Hedman v. Tavares

I've been watching them both all week at the WJC. If it was my job to make a choice right now, I'd have to go with Hedman. Maybe it's impossible to compare two very different players, but this young man could be more than Pronger. Better skater. Bigger. It's something we just haven't seen before. Does anyone else have any comments on what they have seen?

It will come down to need for these two and I've been saying this for a while. Say if the Kings get Stamkos this season and still somehow tank for whatever reason I could see them taking Hedman over JT just cause they wouldnt have the JT need...

Tavares easily. I didn't notice Hedman at all in the game....except for him getting hit by Legein.

Not good passing, hitting!!

Also this should be in the prospects section

If you think Hedman can be #1, Norris winning defenseman, you always take the defenseman.

Tavares easily. I didn't notice Hedman at all in the game....except for him getting hit by Legein.

Not good passing, hitting!!

I noticed Hedman, I thought he played a great game..

Theres still a lot of time until their draft, things can change but right now I'd say Tavares has a slight edge.

They both are too young too shine this year, next year they'll be stars! Hedman hasn't learnt to use his size yet, and tavares seems to be knocked down rather too easily. Hard to figure him out, because he dominates in the OHL, but looks a little lost amongst the older guys, next year........

Jordan Schroeder has outplayed both of them ;)

Give me the pillar of strenght, Victor Hedman. Watching him play gives me goose bumps. So much skills...He'll eat guys like Legein for breakfeast in a couple of years. A monster of a player, like my friend Maguire would say...;)

i dont think ive ever seen as good of a skater thats the size of hedman, hes pretty raw though, but oozes athletic ability and potential, i think its a toss up, but JT the slight edge.....for now

i dont think ive ever seen as good of a skater thats the size of hedman, hes pretty raw though, but oozes athletic ability and potential, i think its a toss up, but JT the slight edge.....for now

Agreed... it's truly amazing. I'm not quite sure though, who I'd take if I were a GM. There's still so much time for either one of these two to completely take off and become the undisputed #1, while at the same time, one could fall off the map completely. Everything being the way it is right now, if I had to pick, Tavares would probably be the one that most would take, but I think I would take Hedman. He's a freak of nature literally; that is the only way to describe him.

It will come down to need for these two and I've been saying this for a while. Say if the Kings get Stamkos this season and still somehow tank for whatever reason I could see them taking Hedman over JT just cause they wouldnt have the JT need...

That's my plan (as a Kings fan) ;)

I didn't notice Hedman at all in the game

With eyes like that I'm surprised you noticed the TV

tavares

Tavares easily. I didn't notice Hedman at all in the game....except for him getting hit by Legein.

Not good passing, hitting!!

Hedman knows how to hit but he is playing like the coach wants him to play. I doubt the coach would order his best defenseman to hit everything that moves. Espescially when this defenseman just turned 17.

dunno but i do know hedman already plays in SEL and will have better competition and evolve more then tavares will......i think..

i still say tavares easily

did crosby have players challenging him for #1 overall? because that is what this thread is like

I wouldn't mind if the Thrashers bombed next season and ended up with the #1 pick. Having the choice of Hedman or Tavares would be awesome!

I'd hope, for the fans sake, that it'd be Hedman, because Atlanta's defense sucks :biglaugh:

i still say tavares easily

did crosby have players challenging him for #1 overall? because that is what this thread is like

Tavares is not equal to Crosby.

Tavares easily. I didn't notice Hedman at all in the game....except for him getting hit by Legein.

Not good passing, hitting!!
Then you are blind. Hedman made two good breakaway passes (one from his own zone which went through the whole Canada team), he crushed a couple of guys, he played stable, he did an own break on the left wing as well which resulted in a good scoring chance, he made several good starting plays from his own zone.

He was Swedens best D-man yesterday, did make ONE little misstake during the whole game.

Tavares is not equal to Crosby.

You're right....he'll be better

You're right....he'll be better
John is that you? Good luck against the danes, but don't embarrass them, it's not good Canadian sportsmanship.

Hedman, no doubt!

I honestly think JT will go first overall based on the fact that some low market American team will get first pick. JT will put more fans in the seats the Hedman.

Its 18 month till the draft, allot can happend.

If Hedman develops like a normal kid, I think Id give the edge to him. Or I would.

