Clark cup seemed to follow him around
Clark cup seemed to follow him around
If trend lines hold - and this is a very scientific take - we will win the next four national championships.
Per Schlossman, Denver wanted to push back McLaughlin's roster spot until next year, and that is why he became available. I think you are going to see more of this because of the CHL players wanting to play right away and teams having to make decisions on who to try to push back a year.
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Per Schlossman, Denver wanted to push back McLaughlin's roster spot until next year, and that is why he became available. I think you are going to see more of this because of the CHL players wanting to play right away and teams having to make decisions on who to try to push back a year.
See? tBob knew this would happen and has been waiting in the wings like a mad scientist ready to pounce.
The combine is of limited value as its not actually hockey, but Phillips and Rombach were absolute rockstars. They placed in the top ten in several of the events. Particularly Phillips. Seems he is quite an athlete.
The combine is of limited value as its not actually hockey, but Phillips and Rombach were absolute rockstars. They placed in the top ten in several of the events. Particularly Phillips. Seems he is quite an athlete.
I saw that Phillips scored top 5 in the bench press which is both impressive and funny given that he has to bench 20-30 more pounds than the average combine player. I believe they have to bench half their body weight.
Also made impressive when you consider his wingspan, which makes it tougher to elevate significant weight. I know a common complaint of the Gophers is not playing a physical game, but no worries there with Phillips.
https://twitter.com/USHL/status/1932833965980729674
Maceo Phillips – NTDP
Hometown: Wayzata, Minn.
Shoots: Left
HT: 6’6
WT: 233
College Commitment: Minnesota
NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 61
Year-In-Review
Phillips skated in 60 games this season with the U18 team, 25 of which came in the USHL. The Minnesota native had three points (2-1-3) in the USHL this winter, along with 67 penalty minutes and a plus-6 rating. He’s also not afraid to fire the puck at opposing goaltenders. Phillips logged 31 shots in USHL action and 63 on the season overall.
“Maceo’s a naturally gifted kid and he’s just a big, strong athlete,” said NTDP head coach Greg Moore. “He’s a powerful skater, he’s strong along the boards and in front of the net, and he intimidates people with his presence on the ice. He can absolutely wire the puck too and has a great shot, and I think he’s someone that’s going to be a beast at the next level and as he continues in his development.”
Jacob Rombach – Lincoln Stars
Hometown: Blaine, Minn.
Shoots: Left
HT: 6’6
WT: 209
College Commitment: Minnesota
NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 42
Year-In-Review
Rombach skated in 57 games this season, which was his second in the USHL. The Minnesota commit offers teams plenty of size and a reliable defender while giving opponents fits with his towering frame.
Rombach added 18 points (3-15-18) as well and the offensive side of his game continues to evolve. He finished the regular season a plus-29, which was tied for seventh among all USHL skaters, and also helped the U.S. win gold at the World Junior A Challenge.
“First of all, Jacob’s a special person,” said Lincoln head coach Rocky Russo. “He’s very mature, he’s very detailed, his priorities are in line and he has such a desire to get better every day. Then when you look at him as a player, there’s so much to like, and his game’s evolved so much from the beginning of last year to where he is today. His puck retrievals are almost automatic, he’s able to get up ice and join the play, his gaps are fantastic and you rarely see him out of position.
“He’s such a challenging player to go up against and when you see a big guy like him, more often than not the question is the skating. But Jacob’s skating is excellent. He’s just continued to get better in every area ever since he walked through our doors.”
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https://twitter.com/coreypronman/status/1933561855265681744
Best skaters
1. L.J. Mooney, C, U.S. NTDP
2. Cameron Schmidt, RW, Vancouver
3. Cullen Potter, C, Arizona State
4. Lukas Sawchyn, RW, Edmonton
5. Matthew Schaefer, LHD, Erie
6. Sascha Boumedienne, LHD, Boston University
7. Ilyas Magomedsultanov, LHD, Lokomotiv
8. Michael Misa, C, Saginaw
9. Lirim Amidovski, RW, North Bay
10. Lasse Boelius, LHD, Assat
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That is high praise. Knew he was a good skater but didn't expect to see him ahead of someone like Potter.
