Eichel-McDavid Question

[Kyle]

I was watching some highlight videos of both of these guys and I'm curious what everyone else thinks. I didn't see a single game of the WJC other than just some of the highlights. I'm curious to hear from some of you guys who have actually seen one or the other play in person. Yes I can read the scouting reports and so on but I'm more interested in a fans perspective.

Just from what I've watched in the videos it seems to me like Eichel is a much faster skater.

Anyone?

 

[newfiecomicguy1]

I have watched lots of their games on tv and have to disagree, McDavid is faster, he has world class speed with and without the puck. I think both will be solid Nhl stars but I think McDavid is a Franchise changer like Crosby and Tavares. I think the big D from the US is also a stud who will change a team. The in drafted Russian WJ captain could also be a steal for a team. Big, fast and tough certainly a standout at the tournament.

 

[tiger tiger]

I have watched lots of their games on tv and have to disagree, McDavid is faster, he has world class speed with and without the puck. I think both will be solid Nhl stars but I think McDavid is a Franchise changer like Crosby and Tavares. I think the big D from the US is also a stud who will change a team. The in drafted Russian WJ captain could also be a steal for a team. Big, fast and tough certainly a standout at the tournament.

The team USA dman you're talking about is Hanafin?

Gavrikov for the Russians? The defenseman?

 

[3rdlinewinger]

McDavid will be better in the long run no doubt. However Eichel is a stud as well. Just a little further away than Connor is.

 

[newfiecomicguy1]

Yes sir, surprised that someone didn't take a chance on Gavrikov. I understand that a lot of teams stay away from Russian players because of the K league but he is a big strong player.

The team USA dman you're talking about is Hanafin?

Gavrikov for the Russians? The defenseman?

 

[TheGriceBoys]

I think Eichel will be equal to the "task" of staying on a level with McDavid. Eichel reminds me a little of Seguin.

McDavid reminds me of Duchene.

Noah Hanifin is a really good D prospect, excited to see him play.

 

[timber09]

McDavid will be better in the long run no doubt.

Not quite sure how you can say "no doubt" when it comes to any 17/18 year old player.

I honestly think that both are can't miss prospects and, from what I have seen, Hanafin could truly be the steal of this draft if/when he falls to three or potentially lower depending on who is drafting (no way Edmonton ever drafts a d-man...hahahahah...sorry).

Eichel has the potential to be a big, physical, scorer - I honestly see a lot of Malkin in him when he plays. Certainly is still young and has a tendancy to overhandle the puck a bit but I think that happens when you have been as successful as he has. He's leading the NCAA in scoring and started the season as a 17 year old - that is crazy to think about.

McDavid is rediculous as well - 2.5 points per game is rec league type numbers. About the same size as Eichel and seems (based on what I have seen) to have a little more polish to his game through all three zones.

Either way - whoever finishes last gets one of these guys - and I think both are likely franchise players.

The talent both of these kids show is insane, the only thing that both have proven is that their work eithic and competitive nature outshine their talent - to me, that is the most impressive commodity they bring to the table. Jonathan Toews similarities in both of them.

 

[30ranfordfan]

I'll offer my opinion of the two, but I have only seen Eichel on TV at the WJC (I have seen McDavid in person a couple of times).

You want the real truth?

The "race" to be the #1 overall pick is a fabrication of the media, because without a race, there isn't anything to talk about.

McDavid will be the top pick, and the better player of the two. There is no more of a debate as to who should be picked, than there was in the Tavares or Stamkos years.... in that any question of who would be taken #1, it was entirely written by media who had nothing else to talk about.

Don't get me wrong, Eichel looks like he'll turn out to be a very good player. There are other years where he would be a #1 overall pick. McDavid looks like the kind of player that hasn't come along since Crosby, who was the kind of player that hadn't come along since Lindros. That's the level of prospect McDavid is... and I'm sorry to anyone that thinks there's even some question of it.

 

[Leafsfan1967]

I went to see McDavid play 2 Saturdays ago when Erie was in Barrie to play the Colts. He didn't really have a standout game, like he's capable of, but when he decides to go, he has explosive jump, and superior puck handling skills that will make NHL defenseman look silly in years to come.

I was very impressed with teammate Dylan Strome, who had a much better game that night than Connor, and I watched him very close, because he's likely gonna be there when my Leafs draft this summer. I would be thrilled if they got him, should the top couple be gone at their turn. McDavid will be an NHL star, I have no doubt in my mind.

Another player that had a great game was #23 McDermid. He was on every other shift, and played on the specialty teams. This guy is a giant. I'm gonna have to check into him. He was impressive that night, and played a ton.

Erie has a huge team, and very skilled, they could definitely win the OHL title this year, if they get on a roll.