But, don't forget that some kids just are extremely early bloomers. I remember following Jesse Joensuu a couple of years ago. He was decent for a huge guy as a 15 y/o, but didn't develop a squat after that. Hedman is more size then skill if he was 6'2 we wouldn't compare him with Tavares. Therefor I think he is more risky at this point then Tavares. But still a darn good prospect.

Tavares got potential to really explode to join the Crosby/AO/Malkin/Kovalchuk club, but whats saying that he won't? These kids are still really young.

Tavares will be an elite sniper in this league, while Hedman will be a force on the blueline, seriously watching the game yesterday I couldn't believe how athletic and strong of a skater this guy is for his size.

I think it'll be whatever the team who gets the 1 pick needs the most, if they need a franchise forward, Tavares... franchise defencemen-Hedman.

I'd take Hedman. Tavares is just another overhyped canadian.

Really depends. Hedman looked really impressive for me yesterday, yet at the same time a lot of us Canadian fans are clamouring for Tavares to get more playing time to see what he can do.

From what I've seen Hedman has less holes in his game, he's a great athlete has good passing skills, he's freakin' huge.

Yet at the same time Tavares has a ton of holes in his game and yet is still a very good player. If he can manage to fix the problems in his game he'll be insanely good. When you watch Tavares you notice his sniping ability as well as his great hockey vision, he's making plays out there.

Seriously, you watch Hedman and there's not that much wrong with the way he plays hockey. Whereas you watch Tavares and you notice that he's not all that fast, that he gets knocked over easy, things like that. If Tavares can work on his leg strength and get himself near that Crosby leg strength level I think he'll be up there with the Crosby's, Ovechkin's and the like. Seriously, he's got a great hockey head, he has an insane offensive game, and he's shown a willingness to work on his development.

I'm not sure what I would do. As a fan of the Avs, if I acquired that first overall pick I'm not sure if I could pass of Hedman, just because he is what the Avs need, on the other hand, I'd love to get a hold of Tavares, hope the Avs help him out with his game, and see where we are from there.

I think its to early to say who ill be better, id proabably pick hedman if the draft was today, but in 18 months lots of players could emerg as serious contenders for the 1st pick, like Jordan Schroeder, who is leading the WJC in assist. my point is its way to early and lots of players are late bloomers and i think 2 or 3 players are going to emerg and contend for the 1st overall pick that arent tavaras or hedman.

With the Sweds refusing to sign the player transfer agreement, I'll take Tavares

With the Sweds refusing to sign the player transfer agreement, I'll take Tavares

Rumor has it Hedman wants to go major junior next year because of the lack of the agreement, and he would be able to sign with an NHL team after he got drafted

Rumor has it Hedman wants to go major junior next year because of the lack of the agreement, and he would be able to sign with an NHL team after he got drafted

It is doubtful, he has inked for two years this summer with the Modo team. He said this week, to me, that he will stay in Sweden next season. He said though that he seriously considered the possibility to play in the CHL before inking with Modo. A factor he considered was to complete his studies.

Simon Richard, HF

1.Schroeder
2.Tavares
Hedman lmao

It's a really tough pick. IMO people pretty much don't want Tavares to go #1 for whatever reason.

It doesn't really matter to me, at the end of the day Tavares will be a ridiculously good hockey player regardless of if he goes 1st or 2nd. Hedman has looked pretty good, but I haven't seen him enough to really put my opinion out on the line either way.

It is doubtful, he has inked for two years this summer with the Modo team. He said this week, to me, that he will stay in Sweden next season. He said though that he seriously considered the possibility to play in the CHL before inking with Modo. A factor he considered was to complete his studies.

Simon Richard, HF
So if he changed his mind and went to the CHL, which league (WHL, OHL, QMJHL) would have his rights?

So if he changed his mind and went to the CHL, which league (WHL, OHL, QMJHL) would have his rights?

whoever drafts him in the import draft no?

Jordan Schroeder has outplayed both of them ;)

Those must be some pretty impressive second assists.

Tavares' skill from the blueline in is just too overwhelming to pass up.

He has a knack around the net that already rivals some of the best in the NHL, despite not possessing much speed, balance, or a rocket shot.

Those must be some pretty impressive second assists.

