This offseason could be very interesting especially in regards to Moore, Wood and Rinzel. I am of the opinion that if one of Moore/Rinzel returns then both will and I feel like Moore is coming back (ergo Rinzel returns).
We have guys like Faber, Knies and Snuggerud to thank for laying the foundation of a culture where guys stay the extra year til they’re ready. Wood is the weird one cause in no way is he close to NHL ready yet I believe he’s the most likely to sign. Just a gut feeling.
with how it currently looks, wouldn’t be surprised to see all 3 back. Wood isn’t fast enough or dominant enough physically to slot into the nhl right now, but maybe he wants to get into his contract and play ahl. Moore isn’t big enough yet. Rinzel has gotten better but I can’t see Chicago wanting him yet and burning a year on a 20 year who’s developed super well this last year
think it’s more if they push to sign rather than them being sought as of now.
Chicago will absolutely want Rinzel and make a massive push for him at the end of the season
This offseason could be very interesting especially in regards to Moore, Wood and Rinzel. I am of the opinion that if one of Moore/Rinzel returns then both will and I feel like Moore is coming back (ergo Rinzel returns).
We have guys like Faber, Knies and Snuggerud to thank for laying the foundation of a culture where guys stay the extra year til they’re ready. Wood is the weird one cause in no way is he close to NHL ready yet I believe he’s the most likely to sign. Just a gut feeling.
with how it currently looks, wouldn’t be surprised to see all 3 back. Wood isn’t fast enough or dominant enough physically to slot into the nhl right now, but maybe he wants to get into his contract and play ahl. Moore isn’t big enough yet. Rinzel has gotten better but I can’t see Chicago wanting him yet and burning a year on a 20 year who’s developed super well this last year
think it’s more if they push to sign rather than them being sought as of now.
Chicago will absolutely want Rinzel and make a massive push for him at the end of the season
if they lose his rights then yes that makes perfect sense
Chesley started out the season on a tear. I think his game has dropped off quite a bit the last month or so, and not just his point production. He seems to be making a lot of mental mistakes, poor passes, etc. I like him as a NHL prospect, but he has some things to figure out between now and then.
Fair and valid points. I just don’t see it as a shoe-in that Rinzel jumps right into the NHL lineup with/over Levshunov.
Rinzel will end up a much better player than Levshunov!
Formerly known as davey j.
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Aggressive use of fire emojis but I can appreciate the enthusiasm.
Wood can become a free agent after next season (assuming he's on track to graduate grades-wise), even if it was three years after he was drafted. I don't think Nashville will let him come back.
Wood can become a free agent after next season (assuming he's on track to graduate grades-wise), even if it was three years after he was drafted. I don't think Nashville will let him come back.
I believe they would be the only team who could offer him the burn year at end of season if he came back as they still control his rights through graduation. Wouldn’t be a FA unless he waited until fall (if I have the timing right) as he’s a 2023 draft pick
If I'm Nashville what exactly am I seeing that I have to have? A kid that developed early and was pretty good because he was bigger and then everyone caught up?
If I'm Nashville what exactly am I seeing that I have to have? A kid that developed early and was pretty good because he was bigger and then everyone caught up?
i don’t know if you’re being quite fair to a kid who’s 19 and has almost 90 points in his college career already. There are absolutely many things he needs to work on (his skating being number one) but there are also numerous things to like with his shot and he does see the ice pretty well with it on his stick. He does play like a kid who was bigger and better than everyone though when he goes on his weaving stick handling journeys. That likely works a little better against some of the comp in HE but he’ll need to work that out of his game
Is Jackson Nevers hurt? Haven’t seen him in the box score.
Moore with a goal last night.
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Is Jackson Nevers hurt? Haven’t seen him in the box score.
I am assuming so since he was getting good run with Madison after the trade. Tough to find injury details on juniors players.
Teddy Townsend’s numbers don’t jump off the page at you but he’s on a Waterloo team that just doesn’t score very much. He leads the team in points which is a good sign.
Teddy Townsend’s numbers don’t jump off the page at you but he’s on a Waterloo team that just doesn’t score very much. He leads the team in points which is a good sign.
