Quote:
Originally Posted by TurdFerguson
I don't fully understand the Russian flight risk conversation when talking about high-end players. I see the examples of what were believed top be top end prospects that returned to Russia, but none of those players with the exception of maybe Radulov really lived up to there billings as top-end or elite players. All the really good Russians who have been drafted have stayed around. So, IF you think Nichushkin is really that good then I don't really see the flight risk thing.
Now, average players are a totally different conversation when looking at flight risk but the fact that many are grouping Nichushkin in with the other projected "franchise players" makes me think that if the kid is that good, then there is little doubt he plays a long career in the NHL along with the rest of the elite players from around the world. And if he isn't that good, then its a blown pick either way...
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it's still very negative to a franchise. Early "blown" picks still have a chance to be used as an asset (turris, brassard, etc, etc) where there is still hope that a change of scenery/environment can bring out the player's potential.
If the player is not willing to play in hte minors for periods of time, and is more keen on rushing back to the motherland than this opportunity is also lost.