Gabriel Landeskog, RW– Kitchener Rangers (OHL)Not only is Landeskog the first European captain in Kitchener's illustrious history, but he earned the ‘C’ by doing all the things leaders need to do, not just by being a high-scoring winger. The Swedish national throws stiff hits, blocks shots and even fights when the time is right. All part of the job, according to him.
"It's about doing whatever it takes to win the game," Landeskog said. "If I have to drop the gloves to protect a teammate, that's what I'm going to do. And blocking shots is a big part of our penalty kill."
Landeskog is in his second OHL season and with this being his draft year, the initial foray allowed him to get his feet wet in the North American game. With no learning curve to navigate, he's proven to be a quick study with 36 points in 24 games this year, putting him among the top-15 in the league.
"I think I'm a strong, powerful guy," Landeskog said. "I have a good shot, I know how to score and I have good speed down low and know how to protect the puck and play physical."
The Swede, who speaks English with no accent, considers his language skill just another element to be efficient at.
"I try to do little things, like watch movies without subtitles," he said.
Plus, some of the other Rangers have him listening to country music. Hits, fights and country? Guess Landeskog is just another good ol' boy. Draft eligible in 2011.
over 1 year ago
BCISLEMAN
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Getting us ready for plan B (or C), huh?
There’s going to be some good talent through at least 10 so I don’t think we need to worry about not getting a difference maker.
I definitely like Landeskog’s attitude. He seems like someone who will constantly want to improve himself and put in the effort to make it work. He also has a tough streak that would make him a fan favorite. My biggest concern might be that he seems too similar to KO. I know our right side looks horrible right now but next season you have KO, likely Nino (unless he’s moved back to LW) & possibly either or both Kirills. I’d be happy with the pick I’m just not sure if that’s the guy the team would pick.
There is a lighthouse at the end of the tunnel.
I'm sure Landeskog would be able to be worked into the lineup.
Nino can play both wings, and I think Landeskog can play both wings too(given his Lefty playing RW style). So fitting him in wouldn’t be a problem. Can’t go wrong with drafting him, but as I’ve stated before, a big young d-man is what this team needs more then anything else(goalscoring should be aided by KO + JT + JB being a year older + Moulson and maybe even nino. And streit coming back next year too.). Larsson would be perfect for us, but if he’s off the board when we draft, it’s either draft a promising winger(another center would be a dreadful idea) or trade down and draft a big top 4 shutdown d-man that we need.
Go isles or Go home.
That's why I would not go with Couturier
If, say, we were 2nd and AL was drafted first I would try to trade down, still grab Landeskog or Hamilton, etc. and get something extra in return. Center is our deepest position. With 75% of the season remaining it’s hard to project what we will be picking and it is entirely possible someone’s stock will rise (possibly at the World Juniors like Nino). As long as we don’t pull a Dylan McIlrath we should have a good player one way or another.
There is a lighthouse at the end of the tunnel.
Couturier is just too good
We would have to shuffle things in a way that we wouldn’t for Larsson and I would prefer Larsson, but Couturier is the next guy. With talent like that, you draft the guy and worry after about how he’ll fit. He could be top center with JT on LW and either Ox or Nino on RW. Move Matt to second line LW with Josh and either Ox or Nino.
Larsson is the first choice in my view, Couturier the second, and Landeskog the third. If they are all gone, I would go with David Musil or Sven Bartschi, Nino’s countryman and Portland teammate who is tearing up the WHL this year.
I don't want couturier because the center overload. It just doesn't make sense.
We have a young JT and a young Bailey. Both top 9 centers, Bailey if he never matures fully may fall from a 2nd line center to a 3rd, but him and JT are 95%+ likely not leaving this organization for a while. Then we have Nielsen whom is very important to this organization and not old at all. Then we have schremp whom could stay on this team as a center on the 4th line or even a forward whom could fill in for center. Then we have . It just sounds like a complete disaster drafting couturier because the lack of spots to put him(unless you are keen on trading JT/Bailey?). I am in no way forcing one of my centers to play wing, especially considering the nhl time JT and Bailey have played the center position, they’ve looked great(given the circumstances). And why would you move JT in spite of Couturier? Couturier is a young unproven prospect while JT was one of the highest touted center/forward prospects in a while(whom had a very solid and promising rookie season on a young unexperienced team). NO WAY I’m swapping JT out of center for a draft prospect with potential.
Just to make this clear, I NEVER see JT moving from center to winger. It doesn’t make any sense at all. He plays like a center with great hands/vision in the offensive zone, he is getting stronger, he is getting better defensively, he is becoming a better skater, he has an amazing hockey iq, and he’s a good-great faceoff guy(and getting better at it). He’s always been a center and he is the most skilled(albeit a bit raw) player on the team. Wouldn’t you want you most intelligent and most skilled forward at his natural center position?
Go isles or Go home.
I agree, I'd trade down if Larsson is off the board and we have a #2.
I honestly want a d-man. Couturier is a great talent, but I don’t see/hear that much difference between him and landeskog(whom can play both sides) and I’d prefer Hamilton or Musil over both from a needs standpoint(but wouldn’t be dissappointed at drafting a forward). Plus, as you stated, we would also highly likely get another 2nd rounder and maybe even a 3rd/4th too. I like that route over drafting couturier 2 for all the reasons you stated.
Go isles or Go home.
its a trusim with drafting that you always go with the best player available
I am not a scout, but one report after another from those who are and have seen them play has Couturier along with Larsson as the best two players in the draft. If we have one of the top two picks, and with Edmonton’s win tonight, the Devils are the only team within five points of us, we have to come away with either Larsson or Couturier.
Of course, that picture may change a bit and its not impossible that a deal could be made that would be worthwhile, but, as a rule, when you can draft someone like Couturier, you do it. There are different ways the lines could be shuffled. Maybe you trade Frans and move Josh down to third line. Honestly I see no problem with JT playing wing. I am more concerned about breaking up his chemistry with Matt. There was thought on this blog that Wang might not spring for the pay raise Frans would want next year anyway. So maybe you trade Frans and move Josh to third line. But I can guarantee you that Garth will not trade down with a chance to draft a player like Couturier.
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1981-82
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