Post by Captain Obvious on Sept 11, 2008 13:17:35 GMT -4
Now that camp is over, we have a much better idea of where the team is headed given the rookies that were in camp and made the team or got cut.
Here is a position by position outlook, note that this my opinion and you are welcome to agree or disagree...
Goaltending:
Riopel(19) It's pretty clear he is the man right now and one of the top guys in the Q, hopefully he sticks around for another year at 20, he could be the key to a potential run next year.
Boileau-Domingue(16) He is obviously seen as the goalie of the future. A lot will depend on how he refines his technique as he has good size and athleticism. In order to be a top goalie and not just an average one, he'll need to improve his rebound control and angles coverage
Vye(18) He's a solid little goalie, good enough to back up in the Q but I'm not sure he is starter material, good enough to be the #3 affiliate guy.
Obviously over the next couple of drafts, 1-2 more goalies will be needed to add depth, probably not in the top rounds though. Maybe draft a 15 year old in rounds 4 or 5 and let him develop in MAAA, stepping in in 2010-2011. Overall this is a strong position and should remain that way as long as Rio stays healthy and LBD develops at a normal pace.
Defense:
Barberio(18) he is one of the key players on the team over the next 2 maybe 3 years. Solid at both ends and he also provides valuable leadership. Over time he may no longer be the #1 offensive guy, but should remain 1st pair calibre and a guy who plays all situations and big minutes.
Savard(18) he has looked solid in preseason. Strong stay at home, on a top club he is a very good #3 guy who can play a shutdown role, be solid in his own end and make a strong 1st pass.
Boyle(19) He's a solid depth guy that keeps it simple and provides a bit of toughness. This is probably his last year here unless he has a huge spike in improvement. I could see him move at midseason to a contender to open up ice time for Downe.
Dimitruk(18) still a bit raw for an 18 year old but has excellent physical tools, especially skating and hockey sense as well as decent size. He is a bit of a work in progress but has good upside and could play 3 more years.
Gormley(16) a future cornerstone of the franchise, he has all the tools to be a dominant junior player. His role should be of #4 or 5 this year but as he shows improvement he should get more ice in key situations. He still needs a bit of adjustment from the midget to junior game but his development curve should be steep.
Jodoin(18) a bit of an unknown he converted to defense in MAAA last year and was among the league's best. He has a decent size frame, skates well and has good hockey sense. His offensive game is already pretty good. He needs to get stronger physically and adjusted to bigger/faster players. Being 18 this is a big year for him but there is a good base to work with.
Bell(17) I did not really see him on the team this year, he is big and very thick/strong. His mobility is ok for a guy his size, but he needs to better handle pressure in his own end. I'm not sure if he was kept as insurance on Voynov or if they want to work him a lot in practise as a project. IMHO the jury is very much out on his long term Q future, he may or may not be part of it.
Voynov(18) A question mark at this point, I saw him having 90% chance of being here but the IIHF/Russia issue clouds it. To me he is a one year player regardless. He could either come and have a big impact or be traded for good return to a contender at midseason. I don't see him in the Q at 19 but he'd be a great addition this year.
Downe(16) He showed a lot of very good things in camp, so much so that I felt he forced the team to keep him a year early. He will see some time until Barberio returns, I can see him coming back at midseason. He projects a lot like Savard, smart stay at home d-man that also handles the puck pretty well. He should be on the team in 09-10 and going forward.
Cadet(16) he is more raw than Downe but plays a more offensive game. He has high upside but needs to fill out his frame and be more aware defensively. If he develops normally he should be on the team next year and going forward. A solid Q prospect.
Fraser(17) Hopefully he will be kept on the protected list. I thought he showed some Q potential, if he plays Jr.A this year he could be Q calibre next year, at worse a solid affiliate. A moderate Q prospect.
Paul(17) He had a decent camp, he has a decent physical game for his size, if he plays Jr.a and progresses, he should definitely get another look at 18. Worth keeping on the 50 man list and watching.
Overall the defense should be improved this year and being so young with upside should become a strength next year and going forward. Adding Voynov would really help the present big time and would make it above average.
Forwards
Sill(20) A gritty 2 way leader, he brings a lot on the ice and with his work ethic. Should be here all year unless the Cats disapoint and there is a ridiculous offer for his services.
