Presenting: The Top 50 NHL Franchise Cornerstones *6-8*

redsoxsuck05 · Joined: 16 Jan 2008 Posts: 7537 Location: LI

Very disappointed the Islanders took Strome over Couturier.

Strome is a smallish project who only had one great season and he regressed this year. SC was exactly what we needed and still need--a big two-way center who can chip in 65-75 points and play in all situations.
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BirdsFan06050 · Joined: 02 Jan 2007 Posts: 18083

BirdsFan06050 · Joined: 02 Jan 2007 Posts: 18083

40. Loui Eriksson, RW, Stars

Often overlooked and underappreciated by the national media, Eriksson is nonetheless one of the league's very best all-around wingers. A very intelligent hockey player, the Swedish-born forward is positionally sound and an asset at both ends of the ice for the Stars. There's no real aspect of his game that really stands out when you watch him play, rather he's solid across the board, whether it be his hands, playmaking abilities, skating, or strength. Perhaps my favorite characteristic of Eriksson's game is his ability create offensive zone time through his puck possession skills, much in the same mold as fellow Scandinavian players Henrik Zetterberg or Keri Lehtonen.

A model of consistency, Eriksson has posted 3 straight 70+ point seasons since his 2009 breakout campaign. He's become a safe bet for 30 goals-30 assists every season, and I don't see that changing anytime soon now that he's firmly established himself on the Stars' top line and PP unit. In 2012, Eriksson provided his usual 71 points while ranking 2nd on the club in on-ice goals for per 60 minutes with a 3.31 mark. While he may be better than several players ahead of him on the list at this point in time, I felt this was an appropriate placement for the Swedish forward due to his age and limited upside moving forward. What you see right now is pretty much what you're going to get, and Dallas fans should certainly pleased with his production to date.

Offensive Upside - B+
Defensive Upside - B+

Eriksson's postage stamp

39. Ryan McDonagh, D, Rangers

Enough has already been made about the trade that brought the young American blueliner over to New York in exchange for Scott Gomez, so I'll just stick to analyzing his talent and production. Taken 12th overall by the Canadiens in the 2007 draft, McDonagh had his ups and downs in college hockey, where he played for the University of Wisconsin. At 6'1, 200 pounds, the most notable elements of his game are his mobility, positioning, and defensive awareness. Few defenseman in the league possess such poise and tremendous skating ability, and despite putting up average offensive numbers in college, McDonagh has already shown he can certainly chip in offensively at the highest level too.

Thriving under coach Tortorella's defensive structure and system, McDonagh had a monster-esque year in just his sophomore season during 2012. Scoring 32 points and recording a +25, whilst posting a 2.52 on-ice goals for per 60 minutes and 1.86 on-ice goals against per 60 minutes, both ranking 2nd amongst all Rangers defenseman. The 22-year old d-man also had an impressive 24:44 TOI/G and 182 blocked shots, ranking amongst the league leaders in both departments. He and teammate Dan Girardi formed an impressive shutdown pairing, noted for blocking shots, logging tons of hard minutes, and matching up against opposition's top lines. This continued throughout the playoffs as well, where McDonagh's TOI/G increased to 26:49. New York has found themselves a gem, and with MDZ, Staal, and Girardi also on board, the club has arguably assembled the best top 4 in the league.

Offensive Upside - B
Defensive Upside - A

McDonagh's toe drag snipe from the point
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playmaker8267 · Posted: Mon May 28, 2012 12:54 am Post subject:

McDonagh's a treat to watch. You talk about a perfect coach-player combination, you look at McDonagh-Tortorella.

Very good start, no real gripes so far.
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Bruins // Patriots // Red Sox // Chelsea

bkobow05 · Posted: Mon May 28, 2012 1:00 am Post subject:

Any Devils on this list? With Couturier at 47, I wouldn't expect it. Unless you like Larsson a lot.
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#teamRico

BirdsFan06050 · Joined: 02 Jan 2007 Posts: 18083

bkobow05 · Posted: Mon May 28, 2012 1:34 am Post subject:

mm6492 · Posted: Mon May 28, 2012 8:59 pm Post subject:

Mr. Incredible · Joined: 22 Jul 2010 Posts: 1579 Location: Brick, New Jersey

I feel as if McDonagh is pretty underrated. I honestly consider him one of the best defensemen in the game, already. Whenever I see him he's always out there blocking shots, disrupting plays and getting involved. Then you add his offensive ability to that; you have a great defensemen right there. The Rangers have a nice group in front of Lundqvist.

As for the lone Devil on this list, it has to be Parise. If Henrique were to be on the list, he would've been ranked already. As for Larsson, he hasn't done anything warranting him a spot on this list.
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flyingmonkey30 · Joined: 04 Mar 2007 Posts: 5124

Nice to see Loui getting some recognition. Very underrated and consistent player, one of my personal favorites
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Check out my draft thread!
http://www.footballsfuture.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=490478t=447580&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Goon · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 743

mgoblue44 · Posted: Tue May 29, 2012 9:13 am Post subject:

BLick12 · Posted: Tue May 29, 2012 9:26 am Post subject:

Scoooooooooooter.

Kid is going to be sensational. Once he starts getting some PP time and ice time with more competent wingers he'll be a strong point producer in the NHL. Good list so far, not sure I'd put Seabrook ahead of Suter but hey, it is your list. Wink

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BirdsFan06050 · Joined: 02 Jan 2007 Posts: 18083

the lone star · Joined: 18 Apr 2005 Posts: 21151