Quote:
Originally Posted by Canada 02
semantics; if Nichushkin is a risky pick, then Monahan, by comparison is a safer pick
I don't know if it is a big drop or a small one; I don't think you will find many reports that say there isn't a drop. Nichushkin is a better player. Allowing emotion (fear of the Russian factor) to dictate a selection would be the wrong thing for the Flames to do, especially if they have done their homework, and confirmed what Nichushkin and his agent have said. The Flames apparently are using their Decision Lens program to help rank players and take the emotional element out of their player rankings. If so I predict they will take the Russian
|
It's not semantics - in your prior post, you talked about the Flames making safe picks. Part of my point was that Monahan isn't a safe pick in the context which that term is often used with respect to the draft (and how I interpreted your post).
In your opinion, Nichushkin is the better player. I would remind you that these guys are 18 years old. No one knows who will be the better player when they are 21. Personally, I see a lot of holes in Nichushkin's game. He is able to use his size advantage and speed advantage to skate around junior defensemen. We shall see if he is able to make a living doing that in the NHL. And beyond that, he is pretty one-dimensional.
IMO, Monahan is a far more complete player. I think he is a better prospect, and more likely to be a quality NHLer, as a result.
When you add the Russian factor to it, it is a no-brainer IMO, though I respect that others have different opinions. And for me, it isn't just a Russian thing (though that is definitely part of it)