That is high praise. Knew he was a good skater but didn't expect to see him ahead of someone like Potter.
if he were 2 inches taller, he'd be a 1st round lock. think he'll end up being similar to kyle rau based on how he plays the game
https://twitter.com/coreypronman/status/1933561855265681744
Best skaters
1. L.J. Mooney, C, U.S. NTDP
2. Cameron Schmidt, RW, Vancouver
3. Cullen Potter, C, Arizona State
4. Lukas Sawchyn, RW, Edmonton
5. Matthew Schaefer, LHD, Erie
6. Sascha Boumedienne, LHD, Boston University
7. Ilyas Magomedsultanov, LHD, Lokomotiv
8. Michael Misa, C, Saginaw
9. Lirim Amidovski, RW, North Bay
10. Lasse Boelius, LHD, Assat
There are several players here who could be targets for the Canes. Benjamin Kindel is a smart, talented forward who fits our mold in Carolina. We considered scoring winger Jakob Ihs-Wozniak. Michigan State commit Eric Nilson is a fit. But Cullen Potter, the best skater in the draft, is too appealing to pass up with his speed and skill by the Canes — Wheeler
https://twitter.com/coreypronman/status/1933561855265681744
Best skaters
1. L.J. Mooney, C, U.S. NTDP
2. Cameron Schmidt, RW, Vancouver
3. Cullen Potter, C, Arizona State
4. Lukas Sawchyn, RW, Edmonton
5. Matthew Schaefer, LHD, Erie
6. Sascha Boumedienne, LHD, Boston University
7. Ilyas Magomedsultanov, LHD, Lokomotiv
8. Michael Misa, C, Saginaw
9. Lirim Amidovski, RW, North Bay
10. Lasse Boelius, LHD, Assat
There are several players here who could be targets for the Canes. Benjamin Kindel is a smart, talented forward who fits our mold in Carolina. We considered scoring winger Jakob Ihs-Wozniak. Michigan State commit Eric Nilson is a fit. But Cullen Potter, the best skater in the draft, is too appealing to pass up with his speed and skill by the Canes — Wheeler
Bio InfoPositionCHeight5' 10"TeamArizona StateWeight
So what's your point? That someone thinks Potter is a better skater than a Gopher recruit? I'm sure there are 100 "experts" with 100 different opinions on each prospect. I posted one that thought Mooney was the best in his eyes because this is a Gopher board.
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@frozen4champs Absolutely no disrespect towards Mooney, no doubt he’s a tremendous talent. But I’ve been following this draft class for the past 6 months & for guys like Scott Wheeler - Cullen Potter is the consensus top rated “skater” in the 2025 draft class, Wheeler also projects Potter to be 16th overall pick.
@frozen4champs Absolutely no disrespect towards Mooney, no doubt he’s a tremendous talent. But I’ve been following this draft class for the past 6 months & for guys like Scott Wheeler - Cullen Potter is the consensus top rated “skater” in the 2025 draft class, Wheeler also projects Potter to be 16th overall pick.
and Pronman thinks its Mooney. They're both senior writers who heavily cover the NHL draft. Further, "many" scouts tag Schaefer as being the best skater in the draft as well (because of his size). There's not a consensus (as we clearly see) because its a grossly abstract review. Maybe someone likes the edgework better. Maybe someone likes the speed. Maybe someone likes the size moving as it does.
Again, what is your point? It's great Mooney is up there and for some to think he's the best skater in the draft. Its high praise. Literally the only point.
@bearpaw28 Pronman is also a pretty well respected draft expert. No doubt that Potter will be drafted higher, by probably a few rounds, but as a Gopher fan it is nice to see Mooney getting some love and seeing what others say about him. We all know about his weaknesses, which starts with his size. In his mock draft he has Potter at 31 and Mooney at 102. Like all mock drafts, players could go higher or lower than projected.
Mooney is an elite skating forward who buzzes around the ice. His top speed and edge work are clearly NHL caliber. He has a very good skill level and is very dangerous attacking off the rush due to his skill/speed combination. He was a highly touted player for years, but he just never grew. He's barely 5-foot-7 and was injury-prone this year, which didn't help his case. He competes hard enough and doesn't shy away from physical play. In his best games, he looks like he has a legit chance to play NHL games despite his frame, but that player showed up inconsistently this season.
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@frozen4champs I guess the thing of note (who’s the best skater aside) is that Mooney will be around for 3-4 years and provide jump similar to Oliver Moore, although I think Mooney might be even more dynamic at the D1 level.
I am excited to watch Mooney this fall. I expect him to have a much better impact than Oliver Moore.
I am excited to watch Mooney this fall. I expect him to have a much better impact than Oliver Moore.
