Article: What Does A Successful Path For Charlie Stramel Look Like?

[Tony Abbott]

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[B1GKappa97]

Honestly, unless Rossi doesn't turn into the top-6 C we are hoping for, there's absolutely nothing wrong with Stramel being our 3rd line C for the future. If that's his floor, that's perfect. 

If he's top-6 quality but forced on the 3rd line, that's even better for us in terms of matchups! 

[mnfaninnc]

Tony, I really like the comparisons and explanations here. Hintz is big, but I think Stramel tops out about 15-20 lbs. heavier. There were 2 players that I had compared Stramel to right after the draft, and was adamant about getting 2 of these type players: Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler.

My thought on Stramel was he would be like 1 of these 2 players. If you'd indulge me, what did Getzlaf and Kesler look like in comparison? I do believe that Stramel has a certain meanness characteristic on the ice that these 2 players also brought to their game. While Hintz is large, I don't see that same trait in him. The Koivu's had their own brand of meanness, most referred to as Angry Mikko. 

But, to answer the question put forth in the title, I think that a successful path for Stramel looks like 2 more solid years at WI, and then a jump to the big Wild at the end of the season, kind of like Faber. I'm not putting a huge points number on his back this next year, simply because I don't believe that WI has the complimentary players yet to get a realistic look at his potential. Perhaps that happens for him in '24. 

However, I do think that his puck skills and strength will improve drastically, and his skating will be much smoother. Playing in Hasting's structure will help him immensely get ready for the Wild. I know Hasting's is bringing a few players with him, and his staff. Does anyone know if they've got some good offensive recruits?

I'd also like to see Stramel make the Jr. Championships, and see what he can do there. He played college essentially underaged. That's a big jump, specifically physically for a kid. I just think he'll look like a completely different player this season. 

[Up North Guy]

I wasn't able to follow Mankato much this year so my info is pretty scant. Reading articles from reporters who covered Mankato has me believing that Hastings cherry picked the Mavs and has really upgraded UW's roster. Stramel will have much better players around him and the structure to succeed. We could see a huge improvement. If he turns into a clone of any of the guys Tony wrote about the team should be ecstatic. 

[vonlonster67]

I'm somewhat interested in all the speculation and comparisons, but bottom line, Stramel is his own man and his destiny is his own. All the talking heads that label these young kids and give their opinions, labels and future projections change daily, monthly, yearly, based on the kid's last skate.

Clean slate for me with Stramel. He's got the size, abilities, and drive to play with the best and has shown it at every level but his first year with a bad team, limited coaching and entering college as a seventeen year old young man coming after the loss of his father.

Mike Hastings is the key. I'm hoping he's up to the transition of the Big 10. He's built the Maverick program with skaters with something to prove and kids who were snubbed by big programs. Hasting's rosters have been mostly composed of men 23-26 years of age. His challenge now will be to develop first picks who are 17-18-19 wanting to play on the college big stage. This is not something he has worked with before as a full roster. With the talent, sometimes comes the difficulties and now the "out", the transfer portal. It's a new game for today's coaches. I believe this is as much of a prove it year for Hastings as it is for Stramel. I hope it doesn't come at Stramel's expense with the Big10 learning curve for Hastings.

I have confidence in Stramel and the Wild's system. We have a "young stud" with all the tools. I'm willing to wait for his development as he progresses to the big club. If we've learned anything so far from the Wild's strategies, its "no rush". We have time to savor and take in the scenery. 

[Imyourhuckleberry]

1 hour ago, Up North Guy said:

Reading articles from reporters who covered Mankato has me believing that Hastings cherry picked the Mavs and has really upgraded UW's roster

I see a Milwaukee journal article that indicates they added some talent.

Quote

Wisconsin hockey bolsters offense with addition of Christian Fitzgerald, Simon Tassy

Fitzgerald was tied for 3rd in scoring for MSU-Mankato, with the only guys near him at age 23+.  He was absolutely a key addition.

Quote

Tassy (6-2, 190) missed the first half of the last season as he recovered from a knee injury. He played 15 games and recorded one goal and four assists for Minnesota State. At the junior level, he was the BCHL most valuable player in 2022 and the BCHL Vernon Pod MVP in 2021.

Hastings called Tassy “a power forward who has shown to be a goal scorer at every level he has played."

Tassy had 5 points(1 goal) in his 15 games, but could be a different player being fully recovered from the knee injury this season. Those two could help quite a bit.

