Minnesota Gophers Off Season Thread 2015

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season Thread 2015

I don't see Cammarata going anywhere. This last year, Boyd could have played on any line and probably been a better player in having done so. But the goal was not to make Boyd better...it was to make the team better. This year, Kloos will be that guy. He doesn't need but could use a set up guy. Regardless of where the goals came from, Cammarata provided more assists than anyone last year (outside M Reilly). But right now Cammy needs a bull that goes to the net...and Kloos is just that in our top returning scorer. Likewise, I think you'll see Fasching and Bristedt stay together. Although C Reilly might end up being a power forward goal scorer...Fasching can put the puck in the net and Bristedt is a top notch passer. I don't think you'll see any structural changes here.

On how many of Kloos' 13 goals (down from 16 in 2013-14) do you think Cammarata assisted on? How many do you think the D assisted on? C. Reilly doesn't have the size and physicality of a traditional power forward, he's more of a sniper type forward with a good snap/wrist/one timer in open space.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season Thread 2015

On how many of Kloos' 13 goals (down from 16 in 2013-14) do you think Cammarata assisted on? How many do you think the D assisted on? C. Reilly doesn't have the size and physicality of a traditional power forward, he's more of a sniper type forward with a good snap/wrist/one timer in open space.

I'm sure Kloos got quite a few assists from the D as defensive integration is the Gopher's play style. And I think Cammarata assisted on quite a few goals not scored by Kloos as he had 24 As. IMO it doesn't matter too much. Kloos is our top returning scorer and he could use feeds...and Cammy is a playmaker and needs a finisher. They've got a history together. In the end, its about what makes the team the best.

I think folks here are saying what they want to happen. I can't tell you what should happen as I don't have nearly enough info. I can only tell you what in all probability will happen: Kloos/Cammy, Fasching/Bristedt.

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season Thread 2015

I'm sure Kloos got quite a few assists from the D as defensive integration is the Gopher's play style. And I think Cammarata assisted on quite a few goals not scored by Kloos as he had 24 As. IMO it doesn't matter too much. Kloos is our top returning scorer and he could use feeds...and Cammy is a playmaker and needs a finisher. They've got a history together. In the end, its about what makes the team the best.

I think folks here are saying what they want to happen. I can't tell you what should happen as I don't have nearly enough info. I can only tell you what in all probability will happen: Kloos/Cammy, Fasching/Bristedt.

No doubt Kloos will be paired with a playmaker, but the Kloos/Cammarata experiment was not effective at all last season. Cammarata had only 3 primary assists on Kloos' 13 Gs, his exact same primary assist total on Kloos 16 Gs in 2013-14. The D had 6 primary As (Brodzinski/2) on Kloos' Gs, 4 were PPs.

After two seasons of trying to resurrect some of their USHL magic, only 20% of Kloos 29 Gs are the direct result of Cammarata's feed. The combination obviously hasn't worked in the Gopher's system and IMO should be abandoned next season. Moreover, the combo hurt Kloos more than helped him, who struggled through a midseason scoring slump of burying only 3 G/20 games alongside line mate Cammarata, who scored 1 goal in 30 games during the same midseason stretch.

I would expect Kloos to center the top line with Fasching and perhaps C. Reilly, Bristedt or maybe Romanko on LW.

 

[D2D]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season Thread 2015

Any early summer reports on how Connor Reilly's rehab is progressing? They say it normally takes a full year to completely recover from the kind of extensive knee surgery he underwent, plus that was not the first time for him.

 

[Bonin21]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season Thread 2015

I would expect Kloos to center the top line with Fasching and perhaps C. Reilly, Bristedt or maybe Romanko on LW.

Don't let NAHL stats get your hopes up toooo much.