Moore has speed and a decent shot but lacks physicality and hockey IQ.
I hope he has a steady NHL career but I have doubts.
I was very disappointed in Moore’s hockey IQ, at least with the puck. It restricted him big time from having an impact with MN. That’s why I was surprised he signed as I think that he could have learned a lot from another year. On the flip side, I think being down the lineup in the NHL may allow him to play a simpler game and not overthink when he has the puck.
I was very disappointed in Moore’s hockey IQ, at least with the puck. It restricted him big time from having an impact with MN. That’s why I was surprised he signed as I think that he could have learned a lot from another year. On the flip side, I think being down the lineup in the NHL may allow him to play a simpler game and not overthink when he has the puck.
he just always reminded me of the kid who the game gets going so fast and he's doing so much so quickly that his brain just never quite caught up with telling his muscles what to do next. Chicago will be a fine place for him to learn and I expect he'll get at least a second contract if not carve out a long term career (fast guys who can play bottom 6 and kill penalties don't grow on trees). He'll never grow into the high impact guy we hoped he'd be here at the NHL level, and that's ok as you need those guys in your lineup as well. Likely to be one of those that never just quite found "it" to take it over the top.
I know we’re starting to move away from the intended topic of the thread but honestly all of the guys who signed early, except for Snuggerud, probably should have stayed another year.
I know we’re starting to move away from the intended topic of the thread but honestly all of the guys who signed early, except for Snuggerud, probably should have stayed another year.
all depends on how you want to argue it as goal is to get to your second contract as fast as possible. If you're going to play NHL minutes, then its worth it to go to me for sure. If you bounce down to the AHL, gets more dicey. Now that we're a bit further away, I guess most make sense to me aside from Chesley.
Rinzel: would've gotten better, but he'll play in the NHL next year. Reasonable to go imo
Moore: would've gotten better, probably should play AHL next year but Chicago is a cluster fuck so we'll see
Kurth: he's not ever going to be an NHLer. He graduated this year so question of if wanted to move on or stay. I get the leaving. He wasn't going to be any better staying another year
Wood: think we all knew it would be a 1 and done. Nashville is at the point of needing bodies. I'll be curious to see what becomes of him if he ends up being one of those big bodies guys like Bjugstad who just stick around forever or if he's a quick flame out at the NHL level. Would guess he'll bounce back and forth a little this year. Didn't really seem to get much better this year so can't say another year would've helped, other than that he'd be the focal point this year offensively which probably is more helpful than what role he'll play next year.
Chesley: this is the one that's probably most confusing to me. Would've probably been our PP1 guy (for better or worse) plus big minutes again which may have set him up to come into the NHL lineup instead of the AHL. Washington seems to really like him so they may have pushed harder on him to come in at that point.
Part of it is I think he was trying to do it all himself because, at least towards the end, he was playing with perimeter guys who weren't very effective down low against Notre Dame's Dmen. Moore seems like a guy who drives the net hard ala Crosby and then dishes it to other guys who excel near the net or they cash in on rebounds. This is why Dupuis and Kunitz despite not being the most skilled players ever were such effective/perfect linemates for him and why he refused to play with someone like Phil Kessel who's the exact opposite. I think Moore would've been better off with Lamb and Kurth than Ziemer/Snuggy based on how he plays and it was just kinda not great from a chemistry standpoint. Ziemer and Snuggy might've been better with Jimmy Clark imo because he's a patient pass first guy. I'm sure Motzko knew something we didn't as far as that goes but I kinda wonder if that was the right choice.I was very disappointed in Moore’s hockey IQ, at least with the puck. It restricted him big time from having an impact with MN. That’s why I was surprised he signed as I think that he could have learned a lot from another year. On the flip side, I think being down the lineup in the NHL may allow him to play a simpler game and not overthink when he has the puck.
he just always reminded me of the kid who the game gets going so fast and he's doing so much so quickly that his brain just never quite caught up with telling his muscles what to do next. Chicago will be a fine place for him to learn and I expect he'll get at least a second contract if not carve out a long term career (fast guys who can play bottom 6 and kill penalties don't grow on trees). He'll never grow into the high impact guy we hoped he'd be here at the NHL level, and that's ok as you need those guys in your lineup as well. Likely to be one of those that never just quite found "it" to take it over the top.
I think Moore could maybe have success in the NHL under the right circumstances but he's part of a bad rebuilding org so it's not the most favorable situation.
