Texas Stars and Prospects Thread

[The Frugal Gourmet]

They look about 12 years old to me.

[mookie1010]

I love how that comment is at the top of the page so we can just invent context for it.

[Knives Out]

Frugal finished +12 with one good point.

[ToddM]

Good write-up on Harley, who led the WJC in plus/minus and only gave up one goal all tourney (on the PK, deflected off his stick):

https://www.defendingbigd.com/2021/1/12 ... ors-canada

[ScubaSteve]

Meh. Not Miro = bust.

[cdanew]

Good write-up on Harley, who led the WJC in plus/minus and only gave up one goal all tourney (on the PK, deflected off his stick):

https://www.defendingbigd.com/2021/1/12 ... ors-canada

Yeah - I watched most of Canada's games with the twins. Didn't understand the dumping on Harley from the folks here. Given the way Canada's roster was so stacked at the forward position and the system they were playing (where the defense basically were told to get it to the forwards asap), I thought Harley played really well.

[wonko80]

I didn't watch the WJC, but to me if a player isn't noticeable really, then he's probably not going to make the NHL team at that young of an age.

[Troy McClure]

I didn't watch the WJC, but to me if a player isn't noticeable really, then he's probably not going to make the NHL team at that young of an age.

That was my takeaway both games I watched. Harley was just one of the defenders for Team Canada. If I didn't know his name and wasn't focusing on him, I'd have had nothing to say about him. And him getting no PP time hurt his chances of standing out. I don't have any idea what his future holds, but if he looks indistinguishable from any other player out there when playing against teenagers, then I think he's probably not jumping onto the NHL roster this season.

[Math]

Usually, not noticing a 3rd-pair defenseman means that he's making a good job.

[Troy McClure]

Usually, not noticing a 3rd-pair defenseman means that he's making a good job.

What does it say about a guy who is supposed to be a dynamic puck moving offensive d-man?

[cdanew]

Usually, not noticing a 3rd-pair defenseman means that he's making a good job.

What does it say about a guy who is supposed to be a dynamic puck moving offensive d-man?

See my comment about the system Canada ran. It was not designed to highlight the defensemen. (And he was a 2nd pairing D). Can you name any of the first pairing D without looking? Which one really stood out to you just based on the broadcast and tv commentary?

BTW, the first pairing D were (1) selected 4th overall in the 2019 draft when Harley was selected 19th, and (2) selected 6th overall in the 2020 draft.

Is Harley going to be Heiskanen? No. Can he be a better Stephen Johns (hopefully without the head issues)? Absolutely.

[B Kat]

It means he is listening to his coaches telling him to keep it simple and defend.

[BigAl]

I think he has lots of potential.

[slaps]

It means he is listening to his coaches telling him to keep it simple and defend.

Which is like the opposite of his actual skill set.

[B Kat]

It means he is listening to his coaches telling him to keep it simple and defend.

Which is like the opposite of his actual skill set.

In order to make it to the NHL, a player needs more than one skill. I saw the kid play. He was bad defensively. And if he was getting burned by kids his age, the NHL will eat him up. I'm heartened that he was plus 14 at the WJT.

[Math]

Usually, not noticing a 3rd-pair defenseman means that he's making a good job.

What does it say about a guy who is supposed to be a dynamic puck moving offensive d-man?

I'd say keeping the Klingberg ratio (fatal mistakes over decisive illuminations) under or equal to 1.

[Troy McClure]

Usually, not noticing a 3rd-pair defenseman means that he's making a good job.

What does it say about a guy who is supposed to be a dynamic puck moving offensive d-man?

See my comment about the system Canada ran. It was not designed to highlight the defensemen. (And he was a 2nd pairing D). Can you name any of the first pairing D without looking? Which one really stood out to you just based on the broadcast and tv commentary?

BTW, the first pairing D were (1) selected 4th overall in the 2019 draft when Harley was selected 19th, and (2) selected 6th overall in the 2020 draft.

Is Harley going to be Heiskanen? No. Can he be a better Stephen Johns (hopefully without the head issues)? Absolutely.

That Byram guy was the only other one I could name, but that's also because he was getting PP time where you could see him do some cool things with the puck.

That's mostly what I'm getting at. Harley didn't stand out because his role didn't allow it. He was a second pairing D-man who killed penalties. He might have done that fine, but those aren't the skills he was drafted for. It's a shame we didn't get to see what he could do on a PP.

[ScubaSteve]

Sorry but I’m out at “not Heiskanen”

[mookie1010]

It means he is listening to his coaches telling him to keep it simple and defend.

Which is like the opposite of his actual skill set.

Perfect for us, then.

[wonko80]

Usually, not noticing a 3rd-pair defenseman means that he's making a good job.

What does it say about a guy who is supposed to be a dynamic puck moving offensive d-man?

See my comment about the system Canada ran. It was not designed to highlight the defensemen. (And he was a 2nd pairing D). Can you name any of the first pairing D without looking? Which one really stood out to you just based on the broadcast and tv commentary?

BTW, the first pairing D were (1) selected 4th overall in the 2019 draft when Harley was selected 19th, and (2) selected 6th overall in the 2020 draft.

Is Harley going to be Heiskanen? No. Can he be a better Stephen Johns (hopefully without the head issues)? Absolutely.

I was just pointing out that he probably won't make the team this year. Those are for sure great skills to have, but if he was drafted for his more offensive prowess and displayed none of it during the tournament then he's not going to leapfrog Fedun or Pysk or whoever.

[B Kat]

If he can be counted on to not get torched AND he can move the puck, he will leapfrog Fedun, Pysyk or whoever. If he can't be trusted, he won't make the team.

[ToddM]

As long as he's 33 or older, Harley should be a lock for the third line.

[Knives Out]

LOL it is my Canadian opinion that Harley is not NHL ready yet eh.

[The Frugal Gourmet]

What Canadians call opinions we just call ham.

[Knives Out]

And combined we get the 'ol ham hock.