Let me guess, at best Ovechkin is an average second line player too right.
At best Zajac could a very solid center that can put points on the board and will not get pushed around. Higher potential than a third liner, IMO a very solid #2 center. The thing about him though is that he is a huge gamble. He has good upside but could very likely be a bust.
Personally I think Zajac will turn into a solid NHL'er.
You don't have a clue - don't run somebody elses opinion off while trying to pass YOUR OWN of as fact.
Anyways, Although I don't think I'd pick him with the Oilers second first, he's the kinda boom/bust guy that would make an absolute MARVELOUS pick in the second round IMO.
Let me guess, at best Ovechkin is an average second line player too right.
At best Zajac could a very solid center that can put points on the board and will not get pushed around. Higher potential than a third liner, IMO a very solid #2 center. The thing about him though is that he is a huge gamble. He has good upside but could very likely be a bust.
Personally I think Zajac will turn into a solid NHL'er.
don't mind outkast he's just a troll from leaf land
you see, Zajac is a BCHL'er. some may compare him to Gomez but really i don't see it. He has decent size not offensive upside to play a prominent ofeensive role. blah blah blah yu guys know the rest. I thinks it's better to stick with the safer bets. The onlyt reason why i would like the Oilers to take Zajac because there is not doubt in my mind that he will make the NHL. The question is if the Oilers need another grinder? Jarrett Stoll is fine thank you. That's why it's a waste to pick Chipchura, Brent and Zajac.
I would take Fransson with the 25th.
Anyhoo...nice to see im on Bohologo's block list. Glad i have a fan of my posts.
As for Ovechkin you really never know. I mean everyone talks about raw talent but then again Alexandre Daigle skill level was supposed to be 2 strospheres ahead of any player that played in the NHL but looked what happened to him? No heart. Ovechkin could easily be a sell out. I think Malkin is a way safer pick. He's big, just as complete and his work ethic and love for hockey is top notch. Malkin wins cups but Ovechkin is like Jagr. All the talent in the world but can't even get his team to make the playoffs. plus he'd probably be expensive from the get go.
As for Ovechkin you really never know. I mean everyone talks about raw talent but then again Alexandre Daigle skill level was supposed to be 2 strospheres ahead of any player that played in the NHL but looked what happened to him? No heart. Ovechkin could easily be a sell out. I think Malkin is a way safer pick. He's big, just as complete and his work ethic and love for hockey is top notch. Malkin wins cups but Ovechkin is like Jagr. All the talent in the world but can't even get his team to make the playoffs. plus he'd probably be expensive from the get go.
Exactly. Daigle had very deep concerns about his intensity-level in terms of working hard at the NHL-level. I seem to recall people commenting on the fact that he would rely too much on his talent at the junior level. Not the case for Ovechkin.
While he could bust, the same conditions do not apply in regards to a very general comparison to Alexandre Daigle. Ovechkin, by word of mouth from GMs and scouts, has a very level attitude, great work ethic and strong desire to play at an NHL level.
And Ovechkin is nothing like Jagr in terms of playing style. Ovechkin is a much more physical player. A better comparison to Jagr is a guy by the name of Tomas Vanek drafted by Buffalo last year.
you see, Zajac is a BCHL'er. some may compare him to Gomez but really i don't see it. He has decent size not offensive upside to play a prominent ofeensive role. blah blah blah yu guys know the rest. I thinks it's better to stick with the safer bets. The onlyt reason why i would like the Oilers to take Zajac because there is not doubt in my mind that he will make the NHL. The question is if the Oilers need another grinder? Jarrett Stoll is fine thank you. That's why it's a waste to pick Chipchura, Brent and Zajac.
This is perhaps the worst scouting assessment of Zajac I've ever read.
Make no mistake, Zajac is a boom or bust pick. His potential lies something like a 1st line centreman or winger .. perhaps something like a Patrick Marleau or something similar.
However, his downside is great too. Here are the bonuses though:
He is not small, he is going to one of the best NCAA systems in the league in the University of North Dakota, and he oozes character.
Exactly. Daigle had very deep concerns about his intensity-level in terms of working hard at the NHL-level. I seem to recall people commenting on the fact that he would rely too much on his talent at the junior level. Not the case for Ovechkin.
