Devils Top 20 prospects, Spring 2009

There is a new face headlining the top of the Devils prospect class, and there was also a significant amount of shuffling throughout the entire list.

More... (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/10966/devils_top20_prospects_spring2009/)

My question is how Frazee dropped to 19 after his start in the AHL.

edit: Whoops I was looking at the list on the right, not the updated one.

Reasons why I cant take HF Boards prospects rankings seriously

1) Devils ranked last in the entire NHL
2) Tedenby "leapfrogs" to #1 on the Devils chart with only 4 points in 29 games this year, while playing in the Swedish Elite league :huh:

I'll stop there, a third reason simply isnt required

How did Zharkhov not move up? Also, no Nagy, but Perkovich is there? Are we even going to sign him?

i hate the fact that like every one of our prospects is like a C development rating

Reasons why I cant take HF Boards prospects rankings seriously

1) Devils ranked last in the entire NHL
2) Tedenby "leapfrogs" to #1 on the Devils chart with only 4 points in 29 games this year, while playing in the Swedish Elite league :huh:

I'll stop there, a third reason simply isnt required

The SEL is a pro-league, and as a result, veterans get more playing time. I believe Tedenby has been playing on the 3rd/4th line all season. It's really not something to be concerned about because young players don't usually put up big numbers in Europe like they do in the CHL. He's getting a year of experience under his belt, and his contract is over at the end of the season, so he'll probably be in Lowell next year. If he doesn't produce there, we can start worrying.

The SEL is a pro-league, and as a result, veterans get more playing time. I believe Tedenby has been playing on the 3rd/4th line all season. It's really not something to be concerned about because young players don't usually put up big numbers in Europe like they do in the CHL. He's getting a year of experience under his belt, and his contract is over at the end of the season, so he'll probably be in Lowell next year. If he doesn't produce there, we can start worrying.

I'm not worried at all. It's WAY too young to judge a player at 19, but it's also dumb to "leapfrog" a prospect to #1 that has achieved literally nothing, not to mention, while playing in Sweden. It's "further dumb" to "leapfrog" said player over Bergfors, who is having a decent year in the AHL. AHL > SEL

My take on the top 10 (well 11) Prospects.

Tedenby: Nice to see Tedenby surpass Bergfors, he has shown the potential to be the better prospect but am not sure he truely deserves to be #1 by surpassing Bergfors already IMO, but I think he will have a very good future with the Devils. He is certainly not afraid to play physical and he is quite good at doing it. He has the best hands I have seen in a while out of our farm system and he does it at 100 mph. Everytime I watch him i think of Marty St. Louis, and I love it.

Bergfors: Not so nice to see Bergfors get overshot by Tedenby though, and it isnt good that his rating went down from a 7.0B to a 7.0C. I am not sure about him still, because from what I have seen in the NHL, he reminds me alot of Petr Prucha which could be a good or bad thing. I just dont feel comfortable giving an analysis on him because he barely got any time to show his talent with the Big Devils.

Corrente: It is good to hear Corrente develop into a solid Second Pairing defenseman like all of us expected him to be, and I think after this years poor training camp we will see a more calm and composed Corrente in next years training camp. I hope our Bieksa Jr. can come up big next year and make the squad.

Halischuk: Now where to begin on Halischuk. I have a gut feeling that he will be the ONLY Devils forward prospect on this list to make the team next year, even if Gio doesnt resign. I think Sutter really likes Halischuk's game and I think it is perfect for the Devils next year to solidify that 3rd line RW position. I feel like he can be alot like what Callahan is for the Rangers, for us, minus the fighting and PIMs.

Burlon: Brandon Burlon is having a phenomonal year at Michigan, and the fact that it is his freshman year makes me even more happy. Even when he had an ankle injury in the beginning of the year, he came back to play even better and earn his way to be able to play with Chris Sommers on what seems to be a monster first or second pairing. I see him developing nicely there, and although I do not think we will see him in Lowell or NJ for a couple of years, I do think that he will turn out to be alot like a stronger version of Paul Martin with more offense. This kid is the real deal. I wanted the Devils to draft him in the first round, and to be honest, I think Brandon is about to pass Patrice Cormier for "Harrison Ford's Favorite Prospect" award.

Palmieri: For some reason, I feel like I am not seeing what Nick Palmieri is all about. I think next year when he goes to Lowell we will see what we have with him. I am just not sold on him and feel like he has alot of potential, but I am not quite sure yet that he can convert it to a tougher game in the AHL. I am eager to see what he has to offer on the Pro level and can't wait for next year when he finally has a chance to show it.

Cormier: IMO I think he has a very good chance to make the team next year, but with the emmergence of Pelley, I think he will have the slight edge over him, unless Sutter really likes what he is made of. I personally think he will have a very similar career to Bobby Holik. He acts the same way on the ice, and in the interviews he takes, making jokes and not being afraid to say anything. He is super confident almost to a point of cockiness like Holik is and will do anything for a teammate. I think we will see some Cormier-Dubinsky battles in the near future.

Vasyunov: I am going to hold my opinion for Vasyunov for next season because I feel like he is still getting used to not even the NA Game, but he is getting used to actually playing. I think next year we will see the Vasyunov that Lou and David Conte saw on draft day in 06 and he will have an all around better year.

Eckford: I see Eckford as having a fantastic chance at the NJ Devils next season. He was great at camp and Lou seems to love the kid. I am very happy that he could possibly turn into a Tom Poti player for us and the fact that we got him in the 7th round is even better. He seems to be ahead of the pack on Lowell's blueline offensively and he is also doing all of this in his first year of pro hockey. I think he and Corrente have the best chance of making the team and I would go even as far to say that Eckford has a better chance than Corrente for NJ's 09-10 squad.

Vrana: To be honest, I am just going to skip him because he was going to go back to Europe anyway before his unfortunate leg injury. I wish the best to him and hopefully he can succeed and carry on his career back in his home country.

Frazee: Talk about turning it around. He went from #5 prospect two years ago to 19th last year, and now he is climbing his way back up the prospect ladder and dominating the AHL while he is at it. I think we all see now that it was a horrible situation at Minnesota for Jeff and that all he needed was a fresh start. It may have been a blessing in disguise that Marty got hurt not only to prove that team can win without him, but also it proved that Frazee can still have a chance to be a NHL goaltender while Clemmer was playing in NJ. I am excited to see him improve and continue his solid play in Lowell for the time being. Although, even though he is doing very well, I still think we need another goaltending prospect just incase, because you never know what may happen.

Well, that was long winded.

Tedenby: Nice to see Tedenby surpass Bergfors, he has shown to be the better prospect IMO already

Based on what? :help:

Based on what? :help:

I re-worded the post while you were typing a response.

My take on the top 10 (well 11) Prospects.

Tedenby: Nice to see Tedenby surpass Bergfors, he has shown the potential to be the better prospect but am not sure he truely deserves to be #1 by surpassing Bergfors already IMO, but I think he will have a very good future with the Devils. He is certainly not afraid to play physical and he is quite good at doing it. He has the best hands I have seen in a while out of our farm system and he does it at 100 mph. Everytime I watch him i think of Marty St. Louis, and I love it.

Bergfors: Not so nice to see Bergfors get overshot by Tedenby though, and it isnt good that his rating went down from a 7.0B to a 7.0C. I am not sure about him still, because from what I have seen in the NHL, he reminds me alot of Petr Prucha which could be a good or bad thing. I just dont feel comfortable giving an analysis on him because he barely got any time to show his talent with the Big Devils.