Eagles(20) like Sill he is a good leader on a young team, uses his speed and work ethic to set the tone. He should also be here all year barring something unforseen and get 60-70 points and 30 goals.
Biduke(20) Minus 10-15 lbs, he had a good camp skating much better but appeared a bit snake bitten. If he has the year his offensive skill dictates, he could also score 30 and put up around 60 points
Cameron(19) He is a key player on this year's team. Last year he was expected to take the next step to 60 or more pts but he plateaued somewhat. He's looked faster and more confident this year. If he puts up a 20-40-60 season, suddenly the offense is not so anemic. A lot of factors will determine if he returns as a 20.
Brannon(19) He's always been a warrior who brings the intensity and physical game. He has the potential to bring a bit more offense this year, this is necessary if he is to stay at 20.
Lessard(19) Like Cameron and Brannon, being 19 makes it a make or break season. If he is to stay all year and stick as a 20 he needs to be more consistant and step up his offensive game to 50+ points. The package is there but needs to be put together.
Famin(18) He is a tough call because he has only been here a week. He is neither big nor fast so that makes it a tough adjustment. He appears to have the hands and poise with the puck. The jury is very much out on him, will be interesting to see what we have over the next couple months.
Stephens(18) Like many other forwards, this is a make or break for him. His game is offense and he has not shown it consistantly. He could be a solid regular by midseason or moved out.
Brown(17) He showed signs of being a constant offensive threat late last year. If he takes the next step he could put up 25-30 goals. He is a big part of the long term future, possibly in a 1st line role.
MacAusland(17) He is a bit behind Brown in the development curve, showed good things late in camp, will be pushing for regular ice on the top 3 lines. Should be a pretty big part of the future with continued development.
Roski(17) Had a very strong camp, reminded many of a 20 year old Morehouse with his spunk and grit. Also showed a decent offensive touch. Should see pretty regular ice time this year and projects as at best a good 2nd liner or at worse a good 3rd liner in the future.
Tremblay(17) Showed nice finish and offensive skill. His development hinges on getting stronger and improving his play in the other 2 zones. He has pretty good upside, at this point he is a bit of a project.
Pettersson(18) The strength of his game is skating and playing a smart game. He is in the mold of a 2 way player. He needs to fill out his frame as he is rail thin. If he progresses he could be on the team for a couple years, after that who knows.
Lane(19) He was kept as an enforcer. He showed some decent offensive awareness in camp and preseason. He is a project in terms of being a regular player, probably only here a year or less.
Bissonnette(16) Has probably the highest upside of any player on the roster. Skates really well for a guy with his frame and has magical hands. He needs to get stronger, improve his defensive game and compete a lot more without the puck. He should see regular 4th line ice and spot duty on the PP. He is a key player going forward, monitor his progress closely.
O'brien(16) Showed good hands and creativity as advertised. He needs to fill out and improve his play without the puck. Has a chance to be a top 6 forward at 18 and 19 depending on development. Should be on the team next year.
Daoust(16) showed good size and skating, not afraid to mix it up. His offensive skill is a fair bit primitive. At this point he projects as a bigger version of a Sill or Brannon. He is somewhat a project and has a good chance to step in next year after a year MAAA if he develops normally. Unless he develops rapidly he doesn't project as a top 6 forward right now.
Cisse(16) He will paly USHL this year and has not completely ruled out the Q for next year. He would be a great addition with his size and skill but I won't hold my breath.
Noseworthy(17) He still has a bit to go to play in the Q, but the size and tools are there. Could be a midseason call up if 19 year olds are moved. He needs a big developmental year in order to make the team next year.
Lariviere(17) Has good size and skates well but did not do anything to stand out. Will get a year in MAAA, needs to take a big step forward. A long shot at this point.
Martin(17) Very good skater but did not do much else, will play MAAA this year and needs to break out offensively and get stronger. A long shot with all the 2009 picks coming.
Forward is the position with the most uncertainty on the roster and where potential trades may be needed in the next 12-18 months to add frontline skill. The Euro draft could be another avenue. Guys like Cameron Famin Brown and Bissonnette all will play a big part this year in the short and long term developemt of the team. The Cisse situation should be watched closely next summer also.
Draft picks...
2009 could be a great draft if Baie Comeau has a rough year as the Wc have their 1st pick plus their own. Also they have an extra 4th from Quebec and a few extra mid rounders as well.
