Setoguchi returning (looks confirmed)...

[Trav]

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/hockey/nhl/san_jose_sharks/15652466.htm

Good news for the Blades as it will either give them a top sniper or it'll hopefully get them some good young talent from a team like Vancouver, Calgary or Everett. Red Deer could be interested in him as well.

[SectionNDeserter]

Red Deer could be interested in him as well.Ugh, I hope not.

[ProStaff]

what do you mean hope not? He is probally the best player in the league, and you don't want him on your team? are you nuts?

[GF71]

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/hockey/nhl/san_jose_sharks/15652466.htm

Good news for the Blades as it will either give them a top sniper or it'll hopefully get them some good young talent from a team like Vancouver, Calgary or Everett. Red Deer could be interested in him as well.

'Toon has has scouts at EVERY Giants home game since the preseason. Something could be brewing...But then again the Hitmen have also had scouts out here fairly often as well. Should be an interesting week ;)

[loudi94]

'Toon has has scouts at EVERY Giants home game since the preseason. Something could be brewing...But then again the Hitmen have also had scouts out here fairly often as well. Should be an interesting week ;)
Who/what do the Giants have to offer over other teams that would be able to land Setoguchi?

[SectionNDeserter]

what do you mean hope not? He is probally the best player in the league, and you don't want him on your team? are you nuts?He is certainly in the top 20, but not even close to being the best player in the league. He is a gifted skater, a good stickhandler and an unmatched playmaker in this league. Having said all that, he is completely gutless (and has demonstrated this on a number of occasions), and I believe would not be a very good fit on any sort of a Sutter-run team (See the world Jr. tournament). If Brent is thinking of selling the farm for a run at a championship, I would much rather see him pick up a skilled defenseman, rather than another skilled forward.

[ProStaff]

He is certainly in the top 20, but not even close to being the best player in the league. He is a gifted skater, a good stickhandler and an unmatched playmaker in this league. Having said all that, he is completely gutless (and has demonstrated this on a number of occasions), and I believe would not be a very good fit on any sort of a Sutter-run team (See the world Jr. tournament). If Brent is thinking of selling the farm for a run at a championship, I would much rather see him pick up a skilled defenseman, rather than another skilled forward.

So this gutless comment, tell us more! I have watched him for three season, you have seen him for what 6-8 games. So when you make a comment that a player is gutless, you need to go into details. because I don't have a clue where you are comming from.

[SectionNDeserter]

So this gutless comment, tell us more! I have watched him for three season, you have seen him for what 6-8 games. So when you make a comment that a player is gutless, you need to go into details. because I don't have a clue where you are comming from.Gutless as in he doesn't like to travel into his own zone for more than 4 or 5 feet, for fear that he might get hit in the corner or something. Sutter would certainly question this practice of his, and call him on it were he playing here.

And there were a few incidents last year, like the one where elbowed FIFTEEN year old Brandon Sutter in the side of the head from behind (when he didn't have the puck), and got a penalty. Sutter got up and challenged him to a fight all the way to the bench, where Setoguchi and then skated in a panic to the bench like a coward trying to get away from a FIFTEEN year old who had a hold of his jersey. I felt sort of bad for the Blades, and how one of their 'Leaders' embarassed them that night.

Delicate little players like Setoguchi have always had a difficult time playing with Sutter as a coach, where they thrive with other coaches. I just don't think it is a good idea for them to go out of their way to get a player that plays the exact opposite style of play that the team plays. Certainly if Sutter wants to go out and get Setoguchi, and give up next to nothing for him, I could live with it, but I think we both know that Saskatoon isn't going to let him go unless they get the right offer.

[Beaner]

Who/what do the Giants have to offer over other teams that would be able to land Setoguchi?

Don't know if it's stuff "over" other teams have to offer, but you have to think a goalie is in the mix considering the Giants are carrying 3 that can all play.

Won't be Slade for Setoguchi as Slade although good doesnt help the Blades long term as he is a 20.

More than likely Sexsmith (17yr old) is the one being offered up in the nets considering how much playing time he is getting and the fact that Tartaglione (18 yr old) hasnt played in a game yet. Sexsmith is pretty highly touted NHL prospect, and a former 1st round Bantam pick for the Giants.