While he could bust, the same conditions do not apply in regards to a very general comparison to Alexandre Daigle. Ovechkin, by word of mouth from GMs and scouts, has a very level attitude, great work ethic and strong desire to play at an NHL level.
I think the big difference is that up to his draft year, Daigle had only played against players who couldn't hope to compare skill-wise, so nobody had any idea how he would play when the going got rough. Ovechkin has been playing in the RSL, with men, many of whom are better than him at this stage, so he has been constantly challenged, instead of dominating, and has demonstrated an ability to work hard and improve, which is something that scouts had to guess about with Daigle.
Make no mistake, Zajac is a boom or bust pick. His potential lies something like a 1st line centreman or winger .. perhaps something like a Patrick Marleau or something similar.
However, his downside is great too. Here are the bonuses though:
He is not small, he is going to one of the best NCAA systems in the league in the University of North Dakota, and he oozes character.
His numbers are not that impressive to me. He put up 52 points this year in the BCHL. Ladd, who is going in the same draft class, put up 59 points 2 years ago in the BCHL. Personally i want nothing to do with Zajac as far as the first round is concerned, although he might be a good later pick.
This is perhaps the worst scouting assessment of Zajac I've ever read.
Make no mistake, Zajac is a boom or bust pick. His potential lies something like a 1st line centreman or winger .. perhaps something like a Patrick Marleau or something similar.
However, his downside is great too. Here are the bonuses though:
He is not small, he is going to one of the best NCAA systems in the league in the University of North Dakota, and he oozes character.
I think you are being a little harsh. Some scouts are comparing him to Steve Konowalchuk, a guy that can chip in offensively but is a gritty-two way forward. He does have the potential to be a first line winger but he could very well turn into a 3rd line checker.
I assume that is the "boom" or "bust" you are referring too but too say that him being a Jarret Stoll is not out of the question.
Outkast is not out to lunch he is just echoing a more conservative outlook for Zajac and not out of line to what I have read about him.
His numbers are not that impressive to me. He put up 52 points this year in the BCHL. Ladd, who is going in the same draft class, put up 59 points 2 years ago in the BCHL. Personally i want nothing to do with Zajac as far as the first round is concerned, although he might be a good later pick.
um... Zajaz actually had 112 points this year. The 52 points was at the same time as Ladd put up the 59 and Ladd is a consencus top 10 pick (and deservedly so IMO). Zajac is an intense player, has good size and has a good shot. And as much as I like Chucko, Zajac was able to make him look a lot better than he is. I'm not trying to take anything away from Chuck, just that Zajac is one of those players (York, Stoll and Torres are the only 3 I can think of from last year for us, and the latter 2 are big questions since it was essentially their 1st years) that brings out the best in his linemates. This is a very important talent IMO, and when you're linemates are playing better, it makes you look better as well
And I'll add, reguarding the boom/bust thing, that I think his downside is 4th line energy player, so IMO, that makes him a safe pick as well as having the good upside.
um... Zajaz actually had 112 points this year. The 52 points was at the same time as Ladd put up the 59 and Ladd is a consencus top 10 pick (and deservedly so IMO). Zajac is an intense player, has good size and has a good shot. And as much as I like Chucko, Zajac was able to make him look a lot better than he is. I'm not trying to take anything away from Chuck, just that Zajac is one of those players (York, Stoll and Torres are the only 3 I can think of from last year for us, and the latter 2 are big questions since it was essentially their 1st years) that brings out the best in his linemates. This is a very important talent IMO, and when you're linemates are playing better, it makes you look better as well
my apologies, i picked up 52 points off another poster and thought it was this season, my bad.
um... Zajaz actually had 112 points this year. The 52 points was at the same time as Ladd put up the 59 and Ladd is a consencus top 10 pick (and deservedly so IMO). Zajac is an intense player, has good size and has a good shot. And as much as I like Chucko, Zajac was able to make him look a lot better than he is. I'm not trying to take anything away from Chuck, just that Zajac is one of those players (York, Stoll and Torres are the only 3 I can think of from last year for us, and the latter 2 are big questions since it was essentially their 1st years) that brings out the best in his linemates. This is a very important talent IMO, and when you're linemates are playing better, it makes you look better as well
And I'll add, reguarding the boom/bust thing, that I think his downside is 4th line energy player, so IMO, that makes him a safe pick as well as having the good upside.