Corrente: It is good to hear Corrente develop into a solid Second Pairing defenseman like all of us expected him to be, and I think after this years poor training camp we will see a more calm and composed Corrente in next years training camp. I hope our Bieksa Jr. can come up big next year and make the squad.

Halischuk: Now where to begin on Halischuk. I have a gut feeling that he will be the ONLY Devils forward prospect on this list to make the team next year, even if Gio doesnt resign. I think Sutter really likes Halischuk's game and I think it is perfect for the Devils next year to solidify that 3rd line RW position. I feel like he can be alot like what Callahan is for the Rangers, for us, minus the fighting and PIMs.

Burlon: Brandon Burlon is having a phenomonal year at Michigan, and the fact that it is his freshman year makes me even more happy. Even when he had an ankle injury in the beginning of the year, he came back to play even better and earn his way to be able to play with Chris Sommers on what seems to be a monster first or second pairing. I see him developing nicely there, and although I do not think we will see him in Lowell or NJ for a couple of years, I do think that he will turn out to be alot like a stronger version of Paul Martin with more offense. This kid is the real deal. I wanted the Devils to draft him in the first round, and to be honest, I think Brandon is about to pass Patrice Cormier for "Harrison Ford's Favorite Prospect" award.

Palmieri: For some reason, I feel like I am not seeing what Nick Palmieri is all about. I think next year when he goes to Lowell we will see what we have with him. I am just not sold on him and feel like he has alot of potential, but I am not quite sure yet that he can convert it to a tougher game in the AHL. I am eager to see what he has to offer on the Pro level and can't wait for next year when he finally has a chance to show it.

Cormier: IMO I think he has a very good chance to make the team next year, but with the emmergence of Pelley, I think he will have the slight edge over him, unless Sutter really likes what he is made of. I personally think he will have a very similar career to Bobby Holik. He acts the same way on the ice, and in the interviews he takes, making jokes and not being afraid to say anything. He is super confident almost to a point of cockiness like Holik is and will do anything for a teammate. I think we will see some Cormier-Dubinsky battles in the near future.

Vasyunov: I am going to hold my opinion for Vasyunov for next season because I feel like he is still getting used to not even the NA Game, but he is getting used to actually playing. I think next year we will see the Vasyunov that Lou and David Conte saw on draft day in 06 and he will have an all around better year.

Eckford: I see Eckford as having a fantastic chance at the NJ Devils next season. He was great at camp and Lou seems to love the kid. I am very happy that he could possibly turn into a Tom Poti player for us and the fact that we got him in the 7th round is even better. He seems to be ahead of the pack on Lowell's blueline offensively and he is also doing all of this in his first year of pro hockey. I think he and Corrente have the best chance of making the team and I would go even as far to say that Eckford has a better chance than Corrente for NJ's 09-10 squad.

Vrana: To be honest, I am just going to skip him because he was going to go back to Europe anyway before his unfortunate leg injury. I wish the best to him and hopefully he can succeed and carry on his career back in his home country.

Frazee: Talk about turning it around. He went from #5 prospect two years ago to 19th last year, and now he is climbing his way back up the prospect ladder and dominating the AHL while he is at it. I think we all see now that it was a horrible situation at Minnesota for Jeff and that all he needed was a fresh start. It may have been a blessing in disguise that Marty got hurt not only to prove that team can win without him, but also it proved that Frazee can still have a chance to be a NHL goaltender while Clemmer was playing in NJ. I am excited to see him improve and continue his solid play in Lowell for the time being. Although, even though he is doing very well, I still think we need another goaltending prospect just incase, because you never know what may happen.

Well, that was long winded.

agree on everything said here, im just theres room for prospects next year = see ya 2 of pandolfo, shanny, holik and one defensman not martin, white, or salvador....i'd also like to see frazee get a cup of coffee next year just for a game or two

Cormier: In terms of all-around ability and two-way play, there might not be a better player in the system right now than Cormier. He is moving up the ranks quickly and should find a home in New Jersey in the not-too-distant future.

Wow. You get 'em Patrice!

Reasons why I cant take HF Boards prospects rankings seriously

1) Devils ranked last in the entire NHL
2) Tedenby "leapfrogs" to #1 on the Devils chart with only 4 points in 29 games this year, while playing in the Swedish Elite league :huh:

I'll stop there, a third reason simply isnt required

You have to remember that the writers tend (probably are in all the cases) fans of the teams and this colors the rankings. I have a feeling that Jared is more "honest" than other writers, which skews the ratings.

If you have a total homer, your rankings would be inflated.

I mean, if I scouted Scott Gomez in 1998.... it'd make Sam and Joe look like evil contrarians. And, I was wrong, he is pretty much the same player in 2009 as he was in 1998.

I'm not worried at all. It's WAY too young to judge a player at 19, but it's also dumb to "leapfrog" a prospect to #1 that has achieved literally nothing, not to mention, while playing in Sweden. It's "further dumb" to "leapfrog" said player over Bergfors, who is having a decent year in the AHL. AHL > SEL

I think they bumped him up because he had a pretty solid showing at the WJCs. I didn't think he was that impressive, but he did get noticed. Also, if you search for "Sweden goal amazing" on YouTube, this is the first thing that pops up. I'm sure that had something to do with it too.

-vg5Kb-C8ZA

It's funny, I was thinking the exact same things as the announcers said when I was watching that for the first time.

Glad to see some good discussion going on about the new rankings. Trust me, it wasn't an easy decision to move Tedenby ahead of Bergfors. With the way prospects are rated and graded at HF, it's about long term potential and the ability to reach that potential. Both of them have good long term potential, but given Tedenby's age compared to Bergfors, his long term outlook is slightly, just slightly better because he's at the stage in his career where his game could be taken to another level, and thus, his potential for even more improvement down the road is greater. That's not to say Bergfors' development has stagnated, but since he is 21 and has been in the AHL for 3 full years, his long term upside is a little more limited. And by limited, I don't mean he doesn't have long term potential. I just don't think it's as great as Tedenby's. I hope that's not too confusing an explanation, and I apologize if it didn't come out as clear as it was in my head:laugh:

I think Tedenby deserved the top spot the moment he was drafted by us. It's nice to see him up there, and I sure as hell hope NJ doesn't trade him in a packaged deal for a quick fix defenseman.

Surprised Burlon outranks Cormier though. Very surprised.

You have to remember that the writers tend (probably are in all the cases) fans of the teams and this colors the rankings. I have a feeling that Jared is more "honest" than other writers, which skews the ratings.

If you have a total homer, your rankings would be inflated.

I mean, if I scouted Scott Gomez in 1998.... it'd make Sam and Joe look like evil contrarians. And, I was wrong, he is pretty much the same player in 2009 as he was in 1998.

I do try to be "grounded" when it comes to ranking the prospects. It's hard not to be a little biased, and I think you are dead on when you say the rankings would be inflated with a little more homerism.

I think Tedenby deserved the top spot the moment he was drafted by us. It's nice to see him up there, and I sure as hell hope NJ doesn't trade him in a packaged deal for a quick fix defenseman.

Surprised Burlon outranks Cormier though. Very surprised.

Cormier is just going to keep on rising and I think he's going to be one of the steals of the 2008 draft. There isn't much seperating him and Burlon in regards to their long term potential. Cormier does project as more of a safer pick at this point, but given Burlon's production as a freshman, it's downright scary to think how good he might be in a couple of years.