 

[Hammy]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season Thread 2015

The problem with using Kloos/Cammy's time together on a line in Waterloo as some sort of reasoning for continuing things moving forward is they played an entirely different style in Waterloo than what they do at the U... and the results in college have not been as productive because of it. I honestly believe Kloos would have a good amount more points right now if he played away from Cammy

From the observers I have talked to, Cammy was allowed to free lance a lot in Waterloo. He wasn't saddled with much defensive responsibility and they'd try to capitalize on it with odd man rushes. It worked on that level (they scored a lot but their team also gave up a lot of goals). That's not something that is going to be done at the U (or any high level of hockey for that matter). You have to play hard on both ends otherwise it is going to put stress on your linemates to pick up your slack and it is going to hurt the overall situation. I do not want our best offensive player (Kloos) to be saddled with that. Play him with linemates that are going to work hard on both ends.

Cammy needs to "man up" and start carrying his weight on both ends. I think last year was really the first time he ever had to deal with much adversity on the ice and he didn't handle it very well. I hope he learns from it but I'm kind of concerned that he's become too accustomed to a style that worked at youth levels but isn't viable at higher levels of hockey.

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season Thread 2015

Don't let NAHL stats get your hopes up toooo much.

Yeah, I hear what you're sayin'. NAHL is a tier down from the USHL, but I understand the competition has ramped up a bit in recent years. I like the fact that he's older (21 yo in the fall), has good size for a power forward, tenacious around the net and on the PP and he's been tutored by Millen. I'm hoping for a productive transition.

Any early summer reports on how Connor Reilly's rehab is progressing? They say it normally takes a full year to completely recover from the kind of extensive knee surgery he underwent, plus that was not the first time for him.

Apparently had his first skate a few days ago:

Connor Reilly ‏@CReilly81 Jun 22
Felt great getting back on the ice for the first time in awhile this morning! #wooo @GopherHockey

 

[D2D]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season Thread 2015

Thanks for the report on C. Reilly, Harley. With the losses from last year's squad we could really use his proven ability to put the puck in the net this season. However it remains to be seen how he deals with the physical play and how aggressive he is in the corners and winning the puck battles. When the puck drops in October (just a little over 3 months!) we'll need him at his best. Hopefully between now and then he will have developed enough confidence that his knee will hold up that he'll be ready to go "all out" from the get-go.

Also, any thoughts on the D corp? Who do you experts expect to be named as the starting six defensemen to start the season? Pairs?

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season Thread 2015

Watching C. Reilly in the zone with his sniper shot last season convinced me he has the potential to emerge as one of the top scorers in the country. Unfortunately the injury cut short his midseason scoring rampage of 8 goals and 3 assists in 10 games and the goal scoring lead at that point (11). Kloos and Fasching connected on a few of those Gs, which raises the possibility we see them together on the top line.

Personally, I think he's a rising star and one of the few true goal scorers on the Gophers. If he finally stays healthy for the whole season, Connor will be a top scorer alongside Kloos. I like his quote after the Gophers scored early and often, and shellacked the BADgers 5-2:

“It was absolutely crucial,” Connor Reilly said of the start. “Last night, you can talk all you want about how many chances we had, but if you’re not scoring … you’re really doing a whole lot of nothing, in my mind.”

 

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season Thread 2015

The problem with using Kloos/Cammy's time together on a line in Waterloo as some sort of reasoning for continuing things moving forward is they played an entirely different style in Waterloo than what they do at the U... and the results in college have not been as productive because of it. I honestly believe Kloos would have a good amount more points right now if he played away from Cammy

From the observers I have talked to, Cammy was allowed to free lance a lot in Waterloo. He wasn't saddled with much defensive responsibility and they'd try to capitalize on it with odd man rushes. It worked on that level (they scored a lot but their team also gave up a lot of goals). That's not something that is going to be done at the U (or any high level of hockey for that matter). You have to play hard on both ends otherwise it is going to put stress on your linemates to pick up your slack and it is going to hurt the overall situation. I do not want our best offensive player (Kloos) to be saddled with that. Play him with linemates that are going to work hard on both ends.