Part of it is I think he was trying to do it all himself because, at least towards the end, he was playing with perimeter guys who weren't very effective down low against Notre Dame's Dmen. Moore seems like a guy who drives the net hard ala Crosby and then dishes it to other guys who excel near the net or they cash in on rebounds. This is why Dupuis and Kunitz despite not being the most skilled players ever were such effective/perfect linemates for him and why he refused to play with someone like Phil Kessel who's the exact opposite. I think Moore would've been better off with Lamb and Kurth than Ziemer/Snuggy based on how he plays and it was just kinda not great from a chemistry standpoint. Ziemer and Snuggy might've been better with Jimmy Clark imo because he's a patient pass first guy. I'm sure Motzko knew something we didn't as far as that goes but I kinda wonder if that was the right choice.I was very disappointed in Moore’s hockey IQ, at least with the puck. It restricted him big time from having an impact with MN. That’s why I was surprised he signed as I think that he could have learned a lot from another year. On the flip side, I think being down the lineup in the NHL may allow him to play a simpler game and not overthink when he has the puck.
he just always reminded me of the kid who the game gets going so fast and he's doing so much so quickly that his brain just never quite caught up with telling his muscles what to do next. Chicago will be a fine place for him to learn and I expect he'll get at least a second contract if not carve out a long term career (fast guys who can play bottom 6 and kill penalties don't grow on trees). He'll never grow into the high impact guy we hoped he'd be here at the NHL level, and that's ok as you need those guys in your lineup as well. Likely to be one of those that never just quite found "it" to take it over the top.
I think Moore could maybe have success in the NHL under the right circumstances but he's part of a bad rebuilding org so it's not the most favorable situation.
agree with your points on him. He is certainly a playmaker/generator type guy, I just didn’t quite see the high end/vision a guy needs to be that player at this size (like he was always either too late waiting to see it or anticipated wrong and did stuff like drop the puck to no one at the blue line), which is tough as a guy his size. He will have a shot with someone to be a bottom 6 guy.
Chicago, on that note, seems like a total dumpster fire right now pulling young guys in early to rebuild while having literally no cohesive vision of building a team. Moore, Levshunov, Rinzel were all guys there was no sense in rushing when you’re so far from contending.
The team should be fun to watch this year, they are re-loading but it’s also the biggest re-load in awhile. More opportunities for certain returning players. Clearly the guys who signed (in their heads) were ready to move on, Snuggy stayed for an extra year & performed solidly for the Blues in the playoff series vs Jets. Rinzel was ready too…the rest universally could have used another year at the U, but you don’t want them around if their heart & head isn’t committed to playing college hockey.
I know we’re starting to move away from the intended topic of the thread but honestly all of the guys who signed early, except for Snuggerud, probably should have stayed another year.
all depends on how you want to argue it as goal is to get to your second contract as fast as possible. If you're going to play NHL minutes, then its worth it to go to me for sure. If you bounce down to the AHL, gets more dicey. Now that we're a bit further away, I guess most make sense to me aside from Chesley.
Rinzel: would've gotten better, but he'll play in the NHL next year. Reasonable to go imo
Moore: would've gotten better, probably should play AHL next year but Chicago is a cluster fuck so we'll see
Kurth: he's not ever going to be an NHLer. He graduated this year so question of if wanted to move on or stay. I get the leaving. He wasn't going to be any better staying another year
Wood: think we all knew it would be a 1 and done. Nashville is at the point of needing bodies. I'll be curious to see what becomes of him if he ends up being one of those big bodies guys like Bjugstad who just stick around forever or if he's a quick flame out at the NHL level. Would guess he'll bounce back and forth a little this year. Didn't really seem to get much better this year so can't say another year would've helped, other than that he'd be the focal point this year offensively which probably is more helpful than what role he'll play next year.
Chesley: this is the one that's probably most confusing to me. Would've probably been our PP1 guy (for better or worse) plus big minutes again which may have set him up to come into the NHL lineup instead of the AHL. Washington seems to really like him so they may have pushed harder on him to come in at that point.
The thing about Moore and Wood is that I never remember any times where I thought “man, he’s the most dominant player on the ice” - which if you’re a first rounder, I expect it once in a while.
definitely saw it with rinzel and Snuggerud.