How did Zharkhov not move up? Also, no Nagy, but Perkovich is there? Are we even going to sign him?

I thought I gave a pretty detailed explanation as to why Zharkov didn't move up, but again it has do to with the long term potential, and higher ceiling. I see Zharkov turning into a solid third liner down the road, but given Perkovich's penchant for scoring goals, his upside is a touch better. And while Nagy's numbers have improved, I think he's going to project more as a 4th line energy/role type player at the next level.

Sorry, Jared, but actually watching Bergfors in game play, you can put Halischuk over Bergie as well. This is my second year watching Bergfors and he does the same four things every night.

1. Makes poor neutral zone passes during breakouts. By poor, I mean he is still making passes too far ahead, too far behind and right onto opposing players' sticks. While he is often at the top of the DZ and ends up with the puck on his stick, he probably only connects with his cross-ice partner 2-of-10 times. He also hesitates and instead tries to go to his side boards to push into the OZ. The problem is he is either beaten physically or he has to just push the puck to the back of the net.

2. His receiving of passes in close is still really bad. During power plays he will get in close next to the goalie, but when the puck comes to him, he fumbles or hesitates. This wouldn't be so egregious if it didn't happen so often. (And it stood out for me after seeing Halischuk take his spot on the PP in the second game of the season and, while receiving the same passes, put three of four goals in the net.)

3. His inability to receive passes on the back of his stick during a break out. I can't emphasize enough how many times I see a board to board pass deflect off the back of his stick and forward into the OZ to a waiting defenseman.

4. He chases. Bergfors catches up with the guy with the puck, he then locks his legs and glides just behind the man moving the puck with an outstretched and ineffective reach of his stick.

Now, one could argue he is still developing. However, with the progress of Vasyunov, Zharkov, Halischuk, and Davis (Davis afflicted with forever being left on the fourth line), Bergfors weaknesses are becoming more apparent. He is still putting up decent points, but connecting on 2-of-10 offensive chances is not going to get him any more NHL time.

I can only be this hard on Bergfors because I keep hearing he's this great player, and I can clearly see the things he consistently does not improve on. Go to any Lowell game and I am willing to bet one hundred dollars that as long as Bergfors plays his usual ice time, he will commit each of these four things once. As someone playing as often as he is, this is unacceptable.

One other thing. New Jersey still seems to be high on this kid, which is fine. In that way, Bergfors may still be seen as a "top prospect". But in terms of talent, development, and progress, there are a few new guys in this system that make him appear to much less of a player.

Sorry, Jared, but actually watching Bergfors in game play, you can put Halischuk over Bergie as well. This is my second year watching Bergfors and he does the same four things every night.

1. Makes poor neutral zone passes during breakouts. By poor, I mean he is still making passes too far ahead, too far behind and right onto opposing players' sticks. While he is often at the top of the DZ and ends up with the puck on his stick, he probably only connects with his cross-ice partner 2-of-10 times. He also hesitates and instead tries to go to his side boards to push into the OZ. The problem is he is either beaten physically or he has to just push the puck to the back of the net.

2. His receiving of passes in close is still really bad. During power plays he will get in close next to the goalie, but when the puck comes to him, he fumbles or hesitates. This wouldn't be so egregious if it didn't happen so often. (And it stood out for me after seeing Halischuk take his spot on the PP in the second game of the season and, while receiving the same passes, put three of four goals in the net.)

3. His inability to receive passes on the back of his stick during a break out. I can't emphasize enough how many times I see a board to board pass deflect off the back of his stick and forward into the OZ to a waiting defenseman.

4. He chases. Bergfors catches up with the guy with the puck, he then locks his legs and glides just behind the man moving the puck with an outstretched and ineffective reach of his stick.

Now, one could argue he is still developing. However, with the progress of Vasyunov, Zharkov, Halischuk, and Davis (Davis afflicted with forever being left on the fourth line), Bergfors weaknesses are becoming more apparent. He is still putting up decent points, but connecting on 2-of-10 offensive chances is not going to get him any more NHL time.

I can only be this hard on Bergfors because I keep hearing he's this great player, and I can clearly see the things he consistently does not improve on. Go to any Lowell game and I am willing to bet one hundred dollars that as long as Bergfors plays his usual ice time, he will commit each of these four things once. As someone playing as often as he is, this is unacceptable.

One other thing. New Jersey still seems to be high on this kid, which is fine. In that way, Bergfors may still be seen as a "top prospect". But in terms of talent, development, and progress, there are a few new guys in this system that make him appear to much less of a player.

I totally disagree. Bergfors is Lowells best PP-scorer and the top-player in this team. Probably his best season now.

i hate the fact that like every one of our prospects is like a C development rating


This rankings is not Lou or Brents. This is fantasy so take them with a pinch of salt! :nod:

My only qualm is that Zharkov should be ranked higher based solely on the fact that he's adjusted so well to the North American game. That alone shows that he has elevated his potential, because not many people expected him to do so well.

I can't say that I agree with the rankings, but...we all have opinions.... No need to criticize someone else's....

Take th rankings with a pinch of salt. I could care less what ranks my favorite prospect is in. NJ devils so far have had one of the better years in developing young players. Very long time coming too. You could go up and down the list. Bergfors is almost a point a game, he even had game with the big club. Frazee has solidified himself as a major piece of the pie so far. Th russians are over playing getting to know how to play. Some of the kids in junior have had some serious bounce back seasons. Be excited about that, not where and who is ranked where.

I totally disagree. Bergfors is Lowells best PP-scorer and the top-player in this team. Probably his best season now.

Oh, cmon. I list this many things about Bergfors and you go to his PP points? Everyone on the PP gets points. Hell, Leblond gets assists on the PP.

1. Do you actually know Bergfors is Lowell's best PP scorer, or is this just an off-the-cuff remark?

2. Disalvitore is the top player on this team. With Zharkov emerging in the second half. Salmela, Vasyunov, Tallackson, Pelley, all have more NHL-caliber presence. Halischuk just got reinjured last night, so I can't speak for him.

3. While this may be Bergfors best season, this does not equate to his status within the organization. He is a mediocre player in a mediocre farm system.

Now I can understand the argument that he has potential, but how long do you wait for a player to develop? I say two seasons. The AHL is for late bloomers and fourth liners. Bergfors is not blooming at a rate I would find acceptable. If he can't make the big club next year (being bypassed by the russians, etc.), I wouldn't expect him to be around past another season.

My only qualm is that Zharkov should be ranked higher based solely on the fact that he's adjusted so well to the North American game. That alone shows that he has elevated his potential, because not many people expected him to do so well.

I definitely have to agree with this. At the beginning of the season I literally watched Vasyunov and Zharkov pull up on checking opportunities. But now (post all star break), I'm seeing 1 or 2 checks from each of them each game. Vasyunov has also started breaking out in the neutral zone behind the opponent's last defender and has started creating lots of nice breakaway opps. I've even seen them in the post-whistle scrum in front of the net. Zharkov isn't afraid to push a guy out of the way. That's the type of development I want to see from an AHLer.

Oh, cmon. I list this many things about Bergfors and you go to his PP points? Everyone on the PP gets points. Hell, Leblond gets assists on the PP.

1. Do you actually know Bergfors is Lowell's best PP scorer, or is this just an off-the-cuff remark?
2. Disalvitore is the top player on this team. With Zharkov emerging in the second half. Salmela, Vasyunov, Tallackson, Pelley, all have more NHL-caliber presence. Halischuk just got reinjured last night, so I can't speak for him.