Is Sexsmith + picks enough for Setoguchi? I somehow doubt it, guess it would depend on the picks, but I think the Blades would want 1 more guy.

The other player who the Giants may be willing to give up, and the Blades may be interested in is James Wright a 16 year old Center from Saskatoon. Has looked very good thus far in his rookie campaign, and being a local boy I'm sure the 'toon brass is interested. I hope Vancouver doesnt send him off, we will need him next year.

Sexsmith + Wright for Setoguchi? Maybe, but I think that is a bit high for a guy who will only have 1 more year in the league. Vancouver may just do it, but I would hope they hang onto Wright. I'd like to see Sexsmith stay here as well, but we just have too many goalies right now.

Besides that I see it right now as Sexsmith + ??? for Setoguchi right now. What the ? marks are is anyones guess.


Personally I still think that Dupont from Calgary is in the mix here from the Vancovuer point of view. If both Calgary and Saskatoon are interested in Sexsmith that may just drop the price down a bit for Vancouver to land either Dupont or Setoguchi. Sexsmith + picks may just do it, IF a bidding war for Sexwsmith is starting. Myself I think Dupont may just be a better fit for the style of Vancouvers play.

[Trav]

to see Calgary trade Dupont seeing how they can be a decent team this year and could use him and they could be one of the teams looking for a guy like Setoguchi but u never know. As much as I think Holtby will be the starter and we dont need another goaltender, having Sexsmith here wouldnt be a bad idea to go with Holtby but again I'd start with Wright.

[GOBLADESGO#3 (among other aliases)]

If you are looking for veteran leadership, grit up front, solid two-way play, the first guy back in his own end, and the prototypical team leader, Seto is NOT your guy.

If you are looking for a guy to supplement your offense and help your club win games 7-4 while going (-2) on the night, Seto is your guy.


Looking for leadership seto is not your guy?, looking for vertern leadership he is not your guy aswell?, have you even seen Devin play hockey he has control of the game when the puck is on his stick he can hurt you in every way and you have no idea how good it makes players to know that a prospect and a great player like him is coming back to play with them.

[wango tango]

no one is questioning setoguchi's offensive talent, in that department he is elite. he hits hard and skates fast.

what he needs to continue to work on is his two way play, his willingness to fight through adversity, and putting the team before all else.

i would be surprised to see setoguchi dealt until the trade deadline gets closer. with 2 whl teams in the memorial cup this year, and probably a few more that could be contenders, there may be more than a few interested parties in landing an elite offensive talent.

[shushu]

it going to be interesting to see what happens with him knowing there are many team after this young man , if the blades trade him.

[East Watch]

Devin will be spending the year with the Sharks. They are now down to 27 skates with only 4 releases to come and they are:

Taylor Dakers-To his jr team
Scott Parker-To Worchester
Rob Davison-To Worchester
Grant Stevenson- To Worchester

Just heard this on a San Jose Raider station on the 1pm news about 45 mins ago.

Setoguchi is starting on a line with Rissmiller and Brown.

[GOBLADESGO#3 (among other aliases)]

Oh well that sucks hes not coming back and we actually cant trade hmi for a good young player and some draft choices but g8freak, you think seto is not good enough, he made is straight from the WHL to the NHL, and he isnt good?, didnt Crosby do that?mhmmm well whatever im gunna miss him but congrats to him anyways its for the best to him congrats dev.

[Shortys]

Just more speculation!! The final roster has not been announced yet by Wilson. The roster is expected to come out tomorrow. Show me some verification before you believe it!!!

[SeventhHeaven4U]

Just more speculation!! The final roster has not been announced yet by Wilson. The roster is expected to come out tomorrow. Show me some verification before you believe it!!!

Nicely put. It is all speculation and it seems that the majority on the Sharks board are saying he is not going to make the Sharks this season. I tend to believe that considering he is battling with an injury and has seen no game time and probably limited ice time period. How can you put him on a line if you haven't seen him perform?

