Quote:
Originally Posted by Yamer
My terminology is strictly based in physiology. A person (usually/normally/typically), isn't "full-baked", so to speak, until approximately the age of 25. By that time the literal denotation of "prospect" (prospective) is no longer applicable, as the player (and person) has biologically peaked and a fully-informed evaluation can be made.
Gretzky, Crosby, etc. were all first line players their very first year of playing eligibility, but they got better as time went on.
Then their are the exceptions, aka "late bloomers", usually cut from the goaltending ilk.
Eberle, Hall, RNH, and to a lesser extent Paajarvi, still have yet to reach and show their full potential and thus should be technically classified as prospective, or prospects.
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Actually, if you look at offensive production, most star players have reached their peak by the age of 23 and plateau to 27.
To use your example of Gretzky, he had his first 200 pt season (and his 92 goals) in 81/82 as a 21 year old. He had his last 200 pt season as a 25 yr old. (He is not particularly unusual)
Edit: referring to forwards, D are very different