3. While this may be Bergfors best season, this does not equate to his status within the organization. He is a mediocre player in a mediocre farm system.

Now I can understand the argument that he has potential, but how long do you wait for a player to develop? I say two seasons. The AHL is for late bloomers and fourth liners. Bergfors is not blooming at a rate I would find acceptable. If he can't make the big club next year (being bypassed by the russians, etc.), I wouldn't expect him to be around past another season.


Yes. Bergfors is the best PP-scorer. Look!

PPG top-3 Lowell

Bergfors 8 goals (42 games played)

DiSalvador 4 goals (55 games played

Swift 4 goals (36 games)

Oh, cmon. I list this many things about Bergfors and you go to his PP points? Everyone on the PP gets points. Hell, Leblond gets assists on the PP.

1. Do you actually know Bergfors is Lowell's best PP scorer, or is this just an off-the-cuff remark?

2. Disalvitore is the top player on this team. With Zharkov emerging in the second half. Salmela, Vasyunov, Tallackson, Pelley, all have more NHL-caliber presence. Halischuk just got reinjured last night, so I can't speak for him.

3. While this may be Bergfors best season, this does not equate to his status within the organization. He is a mediocre player in a mediocre farm system.

Now I can understand the argument that he has potential, but how long do you wait for a player to develop? I say two seasons. The AHL is for late bloomers and fourth liners. Bergfors is not blooming at a rate I would find acceptable. If he can't make the big club next year (being bypassed by the russians, etc.), I wouldn't expect him to be around past another season.


No his not. Di Salvador is -9. Not a devils-type of player.

Hallischuk -3, Zharkov +17 and Bergfors +2 is MUCH better there.

And points? Best points so far:

Pt/G top-3

Hallischuk 0.88

Bergfors 0.86

Wiseman 0.83
_________________

Di salvatore 0.80

Surprised Burlon outranks Cormier though. Very surprised.

I predict that in about two years or so, Burlon will be our number one prospect.

I predict that in about two years or so, Burlon will be our number one prospect.
I hope not. I hope we draft some real top-end talent in the next few years...

I hope not. I hope we draft some real top-end talent in the next few years...

I think we will draft top end talent. I don't think it will be because of the top talent's play, it will because that is how good Burlon will get.

I think we will draft top end talent. I don't think it will be because of the top talent's play, it will because that is how good Burlon will get.

Curious how you came to that opinion? I've caught a half dozen or so Michigan games this season and I've been more impressed with Wohlberg than Burlon.

I am not disagreeing with you, just want to hear what you thought.


In my opinion the most difficult prospects to evaluate are NCAA defensemen.

http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=546398&highlight=Burlon

you guys are psychics ;) but Burlon was one of the better kept secrets of the draft, look at McBain - Burlon could be near his level in a couple seasons.

Burlon, and especially Cormier have so much untapped potential. If Cormier can stay healthy next season, he might end being one of the biggest steals of the draft IMO. This team needed an infusion of talent all over, and those two, plus Tedenby makes for a huge upgrade skill wise.


This makes me so excited about our prospects. Great job Jared! I mean, i wanted Burlon from the very start, but i didnt think he would fall to us in the second round.

Him and Cormier are going to be nasty. I also think Henrique will impress alot of people this year in Windsor. They are my favorite junior team so i like how we actually have a couple of prospects there. I think his points will increase dramatically, and hopefully he can be a good second line center for the Spitfires this year.

Also, how many more years does Sopanen have on his contract in finland?

Back to this thread, I big time agree with the below statement unless you guys for some crazy reason draft in the top 10 one of the next few years.


I predict that in about two years or so, Burlon will be our number one prospect.


Big fan of Burlon so had to check out this, and the old thread again. Double B is going to be great for you guys. I really wish the Bruins had picked him over Sauve.

and for Das: http://www.geocities.com/zoidberg_fan/scanart/lrr_dude.gif

No his not. Di Salvador is -9. Not a devils-type of player.

Hallischuk -3, Zharkov +17 and Bergfors +2 is MUCH better there.

And points? Best points so far:

Pt/G top-3

Hallischuk 0.88

Bergfors 0.86

Wiseman 0.83
_________________

Di salvatore 0.80



Disalvitore plays the PK, Bergfors does not. Hence a lower +/-. More importantly, plus/minus is not a good indicator of who is the best player on a team. Halischuk has less games, Wiseman has only played like 15 games and Bergfors is on every power play. The point is, go watch the Lowell Devils and if you still are as horny for Bergie, then I don't know what to say. After you see him mess up a couple of passes you'll start yelling at him too.

Disalvitore plays the PK, Bergfors does not. Hence a lower +/-. More importantly, plus/minus is not a good indicator of who is the best player on a team. Halischuk has less games, Wiseman has only played like 15 games and Bergfors is on every power play. The point is, go watch the Lowell Devils and if you still are as horny for Bergie, then I don't know what to say. After you see him mess up a couple of passes you'll start yelling at him too.

+/- is not affected on the PK unless you score a shorthanded goal..

and for Das: http://www.geocities.com/zoidberg_fan/scanart/lrr_dude.gif

Well done sir, well done.

Disalvitore plays the PK, Bergfors does not. Hence a lower +/-. More importantly, plus/minus is not a good indicator of who is the best player on a team. Halischuk has less games, Wiseman has only played like 15 games and Bergfors is on every power play. The point is, go watch the Lowell Devils and if you still are as horny for Bergie, then I don't know what to say. After you see him mess up a couple of passes you'll start yelling at him too.
Yeah....PK doesn't count against your +/-. Also DiSalvatore is 27 and isn't really comparable to Bergfors.

Disalvitore plays the PK, Bergfors does not. Hence a lower +/-. More importantly, plus/minus is not a good indicator of who is the best player on a team. Halischuk has less games, Wiseman has only played like 15 games and Bergfors is on every power play. The point is, go watch the Lowell Devils and if you still are as horny for Bergie, then I don't know what to say. After you see him mess up a couple of passes you'll start yelling at him too.

Please, players can only get +/- in five on five. :facepalm:

I have been there a couple of times and yes im still horny for Bergfors.

I love to see Bergfors, Hallischuk, Zharkov and Pelley. Disalvatore is good but too old.

I am not impressed with Tyler Eckford -12. worst +/- in this team.

Well done sir, well done.

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/2232/omicroncopy.th.gif (http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=omicroncopy.gif)

Maybe that woulda been better.

one of the best shows ever though.

Disalvitore plays the PK, Bergfors does not. Hence a lower +/-. More importantly, plus/minus is not a good indicator of who is the best player on a team. Halischuk has less games, Wiseman has only played like 15 games and Bergfors is on every power play. The point is, go watch the Lowell Devils and if you still are as horny for Bergie, then I don't know what to say. After you see him mess up a couple of passes you'll start yelling at him too.

Yelling at you right now :vhappy:

Please, players can only get +/- in five on five. :facepalm:

:facepalm:

No.

:facepalm:

No.

Unless you score a shorthanded. You now my point.

unless you score a shorthanded. You now my point.

I do. But still I love to screw people over who use a ":facepalm:" while being wrong.

:sarcasm:

http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=546398&highlight=Burlon

you guys are psychics ;) but Burlon was one of the better kept secrets of the draft, look at McBain - Burlon could be near his level in a couple seasons.






Back to this thread, I big time agree with the below statement unless you guys for some crazy reason draft in the top 10 one of the next few years.