On the topic of Townsend, he is having a huge weekend with 8 points (4-4-8) in three games and his game still ongoing.
Matthew Wood has a difficult choice to make I think. I cannot see Nashville wanting to burn a year of his contract by having him turn pro after this college season ends. But then, Nashville is having a poor season this year and their top 8 scorers are 27 years or older (Tommy Novak is the 27 year old and if you remove him the top 7 scorers are 30+ years of age this season).
Wood is a pretty solid college hockey player, and I know this isn't an original take, but his skating leaves a lot to be desired. I don't think it is NHL level and I am not sure where the best place to improve his skating is, or even if it can be improved. For first round draft picks, playing to his 3rd year is already a push back in his career but he is relatively young and is generally ranked as the Predators 2nd best prospect.
Normally for first round guys highly ranked in their team's prospect list the time to jump is as soon as you can. But for Matthew Wood, I personally think he should stay another year in college hockey and with the Gophers. What I would concentrate on for him is to develop into the true power forward that his size seems to indicate, but his more finesse playing style seems to be a contradiction.
Coming back to Minnesota he can play on the top line and power play unit, improve on his cycling work on the boards with better functional hockey strength, and see if he can jump his goal totals into the 20+ level. I think for Wood that is the best development options rather than going pro and having to play in the minor leagues.
@mlhouse for you of all people to say he should come back must mean something haha
In reality, I do think it would be best for his development in terms of how much he’d play and the situations he would do so in, but that’s a lot to give up for anyone if you have the option to turn pro (I know I’d feel better playing 1st line ncaa hockey and PP minutes versus AHL middle lines)
I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say if Wood leaves too early he may find himself in Europe in 5 years. He’s at a critical point in his development as a hockey player. Don’t rush it. Work with Andy Ness or whoever over the summer. Skating skating skating.
Teddy Townsend’s numbers don’t jump off the page at you but he’s on a Waterloo team that just doesn’t score very much. He leads the team in points which is a good sign.
On the topic of Townsend, he is having a huge weekend with 8 points (4-4-8) in three games and his game still ongoing.
He's scored a shootout goal, so worth a roster spot:)
https://twitter.com/flohockey/status/1716459480886743295?s=46&t=WzreTyPJeKvWI6pA3rBUCQ
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@mlhouse for you of all people to say he should come back must mean something haha
In reality, I do think it would be best for his development in terms of how much he’d play and the situations he would do so in, but that’s a lot to give up for anyone if you have the option to turn pro (I know I’d feel better playing 1st line ncaa hockey and PP minutes versus AHL middle lines)
I guess when I watch him play I don't see a first round NHL player yet. He has some skill and is a good college player. But 10 goals 19 assists in 29 games is not a dominant performance.
THe criteria that I think these kids should use is if I stay longer in college will I move up my drafted team's prospect list so that when I turn pro I will play in the NHL rather than the AHL. I think for almost every one of our recent players going to the NHL they have chosen the right time to move on (with perhaps Jimmy Snuggerud who probably should have turned pro this season).
@mlhouse for you of all people to say he should come back must mean something haha
In reality, I do think it would be best for his development in terms of how much he’d play and the situations he would do so in, but that’s a lot to give up for anyone if you have the option to turn pro (I know I’d feel better playing 1st line ncaa hockey and PP minutes versus AHL middle lines)
I guess when I watch him play I don't see a first round NHL player yet. He has some skill and is a good college player. But 10 goals 19 assists in 29 games is not a dominant performance.
THe criteria that I think these kids should use is if I stay longer in college will I move up my drafted team's prospect list so that when I turn pro I will play in the NHL rather than the AHL. I think for almost every one of our recent players going to the NHL they have chosen the right time to move on (with perhaps Jimmy Snuggerud who probably should have turned pro this season).
I agree on Wood, he needs to improve skating to have a shot and I think the less games played in college gives a player more time to focus on strength and skating than at pro levels.
But I will trust Jimmy Snuggerud that he made the best decision for himself when he says it multiple times in interviews. You can't possibly know what is best for a player and what is most important to them. Some players recognize they will never experience something similar to playing college hockey again in life.
