Actually, he’s ahead of the curve, physically. His only elite “skill” is that he reached maturity before his contemporaries. He was playing against kids who barely have hair on their legs, meanwhile he’s already going bald. Seriously. He’s a lot closer to his ceiling than almost anyone else taken in the first round.
I agree but maybe just 1 depending how he does this year. But it sounds like they putting him in the AHL. I kinda like that because he'll get time with other prospects like korchinski, del mastro, nazar, allan, dach, etc. Either path I like. I just hope he doesn't play in nhl this year that's rushing him and ruining development.
he wasn't the best D in the draft. Buium and Parekh will be better. He's big skates well and is right handed. None of his skills are elite like Demidov.
@@rayvolk9662Levshunov was an early bloomer so he might be “big” compared to some others in his class, but he’s actually not that big by NHL defense standards (6’1.75”/205#). He’s already done most of his growing physically. He’ll really be challenged by true NHL size and by his classmates as they catch up and pass him physically.
Demidov hasn't been tested in his life. Put up highlights in a league worse than the CHL and Russia wasn't allowed to compete in the WJC. The skating is a problem and if he doesn't fix it, he's going to get flattened every other entry attempt (which is why he didn't play in the KHL against actual grown men). His hands are absolutely elite, but it doesn't help much if you can't dodge checks at the blue line or outspeed the backcheck...neither of which is something in his toolbox at the moment. The 2 points per game in the MHL looks insane until you realize that Ryabkin (who's projected to go top 5 in the next draft) put up 1.3 points per game as a 16 year old (2 whole ass years younger than Demidov). He's also getting KHL minutes next year while still being a year younger than Demidov was in their respective draft seasons. There's a reason Michkov/Ryabkin had or will get KHL run at Demidov's age (or younger with Ryabkin) and Demidov didn't and it's definitely the skating. I wanted Demidov because the ceiling is insane, but he could very easily bust as well if the skating doesn't come around. He isn't some guaranteed Kucherov-level player like social media would have you believe...if he was, he'd have gone before Celebrini lmao.
I will always love Kaner as a Hawk, but Davidson has made it clear that he’s looking forward, not back. I think he wants to be responsible for building the next dynasty
Not low ceiling his ceiling is also high too. But just not what demidov had for a ceiling. Levshunov could either be a top4 dman or a 30 minutes a night guy you rely on in every scenario. I wanted demidov but I absolutely understand the pick. A dman, right shot guy who plays physical, fast. He can play defense too but he needs to be more consistent there.
The number two pick should play in the NHL, no? I hate this process of drafted players not being ready for 1-3+ years. It seems ridiculous. By the time these guys show up in Chicago, Bedards rookie contract will be up. I figure he’s not going anywhere, but the franchise has to compete soon
It doesn’t mean if a player is a number two pick, that he would play in the nhl. It depends on the type of player, does the team feel ready or do they start him.
Defenseman take time. It’s not fair to expect an 18 year old defenseman to play against the best players in the world night after night. Owen Power was the #1 pick in 2021 and still played college another year
