Ondrej P, Sam B, or Sam R ???

[Zorro]

Out of these 3 youngsters, pick one player you would want for your keeper league team??

No positional requirements, no salary, and a bonus points for PP and SH goals..

Palat, Bennett, or Reinhart??

[mounD]

If we're talking long-term, then I definitely want Sam Bennett, followed closely by Reinhart and Palat. I just feel like his determination and grit, combined with his elite speed and skill, will combine to make Bennett a VERY good NHL player.

If we're talking about next 2-3 years, I'll take Palat, followed closely by Reinhart then Bennett. Palat is an established top6 fwd for TB already, and his contract pretty much cements that. Reinhart is more NHL-ready than Bennett, given the slight size advantage and arguably better HockeyIQ / defensive prowess. I could see Reinhart playing third-line minutes as early as next season with BUF or something, whereas Bennett (who will probably go to CGY in my opinion) will likely take another couple years of seasoning before he is ready for the big show.

Anyway, that's just my .02. But I feel that Bennett has the potential to be the best player of the bunch, especially in multi-cat leagues that score Hits/PIMs.

[MXHockey]

Reinhart for me, his IQ is unreal.

I think we see a regression from Palat next season.

[Magicstew]

I think you want all three Can't go wrong either way.
Had to pick, I would take Bennett - for upside.

[STONE.]

How did Palat fall so far in the draft (not to sidetrack the thread, but seems relevant)?

He finished with 96 points in his draft year -- tied for 4th.
Any ideas?

I'm more and more enamored with this guy. Don't think he'll fall to me in my league, but the fact that he's getting mentioned with Bennett and Reinhart is pretty outstanding. Wondering if regression is a sure bet....

[als_revenge]

Wasn't Palat drafted as an over-ager (20)? That's the only reason I can think of he dropped so far; because his production was discounted since he was older...

[STONE.]

Ah. That makes sense. Thanks.

[Zorro]

Thank you for the replies guys, but I am still just as confused as I was this morning, HaHaHa..

This is a points only league..

[vandalay]

Palat was eligible to be drafted in 2009 and was passed over having played his draft eligible season in the Czech junior leagues. Then was passed over again in 2010 after coming over and playing in the Q but putting up modest numbers. He then put up impressive numbers in the Q in 2010-11 albeit with Couturier on his line so I don't think he was given enough credit and was seen to be a product of Couturier.

[Zorro]

So 2 votes for Bennett, 1 for Reinhart, and 0 for Palat.. anybody else??

[mounD]

So 2 votes for Bennett, 1 for Reinhart, and 0 for Palat.. anybody else??

I will add one thing here that hasn't been mentioned re: "Bennett vs. Reinhart," and that is the fact that Sam Bennett's production should be viewed in light of the fact that he is a June 1996 birthday, while Sam Reinhart is a November 1995 birthday. While the difference is really only 7 months, Bennett is a whole development year behind Reinhart at this point. His production should not necessarily be compared 'apples to apples' with Reinhart's numbers, and for that reason I would argue that Bennett's upside is slightly higher, subscribing to the notion that he's got a good deal more untapped offensive potential left to give. Reinhart has the elite HockeyIQ, which is going to cement his place in an NHL lineup; Bennett has the elite competitiveness, which will similarly cement his place in a pro lineup. They both have very similar offensive upside, and there are a lot of positives in each player's favor, but I just think Bennett is the more electrifying player. If you're torn between these guys, you should probably just watch as many highlights, game replays, etc. as you possibly can and select whichever player looks better to you.

[Zorro]

I will add one thing here that hasn't been mentioned re: "Bennett vs. Reinhart," and that is the fact that Sam Bennett's production should be viewed in light of the fact that he is a June 1996 birthday, while Sam Reinhart is a November 1995 birthday. While the difference is really only 7 months, Bennett is a whole development year behind Reinhart at this point. His production should not necessarily be compared 'apples to apples' with Reinhart's numbers, and for that reason I would argue that Bennett's upside is slightly higher, subscribing to the notion that he's got a good deal more untapped offensive potential left to give. Reinhart has the elite HockeyIQ, which is going to cement his place in an NHL lineup; Bennett has the elite competitiveness, which will similarly cement his place in a pro lineup. They both have very similar offensive upside, and there are a lot of positives in each player's favor, but I just think Bennett is the more electrifying player. If you're torn between these guys, you should probably just watch as many highlights, game replays, etc. as you possibly can and select whichever player looks better to you.

Thank you my friend.. rep given!!

[Zorro]

Just thought I would see if anybody else wanted to take a crack at this.........??

Keeper league.. Points only.. No positional requirements.. No salaries.. extra points for PP & SH goals..

Pick one:
Palat
Bennett
Reinhart

[Kofax]

I'm going to go with Bennet. I don't really have much of a reason to do so, I get the feeling their all pretty close, but my gut is telling me that Bennet has the higher ceiling and is the one to take the chance on.

[agentzero]

Bennett for me. Duchene 2pt0. Might get you some of those SH goals too due to the style of his play. His drive and 2 way style makes him a shoe-in for all situations.