I remember watching Trent Klatt on a shift in his last year, where he came off the bench, skated across the rink to blow a guy up, take the puck and power his way to the net for a scoring chance. Turned to my wife and said I don't think he's coming back next year. He was like a man among boys at times. He jumped to the NHL and since he retired has mentioned several times how he wishes he had not done that. He would have given up a year of his NHL career for another year of college if he had the chance to do it again. When he was coaching High School that is what he told his players too. I have a feeling Dave had a similar message for Jimmy. NHL is a job, a grind, and nowhere near as fun as college. So maybe Jimmy is actually not wrong about his choice on how to live his life.
@mlhouse for you of all people to say he should come back must mean something haha
In reality, I do think it would be best for his development in terms of how much he’d play and the situations he would do so in, but that’s a lot to give up for anyone if you have the option to turn pro (I know I’d feel better playing 1st line ncaa hockey and PP minutes versus AHL middle lines)
I guess when I watch him play I don't see a first round NHL player yet. He has some skill and is a good college player. But 10 goals 19 assists in 29 games is not a dominant performance.
THe criteria that I think these kids should use is if I stay longer in college will I move up my drafted team's prospect list so that when I turn pro I will play in the NHL rather than the AHL. I think for almost every one of our recent players going to the NHL they have chosen the right time to move on (with perhaps Jimmy Snuggerud who probably should have turned pro this season).
I agree on Wood, he needs to improve skating to have a shot and I think the less games played in college gives a player more time to focus on strength and skating than at pro levels.
But I will trust Jimmy Snuggerud that he made the best decision for himself when he says it multiple times in interviews. You can't possibly know what is best for a player and what is most important to them. Some players recognize they will never experience something similar to playing college hockey again in life.
I remember watching Trent Klatt on a shift in his last year, where he came off the bench, skated across the rink to blow a guy up, take the puck and power his way to the net for a scoring chance. Turned to my wife and said I don't think he's coming back next year. He was like a man among boys at times. He jumped to the NHL and since he retired has mentioned several times how he wishes he had not done that. He would have given up a year of his NHL career for another year of college if he had the chance to do it again. When he was coaching High School that is what he told his players too. I have a feeling Dave had a similar message for Jimmy. NHL is a job, a grind, and nowhere near as fun as college. So maybe Jimmy is actually not wrong about his choice on how to live his life.
On Snuggy, agreed entirely. I think the part that is hard is the money and getting to the next contract, but when it's all said and done, I think he would've always carried that regret had he not come back (and add to that he looks a much more complete player this year than last) and one can never predict how that affects someone at the next level in their focus, dedication to development, etc. To me last year he wasn't a sure-fire lock to slot into their NHL lineup right away. Now he absolutely does and I think that gets to @mlhouse 's point. Snuggy was already at/near the top of the Blues prospect pool, but now it's going to be a damn near sure fire NHL lineup guy from the get go (would assume middle six with PP time) given he's gotten more responsible on the defensive end. Wood I agree on with you both. Was just giving mlhouse some grief as he almost always says guys should leave at first opportunity to try get to the 2nd contract (which fiscally is the right move; emotionally/mentally an entirely different thing).
Grimes and Moore with goals so far for Sioux Falls tonight in front of a record crowd. Moore now has a 5 game point streak.
https://twitter.com/sfstampede/status/1888421073256935738
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@mlhouse for you of all people to say he should come back must mean something haha
In reality, I do think it would be best for his development in terms of how much he’d play and the situations he would do so in, but that’s a lot to give up for anyone if you have the option to turn pro (I know I’d feel better playing 1st line ncaa hockey and PP minutes versus AHL middle lines)
I guess when I watch him play I don't see a first round NHL player yet. He has some skill and is a good college player. But 10 goals 19 assists in 29 games is not a dominant performance.
THe criteria that I think these kids should use is if I stay longer in college will I move up my drafted team's prospect list so that when I turn pro I will play in the NHL rather than the AHL. I think for almost every one of our recent players going to the NHL they have chosen the right time to move on (with perhaps Jimmy Snuggerud who probably should have turned pro this season).
I agree on Wood, he needs to improve skating to have a shot and I think the less games played in college gives a player more time to focus on strength and skating than at pro levels.