[ProStaff]

Garbage goals! wow, he is one of the best goal scorers in the league, he will score 9 out 10 on a break away, he makes passes that only few can even dream of making, he is one of the best hitters in the WHL, the only problem is He isn't on your team and that is why you bash him! so G8freek if you have nothing good to say maybe you should just post on your own teams site and leave us Blades fans alone :wave:

[SectionNDeserter]

he is one of the best hitters in the WHLHe doesn't hit, how would you ever know this? That is like saying James Reimer has the hardest slapshot in the league!

[ProStaff]

Then you have never seen him play, that comment just proves this, everyone knows how hard he hits, plus I forgot to mention, Seto does have one of the hardest slaps shots in the league, that a fact! but like I said to G8Freek, the only issue you have with him, is he doesn't play for your team! and if you have nothing good to say about the Blades or even a non bashing comment will do, go post on your own teams forum and leave this one to the Blades fans to talk in, that is why they have one for each team. :thumb:

[SectionNDeserter]

Good idea! Lets password all the forums so that nobody from the other teams can read or post in them! Good thing you aren't running the site. :D

[ProStaff]

Qoute from sharks scouting report: "Setoguchi, the 10th ranked skater in North America according to CSS, is a rugged 5-foot-11, 186 pounds. He has a tremendous shot and won the hardest-shot competition at the 2005 CHL Top Prospects Game. He was the fifth overall selection in the 2002 WHL Entry Draft and finished 14th in rookie scoring two years ago. He had 33 goals and 31 assists in 69 games. That includes a 15-game drought in which he had only one goal and two points.

Setoguchi was Team Canada's leading scorer at the 2005 World Under-18 Tournament, where he had four goals and two assists in six games. He was a member of Team Pacific at the 2004 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge and a member of Team Canada at the 2004 World Under-18 Tournament.
SCOUTING REPORT
Setoguchi is a strong skater with a quick stride. He's solid on his skates and has tremendous balance and mobility. Setoguchi displays exceptional lateral movement with skating with the puck and is outstanding in one-on-one situations. He controls the puck well with his head up in full stride and in tight situations. Setoguchi has great awareness of where his teammates are and distributes the puck well using flat or saucer passes. He can in many different ways, either with his hard, quick, accurate shot or deking defenders and goaltenders.

He goes hard to the net and has good hand-eye coordination for one-timers. He has excellent scoring instincts. He usually starts a game with hard hits and finishes checks with authority. He's a very competitive player as illustrated by the fact that most of his goals come on the road rather than at home. He's a feisty player who is always in the face of the opponent. He plays with an edge that keeps the opposition honest. He uses his body well to protect the puck and knows his responsibilities away from the puck. He's also a threat to score on both the power play and penalty killing. The only knock is he could be more consistent from game to game."

Enough said!

[Some_Arrogant_Jerk]

Just because we dont say he is the top player in the league, doesnt mean we are bashing him, also despite his elite offensive skills, hockey sense, skating ability, and such, doesnt mean we are bitter that he isnt on our team. There are players in the WHL i would much rather have on my team than Setoguchi, no knock on his skills of course.

A reason we dont say that he is the top player in the league is because he isnt our player, and we see how he plays without homerish opinions. We notice his faults, even if you think he doesnt have any. The guy isnt very physical, I have never seen him hit at all. The only hitting he has probably done is just sprinting into a guy from behind, which can hurt anyone if your that fast. After all, some blades fans have praised dirty hitters in the past(Gillies), so it wouldnt be much of a surprise to me.

But seriously, Setoguchi is a great player, but he is not the all around player someone like chipchura is. An offensive dynamo, but not a hitter, penalty killing specialist, not even possessing a great work ethic, he take nights off all the time.

If you cant face the facts that setoguchi cannot do everything, then your just another crazy Blades fan raving about their favorite player, this is nothing new. You should then join the raving blades fan club, along with Pirate, Pepper Carrot, Donald Trump, Stephan, and many many others.

[howley]

Watching him the past few years. He can hit, he can hit very hard, it's wether he chooses to or not is the problem.

[ProStaff]

Just because we dont say he is the top player in the league, doesnt mean we are bashing him, also despite his elite offensive skills, hockey sense, skating ability, and such, doesnt mean we are bitter that he isnt on our team. There are players in the WHL i would much rather have on my team than Setoguchi, no knock on his skills of course.

