yzerman19

Didn't team USA finish dead last in the Eastern Conference of the USHL? Is that not the NTDP? This is not a knock. The team is under 18 and is focused on development rather than winning games. This is not a debate on which league or teams have the most talent...the original question was about where to develop, the debate has turned into who has the best team. I do not think the NTDP would compete with the elites of the CHL which have over 18ers, many of whom have already signed pro deals...

London would beat NTDP. OHL is stronger than USHL. UND would beat any junior team, just based on age, strength, and experience of players. I believe the following. Elite NCAA teams > Elite CHL teams > Elite USHL teams > Elite Canadian Junior A teams

Reading the mock drafts...3 freshies and 1 Soph at BU projected to go in the first round...wow...that's some big expectations

That top 9 looks about right. Defense pairings will be a big ? I don't know which dmen think the game alike in the d zone and can complement each other

If my son becomes elite (he's five) so lots of time- although he does get mad everytime he doesn't score a hattrick vs 7/8 year olds- I will advise to play in the BCHL or USHL and go NCAA.

So there is a lot of debate on this. I watch a ton of both NCAA and WHL hockey. What is the right choice given the options and benefits on the table and where should an elite prospect go? Pro NCAA: Develop at a pace that allows your physical body to match your hockey skill. Develop vs men. Earn a college degree in process that will be hard, but will set you up for a life after hockey. Co-eds. Co-eds. Co-eds. Solid path to NHL if you've got it. Pro CHL: Play an NHL type schedule and game. Get $ for college after hockey is done via CHL scholarship. Not have to do homework. Be a local hero and destroy local talent. Showcase your skill. Still the most likely path to NHL. Get your signing bonuses the minute offered and put them in the bank.

At what age and at what development level does it make sense to commit and show up.

I really hope that Osh is talking to Nick...3 years at UND = the Show...2 years at UND = the AHL, unless you are Jonathan Toews...

That would be a long wait...no way the Hawks move Kane I presume you're joking

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=9478 Drop the mic

I don't think "magic numbers" to get into classes are tough to come by for big time D1 athletes...

Absolutely correct. Chicago has a glut of Centers right now, but Nick can also play right wing. The Andrew Shaw situation will be informing for Nick. Kruger, Fleischmann, Panik, and Shaw stand in the way of the NHL...Vinestroza and Motte also will be making a run at the NHL... If Chicago moves one or more of those guys, and Nick stands out at camp...well, hard to say "no" for Nicky.

CBC reporting Jewels has signed with Edmonton

CBC reporting Jewels has signed with Edmonton

No, this is Sioux hockey!!!!! Nothing normal about it!

21 year olds can play. It's birth year, so a guy can turn 21 on Jan1st and still play. Need to be 20 when season starts at the oldest

Is he getting scoring minutes?

The "heavy line" was not a checking line. It was a puck possession line. Olson is at best a checking line player right now.

LJ was an early peaker...it will be interesting to see what the Hawks are able to do with him. Quite honestly, he doesn't skate at an elite NCAA level, which doesn't bode well for his career. I wish him well, but he definitely did not get the same talk as Toews from the staff

I was just poking- I know what you mean. The speed of the game at the next level is often a big adjustment, unless you are uber-special. It seems that great skating and hockey IQ make the transition a lot easier. All these guys are good, and bring a pretty complete skill set, but skating and ability to read the play a full 200 feet makes the transition a lot easier.

We had a pretty impactful Freshman this year...

I think you have to have a pairing that you know can handle other teams' top lines. Gotta keep 1 really good, experienced unit together

I'd be shocked to see an all rookie dpairing. They will split Shaw and Wolanin to play with a freshman apiece

your point about chemistry is a good one. Its hard to catch lightning in a bottle like we did this year!