I don't know whether or not his assists are second or not, but I swear to God, the second assist has become the most talked about thing on this board. A point is a point. Get over it... It's been the same forever, I don't see why this should be such a deciding factor in somebody's game. He's making things happen regardless.

whoever drafts him in the import draft no?I wonder which league gets his rights though? Or do all CHL teams participate at the same import draft? How would you determine drafting order across the 3 leagues?

I wonder which league gets his rights though? Or do all CHL teams participate at the same import draft? How would you determine drafting order across the 3 leagues?

All three are in the same draft.
Overall standings by points per game, I think.
First overall are rotated leaguewise every three years, if I'm not mistaking me.

All three are in the same draft.
Overall standings by points per game, I think.
First overall are rotated leaguewise every three years, if I'm not mistaking me.
Thanks!

I don't know whether or not his assists are second or not, but I swear to God, the second assist has become the most talked about thing on this board. A point is a point. Get over it... It's been the same forever, I don't see why this should be such a deciding factor in somebody's game. He's making things happen regardless.

It was tongue in cheek. I haven't even seen Schroeder play yet. For all I know he could be making all of the plays on those goals rather than just feeding it to the guy who really creates the scoring chance. Relax.

Although I think that both of them are going to cut it in NHL, there is also the hype factor to be considered.

If GM picks Tavares with #1 pick and he does not live up to his hype, Tavares is to blame, even if Hedman (#2 pick) becomes as great as advertised.

If GM picks Hedman with #1 pick and he does not live up to his hype, GM is to blame, especially if Tavares (#2 pick) becomes as great as advertised.

Tavares is a victim of over exposure. We have seen so much of him that he no longer seems like the invincible super prospect to some that he really is. His numbers from Junior are insane and his scoring touch is the best to come out in ages. Better than Crosby as a pure goal scorer and could likely rival the best goal scorers in the game. However, when a fairly unknown commodity like Hedman pops up and impresses with his natural tools, size, and athleticism then we're drawn to him because he's "fresh" where we've been picking apart Tavares game for the past two years.

Tavares will go first overall in the '09 draft even if he falls off the face of the earth from now until then. His body of work already is better than any other '09 eligible player could build from now until then. The same thing happened with Crosby. People were starting to try to find outside shots to supplant him as the first overall pick but it didn't happen. This will be much of the same. It will be a laugher then as it is now.

Not saying that Hedman isn't a fantastic prospect because he is ....but he doesn't strike me as the generational talent that Tavares will be.

It was tongue in cheek. I haven't even seen Schroeder play yet. For all I know he could be making all of the plays on those goals rather than just feeding it to the guy who really creates the scoring chance. Relax.

The second assist discussion is a touchy subject. :)

Not saying that Hedman isn't a fantastic prospect because he is ....but he doesn't strike me as the generational talent that Tavares will be.

Hedman jr. has a 16-year old been performing absolute fantastic in SEL and has played between 13-19 minutes/game (even though he has been sent down to U20-team as well some games). That is exceptional rare. He is a freak of nature with his 6'6" frame and he does everything great on the ice. Of course he needs to work on a bunch of things, but in the end i think he will be a really good NHL-defenseman. Maybe we are overhyping him (we who see him play on a daily basis), but its hard not to (even though he has some bad games too).

John Tavares impressed me greatly at the U18 WC in Halmstad when he was one of the guys (among 88ers) who stepped up in that tournament. I havent seen enough games with him, but he seems to be the real deal. The hype is - on the other hand - really extreme. Skating seems a bit weak and he gets knocked off the puck a bit easily too (maybe im a far off but is what ive seen with limited viewing). But on the other hand he seems to be unnatural skilled in the offensive zone with his offensive awareness. It´ll be really interesting to see how it all measures up.. Its hard to compare these two players though, and its a long way to go... but i think Tavares in the end will be picked as nr1.

We all thought Phil Kessel was a sure nr1, but he dropped his draftyear, and maybe some other players (like Magnus Pääjärvi-Svensson i have to warn about) will step up. One thing is for sure... it will be the best swedish draft since like '93 (sweden got six players in the first round). I think there are 10 (give or take a few) who are potential firstrounders at this early stage... and there´s some more who could excel (and the best ones can drop).