Not saying they didn’t have good years but they seemed very quiet in accumulating their points
The team should be fun to watch this year, they are re-loading but it’s also the biggest re-load in awhile. More opportunities for certain returning players. Clearly the guys who signed (in their heads) were ready to move on, Snuggy stayed for an extra year & performed solidly for the Blues in the playoff series vs Jets. Rinzel was ready too…the rest universally could have used another year at the U, but you don’t want them around if their heart & head isn’t committed to playing college hockey.
I agree. It feels like a fresh start. We are also catching BC at the right time as we will have a weekend against Michigan Tech and we are their opening series. Reallylike it if Hagens leaves.
Also like feeling like an underdog for the first time in 3 years and hopefully this “lack of pressure” carries through to the play.
For sure. Moore over ran his headlights routinely and Wood was the softest big man I've ever seen.The thing about Moore and Wood is that I never remember any times where I thought “man, he’s the most dominant player on the ice” - which if you’re a first rounder, I expect it once in a while.
@streakygopher he doesn’t have a decent shot at all. 1/2 the high school kids in the state can shoot harder than he can. I root for all Gophers to succeed, but I wouldn’t bet a penny on Moore cutting it in the NHL.
Formerly known as davey j.
@streakygopher he doesn’t have a decent shot at all. 1/2 the high school kids in the state can shoot harder than he can. I root for all Gophers to succeed, but I wouldn’t bet a penny on Moore cutting it in the NHL.
I’d take you up on that. Even if he doesn’t “pan out” as a first round pick his tenacity and speed pretty much guarantee him a spot as a 3rd or 4th liner on most NHL teams. Obviously if you’re Chicago you’re hoping for a little bit more than a 4th liner with your first round pick but I feel like there’s a bit of a safety net there with Moore.
Not the case with Wood. Either he learns to keep up with the big boys or he goes to Europe. His game doesn’t translate to bottom 6 imo.
This is interesting. I doubt Penticton would fork up that much in a trade if they didn’t think there’s a decent chance Kvasnicka plays for them. Something to keep an eye on.
https://twitter.com/thewhl/status/1935809625485721834?s=46&t=AvtsG2WfNuGRyXzbYJqB7g
@streakygopher he doesn’t have a decent shot at all. 1/2 the high school kids in the state can shoot harder than he can. I root for all Gophers to succeed, but I wouldn’t bet a penny on Moore cutting it in the NHL.
I’d take you up on that. Even if he doesn’t “pan out” as a first round pick his tenacity and speed pretty much guarantee him a spot as a 3rd or 4th liner on most NHL teams. Obviously if you’re Chicago you’re hoping for a little bit more than a 4th liner with your first round pick but I feel like there’s a bit of a safety net there with Moore.
Not the case with Wood. Either he learns to keep up with the big boys or he goes to Europe. His game doesn’t translate to bottom 6 imo.
Yea, I feel Moore is a fairly safe bet to have a solid, long NHL career. Certainly not a star but a 25-35 point 3rd line center seems within reach. High floor.
@streakygopher he doesn’t have a decent shot at all. 1/2 the high school kids in the state can shoot harder than he can. I root for all Gophers to succeed, but I wouldn’t bet a penny on Moore cutting it in the NHL.
I have to disagree. He had many goals scoring on a hard wrist shot beating the goalie one on one.
Mason West officially to Michigan State - though I know he didn't have us on his radar for his final visits/teams... I'm still sad about it. Another "best of MN" recruit going elsewhere in a class of little excitement for the Maroon and Gold.
My hope after watching the Florida Panthers take the Cup... and how they employed their depth to beat the best players in the NHL. That the 25-26 Gopher squad gels as a team better without "that one special guy" and the legacy/keeper seniors we've had post-COVID eligibility to achieve Bob's real roster makeup. Can this group do something unexpected with Michigan State/Michigan/Penn State and the East Coast schools loading up on the individual likely one and done talent we supposedly missed out on? Can this collective team beat the team's we are upset about getting our "swing and miss recruits"? Fingers crossed GPLers.
My hope after watching the Florida Panthers take the Cup... and how they employed their depth to beat the best players in the NHL.
Sure, Draisaitl and especially #97 are super elites, but it's not like Florida was a bunch of ham-and-eggers.
They have top tier talent in Tkachuk, Bobrosky, Reinhart, Bennett, and Barkov. Then they have a couple of add-ons like Marchand and Jones. Their "average" players include guys like Verhaeghe, Lundell, and Luostarinen, all of whom are dangerous players.