Big fan of Burlon so had to check out this, and the old thread again. Double B is going to be great for you guys. I really wish the Bruins had picked him over Sauve.


Damn I totally forgot about those predictions. I am proud of my Adam Henrique one. :laugh:

Please, players can only get +/- in five on five. :facepalm:

I have been there a couple of times and yes im still horny for Bergfors.

I love to see Bergfors, Hallischuk, Zharkov and Pelley. Disalvatore is good but too old.

I am not impressed with Tyler Eckford -12. worst +/- in this team.

I'm not surprised by Eckford's +/-. He's a converted forward, its going to take time to adjust his defensive play at the professional level. He's clearly brought his offensive game with him from college, and this is the right place for him to get his defense up to par. I'd love to have him and his offensive ability on our blue line today, but we have to be patient with him.

Curious how you came to that opinion? I've caught a half dozen or so Michigan games this season and I've been more impressed with Wohlberg than Burlon.

I am not disagreeing with you, just want to hear what you thought.


In my opinion the most difficult prospects to evaluate are NCAA defensemen.

I agree with you on the difficulty of evaluating NCAA Defenseman. You really dont know what you are going to get. But back on track with the Burlon subject. He is a an offensive defenseman who is going to succeed in the newer NHL and he was the strongest player at the draft combine overall. He also has an extremely good head on his shoulders and is raised very well. And to know a coach like Red Berensen gives him all of these great opportunities and trusts him, that is saying ALOT.

Also he is already paired with Chris Sommers, one of Michigans best, if not best defenseman, and one of the top prospects in the Coyotes organization and is succeeding defenseively and on the power play. All as a freshman. I mean, I really do not want to take anything away from Wohlberg, but forwards in the NCAA are different, they can put up a good amount of points while still being projected as a checking line player. Just look at Halischuk. He put up huge numbers with Kitchener last year but is still projected to be a third line checking winger who can still put up a good amount of points.

I think all the skills he posses will be absolutely unleashed for the Devils. I mean just look at the defenseman who have thrived with our coaches, Oduya, Mottau, Greene, Salmela, etc. If Larry Robinson and Scott Stevens can make these guys into NHL Defenseman, I sure as hell think they can do wonders with a kid like Burlon. Personally, I think he has the potential to become as good as Paul Martin. To be honest my dream top four (if and when all the players lived up to there potential) would be Martin-Burlon and Corrente-Eckford. I think with our coaches, these defenseman (like all other defenseman) will absolutely dominate with us.

i hope your right Harrison. Needless to say you got me pumped for Burlon now.

i hope your right Harrison. Needless to say you got me pumped for Burlon now.

I was pumped for Burlon before the draft even started. I really wanted him in the first round and was pissed when we didnt take him. I thought he would be a sure bet to go in the first couple picks of the second round but he dropped and I was like PLEASE please god let Lou pick him. When I heard we picked him, I literally jumped out of my chair and knocked snapple all over my rug. :facepalm: I remember that story because the stain hasnt come out yet. Brandon Burlon will always be apart of my home. :laugh:

I was pumped for Burlon before the draft even started. I really wanted him in the first round and was pissed when we didnt take him. I thought he would be a sure bet to go in the first couple picks of the second round but he dropped and I was like PLEASE please god let Lou pick him. When I heard we picked him, I literally jumped out of my chair and knocked snapple all over my rug. :facepalm: I remember that story because the stain hasnt come out yet. Brandon Burlon will always be apart of my home. :laugh:

Same here. I wanted us to draft Carlson with our first and Burlon with our second.

Future Considerations actually predicted us to pick him in the first round.

Brandon Burlon, even with the -2 the other night, looked much more confidence then he did early in the season. His reactions were very quick and crisp. He maybe another steal in the second rround like Paul Martin. He seems to have that composure that Paul has and showed as a prosepct.

Like I said in the past, Eckford is a forward playing defense.

Good job, Jared! Thank you!!!

BTW, was there a reason David McIntyre didn't make the Top 20?

Thanks, again!!! :yo:

Brandon Burlon, even with the -2 the other night, looked much more confidence then he did early in the season. His reactions were very quick and crisp. He maybe another steal in the second rround like Paul Martin. He seems to have that composure that Paul has and showed as a prosepct.

Like I said in the past, Eckford is a forward playing defense.

Hopefully he has more offensive upside than Martin. We really need a d-man who can put up big numbers.

Damnit, every time I look at Carlson's stats, I want to cry.

Hopefully he has more offensive upside than Martin. We really need a d-man who can put up big numbers.

Damnit, every time I look at Carlson's stats, I want to cry.

Im really torn at who we should have taken, Tedenby, Carlson, or Markstrom.

Im really torn at who we should have taken, Tedenby, Carlson, or Markstrom.
It's impossible to know until we see how Tedenby develops over the course of the next two years.

Hopefully he has more offensive upside than Martin. We really need a d-man who can put up big numbers.

Damnit, every time I look at Carlson's stats, I want to cry.

I was also one yelling on draft day to ****ing take Carlson. One of my good friends at college even told me Carlson was certainly going to be the Devils pick (he plays ice hockey with Johns older brother), that someone in the Devils organization told them he would be.

I wanted a big, powerful, offensive dman in the draft (hey! something that fills a need!)...and then we drafted a midget forward. Tedenby better turn out to be ****ing amazing.

My favorite prospect is Halischuk at this point. The fact that Sutter likes him so much gives him the best chance in the organization to succeed.

I was also one yelling on draft day to ****ing take Carlson. One of my good friends at college even told me Carlson was certainly going to be the Devils pick (he plays ice hockey with Johns older brother), that someone in the Devils organization told them he would be.

I wanted a big, powerful, offensive dman in the draft (hey! something that fills a need!)...and then we drafted a midget forward. Tedenby better turn out to be ****ing amazing.

You can never get enough midget forwards.

Good job, Jared! Thank you!!!

BTW, was there a reason David McIntyre didn't make the Top 20?

Thanks, again!!! :yo:

I would not take a lot of stock in Hockey Futures Ratings. They usually rate a player without watching many games.
Mac is a far better player than his rating would suggest, and should be in the upper level of prospects.

I was also one yelling on draft day to ****ing take Carlson. One of my good friends at college even told me Carlson was certainly going to be the Devils pick (he plays ice hockey with Johns older brother), that someone in the Devils organization told them he would be.

I wanted a big, powerful, offensive dman in the draft (hey! something that fills a need!)...and then we drafted a midget forward. Tedenby better turn out to be ****ing amazing.

Well the Devils always pick the best player available in the draft. Tedenby was ranked in the top 10-15 by almost everyone, but he fell because he's so wittle. That's one of the reasons teams passed on Zach.

I think Crash said that Lou was trying to acquire a second first round pick by trading our two second rounders. I'm guessing that the Devils didn't expect Tedenby to fall to them, and went into the first round hoping to pick up Carlson, Markstrom, or someone else. But when he was still available, they picked him up and then tried to get one of the guys that was on their list. Lou obviously couldn't pull off the deal, but Burlon and Cormier rule so its whatevz.

Also, Tedenby's game is still a bit raw, but the guy is disgustingly fast. Carlson is a pretty mobile d-man for his size, but Tedenby makes him look slower than Wade Redden.

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Although, I will say this. A lot of people called Carlson the best overall d-man in the draft after Bogosian, Schenn, and Doughty. If last year's draft wasn't so deep, Carlson may have gone in the top 10. Who knows, I just hope Tedenboo pans out for us.