Tavares has some growing to do...Hedman...at 6.7, has a harder task getting all the tools together...Hedman is a sure bet, though...Tavares may be the next Daigle...

Slight edge for Hedman yesterday. The canadians will win it all, though...

Actually Hedman reminded me little about Kenny Jönsson yesterday...hope he will be better faster than Kenny who was a little of a late bloomer...

Also, Tavares might shine brighter next year when he will be the go-to guy.

Hedman and a secondrounder for Tavares?

Another question is who will be first the first one to play in NHL. Another one is if Hedman want to go to NHL a few months after he is drafted when there is the junior worlds and maybe even the olympics in february.

Supply and demand!

6'6 extremely mobile, smart defender with excellent passing skills and with defensive instincts and natural grit. = Extremely rare and sought after commodity. Even if Tavares iat the end is rated as the best player in the draft I think Hedman will get the nod from most GMs.

They say Hedman will be the next Pronger but only Swedish, he'll be better than Pronger.

If the draft was today I'd take Hedman, but a lot can change in 18 months.

Tavares has the edge I think, but Hedman will be a very solid prospect.

Tavares will go first overall in the '09 draft even if he falls off the face of the earth from now until then. His body of work already is better than any other '09 eligible player could build from now until then.

This is simply not the case and plenty of examples contradict it (Kessel, Esposito, Spezza, etc. : players who still went high, but were once considered "sure bets to go #1" and didn't). NHL scouts don't care about a player's "body of work" established in juniors, they care about if that player is still improving and if their skills and play will transfer effectively to the NHL. If Tavares did nothing between now and the draft, scouts would infer that his prior production was due to developing early and that it was not a good indicator of what he could produce at the NHL level.

I thought he had a brother that played in the WHL but I may be mistaken. Is he related to Anton (who played in Sudbury, Guelph and Owen Sound and was drafted by Boston but has since gone back to Sweden) or Oscar (a late round pick by the Caps in 2004 who is still playing in MoDo)?

Hedman is very raw. Its much easier to see the direction Tavares is going as far as HOW he plays and HOW he will contribute at the NHL level.

On raw physical talent...you have to like the idea of a rangy,smooth skating defencemen...but he has yet to be moulded into anything.

Tavares is already ahead of many NHL wingers in the way that he ignites powerplay chances. I think the team that picks first overall in 09' will have to feel comfortable with handing their PP to Tavares as soon as he is drafted.

I would not be able to choose, they are both amazing prospects.

Tavares is already ahead of many NHL wingers

http://www.germes-online.com/direct/dbimage/50199056/Swimming_Goggles.jpg

I thought he had a brother that played in the WHL but I may be mistaken. Is he related to Anton (who played in Sudbury, Guelph and Owen Sound and was drafted by Boston but has since gone back to Sweden) or Oscar (a late round pick by the Caps in 2004 who is still playing in MoDo)?
He has got two brothers, one who play in France and the other one plays in MODO as you mentioned and is drafted by Washington. None of them has played in the CHL so that is somebody else you saw. His older brothers names are Oscar and Johan Hedman.

For my favorite team's needs, I would pick Hedman.

He has got two brothers, one who play in France and the other one plays in MODO as you mentioned and is drafted by Washington. None of them has played in the CHL so that is somebody else you saw. His older brothers names are Oscar and Johan Hedman.

Actually, I'd be surprised if Oscar Hedman doesn't make it to the NHL. Smaller than Victor, but still very solid d-man in SEL. Drafted by Washington in 2004.

Yeah, after the last season when Oscar was awesome I was a bit suprised that they didn't give him an offer. This year he's been struggeling during the beginning of the season but during the last games since Timander and Hållberg got injured he's been just as good as last year. He is very solid in the defence, a good skater and OK in the offence.

Hedman is very raw. Its much easier to see the direction Tavares is going as far as HOW he plays and HOW he will contribute at the NHL level.

On raw physical talent...you have to like the idea of a rangy,smooth skating defencemen...but he has yet to be moulded into anything.

Tavares is already ahead of many NHL wingers in the way that he ignites powerplay chances. I think the team that picks first overall in 09' will have to feel comfortable with handing their PP to Tavares as soon as he is drafted.