I like your optimism, but the Gophers aren't even close to the Florida analogy in the NHL.
There was a lot of "don't worry, trust Bob" attitude among fans, but the jury us in and the evidence suggests Minnesota was severely out-recruited this year. College hockey used to be fun. Now it's a minor league full of players going to the highest bidder.
This is interesting. I doubt Penticton would fork up that much in a trade if they didn’t think there’s a decent chance Kvasnicka plays for them. Something to keep an eye on.
https://twitter.com/thewhl/status/1935809625485721834?s=46&t=AvtsG2WfNuGRyXzbYJqB7g
You appear to be correct based on this report...so still 2 (based on my quick count) spots open?
https://twitter.com/rms_hockey/status/1936066248367833426
Lundell is Cats 3rd line C (behind Barkov & Bennett) and an argument can be made he’s better than Erickson Ek, that’s how far behind the Wild are. And yeah, McDavid is & Leon arguably is better than anyone on the Cats, but Cats skaters 3-10 are arguably better than anyone else on the Oilers. And Bob is VASTLY better than Skinner.My hope after watching the Florida Panthers take the Cup... and how they employed their depth to beat the best players in the NHL.
Sure, Draisaitl and especially #97 are super elites, but it's not like Florida was a bunch of ham-and-eggers.
They have top tier talent in Tkachuk, Bobrosky, Reinhart, Bennett, and Barkov. Then they have a couple of add-ons like Marchand and Jones. Their "average" players include guys like Verhaeghe, Lundell, and Luostarinen, all of whom are dangerous players.
I like your optimism, but the Gophers aren't even close to the Florida analogy in the NHL.
There was a lot of "don't worry, trust Bob" attitude among fans, but the jury us in and the evidence suggests Minnesota was severely out-recruited this year. College hockey used to be fun. Now it's a minor league full of players going to the highest bidder.
Some more positivity/hype regarding a couple future Gophers (Rombach and Mooney)
2025 NHL draft: Late-round gems who could make an impact - ESPN
Jacob Rombach, D, Lincoln Stars (USHL)
A defenseman who is nearly 6-7 with punishing physical traits and the potential to become a shutdown defender will be very attractive to teams. Rombach lacks a lot of the offensive skill that teams like to see in their top-end defenseman, but there is a real path to becoming a No. 4/5 defender in the NHL.
Defensively, he possesses one of the most complete skill sets in the draft, which will only improve as he refines those skills. He has impressive puck-retrieval ability, scanning for threats and allowing him to pre-emptively escape pressure situations. He employs head fakes to shake forecheckers, and makes a simple and efficient pass when the lane opens.
When defending, he uses his frame to disrupt plays on the rush, kill plays on the wall and makes it difficult for teams to generate off the cycle. He isn't overly physical, and while that is easily developable at his size, scouts like that he doesn't get caught out of position trying to make a big hit. When he closes gaps on players all over the ice, he leads with a strong stick and smothers them, forcing turnovers or dump-ins.
If his skating and physicality improve, Rombach has the tool kit to be an effective shutdown defender who can kill penalties and play secondary matchups.
L.J. Mooney, RW, USNTDP (USHL)
Another diminutive winger, Mooney is one of my personal favorites in the draft class. He's a dynamic skater and gets fans out of their seats with his puck handling skill. At 5-7, possessing multiple separating skills should be enough for a team to take a chance on him in the middle rounds.
He's a non-stop player who is constantly drawing the viewer's eye. His blistering speed is immediately noticeable, especially when combined with fantastic puck skill. There is real potential for him to become a transition nightmare for defenders. For that to happen, Mooney will need to improve his ability to facilitate offense and read the play. He needs to utilize his elite skating and puck skill to attack the middle of the ice to create high-danger scoring chances.
Given his size and questions about playmaking ability, he's close to a boom-or-bust player. However, many players with that skill level do not possess the motor and inner drive to compete. Mooney does not leave any doubts about his will to compete given his fearless play, consistent pace, and willingness to play both sides of the puck.
If a team has multiple second- or third-round picks and lacks a dynamic skater, as well as someone who could be a legitimate contributor -- the Philadelphia Flyers, Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings are in this boat -- Mooney is a worth a shot.
More post scouting combine rankings from Wheeler with a few comments.
https://twitter.com/scottcwheeler/status/1936743340801728912
Best skater
Mooney -- 4th
Best hands
Mooney -- 3rd
L.J. Mooney’s hands are particularly impressive for how they blend in with his skating and agility, though, too. He finds his way out of trouble and through holes better than anyone in the class.
