.

I bet if we ask this guy he is probably the second coming of the good lord baby jesus....

Not that he would ever Exaggerate?

kindlwillbegreat

4th Line Grinder

**

Member Group: Members

Joined: Jun 21, 2007

[SweWings 45]

I want Ryno to come over and play...

[BringHomeTheCup! 0]

Should we start a list of guys who were supposed to be 'elite NHLers'?

It's pointless to think that before a guy has played a single minute of an NHL game that he could be an 'elite' player. Let the kid make the squad first.

Like Dr. Marvin says, 'baby steps'.

Edited June 30, 2007 by BringHomeTheCup!

[Sergei Fedorov91 24]

Heh yeah just look at Dan Blackburn.

[Earthhuman 8]

Heh yeah just look at Dan Blackburn.

I thought he had a shoulder injury that prevented him from reaching his potential?

[Sergei Fedorov91 24]

True but he was thrown to the wolves at 18 (I believe) and seemed shell shacked and regressed badly.

[Earthhuman 8]

True but he was thrown to the wolves at 18 (I believe) and seemed shell shacked and regressed badly.

I still think there are much better examples.

Blackburn was my starting goalie on NHL 05, I have an attachment to him.