Buddy can keep the glasses......I agree with you. At this point it is much more likely that Hedman has a harder time holding onto the number two position then becoming number one over Tavares.

http://www.germes-online.com/direct/dbimage/50199056/Swimming_Goggles.jpg

Another case of selecting posting. If you're going to do nothing but sit around and stalk the boards for an oppurtunity to bash Canada and all things Canadian than I suggest you go find the door and slam it on your own ass as you leave.

If you do not have the maturity to be a constructive poster on these boards than you have no place here. Did you even read the rest of his post or did you just read the first bit and say "oh, look, Canadians think their players are the best!!! Oh my god, I know must post it as proof and disregard the entire post except for this part!!! I am the coolest!!! Ahuck huck!!!"

If you did read the rest of the post you'd probably be in agreement that with Tavares' high level of hockey smarts he's able to run a powerplay very effectively as a winger, he knows where to be and he can make some very nice passes as well as shoot. He does in fact have the ability, the smarts and the know how to run a powerplay more effectively than a few NHL wingers.

So yea, if you can't be a contributing member do yourself to favour of leaving, growing up and then coming back, because everytime I come across a post of yours all I get from them are that you are a petty little five year old, someone used to being able to trash talk people their own age with stupid ignorant comments. Well buddy I think you should wake up and realize that being a contributing member of something trumps stupid ignorance. So either leave, or smarten up and post something contructive.

Another case of selecting posting. If you're going to do nothing but sit around and stalk the boards for an oppurtunity to bash Canada and all things Canadian than I suggest you go find the door and slam it on your own ass as you leave.

If you do not have the maturity to be a constructive poster on these boards than you have no place here. Did you even read the rest of his post or did you just read the first bit and say "oh, look, Canadians think their players are the best!!! Oh my god, I know must post it as proof and disregard the entire post except for this part!!! I am the coolest!!! Ahuck huck!!!"

If you did read the rest of the post you'd probably be in agreement that with Tavares' high level of hockey smarts he's able to run a powerplay very effectively as a winger, he knows where to be and he can make some very nice passes as well as shoot. He does in fact have the ability, the smarts and the know how to run a powerplay more effectively than a few NHL wingers.

So yea, if you can't be a contributing member do yourself to favour of leaving, growing up and then coming back, because everytime I come across a post of yours all I get from them are that you are a petty little five year old, someone used to being able to trash talk people their own age with stupid ignorant comments. Well buddy I think you should wake up and realize that being a contributing member of something trumps stupid ignorance. So either leave, or smarten up and post something contructive.

:biglaugh:

Seems that alcohol isn't good for you buddy.:biglaugh:
Really. that's overreacting. What's the need to post such long post that doesn't make sense?

Another case of selecting posting. If you're going to do nothing but sit around and stalk the boards for an oppurtunity to bash Canada and all things Canadian than I suggest you go find the door and slam it on your own ass as you leave.

If you do not have the maturity to be a constructive poster on these boards than you have no place here. Did you even read the rest of his post or did you just read the first bit and say "oh, look, Canadians think their players are the best!!! Oh my god, I know must post it as proof and disregard the entire post except for this part!!! I am the coolest!!! Ahuck huck!!!"

If you did read the rest of the post you'd probably be in agreement that with Tavares' high level of hockey smarts he's able to run a powerplay very effectively as a winger, he knows where to be and he can make some very nice passes as well as shoot. He does in fact have the ability, the smarts and the know how to run a powerplay more effectively than a few NHL wingers.

So yea, if you can't be a contributing member do yourself to favour of leaving, growing up and then coming back, because everytime I come across a post of yours all I get from them are that you are a petty little five year old, someone used to being able to trash talk people their own age with stupid ignorant comments. Well buddy I think you should wake up and realize that being a contributing member of something trumps stupid ignorance. So either leave, or smarten up and post something contructive.

Woah, that was a little harsh. I mean, ...wow. You just snapped on GiganticSnake.

Woah, that was a little harsh. I mean, ...wow. You just snapped on GiganticSnake.

He/she has added absolutely zero constructive arguments to any thread they have posted in and have basically only come out since the Canada/Sweden game clamouring about how terrible Canada is. I'm sick of seeing immature posters that have nothing to say post stupid posts that are clearly meant for trolling purposes only. If you are here to start and argument and that's it, get out.

If the draft was today I'd take Hedman, but a lot can change in 18 months.

angelo?