OT... Hockey/Wings question and UM hoops quetion
Couple of random questions. Don't get to discuss hockey out here.
Who on our hoops team might go pro? Poole? Teske? Iggy? Odds on Teske are low, I hope. If Iggy and Poole go pro, that will hurt.
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I don't follow hockey like I used to. Love the sport, just doesn't get much coverage out here. ESPN used to cover. Hope they will again. But my question...
Right now the Wings have 41pts and the worst team, 1st overall pick Senators, have 39 points. So if we should lose a couple more games and get 1st pick, it's Hughes and only Hughes for the Wings, right?
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Thanks
Go Blue!
January 15th, 2019 at 8:54 PM ^
I would rather not think about who will stay or go, but instead fully enjoy this team we have.
Wholehearted yes on Hughes.
January 15th, 2019 at 9:01 PM ^
this is 100% right on. I am going to enjoy every game. No need to even spend 1 minute thinking about anything but this team and this year.
Wing should trade anyone they can at the deadline (even for a used puck bag) with about 5 exceptions. and pray for the ping pong balls to fall their way so they can pick up Hughes.
Lose for Hughes!!!!
Good new is, no matter what happens Stevie Y will fix it all starting this summer.
January 15th, 2019 at 9:40 PM ^
If I wanted to tank in the NHL, I'd just put in a bad goalie.
January 15th, 2019 at 10:28 PM ^
Its amazing how hard teams play in front of a bad goalie.
January 16th, 2019 at 9:23 AM ^
by that measure, the wings have been tanking for years. :|
January 16th, 2019 at 11:22 AM ^
I know you are joking but I don't get the under-appreciation for Howard. He's actually having quite a good season and has mostly played well for the last few years. Maybe not elite but doing well.
January 16th, 2019 at 12:56 PM ^
100% agree. The issue is they're paying him like an elite goalie. Going to be a tough contract to move. On the bright side, like you said, he's having a great year and if a contender loses their starter then it may be perfect scenario for a trade
January 15th, 2019 at 8:56 PM ^
As far as the Wings, it depends who you ask. For the past year, it seems Jack Hughes was the automatic #1 pick. After the most recent World Juniors this past month, some people have his stock waning to #2 and Kaapo Kakko as the new #1 player.
I personally prefer a Center, so I would say Jack Hughes would be our preferred pick. But, YMMV and I think both are great players.
January 15th, 2019 at 9:01 PM ^
We got lucky in last years draft, iirc, a good center dropped to us, but we could use another, right?
January 15th, 2019 at 9:05 PM ^
Filip Zadina is a winger. But yes, things played out well to allow for Detroit to draft him, and they could definitely use the offense he could potentially provide. If I recall, their shots on goal this year is near bottom five to ten in the league
January 15th, 2019 at 9:12 PM ^
That's the player I was thinking of. Thought he was center.
I have to buy NHL package to get games. Hoping Wings can become competitive again, so its worth it.
Quick question... how are we on salaries? Money to spend? Thanks
January 15th, 2019 at 9:43 PM ^
There is a double post, however.
January 15th, 2019 at 9:56 PM ^
The Wings picked up Joe Veleno with the 30th pick. He's a centerman and was thought to be a top 15 pick by the analysts. The Wings couldn't believe he was there at 30. Granted it's Juniors, but he's sitting on 60 points in 33 games with a +/- of +37 (!) this season. Them's good numbers. We'll see where he is in a couple years.
January 16th, 2019 at 10:45 AM ^
Working off memory here, but I believe Veleno's junior team is just steamrolling everybody this year. Not that his numbers aren't impressive, but a little less so when every single guy on the team has an insane +/-.
(Edit: I had to check. Better than I remembered. One goal off the team lead. Leads team in assists and points. His +/- is 4th on the team, so that part was right. But he's definitely a top dog for Drummondville which is 33-9-1. http://theqmjhl.ca/stats/team_players/190/14)
January 16th, 2019 at 10:58 AM ^
Honestly, it's worth paying to watch them play this year. They aren't good by any stretch, but the kids can play, and are fun to watch.
Fill out one more line and pairing with quality youth, coach up a couple guys, get some experience, and these guys will be decent in a couple years.
January 15th, 2019 at 9:10 PM ^
Who are some people? Serious question. I have not seen anyone actual put KK in 1st despite saying how stong his world juniour was.
1 or 2 can't go wrong. He did look really good.
January 15th, 2019 at 9:28 PM ^
As if there is a choice, HaHa.
Kakko all day long!