Looks like 3 of their top 4 scoring forwards from last season for WI are eligible to return, so adding those 2 guys could make a huge difference, particularly if Stramel takes a big step forward in year 2.

Their top defenseman(Corson Ceulemans) moved along to the AHL, so the team may struggle on D, but I imagine they will able to put some goals on the board with those top 6 forwards. The did add a 21 year old Swedish goalie who posted a .920 save percentage in the North American Hockey League(US Junior A) last year.

They have some incoming offensive talent that hasn't played with them yet as well:

Quinn Finley is a 3rd round pick of the NY Islanders, who posted 42 points in 38 games with the USHL's Chicago Steel in 22-23.

William Whitelaw when 3rd round in 2023 after putting up 61 points in 62 games with the USHL's Youngstown Phantoms.

Aiden Fink is a 7th rounder for Nashville who put up 97 points in 54 games with the AJHL's Brooks Bandits in 22-23.

Owen Mehlenbacher was a 2022 7th rounder for the Red Wings who posted 26 points in 26 games with the USHL's Fargo Force in 22-23.

I'm sure every team is adding some talent like this, but perhaps they get some higher end production from these guys who were already committed while Granato was still the coach...the leadership change may go a long way.

If Stramel struggles in year 2 with Wisconsin, this pick won't look too good, but I thought the article did a nice job of supporting the need for a player like Stramel and the patience needed for a payoff that may eventually arrive.

[Protec]

I think it is noteworthy, had Stramel played with the USNTDP last season his numbers would have been much different. His place amongst the guys like Smith, Moore, Perreault, etc. would likely alter opinions about the 21st overall pick.

The biggest thing about Stramel is his size and athleticism. He could come up the the NHL and not get bullied or abused. Much sooner than other prospects who would need more time to develop strength. I would think it depends how quickly he shows the pace for NHL hockey.

[Outskated]

Is Stramel going to be the next Roope Hintz or the next Nick Bjugstad?  Surprising no comparison was made to the latter, but I know what it was supposed to be an uplifting article.  The comparables to Bjugstad are pretty apparent.  

[Protec]

Bjugstad was on a nice trajectory in FL but had some injuries that kinda derailed his trajectory. If I recall, he spent a year trying to deal with back issues before having surgery similar to Parise.

The Wild's 4th line was pretty effective when Bonino, Sturm, and Bjugstad were together or combined with some other 4th guy. That was always sort of a head-scratcher when Guerin let Bjugstad walk cause he isn't too expensive. It may very well have had to do with injuries or expectation of injury.

[mnfaninnc]

17 hours ago, Protec said:

Bjugstad was on a nice trajectory in FL but had some injuries that kinda derailed his trajectory. If I recall, he spent a year trying to deal with back issues before having surgery similar to Parise.

The Wild's 4th line was pretty effective when Bonino, Sturm, and Bjugstad were together or combined with some other 4th guy. That was always sort of a head-scratcher when Guerin let Bjugstad walk cause he isn't too expensive. It may very well have had to do with injuries or expectation of injury.

IIRC, Bjugstad had some head injuries that hurt him. They weren't all concussion oriented, in FL he had some sort of allergies that gave him migraines I think. It took the team quite awhile to figure out what was going on. Honestly, it kind of reminds one of the lost year Rossi had. He's been playing catch up ever since. 

It's almost like we should consider Rossi a draftee of the 2021 draft than 2020 based upon ability to develop, and even then, that may be kind. Maybe even considering him a 2022 might be more realistic. 1 year off, 1 year to build back up, 1 year to develop higher? Of course in 2020-21, everyone's development went haywire. Some will fizzle out, probably more than usual and some will make it out of the later rounds, also, probably more than usual. My hope is that Judd was able to find the guys who will make it, regardless of the round, for the last 3 drafts.

[Mateo3xm]

On 7/19/2023 at 11:56 AM, B1GKappa97 said:

If that's his floor, that's perfect. 

I’m afraid that it’s going to be his ceiling though, not his floor as a 3rd/4th line Center.

that’s kind of what he is projected as and that’s why it was a bit of a reach because there were players who had a lot higher ceiling.

if he can be a wrecking ball C on the 3rd line who’s defensively responsible, physical and puts up a little offense then I’d be ok with it.

This article further backs up the notion that Rossi needs to be given ample amount of time to develop.

