After reading in a post today on TSN, it was identified that Taylor will not attend the summer evaluation camp for Hockey Canada. By skipping the camp by rule, he will be ineligible to play in Buffalo this Christmas. Which in turn basically states he will be playing top six minutes in Edmonton come this fall. Is this a good thing for both parties? Is Hall ready for a young and inexperienced season in Edmonton, where losing (something he is NOT used too) will be a regular occurrence. Also with Canada losing the WJHC for the first time in 5 years is this something Hockey Canada would like to see?
Never the less the decision has been made and Hall will be in the Oilers lineup. The question now remains what fantasy impact will he have come this season. There is no doubt he will be a star in this league, and if you are in a keeper league then Hall may be on your radar in the early rounds. Most fantasy league are year to year, so the issue becomes do you draft him in the higher rounds like many people did with Tavares or do they wait and see and make a waiver claim like many did with Howard, Myers and Duchese? Wait a minute, weren’t those 3 players all finalist for the Calder this year. Where was Tavares? All that hype…… what did it amount to; a lot of frustrated owners come the later stages of the fantasy season.
So how do we view Hall? I think you have too look for something along the lines of a Tavares. A highly touted player being drafted by a league doormat, then making the team the very next year. Like Hall, Tavares as we know was draft by the Islanders who would not be mistaken for a playoff team in the near future. Had very little in support and thus his play suffered as the year went on. When an unknown like Matt Moulson scores 30 goals…..enough said.
Hall will have some talent around him in Eberle, Cogliano, Gagner and Hemsky, but outside of Hemsky the others are young unproven players who are still trying to find there way. So yes Hall will see significant power play time and late game minutes, but expect the wear of a bad Oiler season to take its toll. He may end with a 50 point 20 goal season, but that is not what you expect when draft a player in the 1st 5 rounds as many hype driven fantasy players will do.
What the hell does this have to do with the Leafs?
Edmonton wins cup in 2014 after lockout.
yeah buddy, i wouldnt be surprised if the isles make the playoffs this year.
Not sure if the Isles are strong enough at least this year, mabie 2011/2012?
we'll see. their biggest weakness was defense and they got two top 4 dmen so us isles fans are optimistic. we were only 9 points out of it last year.
A big reason the Oil finished dead last was the near 600 man games lost to injury. A lot of people pegged em to finish 10-12th in the conference last year. With the changes tambs made thus far, and if injuries stay away for the most part you could see the Oil finish as high as 8th in the conference, but most likely aound 10-12th.
I also disagree with you on the Islanders. They very likely could finish the season with a playoff birth. i would be a little surprised if they don't.
Al in all, a good blog though. Hall should not play for Canada at the WJC. He's proved all he can at that level, and should pass the torch to someone else.
I want another Manics blog.
johnny t had like 55 points that aint bad for a rookie.
Like Hall, Tavares as we know was draft by the Islanders who would not be mistaken for a playoff team in the near future. Had very little in support and thus his play suffered as the year went on. When an unknown like Matt Moulson scores 30 goals…..enough said.So because you don't know the players, they must not be very good? While I agree that the Islanders will not make the playoffs, I feel your assessment on why is flawed.
Edit, sorry for the exclusion of quotations. I noticed it and tried to fix it, I am encountering some problems due to my web browser. Thanks for your understanding.
He'll have more than 20 goals and more than 50 points. I guarantee it. I was right on (rookie pt totals) with JT, MD, Hedman and Stamkos, I dont think I'll be wrong with Hall.
people get confused with how rookies should come in now. ovechkin, crosby and malkin screwed everyones standards.
hall will get 31 goals and 32 assists for 63 points. you heard it here first