Minnesota Gophers Offseason Thread 2014 - Quick, Reload!

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offseason Thread 2014 - Quick, Reload!

So now we're counting them out if they don't get drafted? I only wish the Union players knew their proper roles last season.

Doesn't the U get bonus points for number of drafted players?

My point about the draft is, with MN players, we have plenty of chance to judge expectations before they arrive with all the news we get. But when we take a foreigner that we never heard of before MN got his commitment, we would like to think that we are giving him a spot because he is so good he will have an immediate impact, like the last couple Europeans. And seeing him drafted high, while no assurance of how he will play, gives us fans a confirmation that others think he has tons of potential, besides the quotes we hear from Gopher staff saying how happy they are. Not a big deal either way, but it is nice to see. That is all.

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offseason Thread 2014 - Quick, Reload!

Ryan Collins Post-NHL Pick Interview.

 

[Hammy]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offseason Thread 2014 - Quick, Reload!

But when we take a foreigner that we never heard of before MN got his commitment, we would like to think that we are giving him a spot because he is so good he will have an immediate impact, like the last couple Europeans.

Not sure Haula really makes your point for you. He wasn't all that far from going undrafted himself. 7th rounders are a crapshoot.

Not to mention, Vanek/Haula had the luxury of playing in the U.S. beforehand so they weren't completely unknown either. Even before they committed there was plenty of chatter about them.

If I were a player, I'd rather go undrafted and take my shot as a UFA than be a 7th rounder and have only one option.

Nate Schmidt... another undrafted kid. Turned out OK.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offseason Thread 2014 - Quick, Reload!

But when we take a foreigner that we never heard of before MN got his commitment, we would like to think that we are giving him a spot because he is so good he will have an immediate impact, like the last couple Europeans. And seeing him drafted high, while no assurance of how he will play, gives us fans a confirmation that others think he has tons of potential, besides the quotes we hear from Gopher staff saying how happy they are.

Don't know where you're coming from on this...but my assumption is that you may not be aware of Mr. Bristedt's credentials. There are others here that are skeptical...so I will give a bit of background from a reputable source OTB.net:

In fact, Bristedt could actually be one of the biggest commits out of Europe yet, as he really breaks the mold – this isn’t a skater who was doing “pretty good” overseas. He’s leading Sweden’s top U20 circuit as an 18 year old (our closest equivalent would be the USHL, but most players there move right on to pro teams) with 17 goals and 15 assists in 32 games, but arguably more important: he’s been on the radar for a long time. Bristedt has been skating internationally for the Tre Kronor since 2010, and was putting up serious points back then, too. In the 2012 World U17′s, he led the entire tournament in goal-scoring (7 in 6 games), well-outperforming prospects including Jonathan Drouin (CHL MVP, 3rd 2013 NHL pick overall), Sam Reinhart (2nd 2014 NHL pick overall), Leon Draisatl (3rd 2014 NHL pick overall), and JT Compher (Big Ten's 5th leading scorer as just a freshman) - not to forget future teammate Hudson Fasching. That touches on what’s probably the biggest storyline of Bristedt’s decision to head to Minneapolis: his decision not to go pro right now.

http://overtheboards.net/isnt-it-obvious-red-hot-recruiting/

 

[state of hockey]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offseason Thread 2014 - Quick, Reload!

Well the Wild now have four former Gophers after adding Vanek and Bickel today. I doubt Bickel will see much time.

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offseason Thread 2014 - Quick, Reload!

Bickel was another undrafted Gopher who after his freshman season was pursued by Anaheim in 2008 and signed a three year deal. Never thought I'd see him in a Wild uni. Some interesting names on this CHART of undrafted NHL talent and dark horse NHL selections.

 

[D2D]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offseason Thread 2014 - Quick, Reload!

I don't know about you guys, but given the likely return of all of last year's players + the quality of the incoming class I don't recall ever being as optimistic about the prospects of any Gopher squad as I am about this one. Yes, some things like injuries can and probably will occur along the way, but certainly along with all the talent it would appear that we'll have the needed depth to overcome most anything that should get into the way. While it's way to early to make any predictions this should be a VERY good season for Gopher men's hockey.

 

[Bonin21]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offseason Thread 2014 - Quick, Reload!

If Rau comes back I'll be that optimistic.

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offseason Thread 2014 - Quick, Reload!

THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN. Only 100 days until Gopher Hockey...RAH!

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offseason Thread 2014 - Quick, Reload!

I don't know about you guys, but given the likely return of all of last year's players + the quality of the incoming class I don't recall ever being as optimistic about the prospects of any Gopher squad as I am about this one. Yes, some things like injuries can and probably will occur along the way, but certainly along with all the talent it would appear that we'll have the needed depth to overcome most anything that should get into the way. While it's way to early to make any predictions this should be a VERY good season for Gopher men's hockey.

Indeed...my guess is with Florida signing Grimaldi to an ELC, Rau will stay another season. Grimaldi will probably start with the San Antonio Rampage, but as in the case of Vincent Trocheck (another smaller player @ 5'8") this past season – if Grimaldi excels, he may get called up as well.

