beastandco

I would say Smith being over a full year older than Verhoeff and having similar production is the main reason why Verhoeff is rated so high compared to Smith. Also, as you said, being a right shot boosts his stock a little more. I also think he outperformed Smith on the same u18 team this year as an underager.

Anyone know where to find their full press conference?

Minnesota and North Dakota should be flipped. After struggling against real teams last year, Minnesota lost a ton and their additions are underwhelming. If North Dakota’s underclassmen forwards can generate offense early in the season, they should climb up quickly.

I read that a few teams wanted him for this year and the Oil Kings were thrilled that UND wanted him to wait a year. He will be one of the top defensemen in the WHL this year.

It’s crazy how little attention people are paying to Zellers this season. He was excellent in the USHL last year. He will have some growing pains but he projects to be a very good college player.

I think we’ll have to wait and see what he looks like when healthy to completely rule him out for next year. If he is as advertised this year when he gets healthy, I still think we bring him in. The chances of him getting pushed back a year definitely just got a lot bigger, which I do not hate. If he is pushed back a year, I am confident that this staff will bring in a quality piece with that open spot.

Definitely I think most guys that plan on going to college already have their list narrowed down to a couple of schools. Once their season is done, they will likely commit soon after since most of their recruitment has been done. Also, they’ll likely get more NIL if they wait until the spring.

I am sure players and their representatives are thrilled about CHL officials and management dragging their names through the mud. I’m sure current players are seeing it as well. This will not end well for these teams. The first ones to adapt will be the ones to thrive.

This is kind of funny, honestly. He wouldn’t commit if college hockey was a back up plan for him, especially with how many guys are still uncommitted heading into their draft year. I do not know what the GM of the Blades is supposed to say given that question. The interviewer essentially answered the question for him. He isn’t going to say that Cooper is going to continue to develop in the NCAA after this season when he still has CHL eligibility.

UND’s freshman forward class appears to be full next season. A lot can change from not until then, including decommitments and players getting pushed back a year. A large chunk of the guys coming in next season are from the previous staff. There will be a player(s) dropped from their committed list. That being said, I expect UND to be after top uncommitted forwards for next season. A lot of the top guys will not commit until after the season. That will buy UND more time to evaluate their forwards potentially coming in for 26/27.

The bat signal has officially retired. What a run. Probably for the best, though.

Undersized center that plays very physical and wins a ton of draws. Bryn and Smaby must have loved him at Waterloo.

Any guesses?

I think we are seeing a lot of teams, like UND, go out and get their local guys early. Most of the top guys are still on the board. I do not see the benefit of the top players committing this early unless it’s their “dream school.”