[EddyBeers]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

I actually agree a little that it sounds like a few people are overhyping him, but I want to see what he can do before judging.

Here are some NHL players that have followed a similar path:



Kevin Westgarth - full university career, and 3 years in the minors before getting an NHL shot (26 years old).

Rich Peverey - full university career, 3 years in the minors, before getting an NHL shot (25 years old - played 13 games that year).

Martin St. Louis - full university career, played mostly in the minors until he was 25 (played 13 NHL games before that age nd then 56 as a 25 year old, so basically a "career minor leaguer until that point).

Mark Letestu - Played a full career of junior B, one year of university, 4 years in the minors and 10 NHL games before the age of 26 (like Street, another one from the deep Pens prospect pool).

Drew Miller - Maybe more of a stretch. Full univesitry career, mostly in the minors until he was 26,but played 53 NHL games before then.

Jarred Smithson - Played in the WHL, then in the minors. Played 30 NHL games before the age of 26.

PA Parenteau - Played in junior, then the minors - 5 NHL games before the age of 27.

Joey Crabb - Full university career, then minors. First crack at the NHL as a 25 year old - played 29 games.




Obviously most of these guys aren't stars in the NHL, but it just goes to show you that the road can be long for some. I also don't think anyone can deny that getting an NHL shot is often a function of luck, team depth, and internal politics. Players seeing the rare call-up before the age of 26 isn't necessary a sign that they are better than a player who hasn't.

I'm not saying that Street will be a regular, but the thought of him becoming NHL roster filler isn't out of the question at his age either.

I am almost positive that Letestu did not play a single season of junior b hockey.