Quote:
Originally Posted by moon
That's a pretty odd guarantee and one that seems to be totally against what every scout has said about him.
Sure he may drop for some in terms of him being Russian but no need to now overrate him because of that. He has shown nothing to indicate that he should be ahead of the "big 3" and it is debatable if he is better than Barkov, Lindholm and Monahan.
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I would rank him 4 in terms of talent. Though I wouldn't fight to hard if someone put Barkov there. I think he will be the best player available when the Flames draft (if he is available). If he does have serious fitness, commitment, or attitude issues as some rumors say then I don't think he is a big enough upgrade over Lindholm/Monahan/Nurse that I would take him.
But if the Flames don't believe that to be true then they should definitely take him (assuming Barkov doesn't drop).
EDIT: On a side note Weisbrod said in an interview that he doesn't have a problem with prospects with poor fitness. Something along the lines of 'if the kids doesn't know how to work out yet but is still doing well on the ice that means you get an even better player once you teach them how to work out'. It made me immediately think to Nichuskin (who is rumored to have shown poor fitness levels in the Combine).
Obviously if commitment / character is the issue then you have a problem. But I have a feeling (and it is just that) that the Flames are seriously considering Nichushkin.