Oliver Ekman-Larsson

[Stan Smyl]

I know there is a lot of support for this guy in here. I am not doubting his talents, but i am just hoping to understand a little more WHY everyone is so keen on him?

How much is stat driven vs "gut feel"?

Anyone not a believer? Why?

[arctic_rogue]

Originally Posted by Stan Smyl

I know there is a lot of support for this guy in here. I am not doubting his talents, but i am just hoping to understand a little more WHY everyone is so keen on him?

How much is stat driven vs "gut feel"?

Anyone not a believer? Why?

I'm definitely a believer. He's show great progress after being a #6 overall pick. His progression has been quick (it may not continue at that rate) and that indicates a real talent. He's not the best in league at his position (fantasy wise), but he will be in the top rankings within the next couple of years.

[Shakedown]

Originally Posted by Stan Smyl

I know there is a lot of support for this guy in here. I am not doubting his talents, but i am just hoping to understand a little more WHY everyone is so keen on him?

How much is stat driven vs "gut feel"?

Anyone not a believer? Why?

He's offensive minded defenseman, has great vision, great skating, logs tons of minutes, PP minutes, carries the puck in, as he continues to mature, more and more of the Phoenix offense will go through him. There is everything to love about this kid. He oooozes talent and long term sustained success.

[27Blue]

OEL is complete package defenceman without any weaknesses in his game. At the ripe age of 20, he is already phoenix's best and most important player. He plays defence first and tough minutes, but his offensive game is also top-notch (though, not nearly in the same league as yandle's game - which is a popular misconception with the growing hype around him). He does bring an elite transition game - very good passer, elite skater and puck carrier, but just an average shot from the point. His best comparable in the nhl, if he reaches his absolute top potential, is non other than the best defenceman currently in the league - alex pietrangelo (i know most will disagree, so we will keep the focus on OEL). There is no doubt that OEL is destined for greatness, he just needs to continue to develop and gain experience. it sucks that he plays for phoenix, as the team is not only defensive minded, but also owned by the nhl and will be forever fighting to field a productive team (unless they eventually get moved). i think that his growth (fantasy numbers wise) will be hindered by this and the progression will be slow and steady. Still, he is already fantasy worthy and his value will continue to rise. Any move for him should be weighed accordingly.

[Call of Doughty]

60 point upside. In his best years, should eclipse the 47-52 point range.
Agree with what already has been said. I've tried to land him but he's been tightly guarded by my fellow GMS. As long as Yandle is there, temper expectations to 40-44 points, but if KY goes, the sky's the limit with OEL.
If you can land him, do it soon, he going to be harder to obtain. He reminds me a little of Pietrangelo w/a better defensive side to his game.

[bigbabybuda]

Have him in every single pool I'm in. 1 pool I have had him for 4 years. He'll be a perennial top 5 scoring D-man from the back end for next decade +....

[ericdaoust]

Originally Posted by Stan Smyl

I know there is a lot of support for this guy in here. I am not doubting his talents, but i am just hoping to understand a little more WHY everyone is so keen on him?

The simple answer: he is just that damn good.

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/p...php?pid=120283

Look at his progress dating back to Sweden, to his first year in the NHL, to his second (better) year, and to his AHL stats this year. Dude is a stud.

[tgraveline]

Yeah, he's rocking the AHL with his overall game. He's one I'd like to snag if at all possible in one of my leagues.

[Stan Smyl]

Thanks guys. So in summary:

PROS:
- vision, skating, hockey sense, passing, puck carrying
- gets tons of overall minutes, and pp time
- very good defensively, but is also offensive minded
- has shown strong progression, doing well in the AHL right now

CONS
- plays in phoenix
- behind/beside yandle he is not clearly "the guy"
- average point shot
- still young/developing

So this leans me towards patience being the key. He could bust out with a good season, but more than likely he will progress steadily to the mid 50's range in a few years.

[Stan Smyl]

I forgot the most important part. Paul Bissonette describes him as the best player he has ever played with!