January 16th, 2019 at 12:10 PM ^
I've seen the same ranking shift from the hockey draft people regarding Kakko...I think Wojo was discussing this the other week with Paul Woods on 97.1
January 15th, 2019 at 9:02 PM ^
Gotta be Hughes at #1... but remember it’s a lottery and worst record only has a 18% chance at the first pick and a coin flip at at top 3.
January 15th, 2019 at 9:05 PM ^
I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't know it was lottery.
January 15th, 2019 at 9:03 PM ^
The Wings also have to deal with the draft lottery. Finishing with the worst record only gives you a 18.5% chance of getting the #1 pick and a 49% chance of staying in the top 3.
January 15th, 2019 at 9:03 PM ^
I think it depends on the tourney. If Poole pulls a Divencenzo (who went from no draft stock to first round in a game), he will go. But I really think Iggy and Poole will come back next year.
Teske is a G league guy in my opinion. I'm rooting for him but I just don't see the NBA in his future. The NBA is such a hard league to make it in, and in my opinion it is far and away the hardest
January 15th, 2019 at 9:05 PM ^
Granted, poole does have some draft stock now and is a projected 2nd rounder by some. But he could play into a first rounder, so it would be worth his time to stay. I also feel like some of the Iggy hype has worn off a little and he doesn't have quite as much 1st round stock.
This is all fluid though.But I still think Iggy and Poole should come back unless they are sure fire first rounders
January 15th, 2019 at 9:08 PM ^
Thanks. I feel like I know a little more about UM hoops than hockey.
I think Teske's huge frame and being coached on fundamentals is a big plus. He can hit the outside shot, like he did in HS from what I read. Inside/outside guy 7 footer? I think he can make to the NBA. Not sure though.
January 15th, 2019 at 9:05 PM ^
Hoops: Everyone's too short and too small for the NBA.
Hockey: Yes on Hughes. If we finish second in the lottery, Kakko would be a nice consolation prize.
January 15th, 2019 at 9:12 PM ^
I still think hughes would be the #1 pick. Yes he is small, but the kid is so freaking smart. He is fast, great passer, and has an average shot. He will definitely grow into being a great player over the years. I think he will start in the AHL tho.
January 15th, 2019 at 10:21 PM ^
He’s not starting in the AHL. If he was drafted #1 overall, he’d still be under 20, therefore be required to play Juniors/College until he was 20.
Regardless, he’s playing in the league day 1. He would play on the Wings right now if he was allowed.
January 15th, 2019 at 10:58 PM ^
The 20-year-old rule only applies to players drafted out of the CHL. Hughes will be drafted out of the NTDP, so he is eligible to play in the AHL whenever.
January 16th, 2019 at 6:40 AM ^
That’s what I thought. I believe that only applies to CHL players. College and teams outside NA can go to the AHL.
I think he needs to add some size and strength in the lower body against the bigger players of the NHL. We are seeing with Zadina how different juniors/college is from the NHL.
January 16th, 2019 at 9:30 AM ^
Did Zadina not play Canadian Juniors last year? He went to the A and not back to the Mooses.. Meece? is the Quebec league not subject to that rule or is there some other rule that he fell under?
January 16th, 2019 at 11:29 AM ^
I believe Zadina was a bit of a special case because he was a Czech player and there was a real question if he would be "A" eligible. But it was determined in his favor so the Wings has the option of putting him in GR.
January 15th, 2019 at 9:12 PM ^
Matthews is gone.
Iggy has come back down to earth a little bit, I personally don't think he has the athletic ability to be a long term NBA guy. Not trying to knock him but I'm not sure how well his game translates. He seems to have an 'old man' / below the rim game, like a poor man's Paul Pierce. To me, if he picks it up he's one of the guys who should leave sooner than later if he wants to be paid. Sometimes guys who stick around get scouted to death and their nits are picked.
Poole needs to be more consistent. He's shooting better than early in the season but his scoring output is not as steady as it could be. Ball handling could improve as well but I think he can become a good shot creator for himself and others. He could be a really good end of shot clock option next year.
I would be flabbergasted if Teske leaves but holy crap would it be amazing to see him play well enough to get there.
January 15th, 2019 at 9:19 PM ^
If Michigan plays well enough and dominates to where Iggy/Poole/Teske (although I really don't see NBA in Teskes future) all declare after winning a title, I won't be the slightest bit disappointed. There would definitely be a dropoff next year, but they would deliver and championship and make their ultimate dream come true.