2010 also has extra picks with the Pianosi trade adding a 2nd and 5th.
Here is a position by position outlook, note that this my opinion and you are welcome to agree or disagree...
Goaltending:
Riopel(19) It's pretty clear he is the man right now and one of the top guys in the Q, hopefully he sticks around for another year at 20, he could be the key to a potential run next year.
Boileau-Domingue(16) He is obviously seen as the goalie of the future. A lot will depend on how he refines his technique as he has good size and athleticism. In order to be a top goalie and not just an average one, he'll need to improve his rebound control and angles coverage
Vye(18) He's a solid little goalie, good enough to back up in the Q but I'm not sure he is starter material, good enough to be the #3 affiliate guy.
Obviously over the next couple of drafts, 1-2 more goalies will be needed to add depth, probably not in the top rounds though. Maybe draft a 15 year old in rounds 4 or 5 and let him develop in MAAA, stepping in in 2010-2011. Overall this is a strong position and should remain that way as long as Rio stays healthy and LBD develops at a normal pace.
Defense:
Barberio(18) he is one of the key players on the team over the next 2 maybe 3 years. Solid at both ends and he also provides valuable leadership. Over time he may no longer be the #1 offensive guy, but should remain 1st pair calibre and a guy who plays all situations and big minutes.
Savard(18) he has looked solid in preseason. Strong stay at home, on a top club he is a very good #3 guy who can play a shutdown role, be solid in his own end and make a strong 1st pass.
Boyle(19) He's a solid depth guy that keeps it simple and provides a bit of toughness. This is probably his last year here unless he has a huge spike in improvement. I could see him move at midseason to a contender to open up ice time for Downe.
Dimitruk(18) still a bit raw for an 18 year old but has excellent physical tools, especially skating and hockey sense as well as decent size. He is a bit of a work in progress but has good upside and could play 3 more years.
Gormley(16) a future cornerstone of the franchise, he has all the tools to be a dominant junior player. His role should be of #4 or 5 this year but as he shows improvement he should get more ice in key situations. He still needs a bit of adjustment from the midget to junior game but his development curve should be steep.
Jodoin(18) a bit of an unknown he converted to defense in MAAA last year and was among the league's best. He has a decent size frame, skates well and has good hockey sense. His offensive game is already pretty good. He needs to get stronger physically and adjusted to bigger/faster players. Being 18 this is a big year for him but there is a good base to work with.
Bell(17) I did not really see him on the team this year, he is big and very thick/strong. His mobility is ok for a guy his size, but he needs to better handle pressure in his own end. I'm not sure if he was kept as insurance on Voynov or if they want to work him a lot in practise as a project. IMHO the jury is very much out on his long term Q future, he may or may not be part of it.
Voynov(18) A question mark at this point, I saw him having 90% chance of being here but the IIHF/Russia issue clouds it. To me he is a one year player regardless. He could either come and have a big impact or be traded for good return to a contender at midseason. I don't see him in the Q at 19 but he'd be a great addition this year.
Downe(16) He showed a lot of very good things in camp, so much so that I felt he forced the team to keep him a year early. He will see some time until Barberio returns, I can see him coming back at midseason. He projects a lot like Savard, smart stay at home d-man that also handles the puck pretty well. He should be on the team in 09-10 and going forward.
Cadet(16) he is more raw than Downe but plays a more offensive game. He has high upside but needs to fill out his frame and be more aware defensively. If he develops normally he should be on the team next year and going forward. A solid Q prospect.
Fraser(17) Hopefully he will be kept on the protected list. I thought he showed some Q potential, if he plays Jr.A this year he could be Q calibre next year, at worse a solid affiliate. A moderate Q prospect.
Paul(17) He had a decent camp, he has a decent physical game for his size, if he plays Jr.a and progresses, he should definitely get another look at 18. Worth keeping on the 50 man list and watching.
Overall the defense should be improved this year and being so young with upside should become a strength next year and going forward. Adding Voynov would really help the present big time and would make it above average.
Forwards
Sill(20) A gritty 2 way leader, he brings a lot on the ice and with his work ethic. Should be here all year unless the Cats disapoint and there is a ridiculous offer for his services.
Eagles(20) like Sill he is a good leader on a young team, uses his speed and work ethic to set the tone. He should also be here all year barring something unforseen and get 60-70 points and 30 goals.