I agree I just didn't think what Outkast said was so out of line with what I had read. He is a safe pick the question mark is whether he will be a scorer or a 3rd line checker or as you said a fourth line energy player.
This kid is rocketing up the charts. I've just posted below Eric D.'s Top 20 Prospect Rankings for the Globe and Mail. As you see, Travis Zajac is rated #9.
As I've stated in other posts, I feel this kid might very well be worth reaching for in the 14th spot. Great size and skill. Will only get better in college.
9. Travis Zajac, C, 6-2, 205, Salmon Arm (BCJHL).
Zajac is ranked only 15 among North American skaters by Central Scouting, largely because he didn't play major junior this season, but he is heading for the University of North Dakota on a scholarship and could be one of those players - a Zach Parise say - who thrive in a college environment and suddenly, leapfrog all the prospects currently rated ahead of them. Zajac shot out the lights at his level - 112 points in only 59 games - but also plays the game with a little bit of an edge. Sometimes, teams are rewarded for reaching deep to pick a player in the top 10 and if there is one sleeper out there in a not-so-great year for North American skaters, scouts say it could be Zajac.
This kid is rocketing up the charts. I've just posted below Eric D.'s Top 20 Prospect Rankings for the Globe and Mail. As you see, Travis Zajac is rated #9.
As I've stated in other posts, I feel this kid might very well be worth reaching for in the 14th spot. Great size and skill. Will only get better in college.
9. Travis Zajac, C, 6-2, 205, Salmon Arm (BCJHL).
Zajac is ranked only 15 among North American skaters by Central Scouting, largely because he didn't play major junior this season, but he is heading for the University of North Dakota on a scholarship and could be one of those players - a Zach Parise say - who thrive in a college environment and suddenly, leapfrog all the prospects currently rated ahead of them. Zajac shot out the lights at his level - 112 points in only 59 games - but also plays the game with a little bit of an edge. Sometimes, teams are rewarded for reaching deep to pick a player in the top 10 and if there is one sleeper out there in a not-so-great year for North American skaters, scouts say it could be Zajac.
The diversity of scouting organizations. Redline has him 57th because they feel he will be more of a checker and Mckeens has him 28th. There is a wide divergence of opinion here.
This draft is very much a crapshoot and from what I have read there is a wide divergence of opinions from NHL team to NHL team.
The diversity of scouting organizations. Redline has him 57th because they feel he will be more of a checker and Mckeens has him 28th. There is a wide divergence of opinion here.
This draft is very much a crapshoot and from what I have read there is a wide divergence of opinions from NHL team to NHL team.
You're certainly welcome to your opinion and it has been widely stated this draft is wide open. Redline and Mckeens have ranked Zajac exactly where you mention. However getting closer to draft day when a number of hockey insiders begin preparing their lists, one trend is clear. Zajac appears to be climbing the charts.
I speculate McKenzie and Eric Duhatchek, two of hockey's best insiders, are ranking based upon their insider knowledge and growing buzz about this player. I may be wrong but all of these major lists prepared in the last week or so have Zajac much, much higher than end of season rankings. We'll all find out on Saturday but I bet Zajac goes by the New Jersey pick.
Other recent draft rankings for this player:
Central Scouting's final ranking is #15 for domestic players.
This is up from #20 mid-season rankings.
TSN - Bob McKenzie's Draft Preview
14. Travis Zajac
TEAM: Salmon Arm (BCHL)
CSB RANK: 15th (North American Skaters)
POSITION: Centre
HEIGHT: 6'2
WEIGHT: 205 lbs.
BOB MCKENZIE SAYS: A goal-scoring forward with size and strength who will be attending University of North Dakota next season. Considered a project by some, the B.C. tier two player could surprise at how high he goes. (Photo: Getty Images)
Statistics GP G A PTS
2003-04 59 43 69 112
Sportsnet - #15
Travis Zajac, C, Salmon Arm (B.C. Tier II)
Anyone looking for a scorer won't look past Zajzc. He has great numbers in Tier II hockey this season and the question if can he score at the next level. He's competitive and has soft hands. Zajac is off to college next season and whoever drafts him might want to keep him there so he can develop.