January 15th, 2019 at 9:17 PM ^
Eh, wrong on the wings. Kappo kakko looks really good and is more NHL ready. Hughes ceiling is higher but kakko’s floor is a lot higher. I would be fine with either one of them. Especially if we pick second then the choice is taken out of your hands. That way if one ends up way better, you had no choice. It’s essentially those two and then everyone else. Not quite mcdavid and eichel level, but like Patrick and hischier level.
January 15th, 2019 at 9:19 PM ^
I have a feeling the Wings will get screwed in the lottery. Having said that, I’m all in on the lose for Hughes train. IMO Despite how bad their blue line is, another top scoring center is needed more.
January 15th, 2019 at 9:22 PM ^
quetion
anser
January 15th, 2019 at 9:27 PM ^
Situational Awareness Abilities = Oblivious pic.twitter.com/yjMM07VrZU
— ?CORY? (@Cory_1077) January 15, 2019
January 15th, 2019 at 9:34 PM ^
Dang it. Practicing embedding tweets and thought I was way down the page where no one would view thread again.
My bad.
January 15th, 2019 at 9:27 PM ^
Lose for Hughes! The Wings do have pieces for a good, young core. Cholowski looks like a keeper and Larkin is maturing and competing every night. Berruzzi is a pest. If AA and Mantha can figure out what ‘every night’ means, throw in Zadina and Veleno and you have something.
Poole has what Brazdeikis and especially Teske do not have—wiggle. Brazdeikis is more of a straight line drive guy. Teske is just a hair above earth-bound. Iggy can get there. Teske is a role player.
January 15th, 2019 at 9:33 PM ^
The impact of a #1 overall NHL pick does not have same impact as NFL?
January 15th, 2019 at 10:35 PM ^
Correct. Age likely also plays a major factor here. Drafting kids at 18 versus 21-22 is a big difference.
January 16th, 2019 at 7:50 AM ^
RE: Mantha and AA.
Don’t fall for the “consistency” garbage from Blashill and his slurp lackeys: Helene and Khan.
Abdelkader has scored one goal in his last 30+ games and routinely logs 20 minutes of ice time per game. Hronek, who has scored 5 points in 5 games, was scratched last night to make room with Dekeyser coming back, while Ericsson brings absolutely nothing on a nightly basis.
Until the same accountability of producing “every night” is applied to the vets AND the young guys, you should side-eye anyone who brings up the consistency argument.
January 16th, 2019 at 2:29 PM ^
Ericsson might be the worst player in the league. No idea how he still has a job.
January 15th, 2019 at 9:38 PM ^
I would say mattews and Iggy have the best shot. Teske has less than a 10% chance of getting drafted at this point. Regardless we have 2 more recruits coming in next season including the three 4 star freshman currently sitting on the bench. Michigan basketball is in good hands for at least the next 2 seasons
January 15th, 2019 at 9:45 PM ^
Wings will take Hughes if they're #1, but Kakko would be a nice consolation prize.
Unfortunately, with our luck, we'll end up with the third pick and miss out on both, Holland and Blashill will sign matching 4-year contract extensions, and Steve Yzerman will be named GMi of the new Seattle franchise.
Iggy and Poole are both gone as first round locks. Matthews gets taken mid-second round.
January 15th, 2019 at 10:17 PM ^
No one on the basketball team is ready for the NBA
But, like many before them who were also not ready (Hardaway, Robinson, Burke, Harris, Stauskas, Levert, McGary, Wagner, DJ,) Three will go: Matthews, Iggy, Poole.
They will flail about helplessly, like the others, for several years, and get many threads here on the odd night they manage to actually score baskets in the right hoop for as many as 10 points, and everyone will shout about how Michigan gets players ready for the Big Time.
January 15th, 2019 at 10:29 PM ^
This is true. Levert, in my opinion, is the only that has true all star potential. Hardaway really is a bit of a ball hog and gets 20 points frequently because of it (I only say that because he's the one people fawn over a lot).
That being said, the NBA is incredibly hard to make it into. The fact that most the guys Beilein gets are in the 60-150 range in terms of ranking, it is quite incredible that he gets guys into the NBA often. A lot of people forget that most of the stars in the NBA we're top recruits and lottery picks. There's only so much that Beilein or the guys can do
January 15th, 2019 at 10:39 PM ^
On hockey. The NHL has a draft lottery like the NBAs. It isn’t quite as weighted as the NBAs so teams from far down can and do win it.
Having said that, I also want the Wings to lose.
As far as Hughes goes, he didn’t have a great WJC so he may have slipped a bit in the draft order.
January 16th, 2019 at 12:38 AM ^
Hughes is definitely not falling down the board. I watched the games. He was dynamic. He's going first overall to whomever wins the lottery.