 

 

[mnfaninnc]

On 7/22/2023 at 1:12 AM, Mateo3xm said:

I’m afraid that it’s going to be his ceiling though, not his floor as a 3rd/4th line Center.

that’s kind of what he is projected as and that’s why it was a bit of a reach because there were players who had a lot higher ceiling.

if he can be a wrecking ball C on the 3rd line who’s defensively responsible, physical and puts up a little offense then I’d be ok with it.

This article further backs up the notion that Rossi needs to be given ample amount of time to develop.

#1Cs come in many shapes and sizes, with different components and circumstances that make them #1s. Mateo, what is your definition of a #1C that can/could compliment a line with Kaprizov and either Yurov or Boldy on the other wing? What would be the most important elements needed for those guys to succeed? 

I would suggest that a large body with strength and net front presence would be some attributes that I'd like to see. I'd like to see them strong defensively and able to get that pass up to the wings for them to perform their magic. I'd like them to be willing to make some open ice hits that frees up the wings and turns pucks over. I think good finishing ability might be more important than good playmaking ability, due to our projected wings. But, some skill would need to be available. 

[Quebec1648]

The Wild have Ek has a top 6 center already, so that means either Rossi or Stramel will get the role of 3C by default. I don't know if Rossi will still be here when Stramel arrives, but given that Rossi was a top 10 pick, I think Stramel might get the 3C job.

[Up North Guy]

22 hours ago, Quebec1648 said:

The Wild have Ek has a top 6 center already, so that means either Rossi or Stramel will get the role of 3C by default. I don't know if Rossi will still be here when Stramel arrives, but given that Rossi was a top 10 pick, I think Stramel might get the 3C job.

I think at that point draft position will have very little or even any influence. Rossi will have 2-3 years of NHL experience and will have established his career or maybe not and is gone.

[vonlonster67]

On 7/20/2023 at 2:26 PM, Outskated said:

Is Stramel going to be the next Roope Hintz or the next Nick Bjugstad?  Surprising no comparison was made to the latter, but I know what it was supposed to be an uplifting article.  The comparables to Bjugstad are pretty apparent.  

I doubt Hintz at this point, but I'd take a Bjugstad comparison size wise? Anything else, other than size, is not comparable. This kid has some edge to him. I've seen Nick get physical and bang some bodies, but that's about it.

Stramel's skating may not be at Bjugstad level yet, but I would say he has hands down better stick work and net front presence. He lives for the physical side of the game. He's man strong already and hasn't even grown into his body yet. His upside puts him in the comparison of Bjugstad  in the fact they both are from Minnesota and that's about it.

Pull up some Big10 Hockey this year, I'm guessing you'll see his PIM up this year as they are trying to remove that from the game to protect the elites which are many in the Big10 between Minnesota, Michigan, Notre Dame and Penn State.

[vonlonster67]

On 7/22/2023 at 12:12 AM, Mateo3xm said:

I’m afraid that it’s going to be his ceiling though, not his floor as a 3rd/4th line Center.

that’s kind of what he is projected as and that’s why it was a bit of a reach because there were players who had a lot higher ceiling.

if he can be a wrecking ball C on the 3rd line who’s defensively responsible, physical and puts up a little offense then I’d be ok with it.

This article further backs up the notion that Rossi needs to be given ample amount of time to develop.

 

 

Think bigger, we have two more years!

[Dango]

I dont really know all the technicalities of what a center does except take faceoffs , i  get that  but everyones flying around the place so im guessing maybe screen the goalie maybe create legal interfearence opening up lanes ,  it gets confusing when you watch teams and the center is the most skilled, he carries the puck drives the play,  Mcdavids ,Toews ,Mathews etc  then you watch other teams or lines  the winger is more skilled than the center so he carries the puck drives the play , Kaprizov , Kanes , Stone , maybe Tuch  .  

[Protec]

Systems-wise the center is generally like a 3rd defenseman. In the d-zone his coverage is down low generally speaking hence the 200' game we always hear about.

The center is more involved with initiating a breakout and defending around the net. That's why they're viewed as being so critical to a team's success. When you have a good one who can do both jobs well, you're getting a positive differential that makes centers so valuable.

[Protec]

Bergeron for example, who's a perennial Selke candidate. Almost a point per game and has an average +/- over ~1200 NHL games of +20. 

He's considered pretty old but just had nearly 60pts in 78 games +35. Only one season his whole career with a negative +/-. Ek is looking more and more like he'll be that kind of player. He is now, but can he do it 8-10 more years like Bergeron.