You're certainly welcome to your opinion and it has been widely stated this draft is wide open. Redline and Mckeens have ranked Zajac exactly where you mention. However getting closer to draft day when a number of hockey insiders begin preparing their lists, one trend is clear. Zajac appears to be climbing the charts.
I speculate McKenzie and Eric Duhatchek, two of hockey's best insiders, are ranking based upon their insider knowledge and growing buzz about this player. I may be wrong but all of these major lists prepared in the last week or so have Zajac much, much higher than end of season rankings. We'll all find out on Saturday but I bet Zajac goes by the New Jersey pick.
Other recent draft rankings for this player:
Central Scouting's final ranking is #15 for domestic players.
This is up from #20 mid-season rankings.
TSN - Bob McKenzie's Draft Preview
14. Travis Zajac
TEAM: Salmon Arm (BCHL)
CSB RANK: 15th (North American Skaters)
POSITION: Centre
HEIGHT: 6'2
WEIGHT: 205 lbs.
BOB MCKENZIE SAYS: A goal-scoring forward with size and strength who will be attending University of North Dakota next season. Considered a project by some, the B.C. tier two player could surprise at how high he goes. (Photo: Getty Images)
Statistics GP G A PTS
2003-04 59 43 69 112
Sportsnet - #15
Travis Zajac, C, Salmon Arm (B.C. Tier II)
Anyone looking for a scorer won't look past Zajzc. He has great numbers in Tier II hockey this season and the question if can he score at the next level. He's competitive and has soft hands. Zajac is off to college next season and whoever drafts him might want to keep him there so he can develop.
Let me set you straight it is not MY opinion, I just thought that Mizral had no right to say that outkast was out too lunch when his analysis is obviously how some scouts are thinking.
When it comes to a draft day particularily this one there is going to be a divergence of opinions and he may be 9th on one list and 57th one another.
How he turns out whether he be a first liner goal scorer or a 3rd line checker is something that will be decided in the future but I really don't have any opinion on the matter other than that not all scouts agree that he is going to be a great goal scorer. Even in the scouting report you supplied the question of his goal scoring is addressed and I quote " and the question if can he score at the next level" So even where he is rated highly that question is there and Bob Mckenzie admits he is a project.
So Outkasts concerns are legitimate and for Mizral to say he was out to lunch shows that Mizral wasn't doing his homework.
My questioning on this has nothing to do with where I think he will be drafted but the scouting reports themselves.
Last edited by hockeyaddict101: 06-23-2004 at 01:58 AM.
Let me set you straight it is not MY opinion, I just thought that Mizral had no right to say that outkast was out too lunch when his analysis is obviously how some scouts are thinking.
When it comes to a draft day particularily this one there is going to be a divergence of opinions and he may be 9th on one list and 57th one another.
How he turns out whether he be a first liner goal scorer or a 3rd line checker is something that will be decided in the future but I really don't have any opinion on the matter other than that not all scouts agree that he is going to be a great goal scorer. Even in the scouting report you supplied the question of his goal scoring is addressed and I quote " and the question if can he score at the next level" So even where he is rated highly that question is there and Bob Mckenzie admits he is a project.
So Outkasts concerns are legitimate and for Mizral to say he was out to lunch shows that Mizral wasn't doing his homework.
My questioning on this has nothing to do with where I think he will be drafted but the scouting reports themselves.
Thanks for clarifying, Spaz. I obviously misinterpreted your post. Zajac is somewhat of a risk given his play in Junior A. However, this kid has been a big scorer going back to his bantam days. Pro size now and will be able to develop his skills in a very good college program.
As to the scouting report references, Bob McKenzie actually describes Zajac as
"A goal-scoring forward with size and strength" and "considered a project by some."
It would appear to me that McKenzie has high regard for Zajac's upside based upon racking him at 14 overall. It is the Sportsnet review which questions his scoring potential at a higher level.
This kid has taken a different route than most Canadian kids. Clearly, the relative obscurity and lesser talent of B.C. Junior A has made it difficult to get a clear read on him. Back to my original point, it just seems like Zajac's stock is rising as we get close to Saturday's draft.