But I will trust Jimmy Snuggerud that he made the best decision for himself when he says it multiple times in interviews. You can't possibly know what is best for a player and what is most important to them. Some players recognize they will never experience something similar to playing college hockey again in life.
I remember watching Trent Klatt on a shift in his last year, where he came off the bench, skated across the rink to blow a guy up, take the puck and power his way to the net for a scoring chance. Turned to my wife and said I don't think he's coming back next year. He was like a man among boys at times. He jumped to the NHL and since he retired has mentioned several times how he wishes he had not done that. He would have given up a year of his NHL career for another year of college if he had the chance to do it again. When he was coaching High School that is what he told his players too. I have a feeling Dave had a similar message for Jimmy. NHL is a job, a grind, and nowhere near as fun as college. So maybe Jimmy is actually not wrong about his choice on how to live his life.
On Snuggy, agreed entirely. I think the part that is hard is the money and getting to the next contract, but when it's all said and done, I think he would've always carried that regret had he not come back (and add to that he looks a much more complete player this year than last) and one can never predict how that affects someone at the next level in their focus, dedication to development, etc. To me last year he wasn't a sure-fire lock to slot into their NHL lineup right away. Now he absolutely does and I think that gets to @mlhouse 's point. Snuggy was already at/near the top of the Blues prospect pool, but now it's going to be a damn near sure fire NHL lineup guy from the get go (would assume middle six with PP time) given he's gotten more responsible on the defensive end. Wood I agree on with you both. Was just giving mlhouse some grief as he almost always says guys should leave at first opportunity to try get to the 2nd contract (which fiscally is the right move; emotionally/mentally an entirely different thing).
I get all that, but times have changed since Trent Klatt's day. The economics are different. Further, in Klatt's particular case the evidence suggests he made the right choice entering into a professional hockey career that lasted 13 years in the NHL and then a long hockey career after as a coach and scout, a career that is still ongoing. If he would have returned to Minnesota to play another year of college hockey it would not have improved/added years to that career and any negative issue such as injury (even a minor one) could have reduced it.
While it is true I can't answer what is in a guy's heart, for Jimmy Snuggerud as a "fantasy" advisor I can tell you he made a big mistake. He could have signed after the Gopher season and would be in year 2 of his initial contract. I think he improved some as a player this season over last but the impact is marginal as far as his professional prospects and he probably improves at least as well entering into the professional hockey environment.
But I am glad he came back. I enjoy watching him as a player. It is cool that #18 and #81 both have more than 100 career points (if Jimmy can score 15 more points in the season he would tie his dad for career points, 11 more goals and 4 more assists matches the box score). But, this was not worth the injury risk he took to do it.
Matthew Wood is different. I think he needs to come back, and not having Snuggerud might help him a bit because he will be the designated shooter on the power play.
My advice to Sam Rinzel is to sign with Chicago. My advice to Oliver Moore is to return for his junior season.
It's not always about making money NOW. Had Klatt stayed 1 more year he would have had the year back he regretted missing out of and most likely still would have had himself a professional hockey career on and off the ice - enough to be very comfortable financially. For some players that tradeoff of one less year making $$ while getting to wrap it up with your friends in college is worth it.
And I would say with NIL there are going to be a select # of players that staying makes just as much sense. The problem with that argument is projecting what you think is best onto what others might feel is best for them.
A completely different scenario, but Barry Sanders walked away from the NFL at a time when he could have easily played at a high level for at least a few more years and banked a lot more $$. To him it wasn't worth it.
Maybe some shootout help on the way... Javon Moore has scored breakaway goals in back to back games this weekend for Sioux Falls. He is on a heater as of late, and has 7 goals and 4 assists in the last 8 games. For the season, he now has 14 goals and 30 points in 40 games.
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Gavin Katz leading SSM in points, 8 clear of second place. Will be interesting to see how he fares in juniors but he could be a late bloomer the staff identified early on.
The pipeline may lack stars but it could come together very nicely.
Cooley Jr with a shootout goal. More help on the way...
https://twitter.com/USAHockeyNTDP/status/1893515873064730893
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The trash talking the goalie and stare down after is pretty funny