#2020 draft

[k8023]

Happy 5th anniversary of Joe Burrow Draft Day to all those who celebrate 🧡🖤

[taevincii]

He’s so big 😭

Him always finding the camera sends me

John Hansen

[herb10]

Pat really put Justin's media training to the test here 💀

🎥 (c): The Pat McAfee Show

[idk-hockey]

Certified Himbo✨

[exyrpf]

Tyson Foerster being 6′2″ and 200 lbs doesn’t sit with me i don’t believe that

[linguine-noodles]

[savoies]

i actually had a proper conversation with a lady about hockey. which is kind of shocking to find in California. 🥺

[axiomsofice]

Checking In: 2020 Entry Draft

One of the pillars of my sports fandom is my interest in the players of tomorrow, and as such Entry Drafts are among my favourite focal points. In enjoying NFL draft season I’m realizing it’s a good a time as any to revisit some story lines.

1: Lafreniere: There was not much left to accomplish in the QMJHL for Alexis, but that doesn’t mean he’s a top 6 forward from day 1. Amidst the turmoil of the Rangers’ season thus far he hasn’t been the dynamic difference maker we’re used to seeing from him. That being said I have no concerns, just look at team mate Kappo Kakko, who’s having a strong sophomore season as a middle 6 forward. Kakko’s been very good defensively, and is showing more and more of his skillset, controlling the puck well along the boards and down low in the offensive zone. He could almost play a style similar to Jagr in that way, especially if he can convert those possessions into dangerous chances thru passes or growing into his shot. We’ve seen the dangles and snipes at lower levels, but we’re well on our way to seeing an insane group of wingers on this Rangers’ team as these two grow to new heights in a group that already boasts Panarin, Kreider, et al. 

2: Byfield: Q is basically a whole year younger than Laf, but he’s already been excelling in the AHL. He’s got great hands, passing, speed, all the tools.  Some might’ve said he was raw, in large part due to most of his points coming off the rush, but we’re already seeing growth in key areas. Especially using his strength, puck protection, and elite passing skills down low for in-zone offense. It’s like off the rush he could be Malkin, in tight he’s got some JVR moves (James is really a gold standard for me), and he passes like Getzlaf. It all came to fruition recently as Byfield centered a line with Akil Thomas and Devante Smith-Pelley, notably the first all Black line in franchise history (but not pro hockey history!) and authored a Hollywood comeback to win the game in the shootout. Thomas, who already scored a gold medal winning goal in the world juniors, netted a hat trick in the last 3+ minutes to bring the Reign back from 4-1, then scored the eventual shootout winner. Byfield and Thomas definitely reminded me of Backstrom and Oshie at the side and front of the net respectively (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pimOI4eQLxE is a perfect example). 

3. Stutzle: I’ve started calling him a Ferrari. Like Pavel Bure or Marian Gaborik, so fast and skilled and dynamic. A highlight reel. Oh buddy, would he make the Sharks’ lives a lot better. Maybe he should’ve gone higher? Probably not tho? Unless... Either way holy smokes what a top 3. Ottawa is looking alright, Sanderson also had a strong year at University North Dakota aka Junior Sens. Kawaguchi?

That’s it for now