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offseason Thread 2014 - Quick, Reload!

“The best thing I’ve done in my career so far was win the NCAA championship with the Gophers. So to be a part of the Wild now and go after the big prize and having a chance to do it in Minnesota is beyond my WILDest dreams.” - Thomas Vanek

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offseason Thread 2014 - Quick, Reload!

Personally never thought Brady Skjei was a flight risk but he confirmed his return to the Gophers today.

 

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offseason Thread 2014 - Quick, Reload!

Personally never thought Brady Skjei was a flight risk but he confirmed his return to the Gophers today.

Yeah, seems like there was a quote from him a month or so ago that made it sound he had already decided that. Was surprised to see the quote in the paper confirming it.

 

[Hammy]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offseason Thread 2014 - Quick, Reload!

Skjei was more of a risk than is being discussed here. The NYR wanted him to sign. They made that clear. Fortunately, he's patient.

Grimaldi's signing is irrelevant to Rau's decision. If Grimaldi was any kind of a key factor, Rau already would have made his decision and the school would have announced it. He'll decide after their prospect camp.

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offseason Thread 2014 - Quick, Reload!

Yeah, seems like there was a quote from him a month or so ago that made it sound he had already decided that. Was surprised to see the quote in the paper confirming it.

You're probably referring to this quote in the Trib:

“It’d be nice if everyone could come back for another year,” defenseman Brady Skjei said. “If we get everyone back and make another run, that’d be awesome. That’s one thing I’d like to do, and that could affect my decision.”

From that quote, it appeared to me as well that he was leaning towards staying on for another season.

 

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offseason Thread 2014 - Quick, Reload!

Skjei was more of a risk than is being discussed here. The NYR wanted him to sign. They made that clear. Fortunately, he's patient.

Grimaldi's signing is irrelevant to Rau's decision. If Grimaldi was any kind of a key factor, Rau already would have made his decision and the school would have announced it. He'll decide after their prospect camp.

I thought I remember when he got here that someone commented he had an attitude about being a high draft choice towards teammates. If true, good to see that he has grown out of that and is valuing his time with friends and the chance to have a special year with this team. Maybe reading the quote from Vanek about winning the NC helped.

 

[Handyman]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offseason Thread 2014 - Quick, Reload!

Doesn't the U get bonus points for number of drafted players?

My point about the draft is, with MN players, we have plenty of chance to judge expectations before they arrive with all the news we get. But when we take a foreigner that we never heard of before MN got his commitment, we would like to think that we are giving him a spot because he is so good he will have an immediate impact, like the last couple Europeans. And seeing him drafted high, while no assurance of how he will play, gives us fans a confirmation that others think he has tons of potential, besides the quotes we hear from Gopher staff saying how happy they are. Not a big deal either way, but it is nice to see. That is all.

Hasnt this staff earned enough clout over the years for you to trust that if they decided to bring him in they just might know what they are doing? No offense but I will trust our coaches over the NHL GMs when it comes to who should play for my favorite team.

 

[ShotFromThePoint]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offseason Thread 2014 - Quick, Reload!

From what I've been hearing, I think we will be getting some good news on Rau's decision.

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offseason Thread 2014 - Quick, Reload!

From what I've been hearing, I think we will be getting some good news on Rau's decision.

I'd be surprised if the Cats sign Rau at this time. A lot of buzz about Grimaldi's speed and agility after the first day of camp...Rau not so much.

Is Grimaldi's signing "irrelevant"? I don't think so. If a player, who was drafted higher in the same year, plays your position with the same small stature, skill and intensity level (IMO Grimaldi > Rau) signs an ELC before you...it's not "irrelevant". How relevant it is remains to be seen.

However, Rau made it clear nearly 6 weeks ago he was in no hurry to make his decision regardless of the circumstances:

“No one has left yet, which is important,” Rau said. “There’s no pressure between the guys to make a decision. The guys know the goal here is to play at the next level. … I’m not trying to set a deadline or anything, it’s a big decision. I don’t want to rush into anything, and you don’t want to keep everyone waiting.”

 

[Hammy]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offseason Thread 2014 - Quick, Reload!

Well Harley, if there is one thing I think I have proven oodles of times over the years, it is that I don't heavily rely on newspaper articles or speculation when it comes my comments on such topics. They come from interacting with people that are in touch with these situations.

Let's face it, Kyle isn't competing with just one player to be a future pro. He's competing with many guys. What one other guy does with his career isn't going to influence Kyle's choices. Look no further than his own history. I'll remind you that Kyle stuck around his HS team rather than accelerate his development at higher levels of hockey (like a number of his peers did by going to junior hockey or the USNTDP) for this very same reason. Kyle is a leader, not a follower. He's never been the type to worry about others in that way. If he comes away from the camp thinking he should go pro, I can guarantee it will be based on how he felt he performed and what FL gave him for feedback. It won't be based on what any other individual prospect is/has done.