Taking Colonia,NJ native and Devils STH with the added pressure of him not working out. It's like Hugh Jessiman, only I think he may (Carlson) make it one day. Obviously in a draft that defense was a premium, it was telling alot of teams also passed on him in the top twenty.

I liked the article, good read for me to get a sense of what is going on with our prospects. I'm pretty stoked about them.

Its funny to watch Tenneby. I know its been said before, but almost every youtube of his looks like mighty midgets after the first period.

Until proven otherwise I think the Devils absolutely aced their first 4 picks this draft. I have a tough time getting excited about anyone's production at the junior level, and much rather any prospect play in college or better still a professional league (AHL > SEL > KHL > ...) unless they're in need of a confidence jolt, ala Romano, so until Carlson outperforms Tedenby on the same ice I'm content to say it was the right pick because his ceiling is that much higher.

Markstrom does look like he's the steal of the draft, but given Frazee's reemergence as a legitimate Brodeur understudy I'm glad that we didn't spend a 1st on someone who, at best, probably wouldn't see the light of day until the '12/'13 season. Though he was probably the player I wanted most after Tedenby and I was hoping Lou would move up in the 2nd to nab him once he slipped out of the 1st, I'm glad he didn't now that I've familiarized myself with Burlon and Cormier and seen Markstrom more or less act like a punk and flash his ego in the WJC. Lou & co. allegedly had their collective eye on Jake Allen anyway, so there's not much sense crying about what could have been because even if they did trade back up for a goalie it wouldn't have been for him.

Back to Tedenby, none of us, myself included, have that great of a read on the kid beyond a handful of games we've seen streamed, the WJCs, youtube vids, and pre- and post-draft literature, and the general consensus is he's super crazy fast and farts talent, but is undersized and doesn't have it all together mentally (defense, patience/maturity, etc.). For some this is, understandably so, a dealbreaker because of the string of high picks the Devils have wasted in years past on boom or bust Euros that have failed to boom, coupled with how we've all seen the extreme maturity of one Zach Parise drive him to excellence. In my mind, unless he re-signs to stay in Sweden for multi-years or suffers a severe knee injury (knock on every piece of wood ever), Tedenby escapes these pitfalls because he's: 1) entering an organization with markedly stronger forward depth than recent memory allows and ostensibly greater coaching stability whose mantra preaches exactly those things he seems to lack, and probably the ideal Euro-born forward mentor in Elias, and 2) as far as sheer talent alone is concerned he might have the most of any Devil drafted since Niedermayer, so the cause for hope and optimism is very high.

Basically I think Lou turned the 21st pick into a top 7 by taking Tedenby (I think the highest upside of any forward outside of Stamkos and Filatov), as well as Cormier and a 3rd this year. Not bad.

I think Crash said that Lou was trying to acquire a second first round pick by trading our two second rounders. I'm guessing that the Devils didn't expect Tedenby to fall to them, and went into the first round hoping to pick up Carlson, Markstrom, or someone else. But when he was still available, they picked him up and then tried to get one of the guys that was on their list.


Yeah, I think somebody saw an NHL Network (damn you Time Warner) show about the 2008 Draft that had Brian Burke mic'd up as he was trying to deal the 28th overall pick. Lou was one of several GMs to give him a call, presumably to take Markstrom but who knows?

I suppose one 'tell' that they thought they had a shot at Tedenby was that they had a jersey (or at least a nameplate) ready to go. In 2003, they didn't have anything ready with Parise's name on it.

Like many of you, I was sweating through the Flyer and Ranger picks with hopes that the Devils would nab Carlson. In my dynasty league (we conducted our draft a week ahead of time), I drafted Carlson as well with hopes that he'd be awesome AND a Devil. At least he's looking pretty good......and sadly better than the first guy I drafted (Del Zotto). And after the Draft, I traded a 3rd rounder this year for Cormier :)

All I have to say is that I called the Halischuk and Callahan comparison a long time ago and got bashed for it. Now I see Harrison Ford is using that comparison, so it looks like I knew what I was talking about after all ;)

I think it's safe to say that this list, while not exactly elite, has become much better than it was at this time last year.

All I have to say is that I called the Halischuk and Callahan comparison a long time ago and got bashed for it. Now I see Harrison Ford is using that comparison, so it looks like I knew what I was talking about after all ;)

I think it's safe to say that this list, while not exactly elite, has become much better than it was at this time last year.
It's not a bad comparison in terms of where they'll both end up no a depth chart, probably, but I don't think there's any doubt that they've got different styles of play. Halischuk is more of a dangler and has better offensive potential, while Callahan has a physicality and fighting aspect that Halischuk can't match.

It's not a bad comparison in terms of where they'll both end up no a depth chart, probably, but I don't think there's any doubt that they've got different styles of play. Halischuk is more of a dangler and has better offensive potential, while Callahan has a physicality and fighting aspect that Halischuk can't match.

In more general terms they are alike. Good 3rd liner with 2 way play with an edge and especially remarkable work ethic and penalty killing ability.

In more general terms they are alike. Good 3rd liner with 2 way play with an edge and especially remarkable work ethic and penalty killing ability.
I think both could end up borderline top-6 forwards. Halischuk more so than Callahan, though, because I think if Halischuk stays healthy and confident, his offensive game could be much more potent than expected at the NHL level.

All I have to say is that I called the Halischuk and Callahan comparison a long time ago and got bashed for it. Now I see Harrison Ford is using that comparison, so it looks like I knew what I was talking about after all ;)

Have you seen my movies? Who would bash me? :sarcasm:

I think both could end up borderline top-6 forwards. Halischuk more so than Callahan, though, because I think if Halischuk stays healthy and confident, his offensive game could be much more potent than expected at the NHL level.

I agree that Halischuk has a better chance of being a top 6 forward. Then again, Halischuk hasn't done **** compared to Callahan as of now. While I do think Halischuk has more offensive gift than Callahan did at that point, also realize that Callahan was an offensive force in the minors and juniors as well. He was putting up 30 goal seasons in the OHL before putting up 52 in his final season (though he was a bit older) and in Hartford put up 35 goals in 60 games during his first and only season in the AHL. While Callahan is certainly a fine source of secondary scoring there is still a clear drop off from the transition to the NHL as opposed to lesser leagues. Neither Callahan nor Halischuk is a Marty St. Louis or Mattias Tedenby. There is no incredible offensive genius present in either of them. Those guys can get away with being small due to that, but guys like Callahan and Halischuk will suffer as a result of it. There is no doubt that Halischuk is going to have a successful AHL campaign; I don't think that is the issue. The question comes once the transition to the NHL is made. I think he'll be fine, but I do think there will be a noteworthy drop in offensive production compared to his junior and AHL years.

I agree that Halischuk has a better chance of being a top 6 forward. Then again, Halischuk hasn't done **** compared to Callahan as of now.
Halischuk has also been injured for a majority of the season...