Smartest
Mooney -- 7th
Most competitive
Mooney -- HM
Shoutout to the diminutive Mooney, who gets full marks for his effort level and compete at his size. I wanted to give him some flowers as well.
Most physical
Maceo Phillips -- 3rd
Strongest
Phillips -- 2nd
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Rombach at 51 and Mooney at 60 in final draft rankings per ESPN
Another day, another draft "experts" list. Today it is by The Hockey News Tony Ferrari. He has Mooney at 41 and Rombach not in his top 80.
41. L.J. Mooney, C/RW, USA U-18 (NTDP), 5-foot-7, 160 pounds
Mooney is a dynamic playmaker who can electrify crowds with his skill and offensive prowess, but he was injured for a large chunk of the season. When he returned from the leg injury, he didn’t look like himself for a couple of months. All that, combined with his short stature, has likely made NHL teams doubt the incredibly skilled and driven forward. Despite his size, Mooney attacks the middle of the ice, gains inside position and creates his offense from dangerous areas. The size will be an obstacle, but he could be a massive steal depending on how far he falls.
I was recently informed by a GPLer that I'm related to Airey
I was recently informed by a GPLer that I'm related to Airey
Just some draft projections on this gloomy Friday:
Rombach: Round 2
Mooney: Round 3
Moe: Round 4
Phillips: Round 4
Kvasnicka: Round 6
McLaughlin: Round 6
I think there's a decent chance that Rombach goes in the 1st round.Just some draft projections on this gloomy Friday:
Rombach: Round 2
Mooney: Round 3
Moe: Round 4
Phillips: Round 4
Kvasnicka: Round 6
McLaughlin: Round 6
I also think that Moe and Phillips will go before Mooney
I think there's a decent chance that Rombach goes in the 1st round.Just some draft projections on this gloomy Friday:
Rombach: Round 2
Mooney: Round 3
Moe: Round 4
Phillips: Round 4
Kvasnicka: Round 6
McLaughlin: Round 6
I also think that Moe and Phillips will go before Mooney
Could happen. If Rombach were more of a play driver or a bit meaner, I think it would be a lock. Still, defensemen with his size and overall skillset are coveted.
I think there's a decent chance that Rombach goes in the 1st round.Just some draft projections on this gloomy Friday:
Rombach: Round 2
Mooney: Round 3
Moe: Round 4
Phillips: Round 4
Kvasnicka: Round 6
McLaughlin: Round 6
I also think that Moe and Phillips will go before Mooney
Could happen. If Rombach were more of a play driver or a bit meaner, I think it would be a lock. Still, defensemen with his size and overall skillset are coveted.
i'd be pretty shocked if Rombach goes that early unless there's an unexpected run and somebody jumps up for him. Think he'll go early 2nd for the exact same reason, but all could get weird if the defensemen go on a run early. He's one of those guys someone will fall in love with size and what he could be and jump on him, similar to what will happen with West.
As far as Mooney, for whatever reason either he's going to go really early, or he's going to sit until the later rounds. Just depends on if someone fell in love with his game (personally I am extremely excited for him and think his game will translate well to college given he's a playmaker first instead of a scorer). I won't be at all surprised if someone jumps up and grabs him in the late 2nd. The skill is undeniable and he would be a home run if he develops (and especially if he grows another 2-3 inches) that he's absolutely more and more worth the risk as a mid 2nd rounder. Him vs Benak as the small guy of the draft will be interesting too
Think the rest of the above rounds are probably reasonable. Don't see McLaughlin getting drafted and with the new changes to rights with them going away at 22 if the CBA goes through as he's going to be a 3-4 year guy so whatever NHL team has him those rights will expire before he's ready to even be considered for the NHL
My picks
Rombach 2nd
Mooney 2nd
Moe 4th (he's gotten quite a bit of steam recently as a draft riser too, which is exciting for him; think he'll go right at the beginning of the 4th but may sneak into the 3rd)
Philips 4th (another one someone may fall in love with his size and take him earlier than what his talent right now probably deserves)
Kvas 7th
think generally i probably am too high on Mooney, but that may be because I too am quite short so I always cheer for those guys /p>
Rombach, Moe, Mooney and Phillips should all get taken today. Kwaz and McLaughlin are 50/50 late in the draft but I can see them going too