Cammy needs to "man up" and start carrying his weight on both ends. I think last year was really the first time he ever had to deal with much adversity on the ice and he didn't handle it very well. I hope he learns from it but I'm kind of concerned that he's become too accustomed to a style that worked at youth levels but isn't viable at higher levels of hockey.

I thought Cammy had some games later on where he started to show more effort on D play and sometimes along the boards, but obviously needs to develop consistency.

As for who he plays with, I have a feeling Lucia will mix things up for awhile like he used to. No doubt Cammy sees the ice well and can set up shooters (like Reilly). Wouldn't be surprised to see him tried with Fasching for a few games, as it might even pull some of the pressure off Cammy if opponents have to collapse 2 guys on Fasching.

He also needs to shoot more. Doesn't seem to play with as much confidence as he must have had in Juniors to score as much as he did. Passes on too many shots and doesn't go to the net enough. Taking more shots and having some go in will always help with confidence, and confidence will often help a player feel a little more comfortable being aggressive when he has to (not that at his size he will ever be a physical force).

People talking about benching him regularly have more faith in gopher scoring depth than I do who think that. Occasional sitting shifts and moving down in lines can help, but completely sitting for long periods won't help the team. I still think he has a lot of potential to become a big contributor. Need to just keep working with him. I'm hopeful being forced into a bigger role with the loss of players will force him to make noticeable strides this year.

 

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season Thread 2015

Will be fun to watch Reilly in a Wild Sweater. Heard it on NHL network during draft. One commentator claimed Wild may have best D corp in NHL now. They need a center now.

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season Thread 2015

Reilly will face a wall of D competition with the Wild. Their starting D are Spurgeon, Suter, Scandella, Brodin, and Dumba, leaving Reilly, Olofsson and Folin competing for the remaining 6th spot. Based upon what I saw from him against more quality competition in the World Championships, Reilly may struggle transitioning to the NHL until he refines his skills as a defender.

 

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season Thread 2015

Reilly will face a wall of D competition with the Wild. Their starting D are Spurgeon, Suter, Scandella, Brodin, and Dumba, leaving Reilly, Olofsson and Folin competing for the remaining 6th spot. Based upon what I saw from him against more quality competition in the World Championships, Reilly may struggle transitioning to the NHL until he refines his skills as a defender.

No doubt, if nothing changes, he will likely be jumping back and forth between leagues as he adjusts to the speed and size of the NHL. However, over those two you mention, I think he has the edge offensively, which helps him in a league that values a D who can contribute at both ends. I think once his D improves and he puts on a few more pounds, i could see him leading a PP unit. Maybe they will eventually take Suter off. There wouldn't have been so many teams chasing him if they thought he wasn't close to being ready and has tons of potential. I thought he might chose a team like Chicago where he probably would start most of the year given they really have 4 D. The Wild is stacked at the position, but he obviously has confidence in himself.

And, with this much talent on D and being least strong at center, I don't know if those top 5 D will all be around. Gotta give up something to get something.

And did I miss something? Is Leopold gone? If not, he would be in the mix too. And has Ballard officially called it quits (not that I expect him to return)?

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season Thread 2015

No doubt, if nothing changes, he will likely be jumping back and forth between leagues as he adjusts to the speed and size of the NHL. However, over those two you mention, I think he has the edge offensively, which helps him in a league that values a D who can contribute at both ends. I think once his D improves and he puts on a few more pounds, i could see him leading a PP unit. Maybe they will eventually take Suter off. There wouldn't have been so many teams chasing him if they thought he wasn't close to being ready and has tons of potential. I thought he might chose a team like Chicago where he probably would start most of the year given they really have 4 D. The Wild is stacked at the position, but he obviously has confidence in himself.

And, with this much talent on D and being least strong at center, I don't know if those top 5 D will all be around. Gotta give up something to get something.

And did I miss something? Is Leopold gone? If not, he would be in the mix too. And has Ballard officially called it quits (not that I expect him to return)?

I understand the Blackhawks could use an offensive D asap, so his choice is most likely not based solely upon immediate opportunity. I suspect his desire to remain based in Minnesota was a factor.

