Yzerman191 37 Report post Posted October 31, 2009 I haven't had the chance to watch many non-Red Wings games this season, so I was wondering, has anyone had the chance to check out some of the rookies from the 2009 NHL draft? Who stands out? Who leaves you feeling underwhelmed? I'm really curious about Victor Hedman; he was highly regarded as a potential number one pick, and a pretty sturdy stay-at-home defenseman. He's also bigger than most players, but has a style more comparable to Lidstrom than Pronger, from what I've read. I noticed he doesn't have a whole lot of hits, but his average time-on-ice is pretty high, and he's managed to keep a neutral +/- rating despite being on the mediocre Tampa Bay Lightning. And just looking at the stat sheet, Tavares has managed 9 points in 12 games. That's decent for a guy with no surrounding cast whatsoever. How has he looked? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dat's sick 1,002 Report post Posted October 31, 2009 Hedman has been doing pretty well. He gets lots of ice-time and is playing in key situations, obviously does some rookie-mistakes but overall is playing solid. He hasn't showed much of his offensive capabilities, but I'm sure that will come as he gets more comfortable. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BeeRYCE 2 Report post Posted October 31, 2009 John Tavares, Victor Hedman, Matt Duchene, Evander Kane, Ryan O'Reilly, and Dmitri Kulikov are the only ones that I know that from the 09 Draft that are playing in the NHL. All are playing pretty well, but none nearly as surprising as Ryan O'Reilly... Him and Tavares I think will be neck and neck in the Calder race. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dat's sick 1,002 Report post Posted October 31, 2009 John Tavares, Victor Hedman, Matt Duchene, Evander Kane, Ryan O'Reilly, and Dmitri Kulikov are the only ones that I know that from the 09 Draft that are playing in the NHL. All are playing pretty well, but none nearly as surprising as Ryan O'Reilly... Him and Tavares I think will be neck and neck in the Calder race. I think Reilly will slow down along with the Avs (sooner or later). I see Gustavsson or Tavares winning it, with Duchene and Hedman being in the running too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Carman 387 Report post Posted October 31, 2009 I think Reilly will slow down along with the Avs (sooner or later). I see Gustavsson or Tavares winning it, with Duchene and Hedman being in the running too. Idk about that. I don't think he will slow down that much. He has always been one of the best in every league he's been in. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BeeRYCE 2 Report post Posted November 1, 2009 Idk about that. I don't think he will slow down that much. He has always been one of the best in every league he's been in. He never reached a point per game in the OHL, which is why it's so shocking that his point production is virtually identical to his OHL stats (just under a point per game). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dimaline312000 51 Report post Posted November 1, 2009 I've seen Tavares one game. I think it was against the Oilers but I'm not sure. He looked pretty good and he scored a shootout goal. I'm more impressed with Matt Duchene with the Avs. He looks really promising and looks like a good player and will have a bright future if he continues to play the way he has so far this season. I got to see Evander Kane wit the Thrashers at the Prospect Camp and he was quite impressive as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