I agree that Halischuk has a better chance of being a top 6 forward. Then again, Halischuk hasn't done **** compared to Callahan as of now. While I do think Halischuk has more offensive gift than Callahan did at that point, also realize that Callahan was an offensive force in the minors and juniors as well. He was putting up 30 goal seasons in the OHL before putting up 52 in his final season (though he was a bit older) and in Hartford put up 35 goals in 60 games during his first and only season in the AHL. While Callahan is certainly a fine source of secondary scoring there is still a clear drop off from the transition to the NHL as opposed to lesser leagues. Neither Callahan nor Halischuk is a Marty St. Louis or Mattias Tedenby. There is no incredible offensive genius present in either of them. Those guys can get away with being small due to that, but guys like Callahan and Halischuk will suffer as a result of it. There is no doubt that Halischuk is going to have a successful AHL campaign; I don't think that is the issue. The question comes once the transition to the NHL is made. I think he'll be fine, but I do think there will be a noteworthy drop in offensive production compared to his junior and AHL years.
The thing about Halischuk's production is it's largely effort and smarts more than stickhandling and passing. He reminds me of Parise when I watch him play - I'm not saying he's Zach Parise, of course, but he's going to be a good offensive player.

The biggest concern is his knee, he's clearly been more tentative since he's returned, and that upsets me because I really think he has/had Patrick Sharp potential.

The thing about Halischuk's production is it's largely effort and smarts more than stickhandling and passing. He reminds me of Parise when I watch him play - I'm not saying he's Zach Parise, of course, but he's going to be a good offensive player.

The biggest concern is his knee, he's clearly been more tentative since he's returned, and that upsets me because I really think he has/had Patrick Sharp potential.

Much like Callahan. If you look at 90% of the goals Callahan scores they all suck. From the first two goals of his career which essentially bounced off him into the net to Brodeur's blooper in the playoffs last year, Callahan's offensive production contributes in the literal department but in terms of flashiness or "talent" is terrible (not that there is any issue with that. As long as he gets the job done I don't care if he scores with his armpit). Halischuk has time on his side. If he's not doing anything by 2010 then there will be issues.

I see Halischuk on our checking line next season.

I see our forward lines looking like this:

Parise--Zajac--Langenbrunner
Elias--Rolston--???
Alex Burrows?--Zubrus--Halischuk
Rupp--Pelley or Cormier--Clarkson

I think Lou will let John Madden and Brian Gionta go. The same goes for Holik and Shanahan. Whoever replaces Gio could be a vet like Bill Guerin, as I think Lou would like to see Palmieri or Bergfors with Patty and Rollie after next season.

I think Pando will be dealt for a draft pick and Lou will sign Alex Burrows.

But what do I know? Only The Shadow knows for sure! LOL

No Madden? I honestly cant see him signing somewhere else.

No Madden? I honestly cant see him signing somewhere else.

He is from the Toronto area. Look for the Leafs to throw mucho money his way.

Just a gut feeling.

He is from the Toronto area. Look for the Leafs to throw mucho money his way.

Just a gut feeling.

His family has been in New Jersey for so long. I dont think Lou will let him go. I dont think Madden will want to leave. I also think with the emergence of Dominic Moore, they do not need a guy like Madden.

no team is going to throw mucho money at madden, im sorry

btw HF- moore is a UFA after this year also

no team is going to throw mucho money at madden, im sorry

btw HF- moore is a UFA after this year also

I think they would rather go after Moore to be honest, he is younger and they are looking to rebuild. No need to throw big money at an aging third line center like Madden.

no team is going to throw mucho money at madden, im sorry

btw HF- moore is a UFA after this year also

Twenty bucks he gets $3.5 million from the Devils or elsewhere. He still is a character player with Cup rings, playoff experience and leadership.

I would be SHOCKED, if he did not get $3.5 even at his age.

Twenty bucks he gets $3.5 million from the Devils or elsewhere. He still is a character player with Cup rings, playoff experience and leadership.

I would be SHOCKED, if he did not get $3.5 even at his age.
I would be shocked if he got $3.5M from New Jersey. Bye John.

He's not what this team needs anymore anyway.

I think he is going to get a deal similar to Pando's, and I think Pando will be gone in the offseason.

I would be shocked if he got $3.5M from New Jersey. Bye John.

He's not what this team needs anymore anyway.

If I told you last offseason that Pando would get 3 years at $2.5 per would you have believed it? Lou pays those who are loyal. Madden is one of Lou's favorites and still has value with the Devils and for a lot of teams in the league.

I think he is going to get a deal similar to Pando's, and I think Pando will be gone in the offseason.
I think Pandolfo will become intimately acquainted with waivers and then spend the next few years teaching Devils prospects how to succeed in the Devils system.

If I told you last offseason that Pando would get 3 years at $2.5 per would you have believed it? Lou pays those who are loyal. Madden is one of Lou's favorites and still has value with the Devils and for a lot of teams in the league.
Lou rarely makes the same mistake twice.

I think Pandolfo will become intimately acquainted with waivers and then spend the next few years teaching Devils prospects how to succeed in the Devils system.

I certainly hope so. He deserves the best, but he just lost it this year.

Also I just noticed that Patrice Cormier's rating went from a 7.0C to a 7.0B. He is progressing so nicely for us.

I'm not surprised by Eckford's +/-. He's a converted forward, its going to take time to adjust his defensive play at the professional level. He's clearly brought his offensive game with him from college, and this is the right place for him to get his defense up to par. I'd love to have him and his offensive ability on our blue line today, but we have to be patient with him.

Totally agree. Just like when he first went to college, it took him some time to adjust and improve his defensive play. But by the time he finished his 3 years at UAF, he was praised for his improvment on his defensive play. He might need another season or two at Lowell, but I think it will end up being well worth the wait.

Curious how you came to that opinion? I've caught a half dozen or so Michigan games this season and I've been more impressed with Wohlberg than Burlon.

I am not disagreeing with you, just want to hear what you thought.


In my opinion the most difficult prospects to evaluate are NCAA defensemen.

As an avid NCAA/U. Michigan fan, I agree with Wohlberg being much more impressive so far than Burlon. Wohlberg has been a joy to watch.

I would not take a lot of stock in Hockey Futures Ratings. They usually rate a player without watching many games.
Mac is a far better player than his rating would suggest, and should be in the upper level of prospects.

Keep in mind, it was difficult for me to compare McIntyre's upside/future with the other prospects in the organization because he was added to the organization after I came up with the initial draft of rankings. And since I wasn't overly familiar with him, it was hard for me to get a good read on where to slot him in the rankings. He just missed cracking the "missed the cut" list, so don't be surprised by the fall to see him included in the Top 20.

Well the Devils always pick the best player available in the draft. Tedenby was ranked in the top 10-15 by almost everyone, but he fell because he's so wittle. That's one of the reasons teams passed on Zach.

I think he fell more because he's one of the most unproven/raw prospects in the draft. Yeah, he's small, but he's really only had a few good tournaments and not much else to warrant a first round selection.

I certainly think he's a good pick, don't get me wrong. I just feel he fell because of that more than his size. Pat Kane certainly didn't fall because of his size.

As an avid NCAA/U. Michigan fan, I agree with Wohlberg being much more impressive so far than Burlon. Wohlberg has been a joy to watch.

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v207/139/92/1246860132/n1246860132_30101400_5973.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/33ngm08.gif

As an avid NCAA/U. Michigan fan, I agree with Wohlberg being much more impressive so far than Burlon. Wohlberg has been a joy to watch.
I know I like to harp on this, but I called Wohlberg as a major steal on draft day. :)

I think he fell more because he's one of the most unproven/raw prospects in the draft. Yeah, he's small, but he's really only had a few good tournaments and not much else to warrant a first round selection.

I certainly think he's a good pick, don't get me wrong. I just feel he fell because of that more than his size. Pat Kane certainly didn't fall because of his size.

