I like it. I've watched Rätys both games with Jukurit. Dominate is not an understatement. He controlled the play like a top-10 pick for sure. Resembled how Anton Lundell dominated the Liiga last year. Maybe controversial, but I have been watching prospects for many years and he's got one of the highest hockey-IQ I've ever seen in the Liiga. If he was faster he should be projected as an future superstar at the NHL level.

I know bailey hasnt looked good this season but i honestly think we could get a pick projected near the 60s for him. For the 6th straight season hes on pace for 50 points. Points dont tell the whole story but gms in general imo overvalue things like points and he has been consistent.

I dont really see a scenario where barry gets away from his C depth by throwing in a ~19yo there. Imo barry would play lee at LW1, nelson at 2C, jgp at 3C, and raty on pageaus wing.

It was so obvious all he needed was more ice time in an offensive role. Last season he had an unlucky on ice S% and only played like 8-10 min per game. He also said in an interview that he played very conservative and didn’t take risks because he didn’t want to get taken out of the lineup. It’s pretty funny how Karpat didn’t think he was better than the the other 3 centers. That guy Mustonen has like 4 points in 17 games playing on the top line.


I watched the Jukurit games too - it was good to see Raty have confidence. He was anticipating play really well. His agility is great, if he can add a stride to his game he’s going to be a star. For now I project him as a high end play driving 2C. If he continues to produce like this I’d rather him play for the isles under Trotz than go to Bridgeport.

I just don’t see it considering his age and cap hit, but that would be great

Imo Räty is one of the best picks in the draft for years. Not exaggerating. Tobias Pettersson is a prospect guru working for Smahtscouting which imo is one of the best prospect evaluators you could find. He roots for the Rags, and was deeply disappointed Rags didn't select him with the Othmann pick. He's been right so many times regarding prospects for the last 10 years. Kaprizov, Pettersson, Kucherov, DeBrincat, Point, Gaudreau, etc. He's been advocating for higher draft positions before they were selected.

You could be right, but Raty is a natural center and if he shows he can win faceoffs at the NHL level I think it might force their hand. Nelson has played lw before, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Raty starts on lw either

Tbh i just dont trust barry when it comes to young players. And wahlstroms ice time is a big factor. Certain players like bellows and maybe aho you could say dont fit the system and therefore didnt have barrys trust. Not the case with 26 though.

Fair enough - although Wahlstrom did play around 15 min last night. Hopefully it’s a sign of things to come 🙏

Raty is the epitome of a Trotz style player so hopefully that means something

Yeah I actually think so too. The conservative executives don't evaluate players as we do. They see a player who consistently puts up a lot of points, plays a lot on a successful Islanders team with an A on his shirt. I honestly believe Lou could trade him (no salary retained) for a 2nd rounder.

Man if that happens I’ll celebrate - get that lazy turnover machine off of this team

Haha you know I will too. I believe some team will be willing do to it (next offseason). Ottawa is one team I'm wondering about. They have a very conservative front office that likes to complement their younger core with "proven leaders" who could produce with a reasonable contract.

I would happily give him away to pave the way for Golyshev, Räty, Holmström, Dufour or external additions...

I’m praying a team like Ottawa overvalues Bailey.

Golyshev is my choice. Need some more speed in the lineup right now. Have you watched Holmstrom? He looks different this season in a good way. I’m still salty we passed on Mcmichael and Tomasino, but It’s interesting to see a drastic change in Holmsroms play this season. He’s still only 20 and doesn’t turn 21 till May.

Dufour is a good player, fits the team perfectly tbh. I see him being Pageau’s Rw in 2 years. He’ll be a good 3rd line rw who can score 20 goals and help the PP

Mine too for the moment, absolutely. Me too, McMichael, Tomasino, Pinto, Kaliyev... Especially Tomasino because he was the projected pick for us. Yeah, he looks different, more confidence in his game for sure. He was really good in the U-20 world cup last year for Sweden and looks a lot more mature this year. As I've said before, a poor man Bailey lol. Dufour has been one of the best players in the QMJHL this season, he's so powerful. A little worried how it will be translating to the pro, especially his speed, but damn his shot and IQ.

Watched a lot of Bridgeport games, Holmström, Golyshev, Koivula and Salo has been the standouts, no question. Dal Colle has been really good too, at that level. But as we know by now, that play doesn't translate.

So is wahlstrom lol.

That’s true, Wahlstrom does have a lot of qualities Trotz likes in a player, but Raty is the full package, he checks all the boxes.

Lol yeah before this season I compared him to Bailey - but he’s not even playing like that this season. He’s more deceptive and has more of a shooters mentality. Hopefully he continues to evolve his game and be nothing like Bailey

I havent really watched any non nhl hockey yet this season but before the season i was looking at 2022 prospects and thought jack hughes might be a great fit here. Wondering what you thought about him. He isnt gonna be there at ~30 but if they trade up a little he may very well be there in the early 20s.

Yeah, I got the feeling under pre-season that Barry absolutely loved Räty's game. I think he will start next season with us - and that's a stretch for sure. I think he will start on the 3rd wing with Pageau and Parise/some other player. Not sure he will stick, but get a couple of games to show his worth. I am extremely high on Räty, I think he will be our 2nd C for many years to come. Incredible talent. I can't wrap my head around the fact he got picked 52 overall. Madness. Recency-biased (in a Covid-year) to thank for that.

Dufour reminds me a bit of Dal colle in juniors. Obviously Dal colle was more dominant. I think the problem with Dal colle was he lost his confidence, blame could go to Bridgeort for that. If Dufour has a high IQ and a great shot , I don’t see why his game wouldn’t translate unless his skating doesn’t improve . I don’t think it’s that bad anyways, he good in a straight line but needs to work on his agility. The opposite of Raty

Lmao I thought you were f*cking with me at first and then I remembered there’s another Jack hughes. I don’t know too much about him. I’m praying we can somehow trade up for Brad lambert if he falls.

Yeah, maybe you're right. Bailey's been his best comp since his draft. I agree he's developed his game in regards to shooting the puck more so far, a good sign for sure. I was infuriated he didn't shoot the puck more for Sweden last year on the pp, he simply refused to. He WAS Bailey reincarnated lol.

I have a feeling Raty will stick, his game away from the puck is so advanced for his age.

A lot of scouts don’t understand regression to the mean.

Brad Lambert is this drafts' Räty. With more speed to his game. He will fall to 10-15 but should be a top-5 pick in my mind. Lane has some strings to pull until then for sure. He's so dynamic.

I was conditioning myself to hate Holmstrom because we passed on Mcmichael and Tomasino lol, but I can’t ignore the swagger he’s playing with this season. It would be great if he turns into something meaningful.