Biduke(20) Minus 10-15 lbs, he had a good camp skating much better but appeared a bit snake bitten. If he has the year his offensive skill dictates, he could also score 30 and put up around 60 points
Cameron(19) He is a key player on this year's team. Last year he was expected to take the next step to 60 or more pts but he plateaued somewhat. He's looked faster and more confident this year. If he puts up a 20-40-60 season, suddenly the offense is not so anemic. A lot of factors will determine if he returns as a 20.
Brannon(19) He's always been a warrior who brings the intensity and physical game. He has the potential to bring a bit more offense this year, this is necessary if he is to stay at 20.
Lessard(19) Like Cameron and Brannon, being 19 makes it a make or break season. If he is to stay all year and stick as a 20 he needs to be more consistant and step up his offensive game to 50+ points. The package is there but needs to be put together.
Famin(18) He is a tough call because he has only been here a week. He is neither big nor fast so that makes it a tough adjustment. He appears to have the hands and poise with the puck. The jury is very much out on him, will be interesting to see what we have over the next couple months.
Stephens(18) Like many other forwards, this is a make or break for him. His game is offense and he has not shown it consistantly. He could be a solid regular by midseason or moved out.
Brown(17) He showed signs of being a constant offensive threat late last year. If he takes the next step he could put up 25-30 goals. He is a big part of the long term future, possibly in a 1st line role.
MacAusland(17) He is a bit behind Brown in the development curve, showed good things late in camp, will be pushing for regular ice on the top 3 lines. Should be a pretty big part of the future with continued development.
Roski(17) Had a very strong camp, reminded many of a 20 year old Morehouse with his spunk and grit. Also showed a decent offensive touch. Should see pretty regular ice time this year and projects as at best a good 2nd liner or at worse a good 3rd liner in the future.
Tremblay(17) Showed nice finish and offensive skill. His development hinges on getting stronger and improving his play in the other 2 zones. He has pretty good upside, at this point he is a bit of a project.
Pettersson(18) The strength of his game is skating and playing a smart game. He is in the mold of a 2 way player. He needs to fill out his frame as he is rail thin. If he progresses he could be on the team for a couple years, after that who knows.
Lane(19) He was kept as an enforcer. He showed some decent offensive awareness in camp and preseason. He is a project in terms of being a regular player, probably only here a year or less.
Bissonnette(16) Has probably the highest upside of any player on the roster. Skates really well for a guy with his frame and has magical hands. He needs to get stronger, improve his defensive game and compete a lot more without the puck. He should see regular 4th line ice and spot duty on the PP. He is a key player going forward, monitor his progress closely.
O'brien(16) Showed good hands and creativity as advertised. He needs to fill out and improve his play without the puck. Has a chance to be a top 6 forward at 18 and 19 depending on development. Should be on the team next year.
Daoust(16) showed good size and skating, not afraid to mix it up. His offensive skill is a fair bit primitive. At this point he projects as a bigger version of a Sill or Brannon. He is somewhat a project and has a good chance to step in next year after a year MAAA if he develops normally. Unless he develops rapidly he doesn't project as a top 6 forward right now.
Cisse(16) He will paly USHL this year and has not completely ruled out the Q for next year. He would be a great addition with his size and skill but I won't hold my breath.
Noseworthy(17) He still has a bit to go to play in the Q, but the size and tools are there. Could be a midseason call up if 19 year olds are moved. He needs a big developmental year in order to make the team next year.
Lariviere(17) Has good size and skates well but did not do anything to stand out. Will get a year in MAAA, needs to take a big step forward. A long shot at this point.
Martin(17) Very good skater but did not do much else, will play MAAA this year and needs to break out offensively and get stronger. A long shot with all the 2009 picks coming.
Forward is the position with the most uncertainty on the roster and where potential trades may be needed in the next 12-18 months to add frontline skill. The Euro draft could be another avenue. Guys like Cameron Famin Brown and Bissonnette all will play a big part this year in the short and long term developemt of the team. The Cisse situation should be watched closely next summer also.
Draft picks...
2009 could be a great draft if Baie Comeau has a rough year as the Wc have their 1st pick plus their own. Also they have an extra 4th from Quebec and a few extra mid rounders as well.
2010 also has extra picks with the Pianosi trade adding a 2nd and 5th.