Yeah, if Tedenby had an NHL-ready game like Kane did right off the bat, he'd be in the NHL. Kane was a rare player in his draft year.

If you're ready, you'll be there regardless of size. Tedenby just isn't ready yet.

I know I like to harp on this, but I called Wohlberg as a major steal on draft day. :)

Yeah I remember. I think he and our two second rounders could turn out to be steals. However, with Wohlberg as a 7th rounder, he will obviously be the best of the bunch if he continues on his current upward swing.

As an avid NCAA/U. Michigan fan, I agree with Wohlberg being much more impressive so far than Burlon. Wohlberg has been a joy to watch.

I think they have both been extremely impressive for freshman, but I have been more impressed with Burlon, not by much though, but either way it is just a matter of opinion.

Yeah I remember. I think he and our two second rounders could turn out to be steals. However, with Wohlberg as a 7th rounder, he will obviously be the best of the bunch if he continues on his current upward swing.

C'mon DD, get the facts right he was a 6th round pick. I do agree he is a major steal though, and I think he will work well with a player like Halischuk in the future.

I know I like to harp on this, but I called Wohlberg as a major steal on draft day. :)

YO! I TOLD YOU *****!
http://www.vh1classic.com/shared/promoimages/bands/m/marky_mark/you_gotta_believe/320x240.jpg

As an avid NCAA/U. Michigan fan, I agree with Wohlberg being much more impressive so far than Burlon. Wohlberg has been a joy to watch.

I've only been able to catch a couple Michigan games, but grabbed Wohlberg in my dynasty league. How much of his production is just from playing on the top line with Caporusso and Palushaj?

I've only been able to catch a couple Michigan games, but grabbed Wohlberg in my dynasty league. How much of his production is just from playing on the top line with Caporusso and Palushaj?
The fact that he earned a spot on the top line should tell you what you need to know.

Palushaj is on a different line now, he's playing with Caporusso and someone else now I think (Bariball?). Wohlberg seems to make his living within ten feet of the net from what I've seen.

I think they have both been extremely impressive for freshman, but I have been more impressed with Burlon, not by much though, but either way it is just a matter of opinion.



C'mon DD, get the facts right he was a 6th round pick. I do agree he is a major steal though, and I think he will work well with a player like Halischuk in the future.

Hey, Burlon is a solid player. Not saying he isn't. He's just not that great at any one thing. I think he'll be the same way in the NHL.

It's not a bad thing, since you hardly notice him.

Wohlberg, though, is a gamebreaker most nights.

I've only been able to catch a couple Michigan games, but grabbed Wohlberg in my dynasty league. How much of his production is just from playing on the top line with Caporusso and Palushaj?

He helps them as much as they help him.

Hey, Burlon is a solid player. Not saying he isn't. He's just not that great at any one thing. I think he'll be the same way in the NHL.

It's not a bad thing, since you hardly notice him.

You have to think though, he is still a freshman and defenseman take a longer time to develop. If he is playing solid now that is fine by me. Let him replenish his defensive game now, doing the little things right and keeping it simple, so then in the future (next year or even his junior year) he can work on his offensive game more while putting it with the defense. Just give him some time.

Palushaj is on a different line now, he's playing with Caporusso and someone else now I think (Bariball?). Wohlberg seems to make his living within ten feet of the net from what I've seen.

From what I've heard he's still playing with Caporusso and Palushaj. Maybe Jonathan can help us out with that.

Barriball plays for Minnesota.

C'mon DD, get the facts right he was a 6th round pick. I do agree he is a major steal though, and I think he will work well with a player like Halischuk in the future.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh96/coldplay3434/sorry.jpg?t=1235685826

And the thought of Wohlberg and Halischuk playing together in the future makes me happy in pants.

Hey, Burlon is a solid player. Not saying he isn't. He's just not that great at any one thing. I think he'll be the same way in the NHL.

It's not a bad thing, since you hardly notice him.

Wohlberg, though, is a gamebreaker most nights.

So basically Paul Martin Pt II?

So basically Paul Martin Pt II?

yes, but with consistent 30-40 point seasons.

Hell yeah, I'd take another Paul Martin on this team.

From what I've heard he's still playing with Caporusso and Palushaj. Maybe Jonathan can help us out with that.

Barriball plays for Minnesota.
Whoops I meant Turnbull, I always get those guys confused. I watched one of the games this past weekend and Palushaj was definitely on another line.

Hell yeah, I'd take another Paul Martin on this team.
I'd take six Paul Martins. As long as we don't end up with the former Canadian Prime Minister.

Actually, now that I think of it, Martin had big numbers in college, and it looks like Burlon will too.

I think we got ourselves and exact replica of Paul Martin. :yo:

Actually, now that I think of it, Martin had big numbers in college, and it looks like Burlon will too.

I think we got ourselves and exact replica of Paul Martin. :yo:
I'd be thrilled beyond measure.

(Maybe Burlon will have a better shot?)

I'd be thrilled beyond measure.

(Maybe Burlon will have a better shot?)

I think he does. I have heard somewhere his slapshot is very powerful. Also the games I have seen he is a featured point on the powerplay and is encouraged to take shots. Maybe Jonathon could help us out...

I'd be thrilled beyond measure.

(Maybe Burlon will have a better shot?)
Burlon's first goal of the season was a beauty. He undressed an MSU defenseman and put it top shelf. I guess we've seen Martin do that a couple of times (one against Philly comes to mind).

I'd be thrilled beyond measure.

(Maybe Burlon will have a better shot?)

Burlon was one of the strongest prospects at last years combine. In fact, I think he had the most reps and lifts? Correct me if I am wrong. I know Carlson was up there too. I also heard his slapshot was comparable to Ryan Suter at the same age.

But for a guy like Burlon, with that kind of strength and offensive game, he could really take off.

Burlon's first goal of the season was a beauty. He undressed an MSU defenseman and put it top shelf. I guess we've seen Martin do that a couple of times (one against Philly comes to mind).

video?

So basically Paul Martin Pt II?

He's not as good as Marin was at the same time.

More like a 2nd paring version of Martin. Still a solid player, but he's been vastly overhyped -- at least in comparison to his actual play.

I like him a lot and I think he'll be a great 2nd pairing d-man, though.

He's not as good as Marin was at the same time.

More like a 2nd paring version of Martin. Still a solid player, but he's been vastly overhyped -- at least in comparison to his actual play.

I like him a lot and I think he'll be a great 2nd pairing d-man, though.

I remember you posting on draft day something along the lines of...

"The Devils drafted two guys in the second round who are sure busts..."

I remember you posting on draft day something along the lines of...

"The Devils drafted two guys in the second round who are sure busts..."

Well, Burlon is no Corey Potter that's for sure.

I remember you posting on draft day something along the lines of...

"The Devils drafted two guys in the second round who are sure busts..."

ooooooo busted.

everybody makes mistakes.

video?
The only one I can find is on Michigan's website.
http://www.mgoblue.com/multimedia/page.aspx?id=1344
Go to topics -> ice hockey -> scroll down to the highlights vs. MSU from 12/5. As a bonus, you get a couple Wohlberg goals.

The only one I can find is on Michigan's website.
http://www.mgoblue.com/multimedia/page.aspx?id=1344
Go to topics -> ice hockey -> scroll down to the highlights vs. MSU from 12/5. As a bonus, you get a couple Wohlberg goals.

Holy ****, Wohlberg is so fiesty.

it says "no media available" :(

it says "no media available" :(
I just got it to work again.