Jun 18: Jordan Leopold wants to re-sign with Minnesota, but he may have to wait. The Wild apparently told him that they would get back to him in a few weeks, as the club has other free agents and cap issues to attend to before getting around to him. However, there is interest on Minnesota's side in bringing Leopold back.

May 12: Keith Ballard is still dealing with concussion symptoms and he isn't sure if he'll eventually play hockey again. Ballard has suffered five concussions in five years and hasn't played since Dec. 9. "I'd love to play, but I've got to feel better first," said Ballard. "I don't want to close the door and say, 'Oh, I'm done,' but I'm going to factor everything in and give it some time and see if I can get to a point where I can get on the ice and feel OK." Ballard is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and teams will factor in his injury history when considering him. If Ballard wants to continue his NHL career, he might end up having to sign a two-way contract.

 

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season Thread 2015

And did I miss something? Is Leopold gone? If not, he would be in the mix too. And has Ballard officially called it quits (not that I expect him to return)?

I see Leopold was in town with Wild, so either he is still with them or just likes a free trip up north.

 

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season Thread 2015

Most probably know, but.....

Gates and Novak drafted in 3rd round, Zuhlsdorf in 5th and Sadek in 7th. Doesn't seem like strong year for MN players. What is next year's class expected to be like? (Missed player, Boeser, at 23rd overall).

(Waiting for requisite "draft doesn't mean anything for college" response and prepared with my "It is not all that matters but first rounders will typically help any team in NCAA, and it is some indication of perceived skill and potential" counter response. I know the history of older teams of few drafted players winning some NC's, but that is not the model MN is operating under either. Not sounding any alarm either, just like to see a couple mega-talents coming in from time to time. And furthermore, it is just something more to talk about in the long off-season......)

 

[D2D]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season Thread 2015

I understand the Blackhawks could use an offensive D asap, so his choice is most likely not based solely upon immediate opportunity. I suspect his desire to remain based in Minnesota was a factor.

Wondering too if his parents (esp. dad) might have influenced his decision somewhat. Mike's younger sister Caitlin is transferring from Penn State to the Gophers which will give them a chance to see her play all home games here too. And of course Connor and Ryan are here too.

 

[Bonin21]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season Thread 2015

Doesn't seem like strong year for MN players. What is next year's class expected to be like? (Missed player, Boeser, at 23rd overall).

Bellows will go really high.
Lindgren is set for the first round, and hopefully doesn't fall like Novak, Fasching, Ambroz, etc.
Tufte and Anderson (UMD) could be up there.
Wait, Rossini, Mattson and Kierstad (UND), and Graham (UMD) should be in the discussion, but probably mid rounds or lower.

Overall, not that great but hopefully a little better. Bellows is the big one.

 

[goldy_331]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season Thread 2015

Wondering too if his parents (esp. dad) might have influenced his decision somewhat. Mike's younger sister Caitlin is transferring from Penn State to the Gophers which will give them a chance to see her play all home games here too. And of course Connor and Ryan are here too.

And it's a short drive to Des Moines (shorter than to Chicago or Rockford).

 

[Hammy]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season Thread 2015

Lindgren is set for the first round, and hopefully doesn't fall like Novak, Fasching, Ambroz, etc..

Why does "hopefully" even apply? Hell... from a college perspective, Lindgren might end up more valuable to the Gophers if he was a 2nd/3rd round guy because he probably wouldn't get the pressure to leave after a year or two.

The reality is none of it matters in college. As I pointed out on GPL, Haula was a 7th rounder and Schmidt was undrafted. Was anybody going to complain about how they turned out? How about Kloos? Reilly was a 4th rounder. He sure sucked, right?

On the flip side, Michigan always has a lot of drafted guys and what the hell have they done lately other than get Red's blood pressure up when they bolt after a year or two? UND hasn't won a title in how many years despite having numerous 1st rounders in that time.

Anybody that focuses on the draft in developing an opinion on a guy's college value is more caught up in hype than anything.