A reason we dont say that he is the top player in the league is because he isnt our player, and we see how he plays without homerish opinions. We notice his faults, even if you think he doesnt have any. The guy isnt very physical, I have never seen him hit at all. The only hitting he has probably done is just sprinting into a guy from behind, which can hurt anyone if your that fast. After all, some blades fans have praised dirty hitters in the past(Gillies), so it wouldnt be much of a surprise to me.

But seriously, Setoguchi is a great player, but he is not the all around player someone like chipchura is. An offensive dynamo, but not a hitter, penalty killing specialist, not even possessing a great work ethic, he take nights off all the time.

If you cant face the facts that setoguchi cannot do everything, then your just another crazy Blades fan raving about their favorite player, this is nothing new. You should then join the raving blades fan club, along with Pirate, Pepper Carrot, Donald Trump, Stephan, and many many others.
you are proving my point, you say Gillies is a dirty hitter and you say that because he pound your player so hard that he had a hard time getting up, its not gillies or any players fault if you want to be a baby and turn your back at the last second and you get hurt. and Seto never hits I have seen Seto for 3 seasons included last years play-off's where he pound the Pats players almost every shift, did you not go to those games? you don't see any blades fans going to the Pat's site and bashing Kalus, for being a puck hog, or Rebels site bashing the Sutters, for their winny cry baby behaviour towards the ref's each and every game. If the following people, Pirate, Pepper Carrot, Donald Trump, Stephan, are the reason you guy's like to bash the blades, they don't post here and they never will, so why don't we leave the trash on the white boards, G8Freek, east watch, someajerk, are looking more and more like the new Pepper Carrot.

[westbeach55]

to know that only people at the CUC think he's a god. I don't think for a minute this kid has the 'game' to stay in the NHL this season. The Sharks will play it smart. Get him a few regular season games, let him get the taste of a paycheque or two, then send him back to S'toon where he can impress the socks off you with his abilitiy to score garbage goals, pick up 4 points a night and STILL go -2 or -3 in a Blades loss.


I agree seto is a very hightly skilled player but not a god he had one good year i seem to remember watching him in the playoffs against the raiders two years ago and not putting up a point. i guess if he comes back he will have to come and prove it. I guess what im saying is he has to come back and prove to be that player

[rinkrat]

One of you compared Setoguchi to Crosby,at least partially anyway.How does he compare to Brule?

[ProStaff]

I think the comparison to Crosby was more on the age if he cracks the sharks line up this year being that he is 18 and Crosby was 18 when he made the NHL too. Comparison to Brule' , I have never seen him play live, only on TV, but could be very similar and produce close numbers as Brule', everyone has to remember that Seto is only 18, and the Raider fan comment that he never scored in the play-off series against PA maybe true but he was only 16 a rookie how much can you expect from a rookie, in the play-off's but I agree lots needs to be proved, but the Sharks believe in him they trade to get him in the draft, and they are the ones that are going to be paying him the big bucks to play. They make thier living scouting players, that is their job, so they must think he is good.

[Some_Arrogant_Jerk]

you are proving my point, you say Gillies is a dirty hitter.....blah blah blah...... so why don't we leave the trash on the white boards, G8Freek, east watch, someajerk, are looking more and more like the new Pepper Carrot.

You are totally ignorant. If your saying brownlee turned his back at the last second to force some kind of penalty or something of that nature when gillies charged at him, you have no idea what you are talking about. brownlee never saw him coming, Gillies just sprinted after him and took him out, and injured him with his cowardly move. Its always nice to see guys that are cowardly like that get the crap kicked out of them in fights.

I also never said that seto has never hit, I said I have never seen him hit. He checked a little bit, but no huge hits that really stood out, from what I have seen.

And for the last time we are not bashing setoguchi. Last playoffs, all we had were comments about him, because he did so well against us in the series. I have acknowledged that he is a great player, just not the best. It is a fact that he takes nights off, it is a fact that he isnt an all around player, and it is a fact that that he is not the best player in the league. If anything you are looking like a new pepper carrot. You ignore the facts and stick by your homerish opinion. Another characteristic you and pepper, pirate, and those other fans share is that you are making other blades fans look bad with your extremely biased opinions, and total ignorance towards the facts.

By the way, try and use commas and proper grammar. Capital letters wouldnt hurt either. your post is hard on the eyes.

[East Watch]

Setoguchi, Ryan Russell, McArdle, Hanzel are the best offensive players this league has to offer. Setoguchi scored 33 and 36 goals the past couple years. I would be surprised if he doesn't score 50 goals this year in the 60-64 games he will play due to missing time at the world jr's. The best player in the league is a matter of opinion. I bet Regina would like a player like that. I also hear Wacey Rabbit is close to returning on the 8th.

[GBG BLEED BLUE]

I also hear Wacey Rabbit is close to returning on the 8th.
If you mean that he is returning to the Blades just like Setoguchi,you are wrong, and probably don't/didn't know what has went on in Boston. He has been assigned to the Providence Bruins of the AHL.

Press Release from www.saskatoonblades.com


Setoguchi Returned to the Blades

Saskatoon, SK: The Saskatoon Blades announced this evening that 19-year-old right winger Devin Setoguchi has been returned to the Western Hockey League club from the NHL’s San Jose Sharks as part of the final cuts prior to the start of the NHL season this upcoming Wednesday. The Blades expect Setoguchi to arrive in Saskatoon on Thursday October 5th.



Setoguchi, a 2005 1st round selection of the Sharks led the Blades in scoring last season with 83 points. Setoguchi was also an invite to last year’s final evaluation camp of Team Canada for the World Jr. Championships in addition to being an invite to this summer’s past evaluation camp which he was unable to participate in due to an injury. Setoguchi is also a former 1st round Bantam Draft Pick of the team going 5th overall in 2002.


The Blades also remind fans that Blades hockey returns to Credit Union Centre this week with a pair games. First the Medicine Hat Tigers will pay their first visit of the season to Saskatoon, game time is 7:05PM with great seats available at all ticketmaster outlets. Then on Saturday the Regina Pats roll out of the Queen City to make way for the Rolling Stones and provide the opposition for your Blades at 7:05PM. The first 3000 fans through the door that night shall receive a 06/07 Blades Schedule Magnet courtesy of Home Depot, The Odeon, Horizon, Shaw, The Riviera, We Care Home Health Services and Mister Print. Tickets for both contests are available at all ticketmaster outlets, by calling 938-7800 or on-line at ticketmaster.ca. Wanna enjoy Blades hockey with your group? Call the Blades ticket team at 975-8844 today and start saving.


The Blades also remind fans and media that there are still great 2006/2007 Season Seats available for purchase. This season the team has held the line on prices for Adults at $414.00 plus GST and Students/Seniors at $305.00 plus GST. New this season the team has rolled back the price on the Children’s tickets to $99 plus GST to make Blades hockey even more Family Affordable. In a second “Family Friendly” offer any fan purchasing 1- Adult and 1- Child season ticket will receive a Free Child’s Season Seat for the 2006/2007 season, with that ticket upgradeable during the year at Ticketmaster outlets. As a final bonus the Blades are pleased to provide each Season Seat subscriber with 2 Flex Pack Vouchers absolutely free for their use during the 2006/2007 Season.

[howley]

the rumor of wacey returning is true...it is a huge possibility...I won't say anymore...and yes I know he signed in boston and is an overager and elliglble for providence, etc, etc, etc...through all that, there is still a chance he is coming back.

[howley]

seto confirmation from the sharks site...
http://www.sjsharks.com/news/news.asp?story_id=2642
very bottom

[GOBLADESGO#3 (among other aliases)]

Rabbit returning?, i find that hard to belive, i thought he alerady agreed to play with the providence bruins in AAA but if he returns wow this team could be unstoppable but thank god seto officialyl returned and we aquired Blaine Neufeld a great vertern goalie.

[East Watch]

He is in providence and battling hard for a Centerman spot with 6 guys in camp. They are pretty log jammed and don't have a ECHL affiliate either. Joe Barnes chances of coming back look good to the naked eye only because they have something like 50 players at ALbany camp right now which they share with COL. However, they have a ECHL affiliate where Barnes could play as Rabbit doesn't.

[wango tango]

a healthy setoguchi is one of the best forwards in the league. he will add something to the team when he returns to the lineup.

how long he is a blade will mostly depend on his attitude.

then he will bring something to the team in whatever the blades would get in trade for him.

after watching how dominant mcardle could be in the moose jaw/saskatoon game last week, i would expect the same from setoguchi.

[GBG BLEED BLUE]

a healthy setoguchi is one of the best forwards in the league. he will add something to the team when he returns to the lineup.

how long he is a blade will mostly depend on his attitude.

then he will bring something to the team in whatever the blades would get in trade for him.

after watching how dominant mcardle could be in the moose jaw/saskatoon game last week, i would expect the same from setoguchi.

I would hope that Setoguchi would not do what Mcardle did(shot the puck in the net after the whistle had been blown) I think was him who did that,anyways, I know that some people think that his injury was a blessing in someways,but if he did get a chance to play,he could learn more,and showcase his talent,and bring what he has learned back, and one thing that also puzzles me is that he went back home,most players after being cut/released return straight to their junior team right?? :skeptical At least he will only miss tonight's game and be back for saturday's game VS the Pats.

[wango tango]

I would hope that Setoguchi would not do what Mcardle did(shot the puck in the net after the whistle had been blown) I think was him who did that,anyways, I know that some people think that his injury was a blessing in someways,but if he did get a chance to play,he could learn more,and showcase his talent,and bring what he has learned back, and one thing that also puzzles me is that he went back home,most players after being cut/released return straight to their junior team right?? :skeptical At least he will only miss tonight's game and be back for saturday's game VS the Pats.

it was holzapfel that put the puck in the net after the whistle. i think it was a nice gesture on the teams part to let setoguchi visit his family for a day or two. he won't be in the lineup tonight. probably for regina. lot's of speculation right now, i just hope he is able to focus on helping the team and leaves all the distractions at the door.

[wango tango]

he went home to be alone with his family so he can focus on helping his team? How does that work? To be part of a team, wear a letter, and lead them......... don't you have to be in the room? :confused:

i see these as two separate things. a - it's a nice gesture on the blades part to allow setoguchi to spend a day or two with his family before reporting, these are still youngsters after all. b - when he does report i hope he comes prepared to sacrifice and fit in with the team as it exists now, and not as it was last season.

setoguchi adds elite talent to the blades lineup, as long as his head is on straight, he will make the team better.

[East Watch]

I know you would love him on your team for scoring goals. Every team needs leaders, checkers, goal scorers, defensive specialists etc. Setoguchi just happens to be the top or one of the top scoring players this league has to offer and that can only help any team in this league as they can put a defensive forward on his line if need be.

[East Watch]

I said Jealous of a player like Setoguchi being on the Blades squad. Not jealous of the Blades Franchise.

[maple leaf]

I have read all the respone's on this thread and I want to give my two cents.

As a 16 year old in his first year Devon played very hard and worked his butt

off and was one of the better Blade's out there that year and I thought to my

self that this kid is going to be great. The last couple year's he seemed to

take night's off. I started to ask myself is this a Devon thing or a team thing

how could someone work so hard as a 16 year old and then become lazy as

a 17 and 18 year old. There is no doubt the kid is good almost cracking the

Shark's line up as a 18 year, not to many 18 year old's can say that. I don't

believe the Blade's team has been very close the last few years with to many

I's in the word team. This year I here the team is a very close knit team from

veteran's on down to the rookies. My point is if Devon does take night's off

will the team ( the players ) let him get away with it my guess is they won't.

I say keep Devon on the team and let the team hold him accountable. It could

be Devon's character or it could have been the team he has played with

these last few year's. I will give Devon the benefit of doubt and if he doesn't

perform than I think of trading him but not until closer to the trade dead line.

Yes I am a Blade's fan and yes I am a homer but if Devon play's the way he is

capitable of he is one of the top 5 player's in the Whl.

[GOBLADESGO#3 (among other aliases)]

Well foresure me being a Blades as well fan Setoguchi is foresure an aspect to this organization and is foresure top 5 quality but obviously the possibility of him being traded away for a goal scorer or skilled defencman and a draft pick lower expectations a bit i mean it would be grerat to see him play here for the rest of the season and i notist on Blades 4 Life's poll of how Seto will do pretty much everyone said he would be traded away so that is obviously what is going to happen